The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance presented the report, thanking all officers and members who had been involved in the report and advised that this was a two stage process; the number of Councillors would be looked at first, followed by an assessment of the ward boundaries. Briefings from the Boundary Commission had taken place with members. The size proposed is considered to be the optimum number of councillors to maintain the effectiveness of current governance, scrutiny and partnership arrangements and to support the councillors’ representational role in their wards. A proposal of 57 Councillors was appropriate and in line with other Boroughs and would return the number to the same as those appointed in 2002. The Cabinet Member noted that this figure had been discussed with the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Merton Park Ward Independent groups. 

In response to member questions, the Head of Electoral Services advised that the Boundary Commission had approached the Council and a strong steer had been given that the number of Councillors should be reduced.

Members discussed the submission in depth and raised several points including:

-       The use of technology – whilst some members felt that this reduced workload and had changed the way in which Councillors work, others felt that this had increased their workload. Members noted however that not all residents were using technology and many needed to meet with Councillors face-to-face or speak via telephone calls.

-       Future Councillors – members expressed concern that if numbers were reduced and subsequently the workload for remaining councillors increased, this might reduce the potential demographics of those able to be Councillors. Members did not wish for those who, for example were working full time or those with caring responsibilities to be unable to be Councillors due to level of work required. Members felt that diversity and equality should be taken seriously and it was important that Councillors were representative of their communities.

-       Reducing number of Councillors per ward - Members were of the view that three member wards should be retained if possible.

-       Ways of working – It was raised that the way in which the Council operated was a decision of the Council and therefore could be changed for example having smaller committee sizes or less meetings to allow for further reductions in Councillor numbers.

The Head of Electoral Services advised that the decision on Councillor numbers would be made in mid-April and this would be followed by a consultation on the new ward boundaries. This would be followed by a further consultation before a final decision would be made.

The Chief Executive advised members that all the points raised had been heard and reiterated that a very clear steer had been given by the Boundary Commission in relation to reducing the numbers however there had been dialogue between officers and members to reach a number which they were comfortable putting forward.

The Independent Person added that the important relationships that Councillors had with their constituents was considered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9