Agenda and draft minutes

None of the Mayors chaplains were able to attend the meeting so the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sandra Barnes, read a thought for the day.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Roxanne Ellis, Scroggie, Martin Smith, Strong and Towsey-Hinton.

The Mayor addressed the council and expressed delight having attended several more events across the borough. He highlighted a few of those as follows; the 1^st Netherfield Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Promise Award presentation at the Loco Youth Centre in Netherfield, the Vincent de Paul group Christmas dinner at the Good Shepherd Church, and a charity football match at Carlton 3G Football Centre in aid of McMillan cancer support, hosted by Snakes United FC.

The Mayor also reminded members that he would be holding a Civic Carol Concert at the Good Shepherd Church on Friday 19 December at 7pm, confirming all proceeds raised at the event would go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the MNDA Nottingham Branch. He thanked the Good Shepherd Church and Father Philipp for their continued support in supporting the Mayor and their charities.

Councillors Adams, Bestwick, Clarke and Sam Smith declared a non-pecuniary interest as members of Nottinghamshire County Council. 

Councillor Payne declared an interest as the Member of Parliament for Gedling.

Report of the Chief Executive

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive which had been circulated prior to the meeting asking that members consider the submission of the final business case for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire in line with government requirements.

A request for a recorded vote on the recommendations was proposed and seconded.

On being put to the vote, the motion was carried.

RESOLVED:

To recommend the following to Cabinet for formal approval:

That Cabinet:

a.         Approves submission of Option 1e (a Northern unitary based on existing boundaries of Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark & Sherwood; a Southern unitary based on existing boundaries of Broxtowe, Nottingham City, Rushcliffe) as this Council’s preferred option for submission to Government by 28 November 2025.

b.         Delegates authority to the Chief Executive to make any minor amendments to the Option 1e submission if required prior to submission to government.

c.         Supports continued collaborative working with other local authorities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire on implementation proposals for the new authorities.

d.         Notes the risks associated with Local Government Reorganisation and ensures that appropriate governance, communication, financial and management arrangements are put in place to mitigate potential impacts during the transition period.