FULL COUNCIL

Membership:

All twelve members of the council.

Purpose of the committee
The full council will consider and resolve all required matters as set out in the Scheme
of Delegation relating to legislative and statutory law, policy, planning, strategic
direction, remuneration, and issues having major impact on the parish.
The council will ratify recommendations from committees as necessary in line with the
above.

Meeting arrangements and frequency
Meetings will be held monthly except for August and December. A calendar will be
agreed at the annual council meeting. Election of the chairperson will be the first
business of annual council meeting. The Clerk or other appropriate officer will record
meetings. Meetings will begin at 7.00pm unless otherwise stated on the agenda.
Standing orders on rules of debate and on interests of members in contracts or other
matters shall apply.

Quorum
A minimum number of five members (or one-third) are required for decision-making
purposes in line with council Standing Orders.

PERFORMANCE & PEOPLE COMMITTEE

Membership:
Six members of the council – Mayor, Deputy Mayor, plus four.

Purpose of the Committee
The purpose of the Performance & People Committee is to oversee matters that
support the Strategic Plan focus areas ‘Positive and Respected Leadership’ and ‘A Safe
and Healthy Community’.
The Committee will consider and resolve matters relating to staff performance and
welfare, and the development, review, and monitoring of council-operated services.
This includes oversight of the council’s employment framework, operational
effectiveness, and the delivery and continuous improvement of council services that
enhance community engagement, wellbeing, and support.
The Committee will consider, monitor, review, and make recommendations as
necessary on matters within its remit and will exercise delegated authority as defined in
the Scheme of Delegation.
Staffing and People Matters
Performance, Training and Development
• To monitor and review the annual training and development plan for
councillors and staff.
• To monitor the performance management framework and appraisal
cycle.
Employment Policies, Terms & Conditions
• To consider, monitor, review, and recommend employment policies and
changes to terms and conditions.
• To review staffing structures, workforce planning and recommend actions
where necessary.
• To consider and recommend performance-related pay adjustments.
Health & Wellbeing
• To note arrangements for the health and wellbeing of members and
staff.
• To monitor occupational health referrals and sickness absence data.
Equality & Diversity
• To note annual equality and diversity monitoring reports.
• To consider, monitor, review, and recommend on the council’s approach
to equality and diversity in the workplace.
Hearing Panels
• Members may be appointed to hearing panels for disciplinary and
grievance matters in accordance with relevant policies. Decisions of these
panels are binding.
• Appeal panels shall consist of members with no prior involvement in the
original hearing.
Oversight of Council Services
Service Review and Monitoring
• To review, monitor, and evaluate the performance of council services.
Operational Effectiveness
• To review proposals and make recommendations for service
improvement or development.
• To consider feedback, performance data, and community engagement in
service planning.
Budget and Resource Allocation
• To consider and make recommendations regarding service-related
budgets and resourcing, including proposals for CIL-funded service
developments or expansions.
• To monitor service delivery within allocated budgets.
Community Engagement and Impact
• To review the outcomes of community services and their contribution to
strategic plan objectives.
• To monitor partnership working where relevant to service delivery.

Meeting Arrangements and Frequency
Meetings will be held three times per year, with additional meetings as required. A
calendar will be approved at the annual council meeting. Election of the committee
chairperson will be the first item of business at the first committee meeting. Meetings
will begin at 7.00pm unless otherwise stated. The Clerk or appropriate officer will record
meetings. Standing Orders regarding debate and interests will apply.

Quorum
A minimum of three committee members is required for decision-making purposes.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Membership:
Seven members of the council – Mayor, Deputy Mayor, plus four.

Purpose of the Committee
The Strategic Planning and Environment Committee monitors the delivery of the
council’s strategic plan, including associated objectives, resources, and policy initiatives
and supports the council’s commitment to long-term sustainability and proactive
governance. Its remit covers oversight of environmental goals, particularly the council’s
ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The Committee will monitor and review objectives in the council’s Strategic Plan and
recommend budgetary and resource allocations that align with the council’s vision,
values, and priorities. It will also monitor parish environmental and ecological issues,
review environmental performance, recommend and oversee environmental projects,
and ensure compliance with emerging legislation and best practices.

Strategic Planning
Delivery and Oversight of the Strategic Plan
• To oversee the ongoing delivery of the council’s Strategic Plan, ensuring
that its objectives are actively pursued and implemented.
• To lead the annual review process, ensuring the plan remains current,
relevant, and responsive to community needs and organisational priorities.
Refinement of Strategic Objectives
• To refine and adjust objectives in response to emerging data, feedback,
and evolving circumstances, ensuring the plan remains effective and based
on current evidence.
• To integrate insights from performance data, public engagement, and
environmental scanning into strategic direction-setting.
Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
• To monitor performance against strategic plan objectives and key
milestones.
• To review reports and data relevant to council progress and recommend
any necessary adjustments.
Budgetary and Resource Planning
• To recommend budgetary assignment and resourcing for projects and
initiatives that further strategic and environmental objectives.
• To assess funding opportunities, including external grants and
partnerships, and recommend applications or proposals where appropriate.
Policy and Organisational Alignment
• To review new policy proposals and ensure alignment with strategic
priorities.
• To provide strategic input into other committees where cross-cutting
issues arise.
Environmental Sustainability
Carbon Reduction and Net Zero
• To monitor progress against the council’s target of achieving net zero
carbon emissions by 2030.
• To consider and recommend actions, projects, or investments to reduce
the council’s environmental footprint.
• To oversee carbon auditing and benchmarking.
Environmental Projects and Policies
• To consider and resolve matters relating to local environmental projects,
biodiversity initiatives, green infrastructure, and community sustainability
programmes.
• To review and recommend environmental policies, including energy use,
waste reduction, transport, and procurement.
Legislative Compliance and Innovation
• To monitor relevant environmental legislation and emerging policy
guidance, ensuring council compliance.
• To recommend innovative practices or pilot schemes that support
environmental progress.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
• To consider and recommend initiatives for community education and
engagement in sustainability efforts.
• To develop and maintain partnerships with environmental groups,
statutory bodies, and other local authorities to further environmental goals.

Meeting Arrangements and Frequency
Meetings will be held three times per year, with additional meetings as required. A
calendar will be agreed at the annual council meeting. Election of the committee
chairperson will be the first item of business at the initial committee meeting. Meetings
will begin at 7.00pm unless otherwise stated. The Clerk or appropriate officer will record
meetings. Standing Orders regarding rules of debate and interests of members shall
apply.

Quorum
A minimum of three committee members is required for decision-making purposes.

• Response to planning applications received after the date of agenda dispatch where the consultation expiry falls before the next council meeting
   
• Response to minor planning (and retrospective) applications including: erection of conservatory, porch, side and rear extensions, loft conversion and garden outbuildings
   
• Response to minor applications affecting Crossways Business Park and Bluewater (major applications affecting local infrastructure or significant development of these sites will be considered by the full council)
   
• Response to planning applications requesting permission for advertising, erection of signs, banners and illuminated boards
   
• Response to any minor variations of conditions or reserved matters for permitted applications