Jane Pannell, Chief Executive and David Cook, Borough Secretary
Ward Implications:
All Wards
1
Summary
1.1
Member appointments are sought to:
a) Northumberland County Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee Working Group on provision of Affordable Housing; and
b) Association of North East Councils – Arts Council representative
2
Recommendation
2.1
To agree Member appointments to the outside bodies set out in paragraph 1.1 above.
3
Report
3.1
Northumberland County Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee Working Group on provision of Affordable Housing
Northumberland County Council has invited this Council to nominate a Member to serve on a Working Group exploring means of assisting in delivery of increased levels of affordable housing. In addition, the current usage of income from second and empty homes will be reviewed. Consideration was delayed until the Government’s decision on the future of local government in Northumberland was known. The first meeting of the Working Group is set for 10th September.
3.2
Association of North East Councils – District Council representative on the Arts Council England North East Regional Arts Board
The Association of North East Councils (ANEC) co-ordinates the local authority board member positions on behalf of the Arts Council England (North East). In addition, the Chair of the Local Authority Forum is invited to Regional Council meetings, and the North East Assembly (NEA) also nominates an observer. This makes a total of 8 places, 6 of which are voting and 2 non-voting.
3.3
Councillor John Rutherford of Alnwick DC was the Northumberland District Councils representative on the Board; however, Mr Rutherford lost his seat in the May 2007 local elections, and consequently a vacancy has arisen for a Northumberland District Council representative. The position will have voting status for two years until 2009.
3.4
The following qualities are sought by the Arts Council for nominees:
• Pro-activity in terms of advocating for the arts and for the local authority role in the arts;
• Willingness to be active on issues beyond their own geographical boundaries; and
• Sufficient status within their own local authorities and/or within regional or sub-regional bodies to be effective
Members are asked to identify a nominee for the position of District Council representative on the Arts Council England North East Regional Arts Board.
4
Implications
4.1
Comments from the Council’s Section 151 Officer
There are no specific financial implications arising from this report but the representative will need to be informed on impact of proposals relating to usage of income from second and empty homes.
4.2
Comments from the Council’s Monitoring Officer
No comments.
4.3
Comments from the Head of Paid Service
Briefing and support for the nominated representatives will be provided by officers of this Council.
