Agenda item

The Democracy Services Committee is asked to note the observations and accept the report.

To note the observations and accept the report.

Submitted - the report on the results of the questionnaire that was sent to all the Members in January 2024, asking for their views on the service available from the Democracy team.

It was noted that 31 Councillors had completed the questionnaire. It was reported that 91% had noted that the standard of the service was Good or Very Good, with one Member noting Satisfactory and two had not responded. It was noted that the Member who had noted Satisfactory had given observations about another Council Department and so the team leader would contact the Member in question to obtain views on the service being offered by the Democracy team.

It was reported that one Member had expressed discontent regarding the steps to become paperless. It was noted that the Democracy team was collaborating with the Members in an attempt to support this change. Attention was drawn to other observations made, such as the challenges associated with a Councillor’s role and the importance of treating Members with respect. The importance for every Member to complete the questionnaire was reiterated, to ensure that the service available to Councillors was sufficient and met the needs and all Members were encouraged to complete the questionnaire in the future.

During the discussion the following observations were made:

-        A view was expressed stating that a Councillor's role was currently more challenging than it used to be due to the political climate and its associated challenges, such as the cost-of-living and the lack of Housing.

-        An observation was made regarding clause 7 of the report, noting that there was incomplete information on the Council's website regarding the appointment of Councillors to External Bodies. It was also noted that there was a need to review the membership of the Task Group in order to ensure that it was current.

-        It was asked whether the Democracy team asked Members for suggestions on how to improve the service available to them.

-        It was also asked whether information about the support available with childcare for Councillors was being shared with female Councillors. It was emphasised that it was essential to attract women to undertake the role of a Councillor. 

In response to the observations:

-        It was acknowledged that there was a need to regularly update the information about External Bodies and it was reported that arrangements were in the pipeline to undertake the work over the coming months.

-        It was noted that the questionnaire included a question on how the Democracy team could develop the service available to Members as well as a question about any further comments. It was believed that the questionnaire gave Members ample opportunities to voice their opinions and make suggestions.

-        It was confirmed that the information about the support available in terms of childcare had already been shared with Councillors during the Welcome Days as part of the induction process and it was also available on the Members' Intranet. It was noted that it may be possible to circulate the information by including it in the Members' Bulletin so that it was highlighted further over the coming weeks.