Agenda

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

To receive information on any changes in the membership of the Committee.

Note – When a member of a Committee is unable to attend a meeting of a Committee or Sub-Committee, the relevant Political Group Leader (or their nominated representative) may, by notice to the Monitoring Officer (or their nominated representative) prior to the meeting, appoint a substitute member from within the same Political Group. The contact details on the front of this agenda should be used for notifications.

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2026.

To consider any outstanding actions and recommendations from previous meetings.

To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-

https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1

The deadline for the submission of public questions is midday on Thursday 27 August 2026 [midday 3 clear working days before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a statement is midday on Wednesday 2 September 2026 [midday the working day before the meeting].

The deadline for the submission of a petition is Wednesday 19 August 2026 [10 working days before the meeting].

This report seeks approval to amend the Council’s Constitution to reflect the national scheme of delegation for local planning authority functions introduced by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, which come into force on 31 October 2026.

The Regulations significantly restrict the circumstances in which planning applications may be referred to Planning Committee and replace existing local referral mechanisms, including Ward Member call-ins and objection-based triggers. The report explains the distinction between Schedule 1 applications, which must be determined by officers, and Schedule 2 applications, which are presumed to be delegated unless the statutory gateway test is met and the nominated officer and nominated member agree referral to committee.

The recommended approach is to amend the Constitution to comply with the national scheme, establish nominated officer and nominated member arrangements, retain appropriate transparency through decision records and reporting, and provide clear information for Members and the public.

While the Council has limited discretion over the national requirements, the proposed amendments are intended to ensure lawful implementation, reduce the risk of legal challenge, and maintain effective, transparent and accountable planning decision-making.

To receive a presentation providing a deeper dive review of shareholder governance in relation to Council owned companies.

This report provides assurance regarding the Council's arrangements for procuring from, appointing and managing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The report considers two key governance questions:

1.    How does the Council satisfy itself that SME suppliers are capable, financially resilient and appropriately controlled to deliver contracted outcomes?

2.    How does the Council ensure that procurement processes do not create unnecessary barriers which disadvantage SMEs or restrict competition?

The report outlines the Council's current control framework and how it seeks to balance protection of public funds and service delivery with the objective of maintaining an accessible and competitive supplier marketplace.