Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Legal & Democratic Services (attached).

The Council was reminded that it had previously appointed a pool of Independent Persons in accordance with Section 28 of the Localism Act 2011. The appointments had been until May 2023 and it was consequently necessary to appoint a pool for a further term of four years.

Advertising for replacements had been carried out by the participating authorities in a consortium of councils which consisted of Epsom & Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Spelthorne, Reigate & Banstead and Waverley councils, as well as Surrey Heath Borough Council. Following advertising and interviews, three existing IPs had expressed a wish to continue and two new applicants had been interviewed by a group of Monitoring Officers. It was proposed that all five be appointed by this Council. The Audit & Standards Committee had considered the appointment of Independent Persons at its meeting on 17 April 2023 and is recommending the candidates named above for appointment.

RESOLVED that, in accordance with Section 28 of the Localism Act 2011, the following persons be appointed as Independent Persons from May 2023 for a 4 year period:

·           Andrea Armstrong

·           Vivienne Cameron

·           Jane Clark

·           Bill Donnelly

·          John Smith