Issue - meetings

In order to allow the full Executive to consider, without delay, the proposals for an inquiry into the flooding in York over the Christmas period 2015, this report has been added to the agenda as an urgent item.

The Executive is asked to confirm the decision to hold an inquiry and approve the terms of reference for the review.  

Resolved:  That the Executive agree to:

(i)           Confirm the decision to hold an inquiry;

(ii)          The Chief Executive, in consultation with the Inquiry Chair, being delegated the power to make minor amendments to the draft terms of reference subject to the terms being brought back to the Executive on 11 February for final approval. 

Reason:     To allow appropriate lessons to be learned to inform future planning.

Consideration was given to a report, which had been added to the agenda as an urgent item in order to allow the full Executive to consider proposals for an inquiry into the flooding in York over the Christmas period 2015.

As it was important that the public received a clear and early statement as to how the Council would take a lead in this matter, Group Leaders had recommended the setting up of an Independent Inquiry. Draft terms of reference and a role description for the appointment of a Chair had been prepared at Annexes A and B of the report.

In answer to earlier questions Executive Members confirmed that the Group Leaders had agreed that the Chairs appointment would be undertaken by the four Group Leaders. A report would be submitted to the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee setting out details of the process for the selection of the Chair and Panel Members. Also in view of interest in the Inquiry it was suggested that the terms of reference be brought back to the next Executive meeting.

The Chair asked for a record to be made of his appreciation and thanks to all volunteers and staff for their hard work provided during the recent flooding in the city.

Resolved:  That the Executive agree to:

(i)           Confirm the decision to hold an inquiry; ^1.

(ii)          The Chief Executive, in consultation with the Inquiry Chair, being delegated the power to make minor amendments to the draft terms of reference subject to the terms being brought back to the Executive on 11 February for final approval. ^2.

Reason:     To allow appropriate lessons to be learned to inform future planning.