The new Joint Administration has a swift impact on supporting Welwyn Hatfield's Staff, Climate Change, and Public Participation
After the first two months of the new Joint Administration, the first Full Council meeting was held last night to consider changes to the Constitution, which sets out how the Council function.
The agreed changes include legislative amendments, aligning with current working practices, adjusting committee procedures and protocols, and implementing updates to modernise the Constitution, including the inclusion of e-sealing.
One notable change is that public questions can now be asked up to 4 working days before a committee meeting takes place and the noon deadline has also been removed.
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Leader of the Council, welcomed the agreed changes to the Constitution, stating:
“The Constitution changes presented to Full Council represent those unanimously agreed by the Constitution Review Group. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to increase the deadline for public questions and presentation of petitions, meaning that the public can contact us after meeting papers have been published. I hope this encourages greater public participation and transparency in our local democratic processes”.
Furthermore, the Leader and Deputy Leader also recently attended staff recognition awards to celebrate the achievements of officers and teams. Deputy Leader, Lynn Chesterman OBE said, “It is important to celebrate the achievements of staff who work tirelessly across the council to deliver services for our communities every day, with winners demonstrating exemplary customer services skills and team working”.
Cllr Zukowskyj emphasised the Joint Administration are eager to work with Officers and the teams to deliver our priorities for the borough. “Climate Change is a key priority under the new administration, and it is great to be working with a dedicated, new team to put climate change centre stage. The record-breaking temperatures in Europe, USA and China last week have reinforced the urgency of taking immediate and effective action to tackle climate change”.