To consider the submitted report on the above.

Following the resolution of the Council on 23 July 2015 to hold a referendum on its future form of governance, Members considered the submitted report on the outcome of a consultation exercise and the different forms of governance.

It was proposed by Councillor Lang and seconded by Councillor Excell:

(i)         that the Council considers the results of the consultation exercise, and having regard to the outcome of the consultation, confirms it wishes to proceed with a referendum on its future form of governance to be held in May 2016;

(ii)        that, the question on the form of governance to be included in the referendum, will be as follows:

How would you like Torbay Council to be run?

By a Mayor who is elected by voters.  This is how the Council is run now.

OR

By one or more committees made up of elected councillors.  This would be a change from how the Council is run now.

(iii)       that the Assistant Director – Corporate and Business Services be authorised to prepare and publicise proposals on the form of governance to be included in the referendum, in accordance with legislation and in consultation with the Mayor and Group Leaders.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Thomas (D) and seconded by Councillor Tyerman:

(ii)        that the question to be asked in the referendum is as follows:

"How would you like Torbay Council to be run?

By a Mayor who is elected by voters. This is how the council is run now.

Or

By a leader who is an elected councillor chosen by a vote of the other elected councillors.  This would be a change from how the council is run now.”

At the request of the Chairman, a recorded vote was taken on the amendment.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  Councillors Barnby, Bent, Bye, Cunningham, Ellery, Hill, Kingscote, Lewis, Morey, O’Dwyer, Robson, Stockman, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tyerman and Winfield (17);  Against:  The Mayor and Councillors Amil, Brooks, Carter, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Excell, Haddock, King, Lang, Manning, Mills, Morris, Parrott, Stocks and Stubley (17);  Absent:  Councillors Tolchard and Stringer (2).  Therefore, in accordance with Standing Order A19.2, the Chairman used his casting vote, he voted for the amendment and declared the amendment carried.

The substantive motion (the original motion (i) and (iii) with amended (ii)) was then before Members for consideration.

At the request of the Chairman, a recorded vote was taken on the substantive motion.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  Councillors Barnby, Bent, Bye, Cunningham, Ellery, Hill, Kingscote, Lewis, Morey, O’Dwyer, Robson, Stockman, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tyerman and Winfield (17);  Against:  The Mayor and Councillors Amil, Carter, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Excell, Haddock, King, Lang, Manning, Mills, Morris, Parrott, Stocks and Stubley (16);  Abstain:  Councillor Brooks (1);  Absent:  Councillors Tolchard and Stringer (2).  Therefore the substantive motion was declared carried.

To consider the submitted report on the different forms of governance and the outcome of a consultation exercise to enable the Council to determine which form of governance will be included in a referendum.

The Chairman reported that this item had been withdrawn to enable further research to be undertaken.