Agenda item

Members were presented with the terms of reference for the creation of a Shadow Cabinet, to match the Cabinet portfolios adopted by the Rainbow Coalition as contained within the circulated report.

Members asked if other Local Authorities in Wales had Shadow Cabinets, and were informed that several do including Camarthenshire who’s Terms of Reference have been used as a guide.

Members were assured that there is no additional remuneration involved other than travel expenses, although it is intended that the meetings are virtual only, taking place mainly via Microsoft Teams. 

The Chief Executive clarified the intention that draft agendas for the next cycle of committee meetings would form the basis of the Shadow Cabinet meetings whereby they would be briefed on the upcoming business. It is not intended that any reports be brought to the meetings, and they will be diarised to follow on from the Cabinet briefings and minuted.

RESOLVED:          That members:

a)    Endorse the terms of reference of the Shadow Cabinet Liaison Meeting as set out Appendix 2 of the circulated report.

b)   That attendance at Shadow Cabinet Liaison Meetings be identified as an approved duty pursuant to the Schedule of Remuneration for Elected Members and that delegated authority be granted to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to update the Constitution of Neath Port Talbot Council to reflect this amendment.