There is a popular misconception that the Full Council Meeting of Derby City Council makes all of the important decisions; it rarely does.

All 51 Councillors meet just 9-10 times per year with an agenda which delivers no practical value to the residents of the City. It is largely an opportunity for party politicking or personal showboating. Most Councillors don’t speak – some have never spoken. The business is of little consequence to the residents of Derby.

The Full Council meeting is principally responsibile for constitutional/governance decisions e.g. budget setting, appointing the Leader, appointing paid Committee Chairs, procedures; such decisions are only annual. The majority of decisions are taken routinely by Council Officers or, where, required, by the small Cabinet of elected Councillors; however the Cabinet doesn’t debate and make decisions – in all practical terms it is a rubber-stamping exercise following a brief presentation prepared by Officers.

The main agenda of the Full Council meeting consists of:

• Public questions – which are generally self-indulgent and given short shrift by the responding Cllr.
• Councillor questions – generally these are motivated by party politicking or personal point scoring. Good Councillors would not feel the need to wait until a Council meeting to ask a question on behalf of their residents.
• Motions – this week’s meeting had 4 motions. None of which had a real tangible deliverable likely to benefit residents. This is the norm.
  • Anti-Sikh riots 1984
  • Armed forces community convenant
  • Reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Allowance for Derby Pensioners
  • Support for Care Experienced People

Comment

The last Council meeting on 18 September 2024 lasted 3 hrs. Apart from the 51 Councillors, the meeting required the engagement of many Officers whether in attendance on the night, or in the preparation of the material.

It doesn’t improve Democracy.

Most decisions are pointless.

It isn’t value for money for the tax payer.

No doubt Councillors/Officers will feel that it is an important event from within the Council “bubble” and it is an opportunity for Councillors to feather their egos, and generate social media posts. Viewed objectively it is a complete waste of time and money.

This is the link to the last 3hr Council meeting – for anyone wishing to witness for themselves.