[Ed Hammond]

It's me asking you for help this time.

I recall that, in the Local Government Act 2000, Cabinet was not a formal committee of the council (and could technically meet in private) but changes to legislation at some point in the early years of the last decade altered that. Can anyone remember which Act this was? I have looked at the 2003 Act but it doesn't appear to be in there.

[Deborah Breedon]

I believe Cabinet is not a committee, that it was exempt from political balance in the 2000 Act.
Portfolio holders makeup the Cabinet / executive. Councils adopted arrangements into their constitutions

Extract from Hampshires constitution:

That the Cabinet be exempted from the political balance requirements and calculations prescribed by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 until the Council resolves to operate its 'executive arrangements' under the Local Government Act 2000.

Hope this helps

[Anita Cunningham]

Hi Ed

From memory I'm tending to agree with Deborah. But i'm wondering (regarding meeting in private) if there were requirements in the Access to Information Regulations (c 2002 ish) requiring public access to information and meetings, including Executive meetings ? Just a thought.

Anita

[Adriana Stapleton]

Hi, I was not aware that the original provisions of the 2000 Act had changed, ie that Cabinet may meet in private, but not if key decisions are to be made, or if future key decisions are to be discussed with officers present, thus ensuring that decision-making is transparent and accountable.

[Tim Brown]

How about the Access to Information Regulations 2002 SI 2002 no 716?