Work starts on 'mammoth reforms' at heart of South Tyneside Council - expenses, allowances and transparency at core of review

A cross-party group of elected representatives has begun the process of a full review and overhaul of the council’s constitution.

And bosses are now racing to have an updated version of the document, which sets out the rules and procedures for running the local authority, ready ro be given the final seal of approval by May.

“I think we need to recognise the mammoth task that we’re undertaking,” said council leader Tracey Dixon.

“It’s a huge shift from the previous constitution because time has lapsed over many years and it really did need to be revisited.

“But i think it’s very important we get this right and this politically-balanced committee looking at this will definitely be able to move forward.

“We’ve set a time scale, but it has to be right for the council and for members of the public as well.”

Cllr Dixon, who became the local authority’s first female leader in November 2020, was speaking at a meeting of the council’s Constitution Committee on January 4, which was held by videolink and broadcast via YouTube.

The former deputy leader stepped into the breach when her ex-boss, Iain Malcolm, made the shock announcement he was to quit both the council and the Labour Party.

On taking the top job, Cllr Dixon promised a ‘cultural shift’ and vowed to prioritise maintaining the trust of the borough’s families.

All English council’s have been required to have constitutions since 2000.

An early draft of an updated constitution has already been provided for councillors, but is expected to be added to over the coming weeks and months.

Several changes suggested to improve transparency, openness and accountability so far include:

:: Clearer rules on what information is available to elected councillors and members of the public

:: An overhaul of rules on expenses and allowances for councillors, which will also be reviewed by a new s Independent Remuneration Panel the council is currently recruiting to

:: More ‘plain English’ to help the public understand council procedures, particularly relating to the process for investigating complaints

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