Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to form of a Downs Byelaws Working Group and proposes a draft Terms of Reference for comment.

The Conservators received a report seeking approval to form of a Downs Byelaws Working Group and proposing a draft Terms of Reference for comment.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Legal officer support and timescale for completion. A Member of the Conservators raised that full support from legal services would be needed when carrying out this work and that the Training Grounds Management Board and the Jockey Club would need to consult with legal advisors about any suggested changes to Byelaws. They further commented that there must be a rigorous revision and checking process on each suggested change and this must be undertaken by all key stakeholders. The Streetcare Manager informed the Conservators that it can take a considerable amount of time to enact any changes.

b)           Costs. A Member of the Conservators queried if the involvement of the Secretary of State incurred costs. The Streetcare Manager confirmed that there were costs but that similar items brought to the Conservators in the past had been covered within budget.

c)            Draft Terms of Reference. A Member of the Conservators asked if there was flexibility in the terms of reference of the working group to consider the inclusion of restriction of access onto the racing surface on race days. The Chair responded to confirm that the first point of business for the working group would be to confirm its terms of reference and that the comments would be taken into account.

d)           Membership of the working group. The Chair opened it up to members of the Conservators to raise if they wished to join the working group and confirmed that this would be followed up by both the Chair and the Streetcare Manager.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Approve the formation of a Downs Byelaws Working Group

(2)      Approve the draft Terms of Reference, noting any amendments.

(3)      Appoint the Chair of the Conservators to Chair the Downs Byelaws Working Group and appoint at least two additional members of this committee to form part of the group.

(4)      To delegate authority to the Chair to appoint/invite additional councillors, stakeholders and officers to the Downs Byelaws Working Group as required.