Committee Decisions
Committees are likely to take many decisions by consensus without the need to vote on the issue. Where a division (a vote)
is necessary, committee members must vote electronically or in the event of a system failure by roll call.
Back to top
When a Vote is Necessary
In the event of a division:
-
Only members of a committee can vote in that committee;
-
members can only vote in person (there is no proxy vote);
-
members can vote only once on any question;
-
under the terms of Standing Order 31;
No member can move or second:
-
more than one amendment; or
-
an amendment if they have moved or seconded the motion, unless the motion/amendment which they have moved/seconded has been
withdrawn; or
-
any motion/amendment moved and seconded cannot be withdrawn without the consent of the seconder
- In a vote the Committee Services Officer will operate the electronic voting system and members will press '+' for the motion;
'-' for the amendment and 'x' to abstain. There being an equality of votes the Chair shall have the casting vote.
- In the event of a system failure the Committee Officer will call the names of committee members in alphabetical order, and
each member will answer 'motion', 'amendment' or abstain. In the unlikely event that all members abstain the status quo will
remain
- Any member may call for a division on any question put. The Chair will determine the timing of any division. This would normally
be at the end of discussion of that item.
- Decisions will be taken by a simple majority, unless Standing Orders or any enactment specify that an absolute majority is
needed. A simple majority means that more members vote for a proposition than against, and no account is taken of members
who abstain. An absolute majority means that more than half the total number of committee members must vote in favour
- These rules also apply to divisions and voting in sub-committees.
|
Back to top
