April 2018 EC minutes

[Anonymous]

MINUTES OF THE 4th MEETING OF THE 115th EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY OF GREAT BRITAIN HELD AT HEAD OFFICE ON SATURDAY 7th April 2018

[Note: These are draft minutes only and are not official until adopted by the EC]

Present: D. Chesham, P. Shannon, M. Foster, S. Kennedy, M. Tenner, G. Thomas, N. Kirk, C. Dee. Also present for part of the meeting R. Cox (as Treasurer).

Chair: P. Shannon Minutes: G. Thomas

A.] MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING WERE READ.

B.] MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

(1) Clarification

Cde Cox expressed some concerns with the way his contribution to discussion of Item 2 (Electoral Commission) had been recorded. He stated that in order for the Party to meet the requirements of statutory reporting, we need to keep a record of all donations of over £500 in cash or kind (with name & address of donor) and make regular reports, which may be weekly during a general election campaign, so the EC needs to be aware of this and that he might need help during busy periods. Noted.

Resolution A [Chesham and Dee]: “That the minutes be adopted.” Agreed: 6 for; 0 against; 1 abstention.

(2) Report from the Auditors re: “Purchasing and Payment Procedures.” aimed at improving EC financial control of these matters and the prevention of incorrect payments.

Resolution B [Thomas and Chesham]: “That the recommendations outlined in the report be implemented.” Carried 4 for; 2 against; 2 abstentions.

Resolution C [Kirk and Dee]: “That the [maximum] figure for small one-off payments be £200 and that the auditors be advised.” Carried 5 for; 1 against; 2 absent from the table.

(3) Advertising Committee email suggesting an alternative text. Noted.

(4) Publications Committee

(a) First draft of a new pamphlet on 'Gender' submitted. Draft needs further work of revision and updating.

Resolution D [Foster and Shannon]: “That the next draft of the gender pamphlet be submitted for the June EC meeting with the final draft ready for the July EC meeting.” Carried 7 for; 0 against; 1 absent from the table.

(b) Draft pamphlet on “World Military & the Global Environment”. Publications Committee could not reach a unanimous decision on the draft and there were some objections raised at the EC table.

Resolution E [Tenner and Thomas]: “The EC is not in favour of the draft pamphlet 'World Military vs the Global Environment'." Carried 5 for; 0 against; 3 abstain.

(c) A list of topics for future publications was presented. Topics suggested to improve presentation of our case arising from the Report of the Membership Application Committee to Conference 2017 on why applicants to join fail the membership test.

Resolution F [Foster and Chesham]: “That the Publications Committee be thanked for their work so far on proposed publications and the EC looks forward to an update at the May meeting giving a brief synopsis of each proposed publication.” Carried 7 for; 0 against; 1 abstain.

C.] STAFFING OF HEAD OFFICE Cde Chesham reported that during April and until further notice HO will be open for at least five hours four days a week (Mondays to Thursdays).

D.] O'GORMAN BEQUEST. Cde Thomas reported that Mrs O'Gorman's will had still not been finalised and that the sale of “Charwyl” by auction had fallen through. It would be put up again later this month.

Resolution G [mover and seconder not noted]: “That comrades Kirk and Thomas liaise on the O'Gorman bequest and report to the May EC.” Agreed

E.] FORMS 'F' There were six Forms 'F some of which had resulted from membership mailouts earlier this year.

(a) Hugh Armstrong (Glasgow, deceased)

(b) David Basden (Central, loss of contact)

(c) Paul Dennett (Central, resigned in 2017)

(d) Patricia Kilgallon (North East, deceased)

(e) Tyson Newell (Central, resigned in 2016)

(f) John Wheeler (Yorkshire, resigned)

Resolution H [Chesham and Foster]: “That the Forms 'F' be accepted.” Agreed

F.] TREASURERS REPORT.

(1) Signatories

Treasurer reported that he was experiencing difficulties with Santander. They would not accept our instructions to include two new signatories to our accounts. He and comrade Browne would pursue the matter with them.

(2) Security

Comrade Cox raised the matter of placing of the new safes and key box. EC asked that he liaise with the Premises Committee and comrade Chesham and that they decide on a suitable location.

(3) Members Handbook

Comrade Cox reported on an amendment to the Handbook to bring it up to date. Noted with thanks.

G.] ELECTORAL COMMISSION. Letter from the Electoral Commission dated 16 March rejecting our earlier appeal against their decision to fine us for late returns in 2017 and during the last election period.

Resolution I [Foster and Kirk] “That the EC authorises the payment of £10,000 to the Electoral Commission for the fines referred to in their letter 16th March 2018.” Carried 7 for; 0 against; 1 abstain.

H.] REPORTS FROM PARTY OFFICERS etc. Reports to Conference of Standing Orders Committee, Ballot Committee, Internet Committee and Blog Committee were adopted.

Comrade Kirk outlined technical and other problems involving the transfer and updating of the Party website and agreed to produce a supplementary report for Conference.

At this point [4.20] Comrade Foster left the meeting to catch his train.

I.] CORRESPONDENCE

(1) Email from Lancaster Branch (27th March re continuing lack of a General Secretary). Agreed to defer.

(2) Draft of new Terms of Reference for the Head Office Organiser (31st March) received from Comrade Thomas. Agreed to defer.

J.] MAY LOCAL AUTHORITY ELECTIONS.

Although South London Branch has not formally advised the EC of its intention to contest, 2,000 manifestos had been requested and Cde Tenner would be arranging an adaptation of our existing Party insert for all three London wards, bringing the print run to 8,000 at an estimated cost of £350, funding of which was requested centrally.

Resolution J [Thomas and Tenner]: “That the expenditure be approved.” Carried 6 for; 0 against.

K.] CONFERENCE REFRESHMENTS

Comrade Chesham reported that there would be cold food available both days and possibly a cooked vegetarian meal on the Saturday.

L.] CHAIR FOR NEXT MEETING

Agreed that Comrade Kirk chair the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 4.50pm

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