Browse

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN. View directions

Contact: Kieran Elliott  Email: kieran.elliott@wiltshire.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

41.

Apologies

To receive any apologies for the meeting.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Clare Cape, Mark Connolly, Jose Green, Deborah Halik, Jacqui Lay, Brian Mathew, Christopher Newbury, Andy Phillips, Horace Prickett, Melody Thompson and Jerry Wickham.

42.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the last meeting of Council held on 21 May 2019.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2019 were presented for consideration, and it was,

 

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 21 May 2019 be approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

43.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Ben Anderson declared a disclosable interest in Agenda Item No.08 – Avon Mutual, Establishment of a Regional Mutual Bank – by virtue of working for a Mutual Bank. He stated that he would withdraw from the Chamber for the entire consideration of the item.

44.

Announcements by the Chairman

To receive any announcements from the Chairman.

Minutes:

The Chairman made the following announcements:

 

1)    Events Attended by the Chairman from 21 May 2019 to 8 July 2019:

 

Thursday, 23 May 2019                  OVO Energy Tour Series Cycle Event, Salisbury.

Tuesday, 4 June 2019                    Salisbury City Council 10 Years in Operation Celebration, The Guildhall, Salisbury.

Wednesday, 12 June 2019            The High Sheriff’s Summer Reception, Nursteed House, Devizes.

Sunday, 16 June 2019                    The Rotary Club of Salisbury ‘Celebrate Salisbury’ Concert, City Hall, Salisbury.

Thursday, 20 June 2019                 Campaign for the Protection of Rural England AGM, Bowood House.

Monday, 24 June 2019                   Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony, The Guildhall, Salisbury.

Wednesday, 26 June 2019            Wiltshire Life Education official opening of new mobile classroom, Cumberwell Park Golf Club, Bradford on Avon.

Friday, 28 June 2019                      Armed Forces Day, National Event, VIP barbeque, Hudson’s Field, Salisbury.

Saturday, 30 June 2019                 Armed Forces Day, National Event, Royal visit of HRH The Princess Royal to Salisbury, The Guildhall and Hudson’s Field.

Monday, 1 July 2019                       Royal Visit of HRH The Princess Royal to The Stonehenge School, Amesbury.

Thursday, 4 July 2019                     Somerset County Council Chairman’s Awards for Community Service, Taunton.

Sunday, 7 July 2019                        Fovant Badges Annual Drumhead Service, Fovant.

 

2)    Events Attended by the Vice-Chairman from 21 May 2019 to 8 July 2019:

 

Friday, 31 May 2019                       Dance Fitness by Dame Darcey Bussell, DBE, Health And Fitness Dance Competition, Salisbury Cathedral. Involving Wiltshire schools.

Sunday, 16 June 2019                    Malmesbury Town Council’s Choral Evensong, Malmesbury Abbey.

Thursday, 20 June 2019                 Wiltshire College, Trowbridge Campus Cat Walk Show, The Arc Theatre, Trowbridge.

Sunday, 23 June 2019                    Devizes Town Council Mayor’s Inaugural Church Service, St. John’s Church, Devizes.

Friday, 28 June 2019                      The Lavingtons WWI Commemoration Group Toposcope Opening, on Salisbury Plain in the Lavington area.

Sunday, 30 June 2019                    Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans’ Celebration, Trowbridge Park.

 

3)    HM The Queen Birthday Honours

The Chairman announced that a number of Wiltshire residents had received

national recognition in her majesty’s birthday honours’ list in June 2019 as listed below.

 

Attention was drawn in particular to the awards for Alistair Cunningham, Executive Director, Growth and Place; Robin Townsend, Director, Corporate Services; Simon Rowe, Network Operations Manager, who all received awards in relation to their services to the community following the Salisbury and Amesbury incidents in 2018, and also to Councillor Fleur de Rhé-Philipe for her services to Local Government and the community. 

 

Order of the British Empire

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire

 

Professor Paul David Bates

 

Order of the British Empire

Officers of the Order of the British Empire

 

Professor Timothy Atkins

Dr Mark John Fulop

Edward Michael (Bear) Grylls

Mark Raymond Rogers

Alistair Cunningham

Order of the British Empire

Members of the Order of the British Empire

 

Mary Fleur de Rhé-Philipe

Major (Retd) William John Gillett

Simon Paul Rowe

Robin Townsend

 

Order of the British Empire

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire

 

Michael David Brunton

Joan, Mrs Howarth

Wendy, Mrs Johnson

Sarah Frances, Mrs Simpson

 

 

 

 

4)    Resignation of Cllr David Jenkins

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

45.

Election of Leader of the Council

Having been informed of the intention of the present Leader, Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, to step down, and in accordance with the adopted executive arrangements, to elect a Leader of the Council for the remaining council term, May 2021.

 

Nominations will be sought orally from those present at the meeting. Voting will be by way of a show of hands unless at least 10 Members request the holding of a secret ballot.

 

The Leader will then advise Council of the membership of his/her Cabinet and Portfolio Holders.

Minutes:

The Chairman referred to the prior announcement of Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE that she had submitted her resignation as Leader of Wiltshire Council effective of the date of the meeting. It was therefore necessary for the Council to elect a new Leader to serve the remainder of the council term until May 2021.

 

The Chairman expressed his sincere thanks on behalf of the Council to Baroness Scott for her service as Leader of Wiltshire Council and also Wiltshire County Council since 2003. He then invited Baroness Scott to make any final comments before proceeding to the election of a new Leader.

 

Baroness Scott expressed her warm appreciation for all the cards, emails and presents she had received since her announcement. She gave thanks to the Council’s staff who acted in the service of the public and supported her and her team so diligently. She gave particular thanks to the team of officers supported the Cabinet Office, Wilhemina Cox, Paula Tucker and Carol Dawson.

 

She also paid tribute to her Deputy Leader, Councillor John Thomson, for his constant support, work and friendship during her time as Leader. She extended her best wishes to all Members of the Council noting all their efforts in service to the public, and particularly to whoever was chosen as her successor.

 

Following a standing ovation Councillor Philip Whitehead, Leader of the Conservative Group, paid tribute to Baroness Scott and Councillor John Thomson.  He applauded Baroness Scott’s vision for the Council which she had delivered and also her tenacity which had resulted in Wiltshire residents being better off.  He stated her advice, wisdom, humour and belief in Wiltshire had resulted in Wiltshire being one of the finest areas in England.

 

Councillor Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, expressed his own thanks to Baroness Scott. He drew attention to Baroness Scott’s enormous vision in delivering the Council’s programme and in bringing together all concerned to help achieve this. He also applauded her drive and transparency which was critical in engagement with backbenchers. He wished both Baroness Scott and Councillor Thomson very best wishes for the future.

 

Councillor Ernie Clark, Leader of the Independent Group, endorsed the previous views expressed and hoped that the new Leader would continue in a similar manner.

 

Councillor Ricky Rogers, Leader of the Labour Group, stated that Baroness Scott’s commitment to Wiltshire and its people was outstanding and expressed his thanks and appreciation for her dedication to this work.

 

Members of the Cabinet and other Members then expressed their thanks and tribute to Baroness Scott.

 

Mr Brian Warwick and Mr Phil Matthews, members of the public, paid tribute to Baroness Scott and wished her every success in her future endeavours.

 

The Chairman then sought nominations for the position of Leader of Wiltshire Council, to serve until the May 2021 local elections.

 

On the proposal of Councillor Richard Clewer, which was seconded by Councillor Bridget Wayman, it was therefore,

 

Resolved:

 

To elect Councillor Philip Whitehead as Leader of Wiltshire Council, to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

46.

Public Participation

The Council welcomes contributions from members of the public.

 

Statements

If you would like to make a statement at this meeting on any item on this agenda, please register to do so at least 10 minutes prior to the meeting. Up to 3 speakers are permitted to speak for up to 3 minutes each on any agenda item. Please contact the officer named above for any further clarification.

 

Questions

To receive any questions from members of the public  received in accordance with the constitution. Those wishing to ask questions are required to give notice of any such questions in writing to the officer named above (acting on behalf of the Executive Director) no later than 5pm on Tuesday 2 July 2019 for a written response, or Thursday 4 July 2019 for a verbal response. Please contact the officer named on the first page of this agenda for further advice. Questions may be asked without notice if the Chairman decides that the matter is urgent.

 

Details of any questions received will be circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting and made available at the meeting and on the Council’s website.

Minutes:

There were no questions or statements made by members of the public.

47.

Petitions

No petitions have been received since the last meeting of Council.

Minutes:

It was noted that no petitions that had been received since the last meeting of the Council.

48.

Avon Mutual- Establishment of a Regional Mutual Bank

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Councillor Philip Whitehead, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Finance and Economic Development, to introduce the report. The proposal was to give a grant of £0.050m toward the establishment of a regional mutual bank, to improve community lending and support those currently unable to access a bank account. He stated the regional bank was 95% funded and the proposal, moved by Councillor Whitehead and seconded by Councillor Richard Clewer, had been approved by Cabinet.

 

Group Leaders were then invited to comment. Councillor Ian Thorn stated the proposal had been brought to the Financial Planning Task Group, and noted the difficulty for many small businesses to obtain funding, which he hoped that these mutual banks would make easier, and he therefore supported the proposal. Councillors Ernie Clark and Ricky Rogers also expressed their support for the proposal.

 

Members then debated the proposal. It was raised that the lack of regional banks had been a significant problem in many way, and the high level of funding already raised for the mutual bank was noted. It was expressed that the mutual bank should remain focused on its core purpose in assisting those who required such assistance. Others hoped that the Council would push for a sensible policy toward those defaulting on loads, and it was requested that the presentation received by the Financial Planning Task Group be circulated to other Members. Details were also sought on how mutual banks were developing in other areas, and how the aspects of aiding small and medium business enterprises and aiding those having difficulty obtaining bank accounts would be managed.

 

Councillor Whitehead acknowledged concerns regarding the focus of the mutual bank, stated the Council was in talks on how to protect that focus, and agreed that the Council would not be underwriting what was a free enterprise moving forward, and that policies on defaulting were a necessary part of the new organisation. It was stated other local authorities had invested much larger amounts in proposals in their area.

 

At the conclusion of debate, it was,

 

Resolved:

 

To approve a grant of £0.050m to support the funding of the initial process to accreditation by the Financial Conduct Authority.

 

Votes for the motion            (82)

Votes against the motion    (0)

Votes in abstention              (0)

 

Note: Councillor Ben Anderson left the Chamber during consideration of this item.

Recorded Vote
TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
Avon Mutual Motion

To approve a grant of £0.050m to support the funding of the initial process to accreditation by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 49.

    Proposed Changes to the Constitution

    Minutes:

    The Council considered the following proposed changes to the Constitution.

    49a)

    Protocol 4 - Planning Code of Good Practice and Site Visit Protocol

    A report from the Monitoring Officer is attached.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The Chairman invited Councillor Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing and Environment, to introduce the report.

     

    The proposal was to make a series of changes to Protocol 4 of the Constitution, the Planning Code of Good Practice. The changes proposed a series of additional clarifications on the planning process and member involvement, including the sections on bias and predetermination, declaration of interests, training being mandatory and site visit procedures.

     

    All proposals had been reviewed by the Constitution Focus Group, which had invited all planning committee chairmen and the relevant Cabinet Member to discuss the protocol, and the proposals had been approved for recommendation by the Standards Committee.

     

    The recommendation was there moved by Councillor Clewer and seconded by Councillor Paul Oatway QPM, Chairman of the Standards Committee.

     

    Group Leaders were then invited to comment before Members debated the proposal.


    An amendment was moved by Councillor Alan Hill, seconded by Councillor Bridget Wayman, to Paragraph 11 of the meeting procedure and public speaking as follows:

     

    The unitary division member for the application will then be invited to make a representation for up to five minutes at Chairman’s discretion.

     

    Members then debated the amendment. It was raised that there would be occasions that more than five minutes was necessary for a local member to detail all the issues that were relevant to an application, which might be complex and of significant concern. It was stated exceeding five minutes was a rare occurrence, but that the response should not be curtailed if it was necessary to expand on all relevant points. A comment was made in objection to the amendment that five minutes was sufficient for concise explanation of an application’s issues.

     

    At the conclusion of debate on the amendment, it was approved as follows:

     

    Votes in favour of amendment      (74)

    Votes against amendment            (6)

    Votes in abstention                      (2)

     

    The members then debated the substantive motion. Issues raised included wording on withdrawal by Members in their capacity as a member of a committee in the event they had a pecuniary interest A comment was also received welcoming changes made as a result of the Planning Committee Systems Task Group recommendations. In response to comments on requiring frequent training, it was stated that planning rules were not static and Members on committees would need to demonstrate they were aware of latest rules and regulations should decisions be challenged. There were also comments on the deadlines on how Members could request call-in of applications.

     

    Many concerns were raised regarding issues around call-in by Members, and in particular a section regarding a call-in request being made by one Member against the wishes of the local Member, to be determined by the Head of Development Management. Other comments stated the protocol was not intended to diminish Member’s requests for call-in, but that such call-in requests were required to at least one planning reason, which was not felt to be a high barrier, as any potential refusal would need  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49a)

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    Amendment relating to Local Member speaking Amendment

    To make the amendment as below:

     

    The unitary division member for the application will then be invited to make a representation for up to five minutes at Chairman’s discretion.

    Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 49b)

    Protocol 12 - Arrangements for dealing with Code of Conduct Complaints and Part 3B - Responsibility for Functions

    A report from the Monitoring Officer is attached.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The Chairman invited Councillor Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing and Environment, to introduce the report.

     

    The proposal was to make a series of changes to Protocol 12 of the Constitution in relation to arrangements for dealing with Code of Conduct complaints against elected members, both unitary and town and parish. This would also include consequential changes to Part 3B of the Constitution, in relation to the terms of reference of the Standards Committee. All proposals had been reviewed by the Constitution Focus Group and approved for recommendation by the Standards Committee.

     

    It was explained that the changes were proposed to make the arrangements administratively simpler, as well as enhancing the role of elected members. As a result of discussions following a briefing on the proposed changes, additional amendments were proposed to Schedule 2 of the Protocol to make clear in the summary flowchart that informal resolution was a major part of the process, and other additions included to authorise the Monitoring Officer to dismiss trivial and vexatious complaints. The details of the amendments are attached to the minutes.

     

    The recommendation subject to the above changes was moved by Councillor Clewer and seconded by Councillor Paul Oatway QPM, Chairman of the Standards Committee.

     

    Group Leaders were then invited to comment before Members debated the proposal. The additional amendments were welcomed to enhance the efficiency of the proposed changes, noting informal conflict resolution as more suitable an outcome in many situations and that it was not reasonable that trivial and vexatious complaints be required for determination by the proposed new Assessment Sub-Committee. Some concerns were also raised regarding deviations from the protocol processes.  

     

    At the conclusion of debate, it was,

     

    Resolved:

     

    To approve the proposed changes to Part 3B and Protocol 12 of the Constitution.

     

    Votes in favour of the motion         (75)

    Votes against the motion                (0)

    Votes in abstention                          (1)

     

    Note: As detailed in the report the changes would come into effect in January 2020 to allow town and parish councils to be informed.

     

    Note: As a result of the decision under Minute 49(c) Protocol 12 would be renamed Protocol 11.

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    Proposed Changes to Protocol 12 and Part 3B of the Constitution Motion

    To approve the proposed changes to Part 3B and Protocol 12 of the

    Constitution.

    Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 49c)

    Miscellaneous: Protocol 10 - Local Code of Corporate Governance, Protocol 8 - Partnership Protocol, Part 3C _ Scheme of Delegation (Executive) and Part 2 - Articles of the Constitution

    A report from the Monitoring Officer is attached.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The Chairman invited Councillor Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing and Environment, to introduce the report.

     

    The proposal was to make a series of changes to Part 2 (Articles of the Constitution), Part 3C (Scheme of Delegation: Executive), Protocol 10 (Local Code of Corporate Governance) and to remove Protocol 8 (Partnership Protocol) of the Constitution. All proposals had been reviewed by the Constitution Focus Group and approved for recommendation by the Standards Committee, and the removal of Protocol 8 and changes to Protocol 10 had also been considered by the Audit Committee and the Cabinet. The recommendation was moved by Councillor Clewer and seconded by Councillor Paul Oatway QPM, Chairman of the Standards Committee.

     

    Group Leaders were then invited to comment before Members debated the proposal. There was a comment raising concerns that protocols were not binding.

     

    Following a vote, it was then,

     

    Resolved:

     

    To approve the proposed changes to Part 2, Part 3C, Protocol 8 and Protocol 10 of the Constitution.

     

    Votes in favour of the motion         (76)

    Votes against the motion                (0)

    Votes in abstention                          (0)

     

    Note: As a result of the removal of Protocol 8, all subsequent protocols would be renumbered, eg Protocol 10 as approved would become Protocol 9.

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    Proposed Changes to the Constitution - Miscellaneous Motion

    To approve the proposed changes to Part 2, Part 3C, Protocol 8 and Protocol 10 of the Constitution.

    Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 50.

    Electoral Review Committee Update and Terms of Reference

    Report from the Director of Legal, Electoral and Registration Services.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The Chairman invited Councillor Richard Clewer, Chairman of the Electoral Review Committee, to introduce the report.

     

    It was explained that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) had announced a further limited consultation in respect of a pattern of unitary divisions in the Southern and South-Western parts of the council area, rather than publish their Final Recommendations as previously intended. The new consultation would run from 2 July 2019 to 29 July 2019. As the Electoral Review Committee had not had sufficient time to consider the new recommendations and draft a response for Full Council, and with the alternative being a special Full Council meeting in late July, it was recommended that the Council delegate to the Electoral Review Committee the responsibility to approve a response to the LGBCE.

     

    Changes were also recommended to the terms of reference of the Electoral Review Committee to enable it to properly prepare for and oversee any Community Governance Reviews which would take place at some stage.

     

    A proposal to delegate responsibility for a response to the LGBCE to the Electoral Review Committee and amend the terms of reference of the committee was moved by Councillor Clewer, and was seconded by Councillor Gavin Grant, Vice-Chairman of the Electoral Review Committee.

     

    Group leaders were then invited to comment. Councillor Philip Whitehead stated the Electoral Review Committee had done exemplary work on a cross party basis, and he was content to delegate responsibility for a further response to it. Councillor Ian Thorn supported the proposal and noted that there was some frustration at the delays to the process imposed by the LGBCE, but that if possible the Council speaking with one voice on the matter would be beneficial.

     

    Members then debated the proposal. It was raised by some members that the Council had compromised on its previous submission to achieve a reasonable proposal, but that the latest proposals from the LGBCE were very unsuitable for local communities in some areas. The collaborative working of the Electoral Review Committee was also praised, as well concerns from some members that the proposals of the LGBCE themselves exceeded the standard limits and rules under the criteria that the Council had followed, and that this could indicate additional flexibility to resolve some matters.

     

    Councillor Clewer acknowledged the concerns relating to specific areas raised during the debate, which would be taken on board by the Electoral Review Committee as it prepared a response on behalf of the Council.

     

    At the conclusion of debate, it was,

     

    Resolved:

     

    1)    That Council delegates the preparation and approval of a response to the latest consultation of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England to the Electoral Review Committee, to include approval of any final consequential changes to the submission documentation to the Director of Legal, Electoral and Registration Services after consultation with the Chairman of the Electoral Review Committee.

     

    2)    To approve amendments to the Terms of Reference of the Electoral Review Committee as detailed in Appendix A, and include them within Part  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

    Recorded Vote
    TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
    Electoral Review Update and Delegation Motion

    1)    That Council delegates the preparation and approval of a response to the latest consultation of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England to the Electoral Review Committee, to include approval of any final consequential changes to the submission documentation to the Director of Legal, Electoral and Registration Services after consultation with the Chairman of the Electoral Review Committee.

     

    2)    To approve amendments to the Terms of Reference of the Electoral Review Committee as detailed in Appendix A, and include them within Part 3B of the Constitution.

    Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 51.

    Minutes of Cabinet and Committees

    a.    The Chairman will move that Council receives and notes the minutes of Cabinet and the various Committees of the Council as listed in the Minutes Book enclosed separately.

     

    b.    The Chairman will refer to Cabinet and each Committee in turn:

                          i.        The Leader, Cabinet members and Chairmen of Committees will be invited to make any important announcements.

                        ii.        Councillors will be given the opportunity to raise questions on points of information or clarification on the minutes presented.

     

    c.    Councillors will be given an opportunity to raise general issues relating to Area Boards but not specific local issues.

     

    d.    Councillors will be given an opportunity to raise any questions on the minutes of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority available here.

    Minutes:

    The Chairman moved that Council receive and note the minutes as listed in the separate Minutes Book and this was duly seconded by the Vice-Chairman.

     

    Resolved:

     

    To note the minutes as listed in the minutes book.

     

     

    52.

    Membership of Committees

    To determine any requests from Group Leaders for changes to committee membership in accordance with the allocation of seats to political groups.

     

    To consider the result of the Trowbridge Drynham Byelection.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The Chairman introduced a report regarding a review of proportionality and allocation of seats on committees to political groups. Following the Trowbridge Drynham by-election the political proportionality of the Council had changed, and the resignation of Councillor David Jenkins had caused vacancies on a number of committees. There were also changes to committees arising from the changes to the Cabinet.

     

    On the motion of Councillor James Sheppard, seconded by Councillor Richard Gamble, it was,

     

    Resolved:

     

    (a) To note the report and the legal requirements.

    (b) To confirm the aggregate number and the draft scheme of committee places available to members of the Council as set out in Appendix B.

    (c) To make those changes to the appointment of councillors and substitutes to serve on those committees in accordance with the revised scheme of committee places, until the next occasion membership is reviewed under the provisions of the Local Government & Housing Act 1989, as follows:

     

    Councillor James Sheppard to be removed as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee.

    Councillor Andrew Bryant to be added as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee.

    Councillor Ian Thorn to be added as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee

    Councillor Allison Bucknell to be removed as a substitute member of the Children’s Select Committee.

    Councillor Philip Whalley to be added as a substitute member of the Children’s Select Committee.

    Councillor Allison Bucknell to be removed as a substitute member of the Health Select Committee.

    Councillor David Halik to be added as a substitute member of the Health Select Committee.

    Councillor Ian Thorn to be added as a substitute member of the Health Select Committee.

    Councillor Allison Bucknell to be removed as a member of the Standards Committee.

    Councillor Andrew Bryant to be added as a member of the Standards Committee.

    Councillor Ian Thorn to be added as a substitute member of the Western Area Planning Committee.

    Councillor Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE to be removed as a member of the Staffing Policy Committee.

    Councillor Philip Whitehead to be added as a member of the Staffing Policy Committee.

    Councillor Ian Thorn to be added as a member of the Staffing Policy Committee.

    Councillor Ian Thorn to be added as a substitute member of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee.

    Councillors Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE and John Thomson to be removed as members of the Officer Appointments Committee.

    Councillor Richard Clewer to be removed as a substitute member of the Officer Appointments Committee and added as a member of the Officer Appointments Committee.

    Councillor Toby Sturgis to be added as a member of the Officer Appointments Committee.

    Councillors Allison Bucknell and Ian Blair-Pilling to be added as substitute members of the Officer Appointments Committee.

    Councillor Pauline Church to be added as a member of the Health and Wellbeing Board by virtue of her portfolio.

    Councillor Ian Thorn to be added as a substitute member of the Appeals Committee.

     

    That Councillor Philip Whitehead be appointed Chairman of the Officer Appointments Committee and Councillor Richard Clewer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

    53.

    Councillors' Questions

    Please note that Councillors are required to give notice of any such questions in writing to the officer named on the first page of this agenda (acting on behalf of the Corporate Director) not later than 5pm on 2 July 2019.Questions may be asked without notice if the Chairman decides that the matter is urgent.

     

    Details of any questions received will be circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting and made available at the meeting and on the Council’s website.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Three questions were received by Councillor Ian Thorn, as detailed in Agenda Supplement 1.

     

    Question 19-33 to the Leader of the Council – climate emergency motion


    A verbal response was provided by Councillor Philip Whitehead noting that while he had concerns with the wording being unclear on the climate emergency motion, he had proposed and voted on another motion in respect of environment and global warming at that meeting. Any changes to the budget arising from actions from the motion would need to follow standard budgetary procedures.

     

    As a supplementary question Councillor Thorn sought additional clarity regarding Councillor Whitehead’s support for the motion approved Council.

     

    Councillor Whitehead repeated that as Council had voted for the motion he endorsed and supported that decision moving forward.

     

    Question 19-34 to the Leader of the Council – No deal Brexit


    A verbal response was provided by Councillor Philip Whitehead stating the council was working closely with its partners on the local resilience forum on contingency planning, and would intensify work if the prospect of a no deal Brexit increased, and would work to make the most of some of the positive opportunities that Brexit offers the country.

     

    Question 19-35 to the Leader of the Council – Openness and Transparency


    A verbal response was provided by Councillor Philip Whitehead stating that he would continue to support an open and transparent approach, noting in particular at Cabinet where at one recent meeting the public had been given several hours to speak given the significance of the item being discussed. He invited Councillor Thorn to provide any examples where he felt there was not sufficient openness and transparency so that he could review those areas.

     

     

     

    Recorded Votes and Attendance

    Supporting documents: