Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Derek Brown, Clare Cape, Stewart Dobson, Jose Green, Darren Henry, Mike Hewitt, George Jeans, Bob Jones and Ricky Rogers.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the last meeting of Council held on 9 July 2019.

The minutes of the Meeting held on 9 July 2019 were presented.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the last Council meeting held on 9 July 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

Cllrs. Richard Britton, Richard Clewer and Steve Oldrieve declared non- pecuniary interests in Agenda Item No. 10 - Wiltshire Council Carbon Reduction – Corporate Property Energy Efficiency and Generation Programme Phase 1 as they were Directors of Selwood Housing.

The Chairman made the following announcements:-

(1)            Events attended by the Chairman from 9 July to 25 November 2019

Tuesday, 9^th July, 2019                Full Council Meeting – County Hall, Trowbridge.

Thursday, 18^th July, 2019             Wiltshire Scout Council AGM and Celebration of Wiltshire Scouting, Potterne.

Tuesday, 3^rd September, 2019     Hosted the ‘Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day’ flag raising ceremony, County Hall.

Sunday, 15^th September, 2019     CPRE Best Kept Village Competition Presentation

                                                  Day. Visited Charlton, near Malmesbury, Urchfont,

                                                  Bratton and Ansty.

Thursday, 19^th September, 2019  Trowbridge in Bloom Awards Evening, Civic Centre, Trowbridge.

Friday, 27^th September, 2029       Royal visit of HRH The Duke of Gloucester to

                                                  Melksham Town Hall for the 800^th anniversary

                                                  celebrations of the granting of a Royal Charter by

                                                  King Henry III in 2019.

Tuesday, 1^st October, 2019          Attended the EmployAbility Job Fair in the Atrium.

Saturday, 5^th October, 2019         The Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain Western Section Reception, Town Hall, Marlborough following the opening of the Fair.

Friday, 11^th October, 2019           Chippenham Town Council Purple Flag Breakfast at

                                                  The Neeld Community & Arts Centre.

Monday, 14^th October, 2019         WRFCA Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Cadet Awards

                                                  Presentation, Cumberwell Park, Bradford on Avon.

Tuesday, 15^th October, 2019        Royal Visit by HRH The Countess of Wessex to the MENCAP South Wiltshire’s 60^th anniversary tea party at the Guildhall, Salisbury. 

Tuesday, 22^nd October, 2019       Dedication of new Police Standard, St. Andrew’s Church, Chippenham.

Thursday, 24^th October, 2019       The REME HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Autumn Guest Night, MoD Lyneham.

Friday, 25^th October, 2019           RBL Wiltshire County Poppy Appeal Launch 2019, Bowood House, Calne.

Friday, 1^st November, 2019          RBL Field of Remembrance Opening Service, Lydiard Park, Swindon.

Saturday, 9^th November, 2019      Imber Remembrance Service.

Sunday, 10^th November, 2019      Salisbury Remembrance Day Service.

Monday, 11^th November, 2019     Chippenham Town Council Armistice Day Commemoration.

(2)            Events attended by the Vice-Chairman from 9 July to 25 November 2019

Tuesday, 9^th July, 2019                      Full Council meeting – County Hall, Trowbridge.

Saturday, 5^th October, 2019                   Warminster Town Council launch party of new skate

                                                  park, Warminster Lake Pleasure Grounds.

Friday, 11^th October, 2019           Chippenham Town Council Purple Flag Breakfast,

                                                  Neeld Community and Arts Centre.

Sunday, 13^th October, 2019         Royal Wootton Bassett Mayor’s Civic Service, St. Bartholomew’s and All Saints Church.

Tuesday, 15^th October, 2019        Royal Visit by HRH The Countess of Wessex to Entrain Space, Wilton (formerly known as Our Wilton).

Sunday, 10^th November, 2019      Trowbridge Remembrance Day Service.

(3)            Cllr Jerry Wickham – Members will be aware of the sad passing of Councillor Jerry Wickham on 23 July 2019. A thanksgiving service was held at St. John’s Church, Long Street, Devizes on Friday, 9^th August, 2019 and a Book of Condolence was placed in Trowbridge library for two weeks.

Cllr Wickham represented the Ethandune Division after winning a by-election in 2014, after a distinguished career with Wiltshire Police, and as Cabinet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

Resolved:

To note that no petitions had been received for presentation to this meeting.

A report is attached on petitions received since the last meeting of council.

It was reported that since the last meeting five petitions had been received by the Council.  Actions taken in response to those petitions as set out in the appendix to the report were noted.

Resolved:

That Council notes the petitions received and the action taken.

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 no later than 5pm on Tuesday 19 November 2019 in order to be guaranteed of a written response, and no later than 5pmon Thursday 21 November 2019 in order to receive 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.

A number of questions and statements by members of the public were received as follows:-

·                     Jacqui Johnston had submitted a question about the provision of sustainable transport to which a response had been provided as set out in the Summons.  Ms Hill was not present at the meeting and was therefore unable to ask a supplementary question.  A written response would be sent to Ms Johnston.

·                     Jane Laurie had submitted a question about climate emergency and made a statement to which a verbal response was provided. Cllr Clewer explained that the Council had acknowledged the climate emergency in February 2019 and had resolved to seek to make the county of Wiltshire carbon neutral by 2030. Since that time the Council had been planning to review its key strategy and policy documents and the plans that flowed from them, including those in respect of biodiversity and green space. This was in parallel with continuing the work which was already being carried out across a range of services. While carbon sequestration, biodiversity and green spaces were not a solution in isolation of all the measures the Council and other organisations and residents of Wiltshire need to put in place, they play a part.

Ms Laurie did not ask a supplementary question. A written response would be sent to Ms Laurie.

·                     Lou Barry had submitted a question about a commitment to a massive road building programme and climate emergency to which a written response would be sent.  Cllr Clewer explained that the Council did not have a massive road building programme. Instead the focus was on targeted infrastructure improvements at key locations relating to the strategic highway network, where necessary, to improve connectivity and support economic and housing growth to meet local needs.

Ms Barry was not present at the meeting and was therefore unable to ask a supplementary question.

·                     Lou Barry had submitted a question about the proposed SSSI designation for Trowbridge Woods and the provision of a 100m development buffer zone around Biss Barn Ancient Woodland site near Trowbridge to which a written response would be sent. Cllr Toby Sturgis explained that the requirement to conserve Ancient Woodland, as a protected habitat, was clear within legislation and the National Planning Policy Framework. Alongside this, Natural England and the Forestry Commission had issued joint standing advice on conservation of Ancient Woodlands. This framework and advice were applied in relevant decision making across the Council.

Ms Barry was not present at the meeting and was therefore unable to ask a supplementary question.

·                     Christopher Humphries had submitted question about the protection of Wiltshire’s ancient trees and woodlands from harmful development and activities to which a verbal response was provided. Cllr Sturgis reported that the requirement to conserve Ancient Woodland, as a protected habitat, was clear within legislation and the National Planning Policy Framework. Alongside this, Natural England and the Forestry Commission had issued joint standing advice on conservation of Ancient Woodlands. This framework and advice were applied in relevant decision making  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

Annual Report from the Corporate Parenting Panel.

The Chairman explained that he had agreed to bring this item forward in the agenda as a foster carer and a personal assistant to a care leaver were due to speak to this item. He thereupon invited Cllr Pauline Church, Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Skills to introduce the report.

She explained that this report formed the annual update to Council from the Corporate Parenting Panel (CPP) in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and explained the role of this Panel.

She introduced Bev Kauppinen who explained how she came to be a foster carer and what a typical day in the life of a foster carer was like.  Mr Tony Waldron then read out a statement on behalf of a care leaver.

Cllr Church explained that the role of the CPP was to secure Councillor involvement and commitment throughout the Council to deliver better outcomes for children and young people who were Looked After.   Councillors were reminded that they had responsibilities as a “corporate parent” for children and young people who were Looked After in Wiltshire.

The CPP had discussed a broad range of topics during the past year whilst considering the young people’s views.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals as follows:

Cllr Philip Whitehead thanked Cllr Church and the CPP for the work they had been undertaking which was much appreciate.

Cllr Ian Thorn welcomed the report and supported the recommendations.

Cllr Ernie Clarke echoed these sentiments.

Cllr Ian McLennan welcomed the report.

The Chairman then invited comments in debate.

Cllr Hubbard welcomed the report and was pleased to note that the CPP had incorporated the views of the Children’s Select Committee.  He paid tribute to the work of the CPP. 

The motion was put to the vote.

Resolved:

To receive and note the Annual Report and ratify improvements required to strengthen Corporate Parenting in Wiltshire

A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Simon Jacobs, Cabinet Member for Finance & Procurement to introduce the report.  He stated that proposals to the change in Wiltshire Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme were circulated in July 2019 and this report resulted from concerns which had been raised about the sensitivity of the current scheme, the frequent changes to entitlement and recalculation of a household’s council bill following the report of a minor or relatively low change in income.

Cllr Jacobs proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Laura Mayes that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their support.  Cllr Ian McLennan, on behalf of the Labour Group, referred to the letter from Citizens Advice Wiltshire dated 23 October 2019 and in particular the assertion that the proposed Scheme did not treat people on Universal Credit equally as they were not automatically in Band 1. He stated that Universal Credit had been receiving bad publicity. Cllr Jacobs replied by stating that discussions were taking place with HRC to overcome the problems being experienced.  Cllr Ian Thorn, as Chairman of the Financial Planning Task Group, informed the meeting that this problem was being addressed and there would be a review in six months.  Cllr Gavin Grant agreed that Universal Credit had created significant problems. Cllr Jacobs stated that over 25,000 people were in receipt of Universal Credit and that during the next six months discussions would be taking place with Citizens’ Advice Bureau and other interested parties with a view to exploring the possibility of alleviating the problem.

At the conclusion of the debate, it was

Resolved:    

To note that following consultation and testing, the proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction scheme originally presented to Council in July 2019 have been reviewed and reduced to one proposal.

To agree this change to the Council Tax Reduction scheme as set out at section 30 in the conclusion of this report; the change will take effect from April 2020.

Votes for the motion (84)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (0)

A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Simon Jacobs, Cabinet Member for Finance & Procurement, to introduce the report.

Cllr Jacobs reminded Members that the Council had adopted a Treasury Management Strategy and an Annual Investment Strategy for 2019/2020 at its meeting on 26 February 2019.

In addition to an Annual Report, the Treasury Management Strategy required a midyear report reviewing the Treasury Management activities for the current year so far. This report was considered by Cabinet on 19 November 2019 and recommended Council to approve revised counter party limits. 

Cllr Jacobs proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Laura Mayes that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their support.  Cllr Ian Thorn, as Chairman of the Financial Planning Task Group, informed the meeting that he had no comments to make on the proposals.

Resolved: 

(1)       To note the contents of the Cabinet Report on Treasury Management Strategy 2019/2020 Half Year ended 30 September 2019

(2)       To approve revised counter party limits of:

• £10.000 million with HSBC in respect of fixed term investments

• £10.000 million with HSBC in respect of balances held on an overnight basis

Votes for the motion (83)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (1)

A report from the Executive Director. 

The Chairman invited Cllr Richard Clewer Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing, Climate Change & Military-Civilian Integration, to introduce the report.

Cllr Clewer explained that Council was asked to support a new energy efficiency and generation investment programme for the operational property estate recommended by Cabinet as part of the Council’s response to the ‘Climate Emergency’ and its declaration at the meeting of Council on 26 February 2019.

He informed Members that this was aimed at reducing the carbon footprint from the Council’s properties by installing a raft of tried and tested solutions selected according to the building type and function.  Although it was expected that the cost of this programme would be about £4.8m, it was anticipated that this would bring about annual net savings amounting to £120,000. 

It was noted that an outline business case had been produced exploring the viability of canopy-based solar panels at Salisbury Park & Ride sites. This would entail the generation of solar electricity on the sites and selling electricity on a commercial basis to nearby third parties such as Salisbury General Hospital.  Park & Ride projects were particularly attractive for the benefit of working with strategic partners and were likely to be eligible for both grant funding and 0% interest loan funding which would significantly reduce the lifetime project cost to the Council.

Cllr Clewer proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Philip Whitehead, that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Sarah Prinsloo had submitted a question about the limiting of energy use and made a statement to which a verbal response was provided. Cllr Clewer stated that the carbon reduction programme targeted properties in the Council’s operational portfolio from which the Council directly delivered its services or where council contractors delivered council services and still retained control over the energy bills. As described in the paper this excluded those sites which were occupied by the council’s contractors, but the Council did not pay the energy bill or have responsibility for maintenance of the property. Many of these sites, which included care homes, children’s centres, nurseries and farms, were the subject of existing leases or contracts. There were approximately 200 of these across the county. The contracts and leases which were in place did not allow the Council to control or implement directly low carbon projects. As these contracts and leases expired or were terminated the Council might review its position on these.

 Ms Prinsloo did not ask a supplementary question. A written response would be sent to Ms Prinsloo.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their support.  However, Cllr Ian McLennan, representing the Labour Group, suggested that consideration might be given in the future to the setting up of an arm’s length company to look into the production of commercial electricity.  Cllr Graham Wright, as Chairman of the Global Warming & Climate Emergency Task Group, informed the meeting that the Task Group fully supported the proposals.

During the subsequent discussion, Members generally supported the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing, Climate Change & Military-Civilian Integration, to introduce the report.

Cllr Clewer explained that in October 2018 Cabinet had approved a proposal to proceed with Council House Build Programme Phase 2, committing £9.48m into the development of 49 units over 16 sites.

Subsequently, the cap on borrowing funded by the Housing revenue account (HRA) had been lifted. A review of the HRA business plan had identified the capacity to fund a new Council house development programme. Council was now being asked to consider the HRA business plan model and a phase 3 development programme.

It was noted that at its meeting on 8 October 2019, Cabinet considered the detailed proposed programme for phases 3.1 and 3.2 of the next phase of council house development and had agreed the council house, build programme phases 3.1 & 3.2 at a total cost of £18.717m and £18.754m. 

Cllr Clewer proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Philip Whitehead, that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their support.  Cllr Whitehead stated that council houses would continue to be built in the future.  He highlighted the fact that social rent council houses would be built to a very high standard. 

During the subsequent discussion, Members expressed their full support for the proposals

Resolved: 

1)        To agree the Housing revenue account business plan 2020/21-2050 to deliver 1000 new homes over the next 10 years.

2)        To agree to Council house, build programme phases 3.1 and 3.2 at total cost of £18.717m and £ 18.754m respectively

Votes for the motion (74)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (1)

The Chairman invited Cllr Allison Bucknell, Cabinet Member for Communications, Communities, Leisure and Libraries, to introduce the report.

Cllr Bucknell explained that design development that provided a scheme which offered the appropriate facilities based an assessment of local need and a subsequent detailed cost analysis had determined that Melksham Community Campus could not be delivered within the approved budget envelope. In order to complete the Melksham Community Campus project a further £3.00m of capital funding was required.   

Cllr Bucknell proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Simon Jacobs, that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their support. 

During the subsequent discussion, Members expressed their support for the proposal.

Resolved: 

That Full Council support an additional capital budget for the Community Campus Project of £3.000 million taking the total capital budget to £20.110 million

Votes for the motion (73)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (1)

A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of the Council, to introduce the report.

Cllr Whitehead stated that the regeneration of the Maltings and Central Car Park site was a long-standing policy objective of the Council which was shared by the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP).

It was a prime city centre site but needed redevelopment to boost Salisbury’s economy and responded to the economic shocks that had impacted on the city in recent years. This had been recognised by SWLEP and Government which had allocated £6.1m Local Growth Funding towards the site’s regeneration. The Council’s Strategic Planning Committee had endorsed the Maltings Masterplan and had granted permission for a first phase hotel, library and gym, whose delivery would unlock a second phase of development on Market Walk.

A report setting out a delivery plan for the initial phases of the Maltings was considered by Cabinet on 8 October 2019 and its proposals were approved.

Cllr Whitehead proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Atiqul Hoque, that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Cllr Ian Thorn and Cllr Ian McLennan then commented on the proposals both of whom expressed their support. 

During the subsequent discussion, Members expressed their support for the proposal. Cllr Matthew Dean considered this to be an important project for Salisbury and was pleased at the current position.

Resolved: 

That Full council approve the allocation of capital finance towards the acquisition of third-party land holdings and fund further development as detailed in the October report.

Votes for the motion (75)

Votes against the motion (1)

Votes in abstention (0)

A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing, Climate Change & Military-Civilian Integration, to introduce the report.

Cllr Clewer stated that the Homelessness Act 2002 placed a statutory obligation on local authorities to undertake a review of homelessness in their area and develop and publish a homeless strategy to help prevent homelessness, based on findings of the review. This strategy had been informed by Wiltshire Council’s Homelessness Review 2018 and Homeless Health Needs Assessment.

Cllr Clewer pointed out that this would be the Council’s first Homeless Strategy since the introduction of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 and would take into account new duties placed on the Council which represented the biggest changes in the homeless legislation in 20 years.

The report had been considered by Cabinet on 8 October 2019  

Cllr Clewer proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Philip Whitehead, that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their support.  Cllr Whitehead stated that this was one of the best strategies he had seen and it was encouraging to note that this was at variance with the national trend where the number of rough sleepers was regrettably increasing.

Cllr Graham Wright, as Chairman of the Homelessness Strategy Task Group, drew attention to the thorough work undertaken by this Task Group and welcomed the proposal.

During the subsequent discussion, Members expressed their support for the proposal and it was noted that Andrew Murrison MP supported the need for the funding required.

Resolved: 

That Full Council approve the homeless strategy 2019 – 2024 and agrees the implementation of the Homeless Strategy Action Plan.

Votes for the motion (76)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (0)

A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport & Waste, to introduce the report.

Cllr Wayman explained that a county-wide consultation was carried out in 2017, which helped in the development of a new Household Waste Management Strategy. Following on from this, and with the input from the Environment Select Committee, a draft Household Waste Management Strategy and annual performance reports and annual action plans were formulated which were circulated with this report.   

The report had been considered by Cabinet on 8 October 2019 and the recommendation had been approved.   

Cllr Wayman proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Toby Sturgis, that the recommendation in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their general support.  Cllr Whitehead acknowledged that the strategy was complex and it was necessary for its contents to be regularly examined and updated as necessary. There was a need to reduce the amount of plastic waste and also food waste.  Cllr Ian Thorn considered that the Strategy contained some weaknesses and suggested that it should contain clearer targets. 

Cllr John Smale, as Chairman of the Environment Select Committee, reported that earlier in the year the Waste Contracts Task Group had been spent time considering problems associated with fly tipping and had recommended that the MyWiltshire App be amended so that the reporting of fly tipping/waste incidents became a simpler and more user-friendly process. This recommendation was approved and supported by the Environment Select Committee.  

During the subsequent discussion, Members expressed their support for the proposal and expressed the hope that further wok would be undertaken to further strengthen the Strategy. 

Resolved: 

That Council approves the Household Waste Management strategy as part of the Council’s Policy Framework.

Votes for the motion (68)

Votes against the motion (1)

Votes in abstention (4)

A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing, Climate Change & Military-Civilian Integration, to introduce the report.

Cllr Clewer explained that as a public body, Wiltshire Council was required to demonstrate its compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) (Equality Act 2010). Accordingly, the Council had published an annual equality and inclusion report which provided evidence and case studies to demonstrate how the Council meets its PSED each year.

In addition, the Council had also to prepare and publish one or more objectives that it considered it needed to be achieved to further any of the aims of the general equality duty. This was first undertaken in 2012 and at least every four years thereafter.  The previous objectives were published in 2015 and since then five new objectives for 2019-2022 had been developed, details of which were set out in the report.

The report was considered by Cabinet on 17 September 2019 and the recommendations were approved.   

Cllr Clewer proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Allison Bucknell, that the recommendation in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their general support.  Cllr Ian Thorn, whilst welcoming the document, considered that more specific actions were required. 

Cllr Graham Wright, as Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Management Committee, fully supported the report and objectives.

During the subsequent discussion, Members expressed their support for the proposal.  Cllr Bucknell drew attention to the availability of training on GROW, which is available  here   and stated that it was essential training for all Members. 

Resolved: 

That Council adopt the Equality & Inclusion Objectives (The Corporate Equality Plan).

Votes for the motion (74)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (0)

A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Public Protection to introduce the report.

Cllr Mayes reported that there was a requirement for the Council to review its Licensing Policy every five years. The Policy was now due for review and it was necessary for it to be consulted upon and approved by Full Council prior to it being published and coming into force.

Cllr Mayes explained that Wiltshire Council as the Licensing Authority, was required to discharge its responsibilities under the Licensing Act 2003 with a view to promoting four licensing objectives, namely:

• The prevention of crime and disorder

• Public Safety

• The prevention of public nuisance, and

• The protection of children from harm.

Cllr Mayes proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Peter Hutton, that the recommendation in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their general support. 

Resolved: 

That Council approves the Statement of Licensing Policy (2019 -2024) (Appendix 1) under Licensing Act 2003.

Votes for the motion (73)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (0)

 A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Public Protection to introduce the report.

Cllr Mayes reminded Members that local authorities had a duty to monitor air quality within their areas having regard to national air quality objectives and standards and report this information to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) annually.

As part of the development of the revised Wiltshire Air Quality Strategy views and comments had previously been sought from the Environment Select Committee and the Health & Wellbeing Board. The strategy was considered and approved by Cabinet on 8 October 2019.     

Cllr Mayes proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Simon Jacobs, that the recommendation in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their general support.  Cllr Philip Whitehead referred to problems that arose in trying to implement various aspects of the Strategy and reported on proposed changes that had been the subject of considerable local resistance in Devizes in attempting to reduce the amount of vehicle emissions.  

Cllr Ian Thorn agreed that changes to traffic flows often were the subject of local resistance but there was a need for clear and smart actions as it was vital that vehicle emissions were reduced.   Cllr Ian McLennan agreed and highlighted the problems associated with parental parking outside schools.  He suggested that targets should be set to reduce the amount of traffic taking children to and from school.

Cllr John Smale, as Chairman of the Environment Select Committee, endorsed the draft Strategy.

During general discussion, there was support for the Strategy but the challenge of maintaining and improving air quality in at least some of Wiltshire’s market towns was considerable. Reference was made to a range of actions as set out in the Strategy which should be developed and implemented as a priority.  It was acknowledged that there were large parts of Wiltshire where there was very little or no air pollution but there were areas in a number of towns where the problem was acute. It was considered that working with commercial partners, bus companies and schools locally was most important in achieving reductions       

Resolved: 

That Council notes and approves the Air Quality Strategy.

Votes for the motion (69)

Votes against the motion (4)

Votes in abstention (0)

A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing, Climate Change & Military-Civilian Integration, to introduce the report.

Cllr Clewer reminded Members that at its meeting on 26 February 2019, Full Council resolved to acknowledge that there was a climate emergency and to seek to make the County of Wiltshire carbon neutral by 2030.  The report before Members was an update on actions the Council was taking to reduce carbon generation in Wiltshire in the following areas:

Renewable energy generation, energy use and efficiency

Planning

Transport and air quality

Waste

Land use

Business and industry

The council’s greenhouse gas emissions

Carbon audit and renewables audit

Working with partners to deliver this goal.

Cllr Clewer proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Philip Whitehead, that the recommendation in the report be adopted.

Bill Jarvis had submitted a question and made a statement regarding the need for adequate financial provision for the necessary work to be undertaken to which a verbal response was provided. Mr Jarvis did not ask a supplementary question. A written response would be sent to Mr Jarvis.

Group Leaders then commented on the proposals all of whom expressed their support. In commending the report, Cllr Philip Whitehead referred to constraints on the Council’s Budget and the strong competing demands for financial provision in other areas. He suggested that areas which might be looked at included the possibility of reducing the number of school runs, the provision of proper cycle paths and footways away from roads.

Cllr Ian Thorn supported the report and considered it to be a good start in making Wiltshire carbon neutral.  However, there was a need to proceed as quickly as possible and to ensure that the contents of local plans supported the urgency of this emergency.  Cllr Ian McLennan similarly considered the work so far undertaken to be a good start.

Cllr Graham Wright, as Chairman of the Global Warming & Climate Emergency Task Group, congratulated officers on the amount of work which had so far been accomplished but considered that further success could be achieved with more engagement with local communities.

During general discussion, Members expressed their appreciation for the actions taken to date but suggested that officers should be briefed to ensure that footways be constructed prior to the completion and occupation of new housing projects.  

Resolved: 

That Council notes the actions taken in response to the climate emergency including Cabinet’s commitment to make Wiltshire Council carbon neutral by 2030.

A report from the Monitoring Officer.

The Chairman invited Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing, Climate Change & Military-Civilian Integration, to introduce the report.

Cllr Clewer stated that Full Council was being asked to consider recommendations of the Standards Committee in relation to Protocol 4 of the Constitution (Planning Code of Good Practice).

Standards Committee considered the legal position, and the concerns previously expressed by Full Council, and as such agreed proposed amended wording as follows:

“12.6 Whilethereisa strongpresumptionthat the DivisionMember’sviewsonrequest for call-in shouldprevail,ifanother Member(i.e. onefroma neighbouringdivisionwhichis materiallyaffectedby thedevelopment) thinksan applicationshouldgotocommitteeand this is contrarytothe viewofthelocal DivisionMember, itwill beopen tothat member to discuss theapplicationwith theChairmanof the committee they can make that request in the same way as a request within their own division .

A concern raised at Full Council was the possibility of officers rejecting the call-in of a local Member. In practice, officers were not aware of any examples of a local Member’s call-in request being rejected. However, it was explained that the wording of Protocol 4 had no impact upon the requirements of the Scheme of Delegation in respect of call-in.

Cllr Clewer proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Bridget Wayman, that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders were invited to comment on the proposals but had no comments to make.

There was no discussion on the proposals.

Resolved: 

That Full Council approve the proposed changes to Protocol 4 of the Constitution.

Votes for the motion (66)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (2)

A report from the Monitoring Officer

The Chairman invited Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing, Climate Change & Military-Civilian Integration, to introduce the report.

Cllr Clewer stated that Full Council was being asked to consider recommendations of the Standards Committee in relation to Part 4A of the Constitution (Petitions Scheme).

Standards Committee recommended a series of changes intended to enhance the role of members of the public and provide greater clarity around thresholds, expectations on petition organisers and council procedures when a debate had been triggered by a petition. The proposed changes were set out in Appendix D to the report.

Cllr Clewer proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Stuart Wheeler, that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders were invited to comment on the proposals but had no comments to make.

There was no discussion on the proposals.

Resolved: 

That Full Council approve the proposed changes to Part 4A of the Constitution.

Votes for the motion (67)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (0)

A report from the Executive Director.

The Chairman invited Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Housing, Climate Change & Military-Civilian Integration, to introduce the report.

Cllr Clewer stated that the report set out recommendations from the Electoral Review Committee for the Polling District and Polling Place Review conducted in 2019 and arrangements for future Polling District and Polling Place Reviews                      

Cllr Clewer proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Gavin Grant, that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders were invited to comment on the proposals but had no comments to make.

There was no discussion on the proposals.

Resolved: 

(1)          That Full Council approve the recommendations from the Electoral Review Committee for adjustments to polling stations, polling places and polling districts as set out in the Appendices to the report.

(2)          That Full Council approve the proposed changes to the Terms of Reference of the Electoral Review Committee to delegate approval of future Polling District and Polling Place Reviews to the Committee.

Votes for the motion (65)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (1)

To consider the following notices of motions:

To consider a notice of motion from Cllr Fred Westmoreland and Cllr Jacqui Lay.

The Chairman reminded Members that, as mentioned under Chairman’s Announcements, this motion had been withdrawn by the mover and seconder prior to the meeting.  

A notice of motion from Cllr Ian Thorn and Cllr Brian Mathew is attached.

The meeting considered the following Motion by Cllr Ian Thorn and Cllr Brian Matthew:-

“Business Plan – To make the following changes to Wiltshire Council’s Business Plan (amendments in bold)

Amend the vision of the Business Plan to:

‘Create strong and sustainable communities in Wiltshire’

Amend the final paragraph of the introduction to the Business Plan to:

‘We will continue to make Wiltshire a special place where communities are not only strong, but sustainable, more connected and able to cope with any challenges they face. Recognising our commitment to addressing the climate emergency, we will consider how all our activity can support our programme of work on both combating the climate crisis and ameliorating its consequences.’

Amend the goals on p3 under ‘Working with partners as an innovative and effective council’ to

‘Community Involvement: robust decision making which is open, inclusive, flexible, responsive and considers the long-term implications of tackling the climate emergency.’

Amend the text on p4 under ‘delivering our priorities’ to:

‘Our overall vision to deliver strong and sustainable communities continues, but there will be some changes to our services, including:

 A programme of work tackling the climate emergency which will

consider the ways in which all of our services can contribute to this aim

by both reducing the use of carbon in the Council’s estate, and across

the county of Wiltshire, and also by responding to the effects of the

climate emergency to protect the lives and livelihoods of Wiltshire’s

residents’

Delegate any consequential amendments of the Business Plan to Executive

Directors, in consultation with the Leader.”

Cllr Thorn stated that work was currently being undertaken to revise the Council’s Business Plan and commended his Motion as a means of ensuring that the climate emergency was fully recognised and given due prominence in the Plan.

Cllr Whitehead, as Leader with responsibility for the production of the Council’s Business Plan, responded by informing Members that it was his intention to give prominence on the climate emergency in the Business Plan and that work would continue with the Global Warming and Climate Emergency Task Group to take this forward. He requested that this Motion be referred to him as Leader without debate.

On the proposal of the Chairman, which was seconded by Cllr Richard Gamble,

Resolved:

To refer the Motion to the Leader of the Council without debate.

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

b) Councillors will be given the opportunity to raise questions to the Chairmen of Committees on the minutes of their meetings, available here, or to the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority on the minutes of their meetings available  here.

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

There were no Cabinet Members or Chairmen of Committees who wished to make any important announcements.

A report from the Director of Finance and Procurement.

The Chairman invited Cllr Simon Jacobs as Cabinet Member for Finance & Procurement to introduce the report.

Cllr Jacobs reported that vacancies had arisen on the Local Pension Board to which Council appointed membership as the Administering Authority.  The report set out the recruitment process undertaken with recommendations for appointment. 

Cllr Jacobs proposed, duly seconded by Cllr Whitehead, that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

Group Leaders were invited to comment on the proposals but had no comments to make.

There was no discussion on the proposals.

Resolved:

(1)          That Council appoints the following members to the Local Pension Board for a four year term:

Ian Jones (Employer Member Representative)

Robb Lauder (Scheme Member Representative)

2)        To note the following members to the Local Pension Board are re-appointed for a further four year term:

Barry Reed (Scheme Member Representative)

Mike Pankiewicz (Scheme Member Representative)

The Chairman introduced a report which updated the Council on the outcome of the by-elections for Westbury North (18 July), Ethandune (19 September) and Melksham Without South (24 October). There were also certain changes to membership of committees.

On the Motion of the Chairman, which was seconded by Cllr Richard Gamble,

Resolved:

(1)          Note the report and the legal requirements;

(2)          In accordance with paragraph 4.4 of Part 3 of the Constitution

(Responsibilities for Functions) to ratify appointment of Cllrs Carole King and Suzanne Wickham to Westbury Area Board, and Cllr Nicholas Holder to Melksham Area Board.

(3)          To appoint a Chairman to the Staffing Policy Committee and Vice

Chairman to the Wiltshire Pension Fund Committee.

Staffing Policy Committee

Chairman Cllr Stuart Wheeler

Vice-Chairman Cllr Tony Jackson (no change)

Wiltshire Pension Fund

Chairman Cllr Tony Deane (no change)

Vice-Chairman Cllr Simon Jacobs

(4)          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:

·         Cllr Ian Thorn to be removed as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and replaced by Cllr Carole King.

·         Cllr Darren Henry to be removed as a member of the Western Area Planning Committee and replaced by Cllr Suzanne Wickham.

·         Cllr Nick Holder to be added as a substitute member of the Western Area Planning Committee in place of the late Cllr Roy While.

·         Cllr Suzanne Wickham to be added as a substitute member of the Overview & Scrutiny Management Committee in place of the late Cllr Roy While.

·         Former Cllr Deborah Halik to be removed as a member of the Children’s Select Committee and replaced by Cllr Nick Holder.

·         Cllr Johnny Kidney to be removed as a member of the Children’s Select Committee and replaced by Cllr Phil Whalley.

·         Cllr David Halik to be removed as a member of the Children’s Select Committee and replaced by Cllr Fred Westmoreland.

·         Cllr Suzanne Wickham to be added as a member of the Children’s Select Committee in place of the late Cllr Roy While.

·         Cllr James Sheppard to be added as a substitute member of the Children’s Select Committee in place of Cllr Phil Whalley (now a full member of this Select Committee).

·         Cllr David Halik to be removed as a substitute member of the Health Select Committee and replaced by Cllr Suzanne Wickham.

·         Cllr Anna Cuthbert to be removed as a member of the Audit Committee and replaced by Cllr Pip Ridout.

·         Cllr Tony Jackson to be removed as a member of the Audit Committee and replaced by Cllr Nick Holder.

·         Cllr Pip Ridout to be removed as a substitute member of the Audit Committee (now a full member of this Committee) and replaced by Cllr Anna Cuthbert.

·         No replacement to be made in respect of the late Cllr Roy While as a substitute member of the Audit Committee.    

·         Cllr Brian Dalton to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

Councillors were required to give notice of any such question in writing to the officer names on the first page of this agenda no later than 5pm nine clear working days before the meeting – Tuesday 12 Novemberin order to be guaranteed a written response.

Any question received after 5pm on 12 November 2019 and no later than 5pm four clear working days before the meeting, Tuesday 19 November 2019, may only receive a verbal response at the meeting. Any questions received after this date will be received at the next meeting.

Questions may be asked without notice if the Chairman determines 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.

Questions were received from Cllrs Ian Thorn, Ernie Clark and Chris Hurst as detailed in the Summons at Item No. 26 together with responses.

·                     Question 19-36 from Cllr Ian Thorn to Cllr Allison Bucknell/Cllr Richard Clewer – Council press releases follow-up.

Cllr Thorn did not ask a supplementary question.

·                     Question 19-37 from Cllr Ernie Clark to Cllr Allison Bucknell – Council rebranding.

Cllr Clark did not ask a supplementary question.

·                      Question 19-38 from Cllr Chris Hurst to Cllr Pauline Church – School transport.

As a supplementary question, Cllr Hurst asked why emissions were not being tested and why that was not a criteria in the tendering process. In response Cllr Church said that idling restrictions of vehicles in traffic queues and a 15 year limit on school transport vehicles was good.  She would respond to specific issues if Cllr Hurst provided her with specific issues.

·                     Question 19-39 from Cllr Chris Hurst to Cllr Laura Mayes/Cllr Pauline Church – Drug trafficking in rural communities.

As a supplementary question on county lines, Cllr Hurst asked if schools knew who to contact about a young person they thought to be at risk.  Cllr Church responded that, as part of the National Curriculum, schools included lessons on Personal, Social, Health & Economic (PSHE) Education which should help.

·                     Question 19-40 from Cllr Chris Hurst to Cllr Bridget Wayman – Car parking, Royal Wootton Bassett.

As a supplementary question on parking issues, Cllr Hurst asked how much finance was being spent on public transport.  Cllr Bridget Wayman stated that all net income from parking charges went into public transport and she would confirm this in writing.