Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nick Errington, Tony Jackson, Charles McGrath, Andrew Oliver, Sam Pearce-Kearney, and Robert Yuill.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the last meeting of Council held on 18 October 2022.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 October 2022 were presented for consideration, and it was,

Resolved:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 October 2022 be approved and signed as a true and correct record.

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

It was noted that the following Members were also Members of City, Town or Parish Councils in Wiltshire, declared as non-disclosable interests. Furthermore, on advice of the Monitoring Officer it was clarified those interests would not require the Members listed to leave the room for any items on the agenda, though were declared for information. Those Members were:

Phil Alford, Liz Alstrom, Helen Belcher OBE, Steve Bucknell, Clare Cape, Trevor Carbin, Daniel Cave, Sam Charleston, Ernie Clark, Mark Connolly, Caroline Corbin, Brian Dalton, Jane Davies, Andrew Davis, Matthew Dean, Dr Monica Devendran, Sarah Gibson, Gavin Grant, Sven Hocking, Ruth Hopkinson, Jon Hubbard, Mel Jacob, George Jeans, Bob Jones MBE, Gordon King, Johnny Kidney, Edward Kirk, Kathryn Macdermid, Dominic Muns, Dr Nick Murry, Nabil Najjar, Kelvin Nash, Jack Oatley, Paul Oatway QPM, Stewart Palmen, Bill Parks, Sam Pearce-Kearney, Antonio Piazza, Horace Prickett, Nic Puntis, Ricky Rogers, Tom Rounds, Paul Sample JP, Jonathan Seed, James Sheppard, Martin Smith, Caroline Thomas, Ian Thorn, Jo Trigg, Tim Trimble, Tony Trotman, Mark Verbinnen, David Vigar, Iain Wallis, Bridget Wayman, Graham Wright, and Robert Yuill.

Councillors Brian Dalton and Sam Charleston further declared disclosable pecuniary interests with regard to the budget resolutions relating to the Housing Revenue Account by virtue of them renting Wiltshire Council owned garages. They stated they would leave the room during for the vote on the Housing Revenue Account items (listed as Vote 2 under Minute 10) and would also leave the room and not participate in the debate should the matter arise during debate of the wider budget.

During discussion of the budget at item 10 Councillor George Jeans declared a Non-Registerable Interest by virtue of his wife holding a Blue Badge. Accordingly, at that point he left the room during debate and did not participate in the vote on the amendment relating to Blue Badge charging.

To receive any announcements through the Chairman.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

a)    Helen Jones

On behalf of Wiltshire Council, the Chairman expressed condolences to the family and friends of Helen Jones, who had been serving Director of Procurement and Commissioning, following her sudden passing. He stated that everyone was saddened to hear of her death and that thoughts and prayers remained with everyone that knew and had worked with her.

b)    Chairman’s Engagements

A list of recent engagements attended by the Chairman from 19 October 2022 to February 2023 were detailed as below:

·       10 November 2022 - Hosted the High Sheriff’s Thank You Reception for WC staff for all the work undertaken to ensure the success of the Proclamation of HM King Charles III on Sunday, 11th September, in the Chairman’s Room.

·       11 November 2022 - Chippenham Town Council Armistice Day Commemoration.

·       13 November 2022 - Salisbury City Council Remembrance Day Parade and Service.

·       12 December 2022 -The County of Wiltshire Carol Service, St. Sampson’s Church, Cricklade.

·       25 January 2023 - Attended the Royal Visit of HM The Queen Consort to Lacock, to St. Cyriac’s Church, to plant a tree as part of the late HM The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, meet representatives from the Church and The National Trust and to walk through the village, visiting shops. 

c)    New Year’s Honours Lists

The Chairman announced that a number of Wiltshire residents had received national recognition in the recent New Year’s Honours List. The Chairman congratulated all those who had been honoured, noting in particular the award to Councillor Helen Belcher, Member for Corsham Pickwick.

CBE

The Countess of Bessborough, East Winterslow

OBE

Councillor Helen Belcher

John Churchill

James Hepburne Scott

Rachel Hick

Elizabeth Jackson

Catherine Spencer

Toby Sutton

Prof. Geoffrey Till

MBE

David Bickers

Patrick Bradley

Meryl Hayward

Helen Yeadon

BEM 

Sarah Brewis

Polly Cox

Nicholas Cross

Barbara King

Juliette Pearson

d)    Julian Johnson

On behalf of Wiltshire Council, the Chairman expressed condolences to the family and friends of Julian Johnson, former Chairman of Wiltshire County Council from 2001-02. Councillor Johnson was the Member for Downton and Ebble Valley from 2009-2017, and also from 2005-2009 and the Member for Downton from 1993-2005 on Wiltshire County Council. He served as the Chairman of the Standards Committee from 2012-2017.

The Chairman expressed deep sadness at the passing of Councillor Johnson, acknowledging the many years service he had provided to Wiltshire. Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, currently representing Downton and Ebble Valley, on behalf of other Members also offered his condolences to former Councillor Johnson’s family

e)    Salisbury St Paul’s

Finally, the Chairman welcomed Councillor Sam Charleston to his first Full Council meeting since election to the Salisbury St Paul’s Division on 3 November 2022.

To receive an update on petitions received by the council since the last meeting.

The Chairman stated that four petitions had been formally received by the Council since the last ordinary meeting held on 18 October 2022, as detailed within the Council summons.

Following which, it was:

Resolved:

That Council notes the update on petitions in the report.

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 Proper Officer) no later than 5pm on 14 February 2023 in order to receive a written response, or no later than 5pm on 16 February 2023 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 Members prior to the meeting and made available at the meeting and on the Council’s website.

The Chairman explained the procedure that would be followed for public participation at the meeting in accordance with the constitution.

Although statements and questions would normally be considered during the relevant agenda item, as it was likely to be a lengthy meeting the Chairman offered the opportunity for questions and statements to be received under Item 6 instead.

Details of questions received during the item are detailed below. Other questions together with responses were set out in the Agenda Supplement.

Question P23-06 – Felicity Courage

A written response was provided as detailed in the Agenda Supplement. A supplementary question was asked relating to the urgent need for housing for Ukrainian refugees and if there was provision for allocating new build houses to aid in mitigating this issue and if the Leader would consider meeting with the voluntary group focussing on this topic.

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, encouraged volunteers to get in contact with his office to propose and organise a meeting. The written response given to the original question was referenced to address other points, and that further information would be circulated as soon as practicable following consideration of any legal or other advice regarding. 

Question P23-07 – Graham Hill

A written response was provided as detailed in the Agenda Supplement.

A supplementary question was asked in relation to a non-determined planning application which was to be determined at an upcoming meeting. The Chairman explained that the question should be directed to the relevant officer for that meeting. 

To receive a report from the Corporate Director, People.

The Chairman invited Councillor Laura Mayes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, to present the Annual Report of the Corporate Parenting Panel from July 2021 - June 2022.

Councillor Mayes proposed a motion to receive and note both the Annual Reports of the Corporate Parenting Panel and the Child and Youth Voice Team, and to ratify the improvements required to further strengthen Corporate Parenting in Wiltshire. This was seconded by Councillor Peter Hutton, Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Panel.

It was emphasised that all elected Members had responsibilities as ‘corporate parents’ for Looked After Children and young people in Wiltshire. As such, Members were responsible for ensuring that the voices of children and young people continued to be heard while ensuring that these opinions were fully reflected in the Business Plan to deliver better outcomes for children both in and also leaving care, and to provide them with every opportunity available to reach their full potentials.

Councillor Mayes continued by presenting brief anecdotes and highlights from the report and highlighted the need for more in-house foster carers, with Members being encouraged to promote fostering within their communities.

Members then received a presentation from Cora, a Looked After young person who explained her personal experiences in the care system over many years. She talked of her experience of the Children in Care Council and with the Child and Youth Voice Team, alongside a video presentation outlining some of the activities and work that the team had undertaken with young people.

Comments were then made by Group Leaders as follows:

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, commended the work made by officers and other organisations in providing the results noted in the report which he felt provided confidence and assurance against the Business Plan. He stated that despite the successes it was an area that always needed to be under continuous review to ensure that Members fulfilled their duties as corporate parents.

Councillor Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, welcomed the presentation and noted that the role of corporate parents unified and united Members towards a shared goal. Thanks were given to all Looked After Children and young people, officers and other organisations working to help achieve these targets.

Councillor Ernie Clark, Leader of the Independent Group, and Councillor Ricky Rogers, Leader of the Labour Group, echoed the sentiments made by the other group leaders in particular praising Cora’s presentation to Members.

During the debate, Councillor Peter Hutton, Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Panel, gave further thanks to officers and the Child and Youth Voice Team for their support and for providing a specific direction on where to place resources and focus. Recognition was given to the personal achievements of all of the Looked After children and young people, and it was reiterated that there would always be challenges ahead, but all parties were continually striving for improvements.

Further comments were received including praising the quality and detail of the report, and congratulations to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive.

The Chairman invited Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, to present the final report from the Corporate Peer Challenge.

Councillor Clewer proposed a motion to note the findings of the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge, seconded by Councillor Laura Mayes. A brief summary of peer challenges was given, and it was emphasised that it was undertaken by independent officers and councillors, and should give reassurance and confidence in the findings. The effort undertaken by officers and the administration was commended and the endorsements given in the report were stated as being testament to the effectiveness of the hard work to deliver the Business Plan.

Comments were then received from Group Leaders as follows:

Councillor Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, congratulated all Members and officers who contributed to the successful review.

Councillor Ernie Clark, Leader of the Independent Group, endorsed the positive comments made.

Councillor Ricky Rogers, Leader of the Labour Group, further reaffirmed previous comments and added that he was glad the honest feedback provided in the consultation was reflected in the report and encouraged all Members and officers to continue the momentum.

During the debate, Councillor Laura Mayes, Deputy Leader of the Council, endorsed the report and expressed pride in the findings and in the method of analysis which she felt accurately presented the significant improvement works tackled over recent years. Further comments from Members included noting the high level of trust and confidence Members had with officers, and the successful embedding of the Business Plan to achieve targets and goals, and noting where there were suggested improvements in minor areas.

At the conclusion of the debate, it was:

Resolved:

That Council notes the findings of the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge 2022.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive.

The Chairman invited Councillor Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning, to present a report on the Treasury Management Strategy 2023-24.

Councillor Botterill proposed a motion to accept the recommendations set out in the report, seconded by Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council. The importance of the maintaining a sound balance sheet with high levels of rigour and prudence through the proposed strategy was highlighted.

Additionally, the need to make informed decisions respecting topical matters such as the recent rise of inflation rates was important when considering factors like high level investment and debt management decisions. Furthermore, it was highlighted that major financial problems were often linked to improper treasury management decisions, showing the importance of such a strategy.

Comments were then made on the proposals by Group Leaders as follows:

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, stated that he would support the strategy and emphasised the fundamental nature of the strategy to Wiltshire Council’s daily operations.

Councillor Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, noted the comments and stated that he was happy to support the strategy and its recommendations.

Councillors Ernie Clark, Leader of the Independent Group, and Ricky Rogers, Leader of the Labour Group, further stated that they would support the strategy.

During the debate Members welcomed the thoroughness of the report and the concise and clear nature of the strategy. Further comments were received with regard to the interrelationship between capital budgets and the borrowing requirements of the Council and the need to make clear the difference between the types of capital budget to allow for a more robust scrutiny on capital budgetary matters.

At the conclusion of the debate, Councillor Botterill noted the comments made above, and it was then:

Resolved:

That Full Council:

1)    Adopt the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy (paragraph 26 – 28);

2)    Adopt the Prudential and Treasury Indicators (paragraphs 17 – 25, 40 – 46 and Appendix A);

3)    Adopt the Annual Investment Strategy (paragraph 63 onwards);

4)    Delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources & Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) the authority to vary the amount of borrowing and other long-term liabilities within the Treasury Indicators for the Authorised Limit and the Operational Boundary;

5)    Authorise the Corporate Director of Resources & Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) to agree the restructuring of existing long-term loans where savings are achievable or to enhance the long-term portfolio;

6)    Agree that short term cash surpluses and deficits continue to be managed through temporary loans, deposits and money market funds;

7)    Agree that any surplus cash balances not required to cover borrowing are placed in the most appropriate specified or non-specified investments, particularly where this is more cost effective than short term deposits; and delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources & Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer) the authority to select such funds;

8)    Agree the revised Investment Policy (paragraph 70);

9)    Agree the revised Creditworthiness Policy (paragraph 77);

In accordance with the Constitution there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive, S.151 Officer, and Monitoring Officer.

Details of the budget process are attached.

10a) Budget 2023/24 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2023/24 - 2025-26

10b) Extract of the minutes of Cabinet held on 31 January 2023.

10c) Proposed amendments to the budget – reports to overview and scrutiny

·       Amendment A (HRA Rents)– Cllr Ricky Rogers – in respect of Budget recommendations i-k, specifically j.

·       Amendment B (Blue Badge parking charges) – Cllrs Gavin Grant/Ian Thorn - in respect of budget recommendations a-f and L

·       Amendment C (Council Tax Relief) – Cllrs Gavin Grant/Ian Thorn - in respect of budget recommendations a-f and L

·       Amendment D (CAB Rent)– Cllrs Gavin Grant/Ian Thorn - in respect of budget recommendations a-f and L

·       Amendment E (Friendship and Lunch Clubs) – Cllrs Gavin Grant/Ian Thorn - in respect of budget recommendations a-f and L

10d) Reports of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee meetings held on 24 January 2023 and 7 February 2023.

10e) Notes of the meeting with Group Leaders and Trade Union representatives and non-domestic ratepayers on 8 February 2023.

10f) Budget Addendum Report – Updated Budget Proposals Page 405-6

Budget Introduction

The Chairman introduced the item and provided details of the reports which had been circulated. He explained the procedures to be followed for consideration and debate of the budget, including of any proposed amendments. He then invited Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Military-Civilian Integration, Heritage, Arts, Tourism, Health and Wellbeing, to present the proposed budget. Councillor Clewer proposed a motion to adopt the recommendations as set out on pages 406-409 of the Summons. This was seconded by Councillor Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning.

Councillor Clewer drew attention to the Budget Addendum Report included in the Summons which outlined the late update from Government regarding the final Local Government Finance Settlement and how the updates affect the previously published budget and the proposals to be moved. He detailed some of the work carried out by government, council officers, voluntary sectors, Members and his administration in overcoming the challenges of delivering services through the impact from the invasion of Ukraine, continued Covid recovery, the death of the Queen, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The financial strain that local authorities across the country were facing was described and additional details as to the financial status and proposed budgets of neighbouring authorities were highlighted to provide further context to the proposed budget.

Councillor Clewer then emphasised the four guiding themes of the Business Plan in preparing the budget, and that focus and investments into preventative work and tackling long term systemic problems was critical to limiting pressure and driving the organisational operation of Wiltshire Council and the budget itself. A rigorous and prudent approach to developing the budget had been followed, to focus activity where it was most needed with understanding of the implications across all parts of the council. 

Specific details were set out with it stated budgets were increasing in all service areas, including an extra £11m into Living and Aging well, £6m into Education and Skills, and £2.3m into Planning. It was explained that due to the increases to inflation, if the standard calculation was applied, social rent would be increased by 11.7% but central government had intervened and stated that the increase could not exceed 7%, and the council was proposing to increase social rents by this figure.

Capital investment and programmes over the next 7 years were detailed. It was explained that the administration had worked to develop a more accurate capital programme with a better profiling spend to ensure that there was a greater understanding of when and where to spend the £1.1bn of investments into Wiltshire. Councillor Clewer raised the issue of reserves and highlighted that prudence and tight financial control were critical and underpinned the success of the Council and that £13.1m would be released from reserves to address the key priorities and strategic long-term issues of the county. Noting the proposed amendments included with the Summons he criticised the scale of the proposals due to their very small impact  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive.

The Chairman invited Councillor Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning, to present a report on Council Tax Setting 2023-24 and move the recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Richard Clewer.

There were no comments from Group Leaders or in debate.

It was then:

Resolved:

1)    It be noted that on 7 December 2022 an Officer Decision was made by Andy Brown Corporate Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive (S151 Officer).

(a)  the Council Tax Base 2023/24 for the whole Wiltshire Council area as 193,142.94 [Item T in the formula in Section 31B(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the "Act")] and,

(b)  for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish precept relates as in the attached Appendix.

2)    Calculate that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2023/24 (excluding parish precepts) is £332,186,542.51

3)    That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2023/24 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:

(a)£1,059,154,347.79 (Gross Revenue Expenditure including transfers to reserves, parish precepts and any collection funddeficit) being the aggregate of the amounts which theCouncil estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) ofthe Act taking into account all precepts issued to it byParish Councils).

(b) £696,896,854.49 (Gross Revenue Income including transfers fromreserves, General Government Grants and anycollection fund surplus) being the aggregate of theamounts which the Council estimates for the items set outin Section 31A(3) of the Act.

(c) £362,257,493.30 (Net Revenue Expenditure including parish precepts) being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) aboveexceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by theCouncil in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as itsCouncil Tax requirement for the year. (Item R in theformula in Section 31A(4) of the Act).

 (d)£1,875.59 (Wiltshire Council band D tax plus average Town &
Parish Councils Band D Council Tax) being the amountat 3(c) above (Item R), all divided by Item T (2 above),calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section31B (1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Taxfor the year (including Parish precepts), as shown below:

(e)£30,070,950.79 (Aggregate of Town & Parish Council Precepts) being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish Precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (as per the attached Appendix C).

(f)   A£1,719.90 (band D Council Tax for Wiltshire Council purposes
only) being the amount at 3(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 3(e) above by Item T (2 above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive.

The Chairman invited Councillor Ashley O’Neill, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Staffing, to present the report which provided an update on the pay policy statement for 2023/24.

This included consequential amendments to the Pay Policy Statement for 2023/24, as a result of discussions with the council’s recognised trade unions, the updated figures in the now approved budget and with the final details to be delegated to officers.

Councillor O’Neill moved the recommendations in the report and consequential amendments, which were seconded by Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling.

There were no comments from Group Leaders, or further debate.

It was then,

Resolved:

1)    That Council Approve the updated pay policy statement set out in Appendix 1;

2)    Full Council agrees that consequential amendments to the Pay Policy Statement for 2023/24 about unsocial hours, and standby and callout allowances and the Budget are delegated to the Director HR & OD in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Governance, IT, Broadband, Digital, Licensing, Staffing, Communities, and Area Boards.

In accordance with the Constitution there was a recorded vote.

Votes for the motion (71)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (2)

Details of the vote are attached to the minutes.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive.

Councillor Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Finance, moved the recommendations which were seconded by Councillor Nick Holder. Councillor Botterill outlined the three recommendations by Cabinet for additional increases to the Capital programme for 2022/23 as listed in the report equating to a total of £2.864 million.

The Chairman then invited comments from Group Leaders.

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, explained the decision to withdraw from the Chippenham Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) programme and moving forward with the Local Plan process. He stated that decisions of future housing need in Chippenham would be evidence driven.

Councillor Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, welcomed the planned refurbishment of the Family Contact Centre in Chippenham, but stated he did not support the other recommendations. He said he hoped that the £1.848 million from the balance forecast due to the withdrawal from the HIF programme could be recovered.

The Chairman then invited comments in debate:

Comments in debate in support of the proposals included welcoming the investment in the Capital programme as a way forward, as well as a recognition of the issues with the HIF bid. It was also stated that people in Chippenham were not against all housing developments.

Comments in debate in opposition to the proposals included frustration that they felt that the £1.848 million from the balance forecast had been allocated rather than on other services, and views on perceived lack of engagement with residents on the Future Chippenham programme.

At the conclusion of the debate, it was then:

Resolved

1)    To approve an increase in the Capital Enhancement budget of £0.516m to enable the refurbishment of an existing Family Contact Centre to be funded by increased Capital Receipts.

2)    To approve a sum of £1.848m to be funded by future Capital Receipts to cover the unfinanced costs of the Future Chippenham programme as a result of the withdrawal of HIF grant.

3)    To approve a sum of £0.500m to be included in the Capital Programme 2023/24 to support the necessary work with the landowners to the South of Chippenham to masterplan and promote the sites as part of the Local Plan review.

In accordance with the Constitution there was a recorded vote.

Votes for the motion (52)

Votes against the motion (17)

Votes in abstention (5)

Details of the vote are attached to the minutes

No notices of motion have been received for this meeting.

No notices of motion were received for the meeting.

To receive a report from the Assistant Director of HR&OD.

The Chairman invited Councillor Ashley O’Neill, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Governance, to present the report which asked Council to consider changes to the designation of statutory roles following changes to senior management structure of the council.

Councillor O’Neill moved the proposals as detailed in the report, which were seconded by Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council.

Councillor O’Neill noted that the positions of Director for Wholelife Pathway and Director of Ageing and Living Well had been removed and had been replaced by a new position called Director of Adult Social Care, and a re-designation of the statutory post was therefore required.

There were no comments from Group Leaders or in debate.

It was then,

Resolved:

1)    To approve the designation of statutory role of Director of Adult Social Services (DASS) to the post of Director of Adult Social Care.

2)    To note that other designated statutory roles are unchanged as a result of the restructure and remain with existing posts:

       i.     Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer (RO) and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) with the post of Chief Executive

      ii.     Section 151 with the post of Corporate Director - Resources / Deputy Chief Executive

    iii.     Director of Children’s Services (DCS) with the post of Corporate Director – People

    iv.     Director of Public Health (DPH) with the post of Director of Public Health

      v.     Monitoring Officer with the post of Director of Legal and Governance

3)    To authorise the Monitoring Officer to make any consequential changes to the Constitution arising from the designation of the statutory function outlined above.

To review the allocation of seats to political groups.

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

The Chairman presented a report on the review of the allocation of seats on committees to political groups. He then invited proposals from Group Leaders about changes to their respective groups’ committee representation.

On the proposal of the Chairman, seconded by the Vice Chairman, it was then:

Resolved:

1)    To note the report and the legal requirements;

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

3)    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 Pip Ridout to be removed as a member of the Licensing Committee;

·       Councillor Bill Parks to be removed as a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee;

·       Councillor Pip Ridout to be appointed as a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee;

·       Councillor Jonathan Seed to be appointed as a substitute for the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee;

·       Councillors Bill Parks and Rich Rogers to be removed as a members of the Environment Select Committee;

·       Councillors Tom Rounds and Tony Trotman to be appointed as Members of the Environment Select Committee;

·       Councillors Bridget Wayman, Stuart Wheeler, Dr Mark McClelland to be appointed as substitutes for the Environment Select Committee;

·       Councillor Sam Charleston to be appointed as a member of the Licensing Committee;

·       Councillor Sam Charleston to be appointed as a substitute on Southern Area Planning Committee;

·       Councillor Mel Jacob to be removed from the Appeals Committee;

·       Councillor Sam Charleston to be appointed to the Appeals Committee.

Council also resolved to replace a member on the Children’s Select Committee, but following the meeting it was confirmed that the member in question was not currently on the committee.

There were no announcements from Cabinet Members , Committee Chairmen, or on other matters.

Members 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, 7 February 2023, in order to be guaranteed a written response.

Any question received after 5pm on 7 February 2023 and no later than 5pm four clear working days before the meeting, 14 February 2023, 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 Members prior to the meeting and made available at the meeting and on the Council’s website.

A total of three questions were received from Members, as set out in Supplement 1 to the agenda, together with written responses.

One supplementary question was submitted by Councillor Dr Brian Mathew in relation to question 23-02. Councillor Mathew asked whether the evidence and implications of not providing further funding VisitWiltshire had been taken into account.

In response Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, explained that he had considered evidence carefully before making a decision. He stated that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport was moving to support Destination Management Zones in future, which he felt was an appropriate way forward.

The next meeting is scheduled for 16 May 2023.

The date of the next meeting was scheduled for 16 May 2023.