Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Helen Belcher OBE, Steve Bucknell, Ernie Clark, Sarah Gibson, and Tom Rounds.

Note: Cllr Antonio Piazza provided his apologies, but due to the length of the meeting was able to arrive shortly after 1800, before the meeting concluded.

The Chairman also noted and welcomed the return of Cllr Ian Thorn to Full Council following a period of illness.

To approve as a true and correct record and sign the minutes of the last meeting of Council held on 17 October 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2023 were presented for consideration. Subject to a correction to the attendance details to remove reference to Cllr Daniel Cave, it was,

Resolved:

To approve and sign the minutes as a true and correct record.

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

Cllrs Sam Charleston and Brian Dalton both declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in Item 9 - Housing Revenue Account - by virtue of each separately renting a council owned garage.

It was confirmed each had been granted a dispensation following meetings of a Dispensation Sub-Committee, in order to remain in the room during discussion of the relevant item, but that they would not participate in debate or vote on the matter.

During discussion of the budget at Item 8 Cllr George Jeans withdrew from the meeting in his capacity as a Member, due to a Non-Registerable Interest by virtue of his wife holding a Blue Badge. He did not participate during debate and did not participate in the vote on the amendment relating to Blue Badge charging.

To receive any announcements through the Chairman.

Deaths of Serving Members

The Chairman announced that both Cllr Tony Trotman and Bob Jones MBE had sadly passed away since the last meeting of the Council on 30 November 2023 and 4 January 2024 respectively. Members held a minute’s silence in honour of Cllrs Trotman and Jones.

Cllr Trotman was the Member for Calne Chilvester and Abberd since 2009, also serving as the Chairman of the Northern Area Planning Committee since that time. He was previously a Member on Wiltshire County Council, North Wiltshire District Council, and Calne Town Council, where he served as Mayor on four occasions.

Cllr Jones was the Member for Cricklade and Latton since 2013. He was also a Member of Cricklade Town Council and Vice-Chairman of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority. Before becoming a councillor, he served in the Royal Air Force and was also a recipient of the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

A number of Members paid tribute to Cllrs Trotman and Jones, including Cllrs Richard Clewer, Ian Thorn, Graham Wright, Ricky Rogers, Gavin Grant, Howard Greenman, Ashley O’Neill, Paul Oatway QPM, and Ross Henning.

Members praised both Councillors for their commitment to public service and passion for their local communities. Their knowledge, kind and caring demeanours alongside their impacts upon their respective divisions and the wider County were emphasised, and Members expressed deep loss at their passings and how missed they would be. Condolences were sent to both Cllrs Trotman and Jones’ family and friends and to all those who had the pleasure of knowing them over their lifetimes.

Death of Former Councillors and Others

The Chairman paid tribute to the following former Members of the Council and holders of public office:

Cllr Howard Marshall was the Member for Calne Central from 2009 – 2017 and was also the Mayor of Calne in 2009 and 2015. He sadly passed away on 5 September 2023.

Cllr John Syme was a former County Councillor for Warminster West, and former district and current Town Councillor for Warminster. He sadly passed away on 5 January 2024.

Councillor Chris Cochrane was the Member for Salisbury Fisherton and Bemerton Village from 2009 – 2013. He sadly passed away on 10 January 2024.

Sir Christopher Benson was the former High Sheriff of Wiltshire, and he sadly passed away on 21 January 2024.

Chairman’s Engagements

Since the last meeting of Council, there had been the following engagements attended by the Chairman:

·         11 November 2023 – Imber Service of Remembrance, St Giles’ Church, Imber

·         12 November 2023 – Chippenham Remembrance Day Service, St. Andrew’s Church, and wreath laying at the War Memorial, Market Place.

Since the last meeting of Council, there had been the following engagements attended by the Vice-Chairman:

·         1 November 2023 – RBL Field of Remembrance Opening Service, Lydiard Park, Swindon

·         11 November 2023 – Chippenham Town Council Armistice Day Commemoration, Town Hall

·         12 November 2023 – Trowbridge Remembrance Day Service, St. James’ Church and wreath laying at the War Memorial, Trowbridge  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

a)    To receive presentation of any petitions submitted for the meeting

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

On receipt of the petitions report, it was,

Resolved:

That Council note the update on petitions.

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. Members of the public are encouraged to register to speak earlier.

Up to 3 speakers are permitted to speak for up to 3 minutes each on any agenda item. Statements must be relevant to the agenda item.

Questions

To receive any questions from members of the public received in accordance with the constitution. No person or organisation may submit more than two questions to the meeting. No question may be sub-divided into more than two related parts.

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 13 February 2024 in order to be guaranteed of a written response. Questions submitted no later than 5pm on 15 February 2024 may receive a verbal response. 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.

Please contact the officer named on the first page of this agenda for further advice.

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 to those present for questions and statements to be received under Item 6 instead.

Details of questions received during the item are detailed below. The full list of questions submitted for the meeting together with responses were set out in the Agenda Supplement.

Question P24-01 - Clive Spencer

A written response was provided as detailed in the Agenda Supplement. A supplementary question was asked relating to government’s preferred options for the on new future homes standards, and whether this would be sufficient to maximise the energy performance of new and existing buildings and if it could impact on zero carbon targets.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, stated he agreed with the concerns expressed, and that he had often sought to push government to move quicker in relation to energy efficiency housing standards.

Question P24-03 - Andrew Nicolson

A written response was provided as detailed in the Agenda Supplement. A supplementary question was asked on whether work had been undertaken to review the rail strategies referred to in the question, and when would the public consultations take place on the Local Transport Plan and how long would they be open.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Street Scene, and Flooding, responded by stating that work was ongoing on all strategies linked to the Local Transport Plan. She noted the limited role of the council in relation to rail, and that it was awaiting government guidance but was developing its strategies, with consultations aimed for Summer 2024.

Question P24-04 - Andrew Nicolson

A written response was provided as detailed in the Agenda Supplement. A supplementary question was asked seeking clarity on reference to pathways to a carbon neutral study for Wiltshire, and for details on consultation with stakeholders and if it included local public transport groups, neighbouring authorities and national active travel groups.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, Street Scene, and Flooding, responded by stating the consultation was on issues and opportunities, and would liaise with officers for details on those who had been consulted.

Question P24-05 - Adrian Temple-Brown on behalf of Julian Jones

A written response was provided as detailed in the Agenda Supplement. A supplementary question was asked on whether the council had defined any climate or environment related catastrophe which would cause it to recommend zero meat or dairy consumption and make fixing the climate and environment its top priority.

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, stated that the data referenced within the submitted question was based on an intensity of farming which did not apply in Wiltshire, and noted Motion 24-01 - Supporting Wiltshire’s Farmers and Food Producers - which was to be debated later in the meeting.

Question P24-10 -  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

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

The Chairman invited Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning, to present a report on the treasury management strategy statement for 2024/25.

Cllr Botterill moved the proposals set out in the report, seconded by Cllr Richard Clewer. He provided details of the volume of financial transactions a council the size of Wiltshire undertook each year, and that sound treasury management was integral to achieving balanced budgets and investments to ensure a prevention led approach to services. The report included summaries of capital plans, minimum revenue provision policy, annual investment strategies and other details.

The Chairman then invited comments from Group Leaders. Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, stated the council’s approach to managing and controlling finances was open to full scrutiny and indicated the council’s approach was appropriate and effective.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, supported the comments of the Leader of the Council that treasury management was at the core of how any council could run efficiently and ensure resources for projects and services it wished to delivery. He supported the report and proposals.

Cllr Graham Wright, deputising for the Independent Group indicted his personal support for the report, and Cllr Ricky Rogers, Leader of the Labour Group, stated he supported the proposals.

The Chairman then opened the item to debate.

In support of the motion there was a comment that rises in interest rates created opportunities and risks which saw many local authorities encounter problems, and tributes were paid to the council’s financial team to make information accessible to Members. It was stated borrowing was being prudently managed.

In opposition to the motion there was a comment that there was significant underperformance for Wiltshire Council in its capital programme, and that a lack of spending in appropriate areas this was as significant as overspending. The comment  also questioned if the council had the capacity and knowledge in project management to manage a significant increase in expenditure in forthcoming years, and whether this was deliverable.

Cllr Botterill summarised after debate, stating capital expenditure was about justifiable, controlled and deliverable costs, and that it was not sensible to look at capital totals and conclude it was the result of underdelivery. He stated that often if capital has to be moved into future years estimates this was due to prudent behaviour to ensure taxpayer money was spent to best effect.

It was then,

Resolved:

That Council:

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

b)        Adopt the Prudential and Treasury Indicators (paragraphs 17 – 25, 41 – 47 and Appendix A);

c)         Adopt the Annual Investment Strategy (paragraph 65 onwards);

d)        Delegate to the Director of Finance and Procurement (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;

e)         Authorise the Director of Finance and Procurement (S151 Officer) to agree the restructuring of existing long-term loans where savings are achievable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

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

a)    Addendum to the Budget

b)    Budget 2024/25 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2024/25-2026/27 Report and Appendices

c)    Extract of the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 6 February 2024.

d)    Proposed amendments to the budget

                      i.        Amendment A - Cllrs Gavin Grant and Ian Thorn: Area Boards

                    ii.        Amendment B - Cllrs Gavin Grant and Ian Thorn: Blue Badge Parking

                   iii.        Amendment C - Cllrs Gavin Grant and Ian Thorn: VisitWiltshire

e)    Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee meeting held on 25 January 2024 - consideration of the draft Budget.

f)     Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee meeting held on 12 February 2024 - consideration of draft Budget Amendments (to follow)

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 debate on any proposed amendments.

He then invited Cllr 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.

Cllr Clewer proposed a motion to adopt the recommendations as set out on Pages 82-83 of the Summons. This was seconded by Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning.

It was stated that nearly three years ago the administration had been elected on a clear manifesto of policies, which had been incorporated into a formal business plan for the council. He considered that the administration had delivered on those policies, highlighting Local Plan proposals that new houses should be zero carbon, reduction in fly tipping, progress on delivering over a thousand new council houses, being ahead of schedule on making the council carbon neutral by 2030, investment on roads, pothole repairs, renovating and expanding leisure centres, construction of the Silverwood SEND academy, reducing the number of homes required by the Local Plan, support for the council’s reablement and other investments and actions.

Cllr Clewer reported that the budget identified in detail savings that would be required, without cutting council services or utilising reserves, with the plans extending forward three years. He noted that many other local authorities were in very difficult financial positions requiring emergency funding from government, but this was not the case in Wiltshire. He praised Members and Officers for having made tough decisions to plan for the long term, transforming services and focusing on prevention and early intervention, which was especially important due to nearly 60% of the budget being spent in adult and social care. He commended that despite financial pressures faced the council was still able to invest and was seeking to further improve enforcement in planning. He criticised amendments that had been proposed in previous years, which he stated would have left the council in a less robust financial position.

Details were also provided of the additional funding the government had announced after the initial publication of the budget papers, and how this was proposed to be utilised including on upgrading rural play areas and additional investment in SEND and children’s services early help and prevention support.

Scrutiny Comments and Group Leader Responses

The Chairman then invited Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, to comment on the proposed budget and present the report of the meeting of the committee held on 25 January 2024 to discuss the budget proposals. Cllr Wright also presented the report of the meeting of the committee held on 12 February 2024 to discuss submitted budget amendment proposals.

Each meeting had included questions and comments designed to explore the impact and implications of any budget proposals or amendment proposals, following formal or informal meetings  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To receive a report from the Deputy Chief Executive.

The Chairman invited Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Assets, and Asset Transfer, to present a report recommending the council approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan, Budget, and associated housing funding decisions.

Cllr Alford proposed a motion to approve the recommendations set out in the report, seconded by Cllr Richard Clewer. Details were provided of the capital programme, the proposed 7.7% rent increase, retrofitting of properties to be more energy efficient, and the work undertaken by officers to improve the finances for residents.

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

Cllr Clewer, Leader of the Council, supported the proposal, noting the impact of inflation and importance of ensuring properties remained fit for purpose and the funding cost of doing so.

Cllr Gordon King, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, discussed the large borrowing requirement needed to carry out the business plan, and supported the proposal.

Cllr Ricky Rogers, Leader of the Labour Group, noted his motion moved at the budget meeting in 2023 seeking to reduce the level of rent increase which had been defeated, but that the council needed to meet its ambitious spending commitments to make necessary improvements as set out in the programme.

There were no further comments in debate.

It was then,

Resolved:

That Council:

a)         Approve the HRA Annual Revenue Budget for 2024/25 as described in the report and Appendix 1.

b)        Approve the increase of 7.7% (CPI+1%) to Dwelling Rents and Garage Rents for 2024/25

c)         Approve the HRA Capital Programme for 2024/25 as described in the report and Appendix 2.

d)        Note the reviewed and updated assumptions in the HRA 30-Year Business Plan as detailed in the report.

In accordance with the Constitution there was a recorded vote.

Votes for the motion (76)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (2)

Details of the recorded vote are attached to these minutes.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive.

The Chairman invited Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning, to present a report on the calculation of and setting of Council Tax for the year 2024/25.

Cllr Botterill moved the proposals set out in the report, seconded by Cllr Richard Clewer. He noted the technical requirements of the report, and provided details of the proposed precept for the parish of Clarendon Park which had not been confirmed at the time of publication of the agenda for the meeting and the figures as published were correct.

Secondly, he noted the public statement under Minute 6 and confirmed the council had been informed Dilton Marsh Parish Council had not been able to formally agree their precept proposal but had a meeting scheduled later in the week. He stated Wiltshire Council did not expect any change to the precept figure as indicated by the parish council. It was therefore proposed to use powers in the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the subsequent regulations to anticipate the precept as the amount to which officers had been notified, in order to set the budget and agree the Council Tax level, as Wiltshire Council was legally required to do.

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

It was then,

Resolved:

1.         That it be noted that on 13 December 2023 Cabinet met and approved:

(a)       the Council Tax Base 2024/25 for the whole Wiltshire Council area as 194,423.87 [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.         To calculate that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2024/25 (excluding parish precepts) is £ 351,077,014.78.

3.         That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2024/25 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:

(a)       £1,128,309,438.35 (Gross Revenue Expenditure including transfers to reserves, parish precepts and any collection fund deficit) being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking

into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils).

(b)       £605,285,111.25 (Gross Revenue Income including transfers from reserves, General Government Grants and any collection fund

surplus) being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

(c)       £523,024,327.10 (Net Revenue Expenditure including parish precepts) being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year. (Item R in the formula in Section 31A(4) of the Act).

(d)       £1,974.06 (Wiltshire Council band D tax plus average Town & Parish Councils Band D Council Tax) being the amount at 3(c) above (Item R),  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To receive a report from the Head of Paid Service.

The Chairman invited Cllr Ashley O’Neill, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Staffing, to present the report which provided an update on the pay policy statement for 2024/25.

The proposals set out in the report were moved, seconded by Cllr Stuart Wheeler, Chairman of the Staffing Policy Committee.

Details were provided of additions in relation to severance payments, and changes to the ratio between highest and lowest salaries.

There were no comments from Group Leaders. Following a minor comment regarding reference to the net annual budget within the report, it was then,

Resolved:

That Council approve the updated pay policy statement set out in Appendix 1.

In accordance with the Constitution there was a recorded vote.

Votes for the motion (77)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (2)

Details of the recorded vote are attached to these minutes.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive.

The Chairman invited Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning, to present the report endorsing the Wiltshire Design Guide for approval as a supplementary planning document. He moved the proposals set out in the report, seconded by Cllr Richard Clewer.

Cllr Botterill stated the good design should be inherent in new buildings, an that principles should be applied to ensure this, taking account of the particulars of local areas rather than imposing a single uniform style.

The Chairman invited comments from Group Leaders. Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, noted the guide had taken some time to produce, and though it was not wholly enforceable it would be something to which developers had to take note of in their proposals.

Cllr Gordon King, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, welcomes the guide as enhancing the council’s core planning policies, and the recognition of the diversity of housing found across Wiltshire.

There were no comments made in debate.

It was therefore,

Resolved:

That Council:

a)    Notes the response to the consultation on the draft Wiltshire Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (the WDG) set out in the Consultation Statement at Appendix 1.

b)   Endorses the amended WDG as set out in Appendix 2.

c)    Approves the final version of the WDG (Appendix 2) for adoption as a supplementary planning document.

d)   Delegates to the Corporate Director Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Development and Strategic Planning, the power to undertake the final stages associated with the formal adoption and publication of the WDG, including any minor textual changes in the interests of clarity and accuracy.

In accordance with the Constitution there was a recorded vote.

Votes for the motion (72)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (5)

Details of the recorded vote are attached to these minutes.

To consider the Notice of Motion from Cllrs Nabil Najjar and Elizabeth Threlfall as attached.

On invitation of the Chairman Cllr Nabil Najjar proposed the motion as set out in the agenda, which was seconded by Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall.

Cllr Najjar stated that Wiltshire was the most farmed county in the South West of England, and noted the tough job facing farmers including dealing with the impacts of climate change and geopolitical uncertainty. He explained the motion was intended to set out the support of Wiltshire Council for farmers in the council area, including through promotion of local produce and support for rural ways of life whilst working proactively with farmers to meet carbon net zero targets.

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change responded to the motion. He noted comments made by the Wiltshire Climate Alliance regarding the impacts of methane and farming, which he said could be discussed further including by the Climate Emergency Task Group. He expressed his support for the motion.

The Chairman moved that the Council debate the motion, which was seconded by the Vice-Chairman.

Group Leaders were then invited to comment on the motion. Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, supported the motion. He stated climate change actions regarding working with and supporting farmers in long term stewardship of the land, understanding the issues they were facing, and assisting them where possible.

Cllr Gordon King, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group stated his support for farmers and the motion.

The Chairman then opened the item for debate.

Comments in support of the motion included the backing of farmers and food producers, and welcoming any active actions the council could offer toward that aim. The high-quality meat and dairy produce of Wiltshire was praised, alongside the need to enhance the countryside and seek opportunities to diversify without sacrificing valuable food producing land.

There were no comments in direct opposition to the motion.

Other comments asked whether the council’s policies all aligned on the issues, including raising the issue of an incinerator being constructed next to the largest dairy factory in the county. There were comments in support of the principle of the motion, but which questioned whether there was sufficient detail in how the support offered would materialise, and comments on the importance of food security and against the selling of farmland. Difficulties facing the farming industry were detailed.

At the conclusion of the debate Cllr Holder responded to a comment regarding options on the treatment of food waste.

Cllr Najjar then responded to the debate, thanking Members for their support of the motion. He stated if approved this would set a clear stance which could then be incorporated into council policy and actions developed. He also discussed the balance between food security and environmental preservation.

At the conclusion of debate, it was therefore,

Resolved:

Wiltshire Council is committed to supporting local farmers and food producers across our county. Britain has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and Wiltshire Council should engage and work in partnership with our poultry, arable and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

To consider the Notice of Motion from Cllrs Mike Sankey and Nic Puntis as attached.

On invitation of the Chairman Cllr Mike Sankey proposed the motion as set out in the agenda, which was seconded by Cllr Nic Puntis.

Cllr Puntis stated the motion had been submitted following his experience of community facility provision and S.106 legal agreements agreed through the planning processes. He provided examples of unusable sports facilities and the difficulties in expanding those that existed over an extended period.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning, responded to the motion, stating that the council could learn from some past experiences with S.106 legal agreements, and supported the proposal.

The Chairman moved that the Council debate the motion, which was seconded by the Vice-Chairman.

Group Leaders were then invited to comment on the motion. Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, supported the motion in ensuring the management of community sporting facilities. He stated climate change actions regarding working with and supporting farmers in long term stewardship of the land, understanding the issues they were facing, and assisting them where possible.

Cllr Gordon King, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group thanked Cllr Sankey for the explanation for his motion and offered support. Cllr Graham Wright, deputising for the Independent Group, offered his personal support for the motion.

The Chairman then opened the item for debate.

Comments in support of the motion included that some problems with development could have been avoided as part of the process for preparing a S.106 legal agreement, and the motion should help improve that situation. The need to take account of future management and maintenance of assets and facilities was highlighted.

There were no comments directly opposed to the motion.

Other comments raised examples of what was seen as loose wording within legal agreements relating to development which had led to local issues, and difficulties relating to use of school facilities.

During debate an issue was raised with the wording of the motion, including binding the council to secure agreement with all stakeholders, and at what stage completion of any management plan would be required. Following discussion with the Monitoring Officer, and a proposed amendment from Cllr Richard Clewer, the mover and seconder of the motion amended the wording of the motion as follows:

This Council requires the completion of a community sporting use management plan involving all relevant stakeholders as appropriate as part of a pre-cursor to future section 106 agreements involving the delivering of facilities that involve community sporting use.

At the conclusion of the debate Cllr Botterill responded to a comment made in debate regarding the use of school facilities as part of community sporting use.

Cllr Sankey had the opportunity to respond to the debate, and made no further comments.

At the conclusion of debate, it was therefore,

Resolved:

This Council requires the completion of a community sporting use management plan involving relevant stakeholders as appropriate as part of future section 106 agreements involving the delivering of facilities that involve community sporting use.

In accordance with the Constitution  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

To consider recommendations from the Electoral Review Committee.

The Chairman invited Cllr Ashley O’Neill, Chairman of the Electoral Review Committee, to present the report of the Committee recommending changes to the names of two parishes under s.75 of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was proposed to change the name of Lea & Cleverton to Lea, Garsdon, & Cleverton, and to change the name of Luckington to Luckington and Alderton. The proposals had come from the relevant parish councils.

The Chairman invited comments from Group Leaders. Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, and Cllr Gordon King, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, expressed support for the proposals.

During a short debate a query was raised noting that Full Council could approve, or not, the proposals from the parish councils, but not amend them without their consent, and whether the use of ampersands, or not, was correct. It was stated this would be confirmed, and it is noted for the minutes that the proposals were presented as received from the parish councils.

At the conclusion of discussion, it was then,

Resolved:

That Council:

1) Approve the name changes to the following parishes and parish councils:

a) Luckington to be changed to Luckington and Alderton;

b) Lea & Cleverton to be changed to Lea, Garsdon, & Cleverton;

2) Authorise the Solicitor to the Council to make any necessary legal orders and notifications to enact the above changes.

To receive any other appropriate announcements from the Leader, Cabinet Members, or Chairs of Committees.

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

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

To consider any requests from Members in respect of S.85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Chairman moved a motion to ratify an appointment to the Local Pension Board and amend the membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board, seconded by the Vice-Chairman.

He invited Group Leaders to propose any changes to committee appointments, and with agreement of the Vice-Chairman incorporated these into the motion.

It was then,

Resolved:

a)    To ratify the appointment of Karl Read as a Member of the Local Pension Board;

b)   To amend the Membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board so that a representative of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner can attend on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioner;

c)    To make changes to membership of committees as follows:

·         Cllr Chuck Berry to be appointed as Chairman of the Northern Area Planning Committee;

·         Cllr Christopher Newbury to be appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee;

·         Cllr Jonathan Seed to be appointed as a Member of the Strategic Planning Committee;

·         Cllr Mike Sankey to be appointed as a Member of the Northern Area Planning Committee;

·         Cllrs Tom Rounds and Gavin Grant to be appointed as Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee;

·         Cllr Jacqui Lay to be appointed as a Substitute Member of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee;

·         Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall to be removed as a Member of the Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel;

·         Cllr Kelvin Nash to be appointed as a Member of the Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel;

·         Cllr Nike Sankey to be removed as a Member of the Audit and Governance Committee;

·         Cllr Pauline Church to be appointed as a Member of the Audit and Governance Committee;

·         Cllrs Richard Budden and Jacqui Lay to be appointed as Members of the Environment Select Committee;

·         Cllrs Carole King and Ross Henning to be appointed as Substitute Members of the Eastern Area Planning Committee;

·         Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney to be appointed as a Member of the Officer Appointments Committee.

·         To appoint Cllr Paul Sample as a Member of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority.

Members were required to give notice of any questions in writing to the Proper Officer on the first page of this agenda no later than 5pm nine clear working days before the meeting in order to be guaranteed a written response.

Any question received after 5pm on 7 February 2024 and no later than 5pm on 13 February 2024, 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.

One question had been received from Cllr Paul Oatway QPM with a response as detailed in the agenda supplement.

A supplementary question was asked seeking reassurance that when changes to kerbside collection took place that it would be well planned and communicated, to avoid the disruption and public health issues seen in Swindon Borough Council with their recent changes.

Cllr Nick Holder, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change began by paying tribute to waste officers and contractors, stating that the council was delivering 99.6% on time collections. He offered assurance a plan was already in place to deliver changes to food waste collection and other changes. He noted the problems in Swindon with bins not being collected, and stated through negotiations with the government it had been confirmed £5m in capital had been provided to introduce the new collections in 2027, so unlike Swindon there would be sufficient community bin collection and household collections, and there would not be political interference causing disruption as had been seen there.

Members’ Attendance

Recorded Votes