Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nick Blakemore, Howard Greenman, Mollie Groom, Alan Hill, Russell Hawker, George Jeans, John Smale, Ian Tomes and Fred Westmoreland.

Councillor Andrew Davis gave his apologies that he would arrive late to the meeting owing to duties in his role as Mayor of Warminster and unitary councillor for a Royal Visit.

To approve as correct records and sign the minutes of the last ordinary meeting held on 21 October 2014 and the Extraordinary meeting held on 20 January 2015.

The minutes of the meetings held on 21 October 2014 and 20 January 2015 were presented.

Questions were raised as to the accuracy of the resolution under Minute 73a in relation to the Fire Authority Merger, but it was confirmed that the resolution was as agreed by Council at the meeting, as explained in detail in the body of the minutes.

Councillor Hubbard wished to record his disquiet at the lateness of publishing the minutes of the meeting held on 21 October 2014.

Following a vote, it was,

Resolved:

That the minutes of the Council meetings held on 21 October 2014 and 20 January 2015 be approved as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

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

The Chairman reminded members of the letter previously circulated from the Monitoring Officer dated 2 February which made particular reference to interests in the context of considering the budget and where members had tenancies with the Council.

Councillor Brian Dalton declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the Budget in so far as it related to the housing revenue account as he held a garage tenancy with the Council. Cllr Dalton indicated he would withdraw from the meeting when a separate vote is taken on the housing revenue account details.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

a)    Carol Services

Councillors will be aware that various carol services were held in December.

The County of Wiltshire Service was held in the Minster Church of St Denys in Warminster in December. The service was conducted by the Right Reverend the Bishop of Ramsbury and Revered Jacque Desrosiers, with delightful musical contributions from the choir of Minster C.E Primary School.

Three staff Christmas celebrations were held at County Hall, Monkton Park and Bourne Hill. At the County Hall celebration, the newly formed Wiltshire Council Singers performed the ‘Lion of Judah’, which had sounded wonderful in the Atrium.

All services were successful occasions and the Chairman thanked all councillors who supported them.

b)   Remembrance Day Services and Parades

The Chairman thanked Wiltshire Councillors for their willingness to be involved in and attend Remembrance Day services last November, which  he said, was particularly important in this WW1 commemoration year. Councillors laid wreaths at war memorials in towns and villages across the County on behalf of the council.

The Council has also supported the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal by selling poppies at its offices.

c)    Royal Visits

The County had been fortunate to have received two further Royal Visits.  

In October His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent visited Marlborough to attend the rededication of the Town’s war memorial as part of their World War I Centenary commemorations, and he also presented medals to members of 4MI Battalion. His Royal Highness then went on to visit Swindon Radio 105.5 to present them with their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, and Swindon Dance, an organisation with a national reputation for providing high-quality dance training not only for students throughout Wiltshire but also the South-West.

In December Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal visited Tedworth House in Tidworth in her capacity as President of the City and Guilds of London Institute. Her Royal Highness toured the Help for Heroes Centre, opened a new greenhouse facility in the grounds and presented certificates to those who had recently completed City and Guild Qualifications.

d)   Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra Concerts

The Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra held New Year concerts in Bradford-on-Avon and Salisbury in January, which both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman had the privilege to attend.

The Chairman encouraged councillors to attend these concerts to support the orchestra. The young people were exceptionally talented and the quality of their performances was always outstanding, providing everyone with a truly wonderful and uplifting experience. Nick Howdle, Head of the Wiltshire Music Service, is to be congratulated for encouraging and nurturing these young people to perform such inspiring concerts.

e)     ‘Bite the Ballot’ Voter Registration

The Chairman drew Councillors’ attention to the ‘Bite the Ballot’ Campaign, which is a party neutral initiative to empower young voters and increase voter registration, especially among the young. We have worked with the campaign to inform and register 16-24 years olds in Wiltshire with activities being held in schools and colleges across the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

No petitions have been received for presentation to this meeting.

No petitions were received for presentation to this Council meeting.

Report of the Democratic Governance Manager.

A report by the Democratic Governance Manager was presented which gave Council details of the 6petitions received for the period since the last Council meeting.

Resolved:

That Council note the report, the petitions received and the actions being taken in relation to them, as set out in the Appendix to 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 Corporate Director) no later than 5pm on 17 February 2015. 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.

No formal questions had been received from members of the public for this meeting.

Mr Dulwich, Mr Byrne and Mr Williams had requested to address Council on the Budget and would therefore be invited to speak at that item.

Public Participation

The following members of the public made statements on the proposed Budget:

Mr Dulwich - urged Council to maintain funding to retain in his opinion, the much needed Connect 2 bus Service to the Royal United Hospital, Bath and gave examples of the impact of its withdrawal.

Mr Byrne – expressed his dissatisfaction with the reductions in funding of Council services and for not challenging sufficiently the reductions in central government funding.

Mr Williams – expressed concern over the decline in services provided by the Council citing litter along highways, the proposed discontinuation of funding of the Connect 2 bus services and proposals to charge for the green waste bin service. He considered that a modest increase in council tax would be a preference to maintain and improve such services.

Council was asked to debate and approve a net revenue budget of £314.983 million, to freeze Council Tax, approve rents, fees and charges, the capital programme and reserves.

The Chairman explained at the outset, how he intended to chair this item and referred to the previously circulated budget process. He reminded Councillors of the various papers that had been circulated in connection with Council’s consideration of this item as follows:

a)        The Leader’s budget speech - this was emailed to Councillors once it was given and is attached as Appendix A to these minutes.

b)        The proposed amendments of the Liberal Democrat group, including comments from statutory officers.

c)       The reports of the meetings of the Overview And Scrutiny Management Committee held on 4 and 13 February 2015.

d)       The recommendations from the Cabinet meeting held on 10 February 2015.

E)        The Financial Plan Update 2015/16 report of the Section 151 Officer, together with the  Budget Book, proposed fees and charges and the relevant extract of the Schools Forum minutes.

F)        The proposed council tax resolution which would be taken separately.

The Leader of the Council addressed Council delivering her budget speech (Appendix A). The Leader highlighted the successes of the Council, the continuing pressures on Council services and the financial challenges facing the Council in the face of continued reductions in central Government funding.

Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet member for Finance presented the Council’s proposed Financial Plan update for 2015/16. He noted that the Council had made savings of £123 million over the last five years whilst continuing to invest in the growth of the local economy, the need to make savings of £30 million in 2015/16 and have a balanced budget, despite continued financial pressures. Councillor Tonge guided members through the budget documentation highlighting key points. He referred to the consultation undertaken on the budget which included public meetings, tenants’ panel and meetings with the trade unions, details of which were presented.

Councillor Tonge thanked Michael Hudson, Associate Director for Finance, his team and other officers for their hard work on putting together a difficult budget. He also thanked Councillor Glenis Ansell and her Financial Planning Task Group for their scrutiny input into the budget process.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

Report by Carolyn Godfrey, Corporate Director

At the Chairman’s request, Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet member for Finance, presented a report for Council’s consideration following recommendation by Cabinet at its meeting on 10 February 2015.

The report recommended that the local council tax reduction scheme remain unchanged for a further year. The scheme would however, be augmented by the introduction of a discretionary fund in conjunction with other schemes to support the most vulnerable, for which budget provision in the sum of £200,000 had been made. The report also highlighted an anomaly in the administration of local council tax discounts concerning the treatment of empty homes and sought to close this loophole.

Resolved:

That Council:

1. Confirms the £200,000 discretionary fund, in the budget is made available to support those households with multiple debts.  The report is supplied with a policy, procedure and equality impact assessment to support the introduction of the new fund.

2. Agrees to close a loophole identified in the administration of the council tax charged on empty homes and to propose the minimum duration of six weeks a property must be occupied before another period of discount or exemption can apply.

3. Agrees that in all other aspects the council scheme remains unchanged in 2015-16.

4. That work is carried out to identify and implement a more coordinated approach to managing debt that avoids duplication within the Council.

5. That key staff be trained and qualified to deliver financial support and personal budgeting.

Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Carolyn Godfrey and Maggie Rae Corporate Directors together with a report from Councillor Chris Devine in his capacity as chairman of the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority

The draft minute of Council on this subject dated 21 October can be found from page 14 of this Summons.

Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet member for Finance presented a report which sought confirmation of the Council’s position on the locally led proposed

combination of the Dorset and the Wiltshire & Swindon Fire Authorities and

creation of a Combined Fire and Rescue Authority for Wiltshire and Dorset.

This followed the Council’s decision from its last meeting of Council held on 21 October 2014, where it had sought assurances on a number of key areas and therefore preferred not to commit to any option until such time as the issues had been resolved. The key areas of concern were as follows:

·           How would the funding gap be bridged?

•     Were there further savings that could be made in collaboration with

      other public bodies?

•     How would the equalisation of precepts be dealt with and what the

      impact would be on Wiltshire residents.

•     How it could be assured that key local decisions were not prejudiced by

      being out voted by the other constituent authorities?

At the Chairman’s invitation, Councillor Chris Devine in his capacity as Chairman of the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority addressed Council.  In his presentation, Councillor Devine gave the following in addressing the specific concerns of the Council, gave the following assurances:

•      Revised tax base increases would mean that full financial solvency would be achieved from 2015-2020

•      Improved financial position of the Fire Authority since that reported in October 2014

•      The funding gap would be fully bridged under best and worst case scenarios with revised tax base increase from 1% to 2.1% in Wiltshire and 0.2% to 1.5% in Dorset

•      We can set a balanced budget beyond 18/19 without the need to raise council tax beyond referendum limits.

•      Improved tax base would mean equalization would be possible without the need to raise precept levels excessively

•      The Fire Authority would continue to discuss with DCLG the possibility of an Alternative Notional Amount (ANA) to seek to achieve equalisation on day one to offset future uncertainty around grant reductions, further improve its financial forecast and therefore further protect front line services

•         Dorset Fire Authority had supported democratic equalisation

•         Both Fire Authorities had agreed 15 members each

•         Governance Review April 2018

•         Wiltshire Council would have the most members.

CouncillorTonge presented a report on the position to date together with a submission from the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority responding to the Council’s concerns. The Council had submitted its response to the consultation based on its decision at its last meeting. DCLG had confirmed that it would accept a further response from the Council following this meeting clarifying its position in the light of the additional information provided by the

Fire Authority.

Accordingly, Council was asked to consider and confirm its position in light of the information presented and the presentation and reassurances given by the Chairman of the Fire Authority.

In consideration of the assurances given by the Fire Authority, Councillor Tonge moved the proposal contained in the report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

Report by Carolyn Godfrey, Corporate Director

With the Chairman’s permission, Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet member for Finance, presented the proposed Treasury Management Strategy for 2015/16 as recommended by Cabinet at its meeting on 10 February 2015 for Council’s approval.

The report included details of:

a)    the Prudential and Treasury Indicators (PrIs and TrIs) for the next three years;

b)   other debt management decisions required for 2015-16 that did not feature within the PrIs or TrIs, as shown in paragraphs 3.11 to 3.20 of the report presented;

c)    the Annual Investment Strategy for 2015-16 and

d)   the updated Treasury Management Practices.

Councillor Tonge guided Council through the key points of the Strategy.

Resolved:

That Council:

a)        adopt the Prudential and Treasury Indicators (Appendix A of the report presented);

b)        adopt the Annual Investment Strategy (Appendix B of the report presented), subject to the need for future amendment resulting from any potential change in the minimum requirements for high credit quality and authorise the Associate Director, Finance, Revenues & Benefits and Pensions to amend the Strategy accordingly, unless he considers the amendment(s) to be of major significance, in which case formal Council approval will be sought at the earliest opportunity;

c)         delegate to the Associate Director, Finance, Revenues & Benefits and Pensions the authority to vary the amount of borrowing and other long term liabilities within both the Treasury Indicators for the Authorised Limit and the Operational Boundary;

d)        authorise the Associate Director, Finance, Revenues & Benefits and Pensions to agree the restructuring of existing long-term loans where savings are achievable or to enhance the long term portfolio;

e)         agree that short term cash surpluses and deficits continue to be managed through temporary loans and deposits; and

f)          agree that any surplus cash balances not required to cover borrowing are placed in authorised money-market funds, particularly where this is more cost effective than short term deposits and delegate to the Associate Director, Finance, Revenues & Benefits and Pensions the authority to select such funds.

Report by Maggie Rae and Carolyn Godfrey, Corporate Directors and proposed Child Poverty Strategy.

Recommendation of Cabinet dated 11 November 2014:

That Cabinet approve the updated strategy and recommend its adoption to Council.

With the Chairman’s permission, Councillor Laura Mayes, Cabinet member for Children’s Services presented the Reducing Child Poverty Strategy 2014 – 2020 with a view to its adoption by Council. The report which accompanied the Strategy also included a child poverty needs assessment.

The Strategy had previously been considered and recommended by Cabinet at its meeting on 11 November 2014. The aim of the Strategy was to reduce the number of children in Wiltshire living in poverty in addition to mitigating the impacts of poverty on children’s health and wellbeing.

It was noted that the Strategy had been developed by the multi-disciplinary Child Poverty Group which reports to the Wiltshire Children & Young People’s Trust Executive. The Strategy had been made available for wide consultation with the public including children and young people, the public and private sector, businesses and voluntary sector organisations. All responses were

considered and inform the final strategy.

Councillor Jon Hubbard, Chairman of the Children’s Select Committee supported the Strategy which had been considered by the Committee at its meeting on 14 October 2014.

Resolved:

That Council formally approves the updated Reducing Child Poverty Strategy 2014 – 2020 in line with the Council’s statutory duty to have a Strategy to reduce child poverty.

Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director

With the Chairman’s permission, Councillor Stuart Wheeler, Cabinet member for Hubs, Governance, Support Services Heritage & Arts and Customer Care presented a report  for Council’s consideration.  The report sought Council’s approval of the updated Pay Policy Statement and the continued publication of senior staff salaries with the relevant threshold figure. 

Details had been previously considered and recommended by the Staffing Policy Committee at its meeting on 7 January 2015.

During the course of discussion, Councillor Jon Hubbard queried the threshold figure stated in the report presented as he did not feel it reflected the requirement in the latest Transparency Code which stipulated salaries of  £50,000 and above.  Councillor Wheeler reported that he would seek clarification and ensure that published details met legal requirements.  Later in the meeting, Cllr Wheeler confirmed that the figure of £50,000 was indeed correct.

Resolved:

That Council approve:

(a)  the updated Pay Policy Statement set out in Appendix 1 of the report presented and

(b)  the continued publication of senior staff salaries with the threshold figure as detailed in the Local Government Transparency Code 2014, along with job descriptions, budget responsibilities and numbers of staff. Individuals are asked to consent for their names to be included.

To consider the attached motion.

The Chairman reported receipt of the above mentioned motion from

Councillors Jon Hubbard and Steve Oldrieve. Accordingly, Councillor Jon Hubbard moved the following motion which was duly seconded by Councillor Steve Oldrieve:

‘Council recognises and supports the importance of being an open and transparent

organisation that is seen to be responsive and answerable to the public.

Council notes that there has recently been adverse publicity where both the public

and elected members have criticised slow responses from the council.

Council therefore resolves to undertake an urgent review of Protocol 2 of the

constitution (Member-Officer Relations) and also to review, document and publish

standards for how the council will respond to any communications from the general

public, with a report prepared for adoption at the May 2015 meeting of Full Council’.

Councillor Hubbard explained the purpose of his motion which was to improve the response times as he considered there was room for improvement.

The Chairman explained that as the motion related to a proposed change in the Constitution, he would move that it be referred to the Standards Committee via the Constitution Focus Group without debate. This was duly seconded by the Vice-Chairman.

Resolved:

That motion No. 17 detailed above be referred to the Standards Committee via the Constitution Focus Group.

Report by Carolyn Godfrey, Corporate Director

Councillor Dick Tonge, Cabinet member for Finance, presented a report which sought Council approval to establish a Local Pension Board in accordance with the Local Government Pension Scheme (Governance) Regulations 2015. The Council in its role as Administering Authority to the Wiltshire Pension Fund was required to establish such a Board by 1 April 2015.

Details of how the Pension Board would operate and its draft terms of reference were also presented. The purpose of the Board would be to raise the standard of management and administration of public service pension schemes and to achieve more effective representation of employer and employee interests in that process.

It was noted that The Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) had been asked to consider whether positions on the Local Pension Board should attract an allowance and if so, the level of such remuneration. This work was ongoing and the outcome, together with the recommendations of the IRP would be presented to full Council at its May meeting for determination.

Resolved:

That Council:

a)     approve the establishment of the Local Pension Board from 1 April

2015 in line with the Terms of Reference;

b)     delegate authority to the Associate Director (Finance) or his

nominated representative to make further amendments to the draft

Terms of Reference in the Appendix to the report presented, as the result of further consideration of the relevant legislation and government guidance recently published on 28 January 2015; and

c)     delegate authority to the Associate Director (Finance) to sign the

Terms of Reference as so amended on behalf of the Administering

Authority.

Report by Ian Gibbons, Associate Director, Legal and Governance, and Monitoring Officer

Councillor Stuart Wheeler, Cabinet member for Hubs, Governance, Support Services Heritage & Arts and Customer Care presented a report which requested Council to consider recommended changes to Part 3 of the Constitution from the Standards Committee.  Councillor Wheeler reminded Councillors that this had followed a request from Full Council to review the sections on the election of Chairmen to Area Boards  (paragraph 4.9) and Cabinet Member representation on Area Boards (paragraph 4.10). Details of the proposed changes shown as tracked changes were presented.

The Leader emphasised that Cabinet members would of course continue to ensure their attendance at Area Boards as and when required.

Resolved:

To adopt the proposed amendments to Part 3 of the Constitution as

contained at Appendix 1 of the report presented.

Reports by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director

Councillor Stuart Wheeler, Cabinet member for Hubs, Governance, Support Services Heritage & Arts and Customer Care presented a report which recommended the formal appointment of a Chief Counting Officer.  The Officer would oversee Neighbourhood Planning referenda where they

crossed the County boundary and where the greatest number of eligible electors were registered in Wiltshire.

The report proposed that for continuity reasons, the Returning Officer, namely Corporate Director, Dr Carlton Brand should be appointed Chief Counting Officer.

Resolved:

To appoint Dr. Carlton Brand to be the Chief Counting Officer for the purposes of Regulation 10 of the Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012.

Councillor Stuart Wheeler, Cabinet member for Hubs, Governance, Support Services Heritage & Arts and Customer Care presented a report which recommended the formal appointment of Deputy Electoral Registration Officer(s) to act in the event of the personal absence of the Electoral Registration Officer.

It was explained that the new Individual Electoral Registration system could potentially lead to more reviews of electors’ registrations and appeals. It would therefore be prudent to have a Deputy or Deputies in place with the correct formal authority in place.  Given the specialist electoral services knowledge required, it was proposed that the posts of the Associate Director Legal and Governance and the Head of Electoral Services be so appointed.

Resolved:

To appoint the Associate Director Legal and Governance and the Head of Electoral Services as Deputy Electoral Registration Officers with effect from the date of this Council meeting (24 February 2015).

Report by Robin Townsend, Associate Director, Corporate Functions, Procurement and Programme Office

The Chairman confirmed that following changes in the number of seats held by individual political groups on the Council, a request had been received from Councillor Ernie Clark, Leader of the Independent group for a review of the allocation of seats to political groups.

Accordingly, a report reviewing the allocation of seats on committees to political groups was presented for Council’s consideration.

It was noted that the political composition of the Council now stood at:

The net effect of the change in political group sizes was that the Independent Group gained two seats and the Liberal Democrat Group lost two seats. A draft scheme of committee places as presented, had been discussed with the affected Group Leaders. It was noted that the allocation of seats to political groups on the Fire Authority and the Police and Crime Panel were unaffected.

Resolved:

That Council:

(i)    note this report and the legal requirements;

(ii)    confirm the aggregate number and the t scheme of committee

places available to members of the Council as set out in Appendix C and

(iii)    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 shown in (b) below).

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

The Chairman invited Group Leaders to present any requests for changes to committee membership in accordance with the allocation of seats to political groups previously approved by Council.

Following requests made by Councillor Jon Hubbard, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, and Councillor Ernie Clark, Leader of the Independent Group, it was,

Resolved:

1)    Northern Area Planning Committee

Remove Nick Watts and Simon Killane as Full Members.

Remove Terry Chivers as a Substitute Member.

Add Howard Marshall and Terry Chivers as Full Members.

Add Graham Wright and George Jeans as Substitute Members.

2)    Appeals Committee

Remove Ian West as a Full Member.

Add Howard Marshall as a Full Member.

3)    Audit Committee

Jeff Osborn (currently a Substitute Member) and Helen Osborn (currently a Full Member) to switch committee memberships.

Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director

A Community Governance Review (CGR) Working Group was previously established by Council to look at boundaries, warding and seats across the county at parish, town and City level.

Councillor Stuart Wheeler, Cabinet member for Hubs, Governance, Support Services Heritage & Arts and Customer Care presented a report which updated Council on the CGR. The Working Group had identified proposals which required further consultation and those for which there was no identified local support, it recommended that no further action be taken.

Public consultation meetings would be arranged to consider the larger schemes and consultation documents would be circulated to Councillors as soon as possible. The Working Group’s proposals would be brought to Council for determination.

Resolved:

a)         To note the current position on the Community Governance

Review.  

b)        To agree that no further action be taken as part of this review

on the schemes listed in the table in paragraph 7 of the report presented which were originally suggested for review, but for which there is no identified local support or perceived need for change at this time.

Report by Robin Townsend, Associate Director, Corporate Function, Procurement and Programme Office

In accordance with paragraph 9 of the Cabinet Procedure Rules in Part 7 of the Constitution, the Leader presented a report which advised Council that she had delegated executive authority to the Joint Strategic Economic Committee (JSEC).

The JSEC formed part of the governance structure of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership. The report previously considered by Cabinet at its meeting on 16 December 2014 which provided details of the governance structure including the terms of reference of the JSEC was also presented. The  JSEC would provide local democratic and financial accountability for the Swindon and Wiltshire Strategic Economic Plan, the use of the Local Growth Fund and other related funding streams.

Resolved:

That Council note the delegation by the Leader of the Council of

executive authority to the Joint Strategic Economic Committee as

presented. The Council’s Scheme of Delegation – Part 3 of the

Constitution would be amended to reflect this delegation.

Report by Robin Townsend, Associate Director Corporate Function, Procurement and Progamme Office

The Leader presented a report which gave details of one decision taken by Cabinet under the Special Urgency procedure, namely a decision in respect of Porton Science Park at its meeting on 20 January 2015. It was noted that the matter required determination prior to the next scheduled meeting of Cabinet in order to expedite project delivery and associated procurement activity. Requirements of the Special Urgency procedure had been fully complied with.

Resolved:

That Council notes this report, that one decision has been taken under the

special urgency provision in the period since the last report on the 13

May 2014.

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

b.    The Chairman will invite the Leader, Cabinet members and Chairmen of Committees to make any important announcements.

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

d.    Councillors will be given an opportunity to raise any questions on the minutes of the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority – please submit any questions to Yamina Rhouati by 16 February 2015.

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

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

Cabinet                                                                                  11 November 2014, 16 December 2014, 20 January 2015, 10 February 2015

Cabinet Capital Assets Committee                                   11 November 2014

Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee          4 November 2014, 6 January 2015, 13 January 2015

Children’s Select Committee                                             14 October 2014, 9 December 2014

Environment Select Committee                                        28 October 2014, 9 December 2014

Health Select Committee                                                    23 September 2014, 18 November 2014. 13 January 2015

Licensing Committee                                                          8 December 2014

Northern Area Planning Committee                                 8 October 2014, 29 October 2014, 19 November 2014, 10 December 2014, 7 January 2015, 28 January 2015

Eastern Area Planning Committee                                   20 November 2014, 29 January 2015

Southern Area Planning Committee                                16 October 2014, 6 November 2014, 27 November 2014, 18 December 2014, 15 January 2015, 5 February 2015

Western Area Planning Committee                                  5 November 2014, 26 November 2014, 17 December 2014, 14 January 2015, 4 February 2015

Strategic Planning Committee                                          22 October 2014, 10 December 2014, 21 January 2015

Standards Committee                                                         8 October 2014, 21 January 2015

Wiltshire Health and Wellbeing Board                            25 September 2014, 20 November 2014, 15 January 2015

Wiltshire Pension Fund Committee                                 3 December 2014, 11 December 2014

Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel                                     19 November 2014, 15 January 2015, 5 February 2015

Audit Committee                                                                  28 October 2014, 27 January 2015

Staffing Policy Committee                                                  7 January 2015

Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority                              25 September 2014, 11 November 2014, 11 December 2014.

The Chairman invited questions from members on points of information or clarification on the above minutes and gave the Chairmen of those meetings the opportunity to make any important announcements on the work of their respective committees.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the above mentioned meetings be received and noted.

Please note that Councillors are required to give notice of any such questions in writing to the officer named on the first page of this agenda (acting on behalf of the Corporate Director) not later than 5pm on 17 February 2015. 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.

The Chairman reported receipt of questions from Councillors Ernie Clark, Chris Hurst, Helen Osborn, Jeff Osborn, Terry Chivers, Simon Killane, Chris Caswill, Jon Hubbard and Graham Payne, details of which were circulated in Agenda Supplement No. 1 together with responses from the relevant Cabinet member or Committee Chairman. Details of questions and responses are also attached as Appendix D to these minutes.

Questioners were permitted to each ask one relevant supplementary question

per question submitted and where they did so, the relevant Cabinet member

responded.

It was agreed to provide the following written responses to supplementary questions raised:

·         In relation to Question 5 - from Cllr Jeff Osborn -  written reply on how many police staff currently operate from County Hall.

·         In relation to Question 11 – from Cllr Jeff Osborn – to advise Cllr Osborn and other Trowbridge members over the sale or disposal of the former West Wiltshire District Council site at Bradley Road, Trowbridge.

·         In relation to Question 13 – from Councillor Simon Killane – voting record of Council meetings – it was noted that this matter had been referred to the Constitution Focus Group.

·         In relation to Question 15 (e)  - From Councillor Chris Caswill - the timing of the release of Cabinet papers for the meeting on 10 February 2015 in respect of the Chippenham Site Allocations DPD – Councillor Caswill questioned the ability of the public to respond to the documents in the time available.  He requested that the response of the Leader be recorded. The Leader clarified that the purpose of the report to Cabinet was to consider whether the Council should go out to consultation.  The decision made was to go out to consultation with the evidence* to discuss with people in the local area.  Cabinet did not need the evidence* to decide whether to run the consultation.  (*Referring to the background evidence papers).

·         Question 17 – in relation to the Canberra Youth Development Centre, Melksham – The Leader explained that the Council was dealing with the legalities of the youth centre and would then make a decision over its future and keep Councillor Hubbard informed of the outcome.

End of meeting

The Chairman drew the meeting to a close and reminded Council of its next scheduled meeting, being the Annual meeting, would be held on 12 May 2015.

Appendix A – Leader’s Budget Speech

Appendix B – Parish Precepts

Appendix C – Schedule of Committee Places

Appendix D – Councillors’ questions and responses