Agenda item

The Chairman made the following announcements.

The Chairman expressed his appreciation to the people of Wiltshire for their resilience and understanding during the difficult times imposed on them by the Covid-19 pandemic. He also paid tribute to council staff, key workers and others who had worked tirelessly to support their communities. Thanks was also expressed to Members for the support they had given their communities.

The Chairman announced that the High Sheriff Major General Ashley Truluck CB CBE had joined the meeting today and had asked to express his thanks to Wiltshire communities. The High Sheriff stated that he was also Chairman of the Wiltshire Community Foundation. He felt it was fortuitous that he wore both hats at this difficult time. It was his third month in post and as yet, due to Covid-19 he had been unable to attend any public meetings. However, he had been taking part virtually where possible and there was some innovative work happening at community level. The Wiltshire Coronavirus Appeal Fund had raised nearly a million pounds so far, this money was to go back in to communities via grants. The High Sherriff thanked Wiltshire Council for their response to the situation as well as the NHS and unsung community heroes. The Chairman thanked the High Sherriff.

The Chairman invited the group leaders to make comments.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of the Council thanked the High Sheriff for his comments and stated that he would say more under the Covid-19 item later on the agenda.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, congratulated the Chairman on his election and thanked Cllr Sheppard for his year as Chairman. Cllr Thorn thanked Wiltshire Council staff for their hard work during Covid-19 and residents for their resilience, compassion and support.

Cllr Ernie Clark, Independent Group Leader, congratulated the Chairman on his election and thanked Wiltshire Council officers and community volunteers for their response to Covid-19.

Cllr Ricky Rogers, Labour Group Leader, echoed the pervious comments and thanked all communities across Wiltshire for playing their part. The work to support small businesses had been second to none. 

The Chairman announced with great sadness the death of former Councillor Lionel Grundy OBE who passed away on Thursday 21 May 2020. Cllr Grundy served on Wiltshire Council from 2009 – 2013, representing Urchfont and the Cannings, and served as Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, and was formerly Chairman of Kennet District Council. He was also a Deputy Chief Constable of Wiltshire and served as a police officer for 38 years.

Also, the Chairman announced with great sorrow the sudden death of the Mayor of Devizes Cllr Andy Johnson on Monday 25 May 2020. Cllr Johnson was appointed as Mayor ‘virtually’ on 14 May 2020 and was Deputy Mayor during 2019-20. Cllr Johnson had lived in the town for 12 years. A few moments silence was held in respect.

The Chairman welcomed Cllr Kevin Daley as the new councillor for Till and Wylye Valley following the by-election on 10 March 2020. Cllr Daley stated that he was pleased to join a great team.

The Chairman also announced that Paul Kelly (Head of Democracy), Liz Creedy (Head of Corporate Assurance and Programmes) and Robin Townsend (Director for Corporate Services) were leaving the council after many years of service. The Chairman shared his appreciation for Paul, Liz and Robin for their work for Wiltshire over the years, in particular supporting the Salisbury recovery and the council’s governance arrangements.

The Chairman then invited the Leader to make any announcement in respect of Cabinet and Portfolio Holder responsibilities.

The Leader announced that:

Phil Alford was appointed Portfolio Holder for the Whole Life Pathway.

There was currently a consultation underway regarding the Tier 1 structure changes the Leader had proposed, the aim was to conclude this as soon as possible or by 1 July 2020. There would be further changes to Cabinet and Portfolio Holders which the Leader would write to advise Members of by 1 July 2020. These changes were to support the proposed Tier 1 structure changes and would result in increased efficiency and, as the numbers would be reduced a reduced cost to Wiltshire Council.