Agenda and minutes
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Contact: Sheena Jones Rosemary Cole / Amanda Scarce / Pauline Ross
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apologies for absence Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors C. J. Bloore, B. T. Cooper, R. J. Laight, P. M. McDonald, S. P. Shannon, L. J. Turner and S. A. Webb.
Apologies for late arrival were received from Councillors M. Glass and R. D. Smith (however in the event Councillor Smith was absent from the meeting).
Members offered congratulations and best wishes to Councillor C. J. Bloore on his recent marriage.
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Declarations of Interest To invite Councillors to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or Other Disclosable Interests they may have in items on the agenda, and to confirm the nature of those interests. Minutes: There were no declarations of interest at this stage. |
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Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 25th January 2017 were submitted.
Councillor C. M. McDonald referred to minute 87/16 relating to her question on Planning Enforcement matters and stated she had not received any detailed written information from the Portfolio Holder. Councillor C. B. Taylor apologised and undertook to provide this to Councillor McDonald.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 25th January 2017 be approved. |
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To receive any announcements from the Chairman Minutes: The Chairman reminded Members that her Civic Dinner in aid of Sunfield was to be held shortly and that tickets were available from Sharon Chaplin. |
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To receive any announcements from the Leader Minutes: The Leader offered congratulations to Bromsgrove Sporting Football Club on their recent outstanding success in reaching the semi finals of the FA Vase.
The Leader also reminded Council that this was the final Council meeting which Mrs S. Sellers and Mrs S. Jones would be attending at Bromsgrove. On behalf of Members the Leader thanked them for their work on behalf of the Authority and wished them well for the future. |
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comments, questions or petitions from members of the public A period of up to 15 minutes is allowed for members of the public to make a comment, ask questions or present petitions. Each member of the public has up to 3 minutes to do this. A councillor may also present a petition on behalf of a member of the public.
Minutes: There were no public comments, questions or petitions on this occasion.
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Recommendations from the Cabinet
To consider the recommendation from the meeting of the Cabinet held on 7th December 2016 (consideration of this item was postponed at the previous Council Meeting on 25th January 2017)
· Business Waste Recycling Service (the background papers to this item are confidential)
To consider the recommendations from the meeting of the Cabinet held on 1st February 2017
· The Council Plan 2017 – 2020 · Planning Services Development Business Case · Medium Term Financial Plan 2017/18 – 2020/21 · ICT Infrastructure (the background Appendix to the Cabinet report is confidential)
To consider the recommendations from the meeting of the Cabinet held on 28th February 2017 (To be circulated)
· Pay Policy Statement 2017/18 · Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Strategy 2017/18 to 2018/19 · Council Tax Resolutions 2017/18
Note: that under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Amendment Regulations 2014, the Council is required to take a named vote when a decision is made on the budget calculation or precept at a budget decision meeting of the Council.
Note: that under Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, any Councillor who is 2 or more months in arrears with their Council Tax payments cannot participate in any item at the Council meeting concerning the budget.
The background papers to the recommendations are contained at the back of the Council Agenda Minutes: Business Waste Recycling Service
As it was likely that discussion of this item would require the exclusion of the public from the meeting, the Chairman deferred the item to the end of the agenda.
The Council Plan 2017-2020
The recommendation from the Cabinet in relation to the Council Plan 2017- 2020 was proposed by Councillor G. N. Denaro and seconded by Councillor K. J. May.
In proposing the recommendation Councillor Denaro referred to the “refreshed” Council Plan and to the amendments which had been made following the discussion at a previous Council meeting. The Council’s key priorities and strategic purposes were set out on page 6 of the Plan and it was emphasised that the overarching aim was to ensure a sustainable Council. The Plan itself was now a more concise and understandable document.
During the debate some Members expressed the view that the Council Plan contained insufficient detail to enable Portfolio Holders and officers to be held to account in the future. In addition reference to prudence and efficiency in respect of the Council’s finances was challenged.
Other Members however recognised that the revised plan was an improved document from the original version and requested that it now be used going forward by Portfolio Holders to drive improvement through their individual Action Plans.
The Leader confirmed that the Plan would be reviewed on a regular basis and that he would be working with Portfolio Holders and officers in order to deliver the actions arising from the Plan.
RESOLVED that Council Plan 2017- 2020 attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.
Planning Development Services Business Case
The recommendation from the Cabinet in relation to the Planning Development Services Business Case was proposed by Councillor C. B. Taylor and seconded by Councillor G. N. Denaro.
In proposing the recommendation Councillor Taylor reminded Members of the previous discussions at Council and referred to the additional information previously requested and which was contained in Appendix 2 to the report. Councillor Taylor reported that the number of posts at risk of redundancy had reduced from two to one as one of the officers involved had now secured alternative employment.
Councillor Taylor acknowledged the concerns of some Members regarding the location of staff and confirmed that a strong staff presence would be retained in Bromsgrove. Planning Surgeries were effective and were well attended. It was important to move forward with the proposals in order to remove uncertainty and to progress.
During the debate some Members continued to express concern regarding the majority of planning staff being located in Redditch and the perceived impact on services to Bromsgrove residents. In addition it was hoped that the costs split between the Authorities would be reviewed regularly.
Councillor Taylor responded that formal shared service arrangements would enable a more robust and resilient Planning Development Management Service to continue to offer an improved service to residents. It was important now to progress with the shared service and to end uncertainty for staff.
RESOLVED that the Business Case ... view the full minutes text for item 95\16 |
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minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 1st February 2017 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 1st February 2017 were received for information.
Councillor M. Thompson referred to Minute 83/16 relating to Allocation of Homelessness Funding. In relation to St Basil’s Councillor Thompson queried how those people over the age of 25 and those under the age of 25 who were not in employment would be supported.
Councillor C. B. Taylor undertook to provide information on this matter outside the meeting. |
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Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item; no longer than 10 minutes for presentation of the report and then up to 3 minutes for each question to be put and answered.
Minutes: In the absence of the Portfolio Holder Councillor R. D. Smith, Councillor P.J. Whittaker was prepared to present the report. It was felt that it was important however for Members to have the opportunity to question the Portfolio Holder on the contents of the report. Therefore consideration of this item was postponed until the next meeting of the Council when two Portfolio Holder reports would be received.
Some Members expressed disappointment that the Report was again being deferred.
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Questions on Notice A period of up to 15 minutes is allocated for the asking and answering of questions. This may be extended at the discretion of the Chairman with the agreement of the majority of those present.
To deal with any questions on notice from Members of the Council, in the order in which they have been received. Minutes: Question submitted by Councillor M. Thompson
“The move to Parkside promised to generate income for the Council because it could be hired out for private functions. How much more money has it made through this income stream in the last 12 months compared to the old Council House?”
Councillor P. J. Whittaker responded with the following figures:
Burcot Lane (Spadesbourne Suite and Committee Room)
· 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015 income was £25,177.58; · 1st April 2015 to 5th December 2016 income was £17,517.20
Parkside Hall
· 5th December 2015 to 31st March 2016 income was £4,620.21; · 1st April 2016 to February 2017income was £11,928.33 (including period during which the Hall was unavailable due to heating works); · Full 12 months projected income is £14,313.99
Councillor Whittaker further commented that due to the temporary heating problems the venue had not yet been fully promoted but this would be addressed from now on. In addition whilst the facilities at Burcot Lane had been “stand alone” and therefore available at all times this was not the case at Parkside where accommodation was also required for Council use.
Question from Councillor S. R. Colella
“I am sure that the Leader will be aware of recent headlines in the Bromsgrove Standard highlighting the levels of crime being experienced across the District with little or no action being seen by the Police and Crime Commissioner to address this perceived chronic rise in crime.
As reported on 21st February 2017; “Black Audi A6 stolen in Hagley car key burglary”, “Burglars ransack Bromsgrove property and steal cash”, “Police investigating spate of car crime across Bromsgrove District over the last week”.
Will the Leader therefore call on the Police and Crime Commissioner to present a report to this Council detailing the actions that are being taken to address this worrying position?”
Councillor G. N. Denaro responded that the Police and Crime Commissioner was aware of the recent incidents and there had been discussion at the recent West Mercia Police and Crime Panel where instances of vehicle crime and burglary in North Worcestershire had been highlighted. In addition the North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership had been involved and were also receiving data on incidents. The Police and Crime Commissioner had increased funding across the County and was holding the Chief Constable to account to give due priority to these issues.
Question submitted by Councillor C. A. Hotham
“Barnt Green has been and is still suffering serious traffic disruption. The village has seen over 12 months of disruption due to the closure of both Hewell Lane and Linthurst Newtown railway bridges and more recently further disruption with the 3 month closure of Bittell Road and Fiery Hill Road. As Councillors will appreciate this has had a catastrophic impact on trade within the village with some shops having to lay off staff and owners reducing their own pay by up to two thirds. Without positive action it is highly likely that much of this footfall will be lost forever and as a result ... view the full minutes text for item 98\16 |
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Motions on Notice A period of up to one hour is allocated to consider the motions on notice. This may only be extended with the agreement of the Council.
Minutes: There were no Motions on Notice on this occasion. |
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Local Government Act 1972 "RESOLVED: that under Section 100 I of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, the public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act, as amended, the relevant paragraph of that part, in each case, being as set out below, and that it is in the public interest to do so:-
Minutes: RESOLVED That under Section 100 I of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, the public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the items of business the subject of the following minutes on the grounds that they involve the disclosure of “Exempt Information” as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, the relevant part being as set out below and that it is in the public interest to do so.
Minute No Paragraph 101 /16 3 102/16 3
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Business Waste Recycling Service Minutes: The recommendation from the Cabinet in relation to the Business Waste Recycling Service was proposed by Councillor P. J. Whittaker and seconded by Councillor G. N. Denaro.
In proposing the recommendation Councillor Whittaker referred to the amended Business Plan document which had been circulated. This did not significantly change the original Business Case but corrected some typographical errors and clarified a number of points. Councillor Whittaker drew attention to paragraph 6.8 on page 15 of the document where the second sentence should read “as laid out in 6.6, a new vehicle is anticipated during 2017-18 at a cost of circa £180,000 and the depreciation of this will be £25,000 per annum over a seven year period”. He also referred to page 16 of the replacement document where 2 figures had been transposed in the first and second columns of the direct costs line.
Councillor Whittaker highlighted the opportunities available to provide the new Business Waste Recycling Service which would combine well with other elements of the services currently provided. Introducing the service would be beneficial to the Authority and would provide another option to potential customers. Members broadly welcomed the proposal as a good opportunity. It was recognised that the format for future Business Cases would benefit from being reviewed.
RESOLVED: (a) that a phase 1 Business Waste Recycling Service be introduced in 2017/18; (b) that the service be extended and rolled out to all customers from 2018/19; (c) that the fees and charges as set out in appendix 2 to the report be approved and adopted; and (d) that delegated authority be given to the Head of Environmental Services to have discretion to vary the charges for the Business Waste Recycling Collection Service when agreeing terms with customers within a variance of plus or minus 25 %.
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ICT Infrastructure Minutes:
(Councillors P. L. Thomas and M. J. A. Webb each declared an Other Disclosable Interest in this item and withdrew from the Meeting).
The recommendation from the Cabinet was proposed by Councillor G. N. Denaro and seconded by Councillor K. J. May.
During the debate some Members expressed disappointment at the level of interest in providing the service and felt that further detailed information was required in respect of the service to be provided. In addition it may be appropriate to seek further tenders.
Arising from the debate it was generally agreed that the report be deferred to enable further consideration.
RESOLVED that consideration of the ICT Infrastructure proposals be deferred.
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Council Tax Resolutions 2017/18 Additional documents: |