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 R. J. Deeming, S.J. Dudley, K.A. Grant-Pearce, R. Hollingworth and R. J. Shannon. |
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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: The following declarations of interest were made:
Item 12 – Notice of Motion on Alexandra Hospital
Councillor P. Lammas declared an other disclosable interest as a Member of the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust (?)
Councillor J. S. Brogan declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as he was employed by the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
Councillor J. R. Boulter declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as he was employed by the University Hospitals of Birmingham NHS foundation Trust.
Councillor D. W. P. Booth declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as his partner was employed by the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.
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Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 19th January 2015 were submitted.
RESOLVED that the minutes be approved as a correct record. |
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announcements from the Chairman, the Civic Head and/or Head of Paid Service Minutes: The Civic Head referred to the recent Holocaust Memorial event which had taken place in Bromsgrove and thanked the Deputy Civic Head for her attendance, together with those Members who had supported the event.
The Civic Head also reminded Members that the Civic Dinner would be taking place at Hagley Hall on 30th April 2015 and invited all Members to attend. |
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announcements from the Leader Minutes: The Leader referred to the recent march through the Town of the Mercian Regiment to commemorate the regiment being granted the Freedom of the District.
The Leader drew attention to:
· The on going work with Worcestershire County Council in relation to improvements to the A38 infrastructure; · the improved facilities for the market within the High Street; and · the good progress made in relation to a number of town centre development sites
Councillor L. C. R. Mallett sought information on the progress of attracting additional stall holders and the Farmers Market to the High Street. The Leader gave updated information on this.
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Membership of Committees Council is asked to note that
(a) Councillor C. R. Scurrell has replaced Councillor H. J. Jones as a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Board; and (b) Councillor R. J. Laight has replaced Councillor H. J. Jones as the Vice- Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board.
Minutes: It was noted that Councillor C. R. Scurrell had replaced Councillor H. J. Jones as a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Board and that Councillor R. J. Laight had replaced Councillor Jones as Vice-Chairman of the Board.
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Recommendations from the Cabinet - Medium Term Financial Plan 2015/16 - 2017/18 · To consider the recommendations from the meetings of the Cabinet held on 4th February 2015 (attached) and 25th February 2015 (to be tabled at the meeting) relating to the Medium Term Financial Plan 2015/16 – 2017/18
(The full Cabinet reports are enclosed for information at the back of the Council agenda book)
· To consider an Alternative Budget 2015/16 and Medium Term Financial Plan from the Independent Alliance Group (attached)
· To consider an Alternative Budget 2015/16 and Medium Term Financial Plan from the Labour Group (to follow)
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. This statutory provision overrides any dispensation granted.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Portfolio for Finance, Councillor M. J. A. Webb referred to the recommendations in respect of the Medium Term Financial Plan arising from the meetings of the Cabinet held on 4th and 25th February 2015. Councillor Webb proposed the recommendations from the two Cabinet meetings jointly. The recommendations were seconded by Councillor C. B. Taylor.
Councillor Webb referred to the background to the Medium Term Financial Plan process, including the significant reduction in the grant settlement received from central government over the past four years. He stated that despite this it had been possible to deliver a balanced budget, including the freezing of the Council Tax precept for the District, but which also protected the delivery of frontline services. This had been facilitated by budgeted savings and through savings made through Shared Services and transformation work.
Councillor Webb welcomed the submission by the Labour and the Independent Alliance Groups of alternative Medium Term Financial Plans and he drew attention to the significant areas of agreement between the Controlling Group’s budget and those budget proposals put forward by the two opposition Groups.
In proposing the recommendations from the Cabinet Councillor Webb referred to the significant investment which was on going within the Town Centre, together with the Parkside development and the Dolphin Centre replacement which would be of benefit to the District as a whole. In addition it had been possible to retain the existing level of car parking charges and to introduce free parking after 7.00pm.
Councillor Webb drew attention to the proposals arising from the work undertaken by the New Homes Bonus Working Group, to allocate £87,000 of the New Homes Bonus Grant to the New Homes Bonus Scheme.
Councillor L. C. R. Mallett responded to the recommendations and moved an amendment to the Medium Term Financial Plan (as attached to these Minutes) in the form of an alternative budget on behalf of the Labour Group, this was seconded by Councillor C. J. Bloore.
During the debate on the amendment Councillor Mallett made reference to proposed reduction in car parking charges and the introduction of free swimming for those under 16 or over 65, together with additional investments in Community projects and investment in the Arts and Tourism. It was the intention to fund the investment through a number of measures including reduction of expenditure on IT and Consultants and drawing down from balances.
As required under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 a named vote was taken on the amendment.
For the amendment: Councillors C. J. Bloore, M. T. Buxton, L. C. R. Mallett, C. M. McDonald, P. M. McDonald, E. J. Murray, E. M. Shannon, S. P. Shannon and C. J. K. Wilson (9)
Against the amendment: Councillors S. J. Baxter, D. W. P. Booth, J. M. Boswell, J. R. Boulter, J. S. Brogan, M. A. Bullivant, R. A. Clarke, S. R. Colella, B. T. Cooper, R. L. Dent, P. A. Harrison, H. J. Jones, R. J. Laight, P. Lammas, B. Lewis, ... view the full minutes text for item 78\14 |
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To set the Council Tax for 2015/16
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. This statutory provision overrides any dispensation granted.
Minutes: Members received a report of the Executive Director , Finance and Corporate Resources with regard to the setting of the Council Tax for 2015/16.
Having been moved by Councillor M. J. A. Webb and seconded by Councillor D. W. P. Booth, it was
RESOLVED that the recommendations as set out as an appendix to these minutes, setting a Council tax for 2015/16 of £200.24 for a Band D unparished property be approved.
As required under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) regulations 2014, a named vote was taken on the setting of the Council Tax for 2015/16.
For the recommendations: Councillors S. J. Baxter, C. J. Bloore, D. W. P. Booth, J. M. Boswell, J. R. Boulter, J. S. Brogan, M. A. Bullivant, M. T. Buxton, R. A. Clarke, S. R. Colella, B. T. Cooper, R. L. Dent, P. A. Harrison, H. J. Jones, R. J. Laight, P. Lammas, B. Lewis, L. C. R. Mallett, C. M. McDonald, P. M. McDonald, E. J. Murray, J. A. Ruck, C. R. Scurrell, E. M. Shannon, S. P. Shannon, M. A. Sherrey, C. J. Spencer, C. B. Taylor, L. J. Turner, M. J. A. Webb, P. J. Whittaker and C. J. K. Wilson (32)
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Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 3rd December 2014, 7th January 2015 and 4th February 2015 were received for information. |
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Report and Recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel The Independent Remuneration Panel makes recommendations to the Council about the level of allowances, to which the Council “has regard”. The Panel’s report for 2015/16 is enclosed.
Additional documents: Minutes: Members attention was drawn to a report of the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) for Worcestershire District Councils setting out its recommendations to Bromsgrove District Council arising from its review of Members Allowances for 2015/16.
The Leader reported that the issues had been discussed with other Group Leaders and it was proposed by Councillor M. A. Sherrey and seconded by Councillor M. J. A. Webb and
RESOLVED: (a) that the Council has regard to the report and Recommendations of the IRP and accepts the recommendations relating to travel, subsistence and dependent carer’s allowances (paragraphs 3-5 of the Panel’s recommendations); (b) that the recommendation relating to Parish Councils in the District be noted; (c) that the recommendation relating to Basic allowances be not agreed and that the Council continues to pay a basic allowance of £4,326 per annum for 2015-16; (d) that the recommendations relating to Special Responsibility allowances be not agreed , but continue at the current level for 2015-16, with the following exceptions:
(i) that having considered carefully the recommendations of the IRP, the Special Responsibility allowance for the Chairman of Licensing Committee be based on the multiplier recommended by the Panel but using the current basic allowance for the Council. This results in an allowance of £1,298, a reduction of £4,326; (ii) that a new Special Responsibility allowance be introduced from the 2015-16 financial year for Leaders of political groups with 4 or more Members. This allowance to be based on the IRP’s proposed multiplier and using the current basic allowance as a basis. This would result in a payment of £1, 082 per annum per leader. The current allowance for the Leader of the largest Opposition Party elected at the ballot box to remain. The Leader of this party and the Leader of the Council will not be entitled to claim both allowances for the Group Leader positions.
(e) that the Council’s Members Allowances Scheme for 2015-16 be updated to take account of the changes referred to above.
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Questions on Notice To deal with any questions on notice from Members of the Council, in the order in which they have been received. Minutes: There were no questions on notice. |
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Motion - Town Centre Partnership Additional documents:
Minutes: Members considered the following motion submitted by Councillor C. J. Bloore:
“ Council recognises that the future of the town centre and its regeneration is one of the most important challenges facing this Council.
Council recognises the important role of local small and medium sized businesses play in the future of our town centre and the economic development of Bromsgrove.
Council believes that a successful town centre and improved local economic activity can only be achieved by working together with local businesses and the public.
Council resolves to establish a Town Centre Partnership with immediate effect including a voting membership made up of elected members, the relevant Portfolio Holder and at least four representatives from local business and community organisations. The Council members forming part of the Town Centre Partnership will be representative of the political balance of the Council.
Council further resolves that the remit of the Town Centre Partnership will be to recommend, consider and monitor the strategy, plans and progress of the Council in respect of all matters relating to the Town Centre economy and regeneration.
Council agrees to make the necessary delegations to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Group Leaders and Portfolio Holder to implement the required constitutional and/or democratic changes to bring about the Town Centre Partnership as set out.”
The motion was moved by Councillor Bloore and seconded by Councillor E. J. Murray.
In proposing the motion Councillor Bloore referred to the importance of small and medium businesses to the local economy and of the need for good communication between this Council and representatives of those businesses and community organisations within the Town Centre. This approach was supported by other Members and reference was made of a similar Town Centre group which had existed previously.
Councillor R. L. Dent as Portfolio Holder for the Town Centre reported that there was a significant level of interest in the various development sites within the Town Centre and that a report with options for the future would be considered by the Cabinet shortly.
A number of Members expressed the view that whilst there was some merit in the idea behind the Notice of Motion, without clear terms of reference such a Group would be likely to be ineffective and may result in delays to the Town Centre project as a whole. On a requisition under Council procedure 17.7, the following details of the voting were recorded:
For the motion: Councillors S. J. Baxter, C. J. Bloore, M. T. Buxton, S. R. Colella, B. Lewis, L. C. R. Mallett, C. M. McDonald, P. M. McDonald, E. J. Murray, E. M. Shannon, S. P. Shannon, L. J. Turner and C. J. K. Wilson (13)
Against the motion: Councillors D. W. P. Booth, J. M. Boswell, J. R. Boulter, J. S Brogan, M. A. Bullivant, R. A. Clarke, R. L. Dent, P. A. Harrison, H. J. Jones, R. J. Laight, P. Lammas, C. R. Scurrell, M. A. Sherrey, C. J. Spencer, C. B. Taylor ... view the full minutes text for item 83\14 |
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Motion - Planning Minutes: Members considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor L. C. R. Mallett:
“Council is deeply concerned about the state of planning operations and strategy at Bromsgrove District Council.
Council calls on Cabinet to urgently review the steps and measures in place to improve the performance of our planning responsibilities and to put in place and share with all Members key milestones and actions to redress the present issues.”
The motion was moved by Councillor L. C. R. Mallett and seconded by Councillor C. J. Bloore.
In proposing the motion Councillor Mallett referred to the recent performance of the Council’s Planning Department in failing to meet planning decision target dates, which had resulted in the action of the Department of Communities and Local Government to place the Department into “special measures”. Councillor Mallett stated this would impact upon the Council’s ability to determine major planning applications within the District. During debate Members referred to perceived issues in respect of the Bromsgrove District Local Plan. There was concern expressed at arrangements for accommodating Planning officers which meant the majority were not based at Bromsgrove.
Councillor C. B. Taylor acknowledged that there had been some difficulties and that whilst an overall better service was being delivered to the public, the revised working procedures had unfortunately resulted in some target dates not being achieved.
Councillor Taylor refuted comments made in respect of the Bromsgrove District Local Plan which was going through the normal process as required by the Local Plan Inspector. He also confirmed that there were Planning Department staff based in Bromsgrove every day.
On a requisition under Council procedure 17.5, the following details of the voting were recorded:
For the motion: Councillors S. J. Baxter, C. J. Bloore, M. T. Buxton, S. R. Colella, B. Lewis, L. C. R. Mallett, C. M. McDonald, P. M. McDonald, E. J. Murray, E. M. Shannon, S. P. Shannon, L. J. Turner and C. J.K. Wilson (13)
Against the motion: Councillors D. W. P. Booth, J. M. Boswell, J. R. Boulter, J. S. Brogan, M. A. Bullivant, R. A. Clarke, B. T. Cooper, R. L. Dent, P. A. Harrison, H. J. Jones, R. J. Laight, P. Lammas, J. A. Ruck, C. R. Scurrell, M. A. Sherrey, C. J. Spencer, C. B. Taylor, and M. J. A. Webb (18)
The Chairman declared the motion to be lost.
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Motion - Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust Minutes: (Councillors, D. W. P. Booth, J. R. Boulter, J.S. Brogan and P. Lammas left the room during the consideration of this Notice of Motion )
Members considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor P. Lammas.
In the event the motion was proposed by Councillor R. J. Laight and seconded by Councillor L. C. R. Mallett.
The Council is becoming increasingly concerned at the recent events at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust including:
Council endorses the action taken by the Leader of the Council in writing to the NHS Trust Development Authority in requesting they carry out an independent investigation into these recent developments as described above at the Alexandra Hospital.
In view of the importance of the Alexandra Hospital to the communities represented by Bromsgrove District council and given the above concerns it is requested that an urgent meeting is held with the Secretary of State for Health to discuss the option for University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust or other Trust being allowed to deliver services from the Alex be investigated.
Following a debate the Chairman declared the Motion to be carried.
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