Agenda and minutes

The Chairman informed Members that it was with regret that he had to announce that Sir Robert Anthony Bevis Durant (known as Tony Durant) former MP for Reading North and Reading West had passed away. Councillor Tony Linden described him as a conscientious man who had served his residents very well. Councillor Pamela Bale commented that she had very fond memories of Tony and his wife Audrey and stated that he was a kind and generous man. Councillors Mollie Lock and Alan Macro said he always conducted himself as a gentleman.

The Council observed a minutes’ silence.

The Chairman reported that he and the Vice Chairman had attended 27 events since the last Council meeting.

The Chairman reminded Members that they had received an Amendments and Corrections sheet in respect of this meeting which covered a number of agenda items.

The Chairman to sign as a correct record the Minutes of the Council meetings held on 10 December 2015 and the Special meeting held on the 21 January 2016. (Pages 7-22)

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10 December 2015 were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to the inclusion of Councillor Pamela Bale’s attendance at the meeting being recorded.

The Minutes of the special meeting held on 21 January 2016 were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To remind Members of the need to record the existence and nature of any Personal, Disclosable Pecuniary or other interests in items on the agenda, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer announced that in respect of Agenda Item 16 (Revenue Budget 2016/17) all Members, except Councillor Nick Goodes, had completed an Application for a Grant of a Dispensation in relation to “any beneficial interest” in land within the Authority’s area. The Monitoring Officer had granted the dispensation to allow all those Members that applied for a dispensation to speak and vote on these items.

Andy Day also reported that Councillor Lynne Doherty had an interest in Agenda Item 16 (Revenue Budget 2016/17) by virtue of the fact that Councillor Doherty’s employer was a recipient of the Short Breaks Funding. Councillor Doherty had applied to the Governance and Ethics Committee for a dispensation to speak and vote on this item. The Committee decided that Councillor Doherty could speak and vote on the Phase 1 consultation responses as a whole, but could only speak on the short breaks for children and not vote on this issue should this situation occur.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer stated that Councillors Marcus Franks and Lee Dillon had an interest in Agenda Item 16 (Revenue Budget 2016/17) by virtue of the fact that their employer, Sovereign Housing Association, received funding from the Council for its Neighbourhood Warden Scheme. Both Councillors had applied to the Governance and Ethics Committee for a dispensation to speak and vote on this item. The Committee decided that a dispensation should be granted but that the dispensation would permit Councillor Franks and Councillor Dillon to speak but not vote on this item.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer also informed Members that Councillor Mike Johnston had notified him that he had a disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 16 (Revenue Budget) by virtue of the fact that his wife was employed, on a casual basis, by the Visitor Information Centre and he would be leaving the room during the course of discussing and voting on this matter.

Andy Day explained that Councillor Jeff Beck was a trustee of the Corn Exchange, Readibus and the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire. As he had a fiduciary duty to these trusts he determined, in respect of Agenda Item 16 (Revenue Budget), to leave the Chamber during the discussion of this item and would not take part in the vote.

The Councillors set out below declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 16 (Revenue Budget).

Councillor James Podger presented a petition, on behalf of Ms Kate Lo, containing 2,454 signatures relating to the potential removal of funding for the Oasis Youth Club and Befriending schemes for young people with autism, through Short Breaks. This petition would be considered as part of the Revenue Budget debate that evening.

Councillor Mollie Lock presented a petition, on behalf of Ms Katherine Whitehouse, containing 217 signatures relating to the potential closure of Burghfield Children’s Centre. This petition would be considered as part of the Revenue Budget debate that evening.

Councillor Alan Macro presented a petition containing 365 signatures relating to the potential closure of Theale Library. This petition would be considered as part of the Revenue Budget debate that evening.

Councillor Lee Dillon presented a petition containing 102 signatures relating to the potential closure of Thatcham Library. This petition would be considered as part of the Revenue Budget debate that evening.

(Please note that there were no questions submitted relating to items not included on the agenda)

A full transcription of the public and Member question and answer sessions are available from the following link: Transcription of Q&As. (right click on link and ‘Edit Hyperlink’. Insert URL to pdf on website in ‘address’ field)

There were no public questions received in relation to items not included on the agenda. The following questions were submitted in relation to items on the agenda.

a)    A question standing in the name of Mr Gary Puffett on the subject of the impact cuts would have upon the wider economy was answered by the Portfolio Holder for Planning Economic Development, Regeneration and Pensions .

b)    A question standing in the name of Mr Gary Puffett on the subject of an Impact Needs Analysis was answered by the Portfolio Holder for Planning Economic Development, Regeneration and Pensions.

c)    A question standing in the name of Mr Gary Puffett on the subject of alternative revenue streams was answered by the Leader of the Council.

d)    A question standing in the name of Mr Gary Puffett on the subject of public/ private partnerships was answered by the Portfolio Holder for Partnerships, Equality, Community Safety, Environmental Health, Trading Standards, Waste and Customer Services.

e)    A question standing in the name of Mr Gary Puffett on the subject of the future use of library buildings was answered by the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Car, Housing, Countryside, Community, Culture and Leisure Services.

f)     A question standing in the name of Mr Gary Puffett on the subject of the future of library and children centres, stock and equipment was answered by thePortfolio Holder for Education, Property and Broadband .

g)    A question standing in the name of Mr Peter Norman on the subject of postponing the expenditure on the budget was asked by David Marsh and answered by the. Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing and Devolution.

h)   A question standing in the name of Mr Peter Norman on the subject of lobbying Central Government to increase the Council’s settlement was asked by David Marsh and  answered by the Leader of the Council .

i)     A question standing in the name of Mr Peter Norman on the subject of meeting statutory obligations in respect of libraries was asked by David Marsh and answered by thePortfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Housing, Countryside, Community, Culture and Leisure Services .

j)      A question standing in the name of Mr Peter Norman on the subject of a holistic approach to the transitional funding from Central Government was asked by David Marsh and answered by the Leader of the Council.

k)    A question standing in the name of Mr Peter Norman on the subject of Councillors obligations to all their constituents was asked by David Marsh and answered by the Leader of the Council.

The Monitoring Officer to advise of any changes to the membership of Committees since the previous Council meeting.

The Deputy Monitoring Officer advised of the following changes to the membership of Committees since the previous Council meeting:

Western Area Planning Committee

Councillor Anthony Stansfeld had been replaced by Councillor Adrian Edwards. Councillor James Cole was now a substitute on this Committee.

Licensing Committee

Councillor Adrian Edwards had been replaced by Councillor Clive Hooker.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Licensing Committee has not met.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Licensing Committee had not met.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Personnel Committee has not met.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Personnel Committee had not met.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of Council, the Governance and Ethics Committee met on 09 December 2015, 05January 2016, 08 February 2016 (special and ordinary meeting), 17 February 2016 and 22 February 2016. Copies of the Minutes of these meetings can be obtained from Strategic Support or via the Council’s website.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Governance and Ethics Committee had met on 09 December 2015, 05 January 2016, 08 February 2016 (special and ordinary), 17 February 2016 and 22 February 2016.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the District Planning Committee has not met.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the District Planning Committee had not met.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Overview and Scrutiny Management Commission met on 05 January 2016 and 23 February 2016.  Copies of the Minutes of these meetings can be obtained from Strategic Support or via the Council’s website.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Overview and Scrutiny Management Commission had met on 05 January 2016 and 23 February 2016.

In accordance with Paragraph 4.5 of the Council’s Constitution, the Chairman has agreed to change the order of the agenda to receive ‘Notices of Motion’ in advance of the items for debate.

(a)          The following Motion has been submitted in the name of Councillor Alan Macro:

“This Council recognises the financial pressure that it is under as a result of significant reductions of the Council’s Revenue Support Grant by the Government and therefore resolves to:

1. Forgo the index linked increase to Councillor’s Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances due for 2016/17, saving £5,210

2. Reverse the £1,039 increase to the Councillors’ Basic Allowance awarded in 2015, saving £54,028.”

(b)          The following Motion has been submitted in the name of Councillor Anthony Chadley:

“West Berkshire Council:

…notes that the proposed Local Government Settlement was only announced in late December, giving the Council only 2 months to consider savings proposals, consult residents and review feedback.

…and notes that whilst the £1.4million of transitionary funding provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government will lessen the impact of the required savings, the Council still needs to find £17.5 million next year.

It is therefore proposed that this Council continues to lobby the government for a fair deal in regards to local authority funding”.

(c)          The following Motion has been submitted in the name of Councillor Graham Jones:

“This Council welcomes the devolution agenda and fully supports the Chancellors announcement that all business rates will be returned to local government.

West Berkshire currently generates £84m in business rates but only £17m is returned to West Berkshire Council to help fund local services and the essential infrastructure needed to keep us strong. 

With the complete removal of any remaining government funding without the return of our withheld rates income there will be further significant cuts in local services during the lifetime of this council.

Local authorities and democracy would be strengthened by a direct link between the money raised in an area being spent in the same area.

This Council calls upon Her Majesty’s Government to guarantee the return of business rates to West Berkshire and ask for the timeline to be reduced to 2018 thus giving local authorities a direct incentive to encourage local economic growth through improved services and infrastructure.

This Council therefore requests that the Chairman lobbies the relevant Minister in regard to ensuring that rates raised in West Berkshire will be returned and that this will be considered for implementation within the lifetime of this parliament.”

The Council considered the under-mentioned Motion (Agenda item 13(a) refers) submitted in the name of Councillor Alan Macro relating to forgoing the index link to the Councillor’s Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances in 2016/17 and reversing the increase to the Basic Allowance adopted in May 2015.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Alan Macro and seconded by Councillor Lee Dillon:

That the Council:

“recognises the financial pressure that it is under as a result of significant reductions of the Council’s Revenue Support Grant by the Government and therefore resolves to:

1. Forgo the index linked increase to the Councillors’ Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances due for 2016/17, saving £5,210

2. Reverse the £1,039 increase to the Councillors’ Basic Allowance awarded in 2015, saving £54,028.”

Councillor James Fredrickson noted that the first part of the Motion (1% increase for Councillors) was already built into the 2016/17 budget savings proposals and so this part of the motion had already been resolved.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared LOST.

The Council considered the under-mentioned Motion (Agenda item 13(b) refers) submitted in the name of Councillor Anthony Chadley relating to lobbying Central Government for a Fair Deal in Regards to the Local Authority Funding.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Anthony Chadley and seconded by Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter:

That the Council:

“notes that the proposed Local Government Settlement was only announced in late December, giving the Council only 2 months to consider savings proposals, consult residents and review feedback;

and notes that whilst the £1.4million of transitionary funding provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government will lessen the impact of the required savings, the Council still needs to find £17.5 million next year.

It is therefore proposed that this Council continues to lobby the Government for a fair deal in regards to local authority funding”

(Councillor Manohar Gopal left the meeting at 8.14pm and returned at 8.17pm)

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Council considered the under-mentioned Motion (Agenda item 13(c) refers) submitted in the name of Councillor Graham Jones relating to local retention of Business Rates.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Graham Jones and seconded by Councillor Laszlo Zverko:

That the Council:

“Welcomes the devolution agenda and fully supports the Chancellor’s announcement that all business rates will be returned to local government.

West Berkshire currently generates £84m in business rates but only £17m is returned to West Berkshire Council to help fund local services and the essential infrastructure needed to keep us strong. 

With the complete removal of any remaining government funding without the return of our withheld rates income there will be further significant cuts in local services during the lifetime of this Council.

Local authorities and democracy would be strengthened by a direct link between the money raised in an area being spent in the same area.

This Council calls upon Her Majesty’s Government to guarantee the return of business rates to West Berkshire and ask for the timeline to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

In compliance with the Local Government Act 2003, this report summarises the Council’s borrowing limits as set out by CIPFA’s Prudential Code, and recommends the Annual Investment and Borrowing Strategy for 2016/17. (Pages 23-36)

(Councillor Tony Linden left the meeting at 8.17pm and returned at 8.24pm)

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 14) concerning the Council’s borrowing limits as set out by CIPFA’s Prudential Code and which also set out the Annual Investment and Borrowing Strategy for 2016/17.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Roger Croft and seconded by Councillor Laszlo Zverko:

That the Council:

“Adopts the 2016/17 Investment and Borrowing Strategy and formulates the Treasury Management Policy in compliance with the Local Government Act 2003 and CIPFA's Prudential Code and Code of Practice for Treasury Management”.

Councillor Croft in introducing the item explained that this was a technical report that the Council was required to produce annually. He noted that the Treasury Management Team was a cross party group. 

(Councillors Graham Jones and Keith Chopping left the meeting at 8.19pm and returned at 8.20pm)

Councillor Lee Dillon stated that the Liberal Democrat Group supported the strategy and welcomed the addition of the extra twelve month borrowing capability.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

To outline the five year Capital Strategy for 2016 to 2021, including the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement and the Asset Management Plans for Property and Highways, and to set out the funding framework for Council’s five year Capital Programme for 2016/17 to 2020/21. (Pages 37-152)

(All Members, except Councillor Nick Goodes, had been granted a dispensation by the Monitoring Officer to speak and vote on this item)

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 15) concerning the five year Capital Strategy for 2016 to 2021, including the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement and the Asset Management Plans for Property and Highways. The document also set out the funding framework for the Council’s five year Capital Programme for 2016/17 to 2020/21.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Roger Croft and seconded by Councillor Jeanette Clifford:

That the Council:

“approves the Capital Strategy and Programme 2016/17 to 2020/21”.

Councillor Croft noted that despite having difficult decisions to make in respect of the revenue budget the Council would continue to invest in the future of West Berkshire. The strategy set out that over the next five years the Council would be investing:

·       £57m for new school places and improvements to existing buildings,

·       £55m in the maintenance and improvement of the district’s highway network;

·       £1.5m for the delivery of superfast broadband across the district;

·       £11.5m in occupational health equipment, home adaptations and supported living for older people and people with disabilities and also supporting looked after children;

·       £3.8m for the maintenance and improvements of parks, open spaces and sporting and cultural facilities.

(Councillors Graham Pask and Ian Morrin left the meeting at 8.20pm and returned at 8.21pm)

Councillor Lee Dillon stated that the Liberal Democrat Group were broadly supportive of the strategy. He noted that the Government funded new school places at £1100 per square metre. This level of funding did not reflect actual build costs in West Berkshire. He therefore requested that the Council lobby Central Government to attain a level appropriate for the area that was not based on a national formula. Councillor Dillon then proposed an amendment which sought to include an additional aim into the strategy. The amendment suggested using capital to generate longer term income for the Council and was designed to focus Members and Officers’ attention on income generation.

AMENDMENT: Proposed by Councillor Lee Dillon and seconded by Councillor Roger Croft:

That the Council:

“actively uses the Capital budgets to help generate income that can support the revenue budget of the Council through longer term investments”.

Councillor Croft stated that he was happy to second the amendment as it would help to focus efforts.

The Amendment was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

Discussion then returned to the Substantive Motion.

Councillor Garth Simpson stated that the highways element of the Capital Programme (£55m) totalled around 40% of the expenditure. Around £5m would be spent on improvements to the A339 in light of the Sandleford and London Road Industrial Estate developments and £5m would be spent on the conversion of street lights to energy saving LED lights which would generate significant revenue savings. In addition 41% of the budget would be spent on maintaining and improving the highways asset and 15% would be spent on flood alleviation schemes.

(Councillor Laszlo Zverko left the meeting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 105.

To consider and agree the 2016/17 Revenue Budget. This report highlights that for West Berkshire residents there will be a Council Tax requirement of £82.28m requiring a Council Tax increase of 1.99% in 2016/17 and a 2% ring-fenced precept for adult social care. The Council has had to find savings of £14m in 2016/17, the highest in the Council’s history.

Given the scale of task to arrive at a balanced budget for next year a number of significant saving proposals have been made including reductions to libraries, children centres, home to school transport, public transport subsidy, highway maintenance, provision of care services and many others.

The proposed savings will have significant implications for staff. Subject to the outcome of public consultations, 127 employees will be at risk of redundancy and associated exit costs are estimated to be in the region of £2m.

The report also proposes the Fees and Charges for 2016/17 as set out in Appendix H and the Special Expenses as set out in Appendix I. (Pages 153-282)

(All Members, except Councillor Nick Goodes, had been granted a dispensation by the Monitoring Officer to speak and vote on this item).

(Councillor Lynne Doherty declared a personal and disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 16 by virtue of the fact that Councillor Doherty’s employer was a recipient of Short Breaks funding. Following the granting of a dispensation to speak and vote on this item, unless short breaks for children were specifically discussed, she determined to remain in the meeting and vote on the item).

(Councillors Marcus Franks and Lee Dillon declared a personal and disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 16 by virtue of the fact that their employer, Sovereign Housing Association, received funding from the Council for its Neighbourhood Warden Scheme. Following the granting of a dispensation to speak but not vote on this item they determined to take part in the debate but not vote on this item).

(Councillor Mike Johnston declared a personal and disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda Item16 by virtue of the fact that his wife was employed, on a casual basis, by the Visitor Information Centre. As his interest was personal and a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to leave the meeting and took no part in the debate or voting on the matter).

(Councillor Jeff Beck declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 16  by virtue of the fact that he was a trustee of the Corn Exchange, Readibus and the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire. However as he had a fiduciary duty to these trusts he determined to leave the Chamber during the discussion of this item and did not take part in the vote).

(Councillors Pamela Bale, Paul Bryant, Jeanette Clifford, Dave Goff, Carol Jackson-Doerge, Marigold Jaques, Rick Jones, Mollie Lock, Alan Macro, James Podger and Anthony Stansfeld declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 16 for the reasons set out in the table in Agenda Item 4. As their interest was personal and not a disclosable pecuniary interest they determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillors Jeff Beck and Mike Johnston left the meeting at 8.29pm and did not return).

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 16) concerning the 2016/17 revenue budget.

The Chairman clarified the rules of debate for this item which had been agreed by both Group Leaders prior to the meeting. Both Leaders would be permitted to speak for up to ten minutes and their presentations should include the submission of any amendments. All Portfolio and Shadow Portfolio Holders would be permitted to speak for up to five minutes on the motion and amendments with all other Members being allowed two and a half minutes to speak.

The Chairman pointed out that Members would have been lobbied on the revenue proposals and this was noted. It was also noted that a significant number of Members were also Parish or Town Councillors.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Roger Croft and seconded by Councillor Graham Jones:

“That the Council:

1)    Notes the responses  ...  view the full minutes text for item 106.

To seek approval for publication of the Statutory Pay Policy Statement, effective from 1 April 2016. (Pages 283-302)

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 17) concerning publication of the Statutory Pay Policy Statement which would be effective from the 1^st April 2016.

(Councillors Mollie Lock left the meeting at 9.51 and returned at 9.52pm)

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor James Fredrickson and seconded by Councillor Marcus Franks:

That the Council:

“approve the policy for publication in accordance with s38 of the Localism Act 2011”.

Councillor Fredrickson explained that the policy had to divulge the remuneration of the Council’s Chief Officers, lowest paid employees and the relationship between the remuneration of its chief officers and those who were not chief officers.

Councillor Franks commented that he was pleased to see that fair wage burden would be borne by the employer and not the state.

Councillor Fredrickson reminded Members that the Council had a statutory duty to publish the policy.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

(Councillor Clive Hooker left the meeting at 9.52pm and returned at 9.54pm)

To review and amend sections of the Scheme of Delegation in light of legislative changes and current practice. (Pages 303-378)

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 18) concerning amendment to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation (Part 3 of the Constitution) in light of legislative changes and current practice.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Roger Croft and seconded by Councillor Quentin Webb:

That the Council:

“agrees the proposed amendments to the Scheme of Delegation”.

Councillor Croft explained that the Scheme set out responsibilities that were delegated to Committees as well as specific Officers. The Council was required to review the Scheme annually.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

To recommend a timetable of meetings for the 2016/17 Municipal Year. (Pages 379-386)

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 19) concerning the timetable of public meetings for the 2016/17 Municipal Year.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Roger Croft and seconded by Councillor Alan Macro:

That the Council:

“approves the timetable of public meetings for the 2016/17 Municipal Year”.

Councillor Croft in introducing the item noted that this report was usually presented to Members in December each year but as there had been a change of leadership in November 2015 it had been agreed that this decision would be delayed until March 2016.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

(Please note that there were no questions submitted relating to items not included on the agenda)

There were no Member questions submitted.