Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting including those that were watching the webcast and in particular he welcomed the Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen who were watching the meeting remotely. He apologised for the short delay in the commencement of the meeting.

The Chairman used the opportunity to pass on his heartfelt thanks all the volunteers and voluntary groups across the District as well as Officers for all the hard work they were undertaking to improve the lives of residents during the Covid pandemic. The Chairman noted that, since the last Council meeting, due to the pandemic he had only been able to attend one official event on behalf of the Council and that was to the laying of a wreath at an event to mark VJ Day in Newbury.

The Chairman to sign as a correct record the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 12 May 2020.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2020  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 registrable interests in items on the agenda, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Councillors Carolyne Culver, David Marsh, Tom Marino, Graham Bridgman, Lynne Doherty, Tony Vickers and Martha Vickers declared an interest in Agenda Item 16a, but reported that, as their interest was a personal and not a disclosable pecuniary interest, they determined to remain to take part in the debate and would vote on the matter if a vote was undertaken.

Following a vote the meeting was adjourned at 7.20pm and was reconvened at 7.33pm to give Members an opportunity to consider information that had been provided to them shortly before the meeting.

There were no petitions presented to the meeting.

Members of the Executive to answer the following questions submitted by members of the public in accordance with the Council’s Constitution:

(a)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Finance and Economic Development  submitted by Mr Graham Storey:

“Can the council provide an up to date valuation and expected yield on its commercial property portfolio?”

(b)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted by Paula Saunderson:

“WBC Placement Policy states the Council “does not have enough affordable supply to meet demand”, so what is WBC’s definition of an Affordable Care placement, please?”

(c)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted by Paula Saunderson:

“How many ‘affordable’ placements are there available in West Berks, excluding Walnut Close?”

(d)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted by Paula Saunderson:

“What is the current average price paid by WBC for an externally purchased placement?”

(e)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted by Paula Saunderson:

“What is the current average price for a placement in one of the WBC managed Care Homes, excluding Walnut Close?”

(f)            Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted by Paula Saunderson:

“How many Dementia placements are available in West Berks, excluding Walnut Close?”

(g)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted by Paula Saunderson:

“How many Dementia placements are available in WBC managed Care Homes, excluding Walnut Close?”

(h)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted by Paula Saunderson:

“What are the WBC projections for the number of patients diagnosed with Dementia in the fiscal years ending 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025?”

(i)            Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted by Paula Saunderson:

“How do these compare with the CPEC published projections of the number of patients diagnosed with Dementia for West Berkshire?”

(j)            Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted by Paula Saunderson:

“Does the Council have any plans to address the predicted shortage in affordable supply of placements?”

(k)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Finance and Economic Development submitted by Mr Paul Morgan:

“Is the primary reason that the Council is now suggesting turning the LRIE into a housing estate driven by the need for a plan ‘b’ in the event that the Sandleford link development does not go ahead?”

(l)            Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing submitted by Dr Julie Wintrup:

“How many contact tracers are now employed and trained by the West Berkshire's own Public Health team and how many by private companies?”

(m)     Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing submitted by Dr Julie Wintrup:

“Is West Berkshire's Public Health team properly resourced and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 20.

A full transcription of the public and Member question and answer sessions are available from the following link: Transcription of Q&As.

(a)         A question submitted by Mr Graham Storey on the subject of the yield generated by the Council’s commercial property portfolio received a written response from the Executive Member for Finance and Economic Development.

(b)         A question submitted by Mrs Paula Saunderson on the subject of the Council’s definition of an affordable care placement received a written response from the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

(c)         A question submitted by Mrs Paula Saunderson on the subject of the number of affordable placements, excluding Walnut Close, that were available in West Berkshire received a written response from the Executive Member for Adult Social.

(d)         A question submitted by Mrs Paula Saunderson on the subject of the current average price paid by West Berkshire Council for an externally purchased placement received a written response from the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

(e)         A question submitted by Mrs Paula Saunderson on the subject of the current average price for a placement in one of the West Berkshire Council managed Care Homes, excluding Walnut Close, received a written response from the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

(f)          A question submitted by Mrs Paula Saunderson on the subject of the number of dementia placements available in West Berkshire, excluding Walnut Close, received a written response from the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

(g)         A question submitted by Mrs Paula Saunderson on the subject of the number of dementia placements available in West Berkshire Council managed Care Homes, excluding Walnut Close, received a written response from the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

(h)         A question submitted by Mrs Paula Saunderson on the subject of the Council’s projections for the number of patients diagnosed with Dementia in the fiscal years ending 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024  and  2025 received a written response from the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

(i)           A question submitted by Mrs Paula Saunderson on the subject of how the Council’s projections of the number of patients diagnosed with Dementia compared with the CPEC published projections for West Berkshire received a written response from the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

(j)           A question submitted by Mrs Paula Saunderson on the subject of the Council’s plans to address the predicted shortage in affordable supply of placements received a written response from the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

(k)         A question submitted by Mr Paul Morgan on the subject of the reasoning behind turning the London Road Industrial Estate into a housing estate received a written response from the Executive Member for Finance and Economic Development.

(l)           A question submitted by Dr Julie Wintrup on the subject of the number of contract tracers employed and trained by the Council and private companies received a written response from the Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing.

(m)      A question submitted by Dr Julie Wintrup  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

The Council to agree any changes to the membership of Committees.

No changes to the membership of Committees were proposed at the meeting.

To note the responses to Motions which have been presented to previous Council meetings.

a)    Response to the Motion from Councillor Steve Ardagh Walter presented to the 16 July 2020 Executive Meeting

b)    Response to the Motion from Councillor Lynne Dohertey presented to the 24 April 2020 Personnel Committee Meeting

c)    Response to the Motion from Councillor Carolyne Culver presented to the 16 July 2020 Executive

Councillor Lee Dillon requested that the request to note the outcomes of the motions be deferred to the December Council meeting as the links set out in the agenda were not working properly.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Licensing Committee met on 14 May 2020.  Copies of the Minutes of this meeting can be obtained from Strategy and Governance or via the Council’s website.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Licensing Committee had met on 14 May 2020.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Personnel Committee met on 14 May 2020 and 17 July 2020.  Copies of the Minutes of these meetings can be obtained from Strategy and Governance or via the Council’s website.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Personnel Committee had met on 14 May 2020 and the 17 July 2020.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of Council, the Governance and Ethics Committee met on 14 May 2020, 15 June 2002 and 24 August 2020.  Copies of the Minutes of these meetings can be obtained from Strategy and Governance or via the Council’s website.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Governance and Audit Committee had met on 14 May 2020, 15 June 2020 and 24 August 2020.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the District Planning Committee met on 14 May 2020 and 08 July 2020.  Copies of the Minutes of these meetings can be obtained from Strategy and Governance or via the Council’s website.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the District Planning Committee had met on 14 May 2020 and 08 July 2020.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Overview and Scrutiny Management Commission met on 14 May 2020, 25 June 2020 and 28 July 2020.  Copies of the Minutes of these meetings can be obtained from Legal and 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 14 May 2020, 25 June 2020 and 28 July 2020.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Joint Public Protection Committee met on 24 June 2020.  Copies of the Minutes of this meeting can be obtained from Strategy and Governance or via the Council’s website.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Joint Public Protection Committee had met on 24 June 2020.

Purpose: To formulate the Councils’ response to the Planning White Paper published in August 2020 which is currently out for consultation and which closes on the 28th October 2020.

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 15) which formulated the Councils’ response to the Planning White Paper published in August 2020 which was currently out for consultation which would close on the 28^th October 2020.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Hilary Cole and seconded by Councillor Tony Vickers:

That the Council:

“formally responds to the consultation questions as set out in appendix 1 subject to the inclusion of the amendments circulated under separate cover and that authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Shadow Portfolio Holders for Planning to amend any typographical errors and make any additional minor amendments needed prior to submission.”

Councillor Hilary Cole thanked all those Members that had attended the briefings and provided comments directly to Officers on the consultation. She also wished to thank members of the Planning Advisory Group (PAG) who had held a frank discussion in formulating the Council’s response where wide consensus was reached. She also wished to convey her thanks to Officers for all the work they had put into compiling the response.

Councillor Cole commented that the White Paper proposed a radical reshaping of planning and represented the biggest change to the planning system since the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act was introduced. She commented that not all the proposals were bad as some of the proposals would help to expedite the process. She felt however that speed and certainty should not be at the cost of democracy and quality and should not be to the detriment of future generations. She also did not feel that it was appropriate that residents would have to meet the costs of providing up front infrastructure which should be funded by the developers in the first place.

She noted that the South East Strategic Leaders Group, which the Council was a member of, and the Local Government Association would also be providing responses to the consultation. The Council was therefore also working collaboratively to respond to the consultation.

Some minor amendments, which had been circulated under separate cover, had been agreed at the last PAG meeting and those would be included in the Council’s response.

Councillor Alan Macro stated that he was in broad agreement with the proposals put forward. He noted that at PAG there had been some disagreement over what the Government termed renewal or growth zones and protected zones where it was proposed that automatic planning permission would be granted. While he could see the merits of doing so in growth areas provided that master plans were in place there would however be a great deal of expenditure on these plans by the local authority who would simultaneously also be deprived of income from planning applications. He was very concerned about the automatic permissions associated with renewal zones and protected zones. 

Councillor James Cole supported the Council’s proposed balanced response. There were some issues with the existing planning regime that he believed needed to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

(a)          The following Motion has been submitted in the name of Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter:

“In our commitment to working towards being a Carbon Net Zero District by 2030 this Council has made a substantial investment in photovoltaic technology, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy.  In delivering this significant element of our Environment Strategy, we not only supply the Council with clean energy, we also reduce the cost of running our buildings.

However, the very large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers result in it being very difficult, if not impossible, for local suppliers to do so.  We recognise that making these costs proportionate to the scale of the renewable electricity supplier’s operation would enable and empower new local businesses, or Councils such as West Berkshire, to be such providers of locally generated renewable electricity, and that the revenues received could be used to help improve the local economy, local services and facilities, and to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions.

The cross-party Local Electricity Bill, reintroduced into Parliament on 10 June and currently supported by 187 MPs, would, if made into law, establish a Right to Local Supply which would promote local renewable electricity supply companies and co-operatives by making the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate to the size of the supply operation.

This Council would therefore welcome the opportunity to benefit further from the creation of a Right to Local Supply and RESOLVES to support the Local Electricity Bill and to seek the support of our local MPs in ensuring the passage of the Bill through Parliament and into law.”

(b)          The following Motion has been submitted in the name of Councillor Joanne Stewart:

“West Berkshire Council stands firmly against all inequality, unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation or any other form of activity that creates disadvantages for individuals within the community. The council will always promote equality of opportunity, challenge inequality and ensure respect for everyone: within the local community; as an employer; and as a partner.

The Council forges strong links with all groups, both within West Berkshire and within other neighbouring authorities too. Through our Equality and Diversity Officer, we will continue to hear and listen to all voices, especially our hard to reach groups.

We will always promote fairness and accessibility to all services, as well as employment opportunities and apprenticeships and regardless of background.

As times and perspectives are evolving, it is even more important to reinforce our commitment to welcoming diversity and challenging inequality, and therefore this Council RESOLVES to:

·           Update and refresh our Equality and Diversity Policy and Objectives, as well as implement an Equality and Diversity Strategy to lead us and our residents through these challenging times.

·           As part of that Strategy we will ensure Council employees and Members continue to be fully informed and updated through regular Equality and Diversity training to promote positive and inclusive attitudes.

·           Through  ...  view the full agenda text for item 30.

(Councillors Carolyne Culver, David Marsh, Graham Bridgman, Lynne Doherty, Tony Vickers and Martha Vickers declared a personal interest in Agenda item 16(a) by virtue of the fact that they had invested in the Council’s Abundance Bond. As their interest was personal and not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest they determined to remain in the meeting and take part in the discussion on this item.

Councillor Tom Marino declared a personal interest in Agenda Item (16(a) by virtue of the fact that he was employed by Alok Sharma MP, who was the Secretary of State for Business and Energy. As his interest was personal and not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest he determined to remain in the meeting and take part in the discussion on this item.)

The Council considered the under-mentioned Motion (Agenda item 16(a) refers) submitted in the name of Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter relating to locally generated renewable energy. It was noted that Councillor Adrian Abbs would however  be proposing the motion.

The Chairman informed the Council that in accordance with Procedural Rule 4.9.8 the motion, if seconded, would be referred to the Environment Advisory Group for consideration prior to a report being submitted to the Executive. The outcome of that discussion would in turn be reported back to full Council.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Adrian Abbs and seconded by Councillor Steve Ardagh0Walter:

That the Council:

“In our commitment to working towards being a Carbon Net Zero District by 2030 this Council has made a substantial investment in photovoltaic technology, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy.  In delivering this significant element of our Environment Strategy, we not only supply the Council with clean energy, we also reduce the cost of running our buildings.

However, the very large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers result in it being very difficult, if not impossible, for local suppliers to do so.  We recognise that making these costs proportionate to the scale of the renewable electricity supplier’s operation would enable and empower new local businesses, or Councils such as West Berkshire, to be such providers of locally generated renewable electricity, and that the revenues received could be used to help improve the local economy, local services and facilities, and to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions.

The cross-party Local Electricity Bill, reintroduced into Parliament on 10 June and currently supported by 187 MPs, would, if made into law, establish a Right to Local Supply which would promote local renewable electricity supply companies and co-operatives by making the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate to the size of the supply operation.

This Council would therefore welcome the opportunity to benefit further from the creation of a Right to Local Supply and RESOLVES to support the Local Electricity Bill and to seek the support of our local MPs in ensuring the passage of the Bill through Parliament and into law.”

The Council considered the under-mentioned Motion (Agenda item  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

Members of the Executive to answer the following questions submitted by Councillors in accordance with the Council’s Constitution:

(a)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing submitted by Councillor Martha Vickers:

“Can the Council explain how the work begun by Councillor Rick Jones in to the effect of inequality on the health and life chances of its residents is progressing?””.

(b)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing submitted by Councillor Martha Vickers:

“In the light of the reported rise of Domestic Abuse cases across the Country and concern about the shortage of Refuge places for those women and families most at risk is this Council planning to increase the number of Refuge places it provides”.

(c)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education submitted by Councillor Peter Argyle:

“What is Council doing to help our children and young people as they resume their studies after the summer break?”

(d)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing submitted by Councillor Jeff Cant:

“Can the Council give any further information about the long term sustainable solution for the Lido which was unable to reopen viably this year?”

(e)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Internal Governance submitted by Councillor Tom Marino:

“Can the portfolio holder tell us what proportion of Council employees are working from home and how does the Council anticipate how this will change in both the short and medium-term?”

(f)           Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside submitted by Councillor Carolyne Culver:

“Will WBC support the Wildlife Trusts, TVERC and others in the creation of a Nature Recovery Network, which is a requirement of the Environment Bill?”

(g)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside submitted by Councillor Carolyne Culver:

“Does WBC agree that a good way for the council to support the Environment Bill’s objective to protect urban street trees would be to make the pedestrianisation of Northbrook Street permanent, and plant trees along it, thereby providing an attractive, shady and pollution free space?”

(h)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside submitted by Councillor Tony Vickers:

“Why did the Council not consult Newbury Town Council before making major changes to the town centre traffic flow?”

(i)            Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Planning and Housing submitted by Councillor Tony Vickers:

“How is the Council planning to involve Newbury Town Council in the master-planning of Newbury town centre?”

(j)            Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Internal Governance submitted by Councillor Lee Dillon:

“Why is it taking the Council 14 months to respond to my motion on constitutional changes?”

(k)          Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Finance and Economic Development  ...  view the full agenda text for item 31.

A full transcription of the public and Member question and answer sessions are available from the following link: Transcription of Q&As.

(a)          A question submitted by Councillor Martha Vickers on the subject of progress on the work on the effect of inequality on the health and life chances of residents received a response from the Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing

(b)          A question submitted by Councillor Martha Vickers on the subject of the number of refuge places for women and families at risk of domestic abuse received a response from the Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing.

(c)          A question submitted by Councillor Peter Argyle on the subject of assistance provided by the Council to young people after the summer break received a response from the Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education.

(d)          A question submitted by Councillor Jeff Cant on the subject of the plans for the Lido received a written response from the Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing.

(e)          A question t submitted by Councillor Tom Marino on the subject of Council, employees working from home received a response from the Executive Member for Internal Governance.

(f)           A question submitted by Councillor Carolyne Culver on the subject of the creation of a Nature Recovery Network received a response from the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside.

(g)          A question submitted by Councillor Carolyne Culver on the subject of the permanent pedestrianisation of Northbrook Street received a response from the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside.

(h)          A question submitted by Councillor Tony Vickers on the subject of consultation with Newbury Town Council about traffic flow received a response from the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside.

(i)            A question submitted by Councillor Tony Vickers on the subject of involving Newbury Town Council in the master-planning of Newbury town centre received a response from the Executive Member for Planning and Housing.

(j)            A question submitted by Councillor Lee Dillon on the subject of the delay in responding to his motion on constitutional changes received a response from the Executive Member for Internal Governance.

(k)          A question submitted by Councillor Lee Dillon on the subject of communication from government about preparing for dealing with the end of the transition period without any trade deals in place received a response from the Executive Member for Finance and Economic Development.

(l)            A question submitted by Councillor Erik Pattenden on the subject of a response to the safer schools motion received a response from the Executive Member for Transport and Countryside.

(m)         A question submitted by Councillor Martha Vickers on the subject of having themed debates received a response from the Leader of the Council.