Agenda and minutes

The Chairman stated that West Berkshire Council was saddened to learn of the death of former District Councillor Alma Beck. Mrs Beck, who was the wife of Councillor Jeff Beck, had served as a district councillor for three years between 2000 and 2003 representing Turnpike Ward. He commented that she was a lovely lady who he greatly admired.

The Chairman asked the Council to observe a minute’s silence as a mark of respect and an opportunity to reflect on the life of Alma.

The Chairman reported that between himself, the Vice-Chairman and Councillor Peter Argyle they had attended 48 events since the last Council meeting. 

In particular he highlighted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, being presented to HRH the Duke of Gloucester, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Awards, the inauguration of the Right Reverend Dr Steven Croft the 43^rd Bishop of Oxford’ a ceremonial service of the Crown Court, the Winterbourne Flood Alleviation Scheme, the Beenham  Wind Orchestra Cartoon Capers Concert. The opening of new school buildings at The Willows and Spurcrcoft Schools, Remembrance Sunday Services, The KS4 Awards Evening at St Bartholomew’s School, Newbury College Graduation and Further Education Awards, the Road Death Memorial Service at Thame, the switching on of Hungerford Christmas Lights and the Rosemary Appeal and League of Friends carol Service.

The Chairman also announced that a Special Council meeting would take place on the 07 February 2017 to discuss the Library Service Review.

The Chairman will present the following Community Champion Awards for 2016:

·         Volunteer of the Year

·         Community Group of the Year

·         Lifetime Achievement Award

The Chairman announced that the West Berkshire Council Community Champion Awards were launched in September 2014. In addition to the pre-existing Junior Citizen Award, three new awards were created: the Community Group of the Year; Volunteer of the Year; and the Lifetime Achievement Award. An excellent response had been received in three categories in 2016 and the standard of the nominations was very high. He was very disappointed to announce that the authority did not receive any nominations for the Pat Eastop Junior Citizen award.

A judging panel of independent representatives met to consider the nominations and he thanked them for their contribution to the awards. Councillor Webb also thanked all the nominators. He felt that it was very encouraging to hear of the contributions that volunteers made in the community as, increasingly, volunteers would play a greater part in the provision of public services and it was important that their contributions were acknowledged.

The Chairman announced that  there would be two winners of the Volunteer of the Year Award. The nominations in this category were particularly impressive and therefore the judging panel chose two joint winners.

The Chairman to sign as a correct record the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 15 September 2016 and the Extraordinary Council meeting held on 22 November 2016.

The Minutes of the meetings held on 15 September 2016 were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to the inclusion of the following amendment: Page 17, Item 38 Short Breaks for Disabled Children, penultimate paragraph, 7th line it to be recorded that Councillor Fredrickson had suggested that Members also needed to be mindful of the protected characteristics of persons affected by the decision.

The Minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on the 22 November 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.

Councillors Quentin Webb and Sheila Ellison declared an interest in Agenda Item 15 (Proposed Main Modifications to the Housing Site Allocations Development Plan Document), and reported that, as their interest was a disclosable pecuniary interest, they would be leaving the meeting during the course of consideration of the matter.

Councillors Carol Jackson-Doerge, Alan Macro and Jeanette Clifford declared an interest in Agenda Item 15 (Proposed Main Modifications to the Housing Site Allocations Development Plan Document), but reported that, as their interest was personal or an other registrable interest not a disclosable pecuniary interest, they determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.

The Monitoring Officer announced that in respect of Agenda Item 17 (Council Tax Support Scheme 2017/18) all Members present 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.

Councillor Tim Metcalfe declared an interest in Agenda Item 18 (Activity Team West Berkshire Fees and Charges 2017/18), and reported that, as his interest was an other registrable interest, he would be leaving the meeting during the course of consideration of the matter.

Councillor Roger Croft declared an interest in Agenda Item 19 (Leisure Centre Fees and Charges 2017), but reported that, as his interest was personal or an other registrable interest but not a disclosable pecuniary interest, he determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.

There were no petitions submitted to this meeting.

The following public questions have been submitted in relation to an item included on the agenda:

(a)         Question to be answered by the Executive Member for Planning and Housing submitted by Mr Richard Marsh:

“Regarding the Coley Farm Site in the proposed HSA DPD: Stoney Lane has been used for biking, riding, walking and running by local residents, as it leads to Cold Ash village and the woods. By adding 75-150 cars onto the lane, this recreational use of Stoney Lane will be severely curtailed.

How does Council reconcile this with its own policy, CS13, that states: ‘Particular focus should be given to the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, and other vulnerable road users'?

(b)       Question to be answered by the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing by Ms Veronica Koroleva:

“For the current Coley Farm planning application: For 75 dwellings, with an allocated over 200 parking places, the Council has accepted the developer’s figure of an increase of only 3% in traffic flow going south. Isn’t that almost laughable?”

(c)       Question to be answered by the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing by Mr George Price:

“For the Coley farm planning application. How does the Council justify breaching three core policies and Core planning principles- namely CS4, CS18, and CS19 in regard to destroying a beautiful part of our countryside with a cityscape estate with a staggering density of dwellings?”

(d)       Question to be answered by the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing by MrKeith Benjamin:

“Concerning the inclusion of the Coley Farm proposed development as a preferred site in the DPD, how confident is the Council that the Transport Assessment is impartial and accurate?”

(e)       Question to be answered by the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing by Mr Michael Munro:

“For the current Coley Farm planning application: It is clear to residents that there are no schools, doctor’s surgery, or shops that can be reached on foot by a family with children, within the distances, gradient and recommendations in the Manual for Streets.  Further, the site itself has a gradient of 11% which is well outside the Manual for Streets guidance for walking. Why was proximity to public transport, local services and facilities shown as advantages for this site selection and communicated to the Inspector (DPD examination) as such?”

(Note: 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.

(a)          Question to be answered by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and External Affairs submitted by Mr Richard Marsh.

A question standing in the name of Mr Richard Marsh, which was submitted after the agenda was published but in accordance with constitutional requirements, on the subject of the impact of increased  traffic movements on Stoney Lane should the Coley Farm Site in the HSA DPD be developed was answered by the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and External Affairs.

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

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

Shadow Executive

Councillor Lee Dillon had been appointed as the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group (with effect from the 21 November 2016). Councillor Alan Macro would fulfil the role of Deputy Leader.

Overview and Scrutiny Management Commission (OSMC)

Councillor Lee Dillon has replaced Councillor Alan Macro on the OSMC. Councillor Macro had been appointed as a substitute to this Committee.

Councillor Roger Croft, as Leader of the Conservative Group, thanked Councillor Alan Macro for the integrity and professionalism he had shown when he was the Leader of the Opposition. He also welcomed Councillor Lee Dillon as the new Leader of the Opposition.

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 met on 21 October 2016.  Copies of the Minutes of this meeting can be obtained from Strategic Support or via the Council’s website.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Personnel Committee had met on 21 October 2016.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of Council, the Governance and Ethics Committee met on 28 November 2016.  Copies of the Minutes of this meeting can be obtained from Strategic Support or via the Council’s website.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the Governance and Audit Committee had met on 28 November 2016.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the District Planning Committee met on 28 September 2016.  Copies of the Minutes of this meeting can be obtained from Strategic Support or via the Council’s website.

The Council noted that, since the last meeting, the District Planning Committee had met on 28 September 2016.

The Council is asked to note that since the last meeting of the Council, the Overview and Scrutiny Management Commission met on 6 December 2016.  Copies of the Minutes of this meeting 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 06 December 2016.

This report proposes the creation of a Joint Committee to deliver a shared service arrangement between West Berkshire, Wokingham and Bracknell Forest Councils. This new arrangement will be known as the Public Protection Partnership (PPP).

This report follows the decision by all three Councils’ Executives to enter into this arrangement.

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 14) concerning the creation of a Joint Committee to deliver shared service arrangements between West Berkshire, Wokingham and Bracknell Forest Councils to deliver Trading Standards, Environmental Health and Licensing functions. The new arrangement would be known as the Public Protection Partnership (PPP).

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Marcus Franks and seconded by Councillor Keith Chopping:

“Insofar as the functions and arrangements are for the Council it resolves that the Council:

Authorises the arrangements set out in the report including the creation of a Joint Committee with Wokingham Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Council through the Public Protection Partnership (PPP) with effect from the 9^th January 2017.

1.    Delegates authority to the Head of Legal Services, in consultation with the Head of Finance and Head of Culture and Environmental Protection, to finalise the terms of the PPP as set out in the draft Inter Authority Agreement (IAA) between the three Councils and to make any necessary drafting or other amendments to the terms of the draft Agreement which are necessary to reach final agreement but do not materially affect the intent and substance of the Agreement.

2.    Authorises the Joint Committee to determine policy, strategy and oversee the performance monitoring and management of the new PPP and have the powers set out in the terms of reference contained in Schedule 1 of the draft Inter Authority Agreement.

3.    Authorises the Head of Culture and Environmental Protection and Public Protection Service Managers (Currently known as Trading Standards and Building Control Manager and Environmental Health and Licensing Manager) to receive a delegation of Trading Standards, Environmental Health and Licensing functions from Bracknell Forest Council and Wokingham Borough Council and to exercise those functions jointly with West Berkshire District Council functions under the strategy direction and oversight of the Joint Committee.

4.    Agrees that the proposed agreement authorises West Berkshire District Council to institute and defend proceedings on behalf of Wokingham and Bracknell.  This does not preclude the other authorities from taking their own legal actions.

5.    Receives a TUPE transfer of the staff of Bracknell Forest Council currently providing the Trading Standards, Environmental Health and Licensing functions on the terms set out in the draft Inter Authority Agreement and authorise any relevant pensions and employment implications.

6.    Appoints the Head of Culture and Environmental Protection as the Council's Lead Officer to manage the Councils arrangements under the Agreement on the Council's behalf and to authorise the Monitoring Officer to make any necessary variations to the Agreement as may be required from time to time in consultation with the Leader of the Council.

7.    Appoints Councillor Emma Webster to represent the Council on the Joint Committee. The Executive previously approved the appointment of Councillor Marcus Franks as its Member on the Joint Committee and Councillor Dominic Boeck as substitute Member

8.    Authorises the Joint Committee and the Head of Culture and Environmental Protection to enter into arrangements with other local authorities, shared services or other bodies for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

To consider the Schedule of Proposed Main Modifications to the Housing Site Allocations Development Plan Document (HSA DPD), the updated Sustainability Appraisal Report and updated Habitats Regulations Assessment, and to approve these for publication for a 7 week period of public consultation. This is a regulatory stage of the DPD process and requires Council resolution.

(Councillor Quentin Webb declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda item 15 by virtue of the fact that he owned a home in Hermitage Green and there was a proposal to change a settlement boundary that would affect his property. As his interest was a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to leave the meeting, stood down as Chairman for this item and took no part in the debate or voting on the matter).

(Councillor Sheila Ellison declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda item 15 by virtue of the fact that she owned land within one of the proposed changes to a settlement boundary. As her interest was a disclosable pecuniary interest she determined to leave the meeting, and took no part in the debate or voting on the matter).

(Councillor Carol Jackson-Doerge declared a personal interest in Agenda item 15 by virtue of the fact that she lived within the parish of Burgfield which was referenced in the report. As her interest was personal and not a disclosable pecuniary or other registrable interest she determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillor Alan Macro declared a personal interest in Agenda item 15 by virtue of the fact that he lived opposite one of the sites. As his interest was personal and not a disclosable pecuniary or other registrable interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

(Councillor Quentin Webb left the meeting at 7.46pm and returned at 8.00pm)

(Councillor Sheila Ellison left the meeting at 7.46pm and returned at 8.00pm)

(Councillor Carol Jackson-Doerge in the Chair for this item.)

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 15) concerning the Schedule of Proposed Main Modifications to the Housing Site Allocations Development Plan Document (HSA DPD), the updated Sustainability Appraisal Report and updated Habitats Regulations Assessment. The reportsought authority to approve these for publication for a seven week period of public consultation as a regulatory stage of the DPD process.

(Councillor Tony Linden left the meeting at 7.47pm and returned at 7.53pm)

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Hilary Cole and seconded by Councillor Alan Law:

That the Council:

1.            “Publishes the Schedule of Proposed Main Modifications to the Housing Site Allocations Development Plan Document in accordance with Section 20 (7c) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) for a seven week period of consultation.

2.            Publishes the accompanying updated SA/SEA Report and updated Habitats Regulations Assessment in accordance with Section 20 (7c) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) for a seven week period of consultation where they relate to the Proposed Main Modifications.

3.            Delegates authority to the Head of Planning and Countryside in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, to agree any non-material supporting documentation and any other non-material refinements to the wording of the DPD before consultation.”

Councillor Hilary Cole stated this long process had started in January 2014. The DPD had been submitted to the Secretary of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

To inform Members of the Neighbourhood Planning process and to set out the proposed approval process for the adoption of a Neighbourhood Plan.

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 16) which informed Members of the Neighbourhood Planning Process and set out the proposed approval process for the adoption of a Neighbourhood Plan.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Hilary Cole and seconded by Councillor Graham Bridgman:

That the Council:

1.            “delegates the designation of Neighbourhood areas to the Head of Planning and that the Scheme of Delegation be updated to allow the designation of a Neighbourhood Area to be approved by the Head of Planning.

2.            Following the examination, but prior to the referendum taking place. Council are asked to approve the Neighbourhood Plan progresses to referendum and agreed to adopt the Neighbourhood Plan into the development plan if there is a successful ‘yes’ vote at the referendum.”

Councillor Hilary Cole in introducing the report requested that three corrections be made to the recommendations. Two of these corrections pertained to the correction of the job title of the relevant Head of Service (Head of Planning and Countryside) and the other was to clarify the recommendation. They should therefore read:

That the Council:

“approves the process for approving Neighbourhood Plans as set out in the report. 

(1)  The designation of Neighbourhood areas is delegated to the Head of Planning and Countryside.

a)    The Scheme of Delegation is updated to allow the designation of a Neighbourhood Area to be approved by the Head of Planning and Countryside.

(2)   Following the examination, but prior to the referendum taking place, Council are asked to approve the Neighbourhood Plan progresses to referendum and agreed to adopt the Neighbourhood Plan into the development plan if there is a successful ‘yes’ vote at the referendum. “

AMENDMENT: Proposed by Councillor Hilary Cole and seconded by Councillor Graham Bridgman:

That a third recommendation be inserted which stated that the Council:

“(3)      Delegates authority to the Head of Planning and Countryside to make minor amendments in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for the     purpose of clarity.”

Councillor Hilary Cole noted that West Berkshire Council was committed to working with Parish and Town Councils and Neighbourhood Groups to develop Neighbourhood Plans. Central Government required the Council to respond to requests in a prompt manner and this document sought to formalise those arrangements. The report proposed a constitutional change to delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Countryside to allow them to designate Neighbourhood Areas thereby negating the need to hold a Special Council meeting to do so. The amendment sought authority to make any minor amendments to the process to aid clarity and this would be undertaken in consultation with the Portfolio Holder responsible for planning.

Councillor Lee Dillon commented that his Group supported the amendment. He stated that it would be beneficial if Members were able to call in decisions made by the Head of Planning and Countryside. He suggested that decisions that were called-in be discussed by the District Planning Committee. This change would align this process with that followed for planning applications.

The amendment was put to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

To advise Council of the scope for changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2017/18. Review of the scheme is a statutory responsibility and, in addition, the Council needs to identify the scope for cost reduction in the light of budget pressures.

(All Members present had been granted a dispensation to speak and vote on this item)

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 17) concerning the scope for changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2017/18. The review of the scheme was a statutory responsibility and, in addition it was necessary to identify the scope for cost reduction in the light of budget pressures.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor James Fredrickson and seconded by Councillor Anthony Chadley:

That the Council:

“Notes the various options contained within this report and selects a preferred option.”

(Councillors James Podger and Ian Morrin left the meeting at 8.17pm)

Councillor James Fredrickson in introducing the report noted that the Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) replaced Council Tax Benefit (CTB) in 2013. This was a local scheme but one of the requirements was that pensioners and claimants deemed to be vulnerable could not be any worse off under the CTS than they were under CTB. Councillor Fredrickson noted that CTB had been fully funded by government grants but this was no longer the case. Funding for CTS had reduced since 2013/14 and now formed part of the Revenue Support Grant and could no longer be identified as a separate income stream.

The Council had considered its own scheme, looked at what other authorities were doing and had then undertaken a consultation process on proposed changes with affected parties. A total of 71 responses were received.

Councillor Fredrickson commented that in considering schemes from other Councils it had become apparent that other authorities had opted to redefine the ‘vulnerable group’. The Council had looked at this option (options 18 and 19) and decided that it had no intention to make the vulnerable group smaller and had therefore discounted these options despite the fact that they could generate £240k of savings.

Councillor Fredrickson commented that West Berkshire was very fortunate to have a very low unemployment rate. It was therefore felt that it was right to look at the options pertaining to working age claimants as they had the ability to change their income levels. He therefore proposed that Members support the adoption of option 17 (30% deduction from liability, capped at Band C, minimum award £10 per week, capital limit of £6k and tapering 30%).

Councillor Lee Dillon was pleased that the Council had decided not to redefine the vulnerable group and he could see the logic behind reducing the capital limit. He felt that the comments made by the CAB that ‘Many residents on JSA and workers on low pay can barely afford the current 10% contribution so how will they afford an increase on the same income?  The WBC proposed increases in contribution to 25% and 30% are respectively 2.5 and 3 times what residents are paying currently which are unreasonable percentage increases compared to JSA incomes’ were well made and that some people would not be able to influence the level of income they received.

Councillor Dillon noted that around 370 claimants  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

To consider the fees and charges for the 2017/18 Activity Team West Berkshire programme in order to enable the service to competitively advertise and promote activities, and maximise advanced bookings and income.

(Councillor Tim Metcalfe declared an other registrable interest in Agenda item 18 by virtue of the fact that he was a trustee of Adventure Dolphin Charity . As his interest was an other registrable interest he determined to leave the meeting and took no part in the debate or voting on the matter).

(Councillor Tim Metcalfe left the meeting at 8.25pm and returned at 8.27pm.)

(Councillor Howard Bairstow left the meeting at 8.25pm and returned at 8.27pm.)

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 18) concerning the fees and charges for the 2017/18 Activity Team West Berkshire programme in order to enable the service to competitively advertise and promote activities and maximise advanced books and income.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Graham Jones and seconded by Councillor Hilary Cole:

That the Council:

“approves the proposed maximum Fees and Charges for the Activity Team West Berkshire’s programme and the hire of equipment and resources for 2017/18 as set out in appendix C.”

Councillor Graham Jones in introducing the report stated that a 1.6% increase was being proposed. This was in line with inflation. The proposed increase would allow the centre to remain competitive in the market, remain an attractive offer to local groups and organisations while developing new markets and would counter inflationary increases in costs incurred by the team.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

To implement the contractual requirement for an annual price review for 2017 for the leisure contractor to come into effect from 1 January 2017.

(Councillor Roger Croft declared a personal interest in Agenda item 19 by virtue of the fact that he was the president of the Newbury District Swimming Club who were one of the major users of the Leisure Centres. As his interest was personal and not a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter).

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 19) concerning the contractual requirement for an annual price review for 2017 for the leisure contractor to come into effect from 1st January 2017.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Graham Jones and seconded by Councillor Hilary Cole.

That the Council:

“approves the proposed increase in Fees and Charges as outlined for the leisure management contract”.

Councillor Graham Jones in introducing the report drew Members attention to the typographical error in relation to the date in paragraphs 5.2and 6.1 of the summary report and 4.2 of Appendix A which should refer to 2017/18 and not 2016/17. Councillor Jones stated that the average price increase was at 1.6% which was in line with inflation. Prices had however been rounded up to the nearest 10p. This would ensure that the pricing at the centres would remain competitive.

(Councillor Tony Linden left the meeting at 8.28pm and returned at 8.29pm.)

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

To agree the proposed Member Development Programme for 2017/18.

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 20) concerning the proposed Member Development Programme for 2017/18.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor James Fredrickson and seconded by Councillor Paul Bryant:

That the Council:

“agrees the proposed Member Development Programme for 2017/18.”

Councillor James Fredrickson in introducing the report explained that the Member Development Group had met on the 21 September 2016 to discuss the programme and make a recommendation to Council for approval. He felt that the sessions provided a valuable opportunity to advise Members of changes to legislation, policy and practice etc. The group had also looked at various options to make it easier for Members to attend sessions and it had been decided that following a trial the evening sessions would revert to a 6.30pm start. The daytime repeat sessions would also be retained. Other options including live streaming sessions were also being trialled.

Councillor Alan Macro, as a member of the Member Development Group, welcomed the trialling of live streaming sessions which would mean that Councillors that lived further away would not have to come to Newbury for the training.

Councillor Paul Bryant, who was also a member of the Member Development Group, thanked Members that had attended the wide range of sessions over the past year. He stated that the majority of the sessions had been very well received and he thanked Members for their feedback. He commented that Members tended to prefer the sessions that were delivered by Council employees as they had a better understanding of local practices. He commented that a couple of strategic sessions around transport and waste had also been incorporated in the programme for the forthcoming year. He encouraged Members that did not usually attend the training sessions to attend these useful and enjoyable opportunities for engagement and learning.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

To recommend a timetable of meetings for the 2017/18 Municipal Year.

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 21) concerning the timetable of meetings for the 2017/18 Municipal Year.

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

That the Council:

“approves the timetable of public meetings for the 2017/18 Municipal Year”.

Councillor Roger Croft in introducing the report explained that the number of meetings took into account the volume of business demands. Early adoption would allow time for the Members to ensure that the meetings were in their diaries before the \Municipal Year started.

Councillor Alan Macro stated that there had been very few Scrutiny meetings and he encouraged the Administration to ensure that these meetings took place.

Councillor Croft stated that he supported the appropriate use of more regular scrutiny meetings.

The Motion was put to the meeting and duly RESOLVED.

(a)          The following Motion has been submitted in the name of Councillor Lee Dillon:

Transitional Funding

“That this Council agrees to award transitional funding to the Short Breaks programme for the 2017/18 financial year to the value of £170,000.

This will ensure that voluntary organisations have a longer term period to consider their strategy to combat the reduction of Council funding in the longer term and for this Council to consider other ways to secure the provision of or fund short breaks”.

Comment from the Section 151 Officer:

“The proposed use of £170k for short breaks would be funded from the yet to be allocated £1.37m of Transitional Grant Funding for 2017/18.”

The Council considered the under-mentioned Motion (Agenda item 22 refers) submitted in the name of Councillor Lee Dillon relating to transitional funding.

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

That the Council:

“agrees to award transitional funding to the Short Breaks programme for the 2017/18 financial year to the value of £170,000.

This will ensure that voluntary organisations have a longer time period to consider their strategy to combat the reduction of Council funding in the longer term and for this Council to consider other ways to secure the provision of or to fund short breaks.”

The Chairman explained that in accordance with Procedure Rule 4.9.13 the Council would not debate the Motion that evening and it would be referred to the Executive meeting on the 22 December 2016 for discussion.  A report would then be brought back to the 02 March 2017 Council meeting for consideration.

The reason that this procedure had to be followed was due to the fact that this Motion, concerned the allocation of transitional funding which had been secured by the Council. Any Motion which materially increased expenditure had to stand adjourned without discussion to the next meeting of the Executive, with a report back to the next ordinary meeting of the Council.

(Note: There were no questions submitted relating to items not included on the agenda)

There were no Member questions submitted.