Venue: The Guildhall
Contact: Sandra Coltman 023 8083 2430
No. | Item |
---|---|
Apologies To receive any apologies. Minutes: Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Fitzhenry and McEwing. |
|
To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 13th July 2011, attached. Minutes: RESOLVED: that the minutes of the Council meeting held on the 13th July 2011 be approved and signed as a correct record. |
|
Announcements from the Mayor and Leader Matters especially brought forward by the Mayor and the Leader. Minutes: The Mayor informed Members that Alan Spencer, one of the Council’s Town Sergeants, had been instrumental in the production of the first edition of the “Mace-Bearer” magazine. The magazine included articles and information of interest to members of the Guild of Mace-Bearers and those involved in civic and corporate life. The Mayor’s Office would support him in his endeavour and Members wished him well with the first edition of the magazine. |
|
Deputations, Petitions and Public Questions PDF 356 KB To receive any requests for Deputations, Presentation of Petitions or Public Questions.
The following petitions have been received containing 1,500 signatures. Under the Council’s Procedure Rules they are qualifying petition which must be debated at Council.
(i) “We the undersigned petition the Council to reverse its endorsement of the Strategic Health Authority’s scheme to fluoridate the City’s water supply. We also ask that when it assumes responsibility for public health, the Council will not implement a fluoridation scheme.”
(ii) “We the undersigned petition the council to save specialist education services for deaf children; a post has been cut that will have a devastating impact on deaf children when they return to school this September. Deaf children are already among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the UK today. Deafness is not a learning disability. Evidence shows that with the right support, deaf children can achieve as well as other children. Specialist support services offer a vital lifeline to deaf children and their families; by providing support to parents or carers, directly teaching deaf children, advising mainstream teachers and so much more. This is unfair and unacceptable. We the undersigned call on Southampton City to recruit to this post as a matter of urgency; protect services and ensure all deaf children in Southampton have a fair chance to achieve. Speak out for the 165 deaf children now supported by the equivalent of just one full time teacher.” Minutes: (1) Fluoridisation
The Council received a deputation from Ms Dumaresq concerning the introduction of Fluoride into the water supply.
The Council received the following petition from Mr Peckham. As the petition contained 1,500 signatures, under the Council’s Procedure Rules, the petition was a qualifying petition which must be debated at Council:
“We the undersigned petition the Council to reverse its endorsement of the Strategic Health Authority’s scheme to fluoridate the City’s water supply. We also ask that when it assumes responsibility for public health, the Council will not implement a fluoridation scheme.”
The Council agreed to suspend Council Procedure Rules 14.4 - 14.9 to enable flexibility in debate.
Councillor Moulton moved and Councillor Smith seconded:
“Council welcomes the petition and thanks all those who have signed it for doing so. Council acknowledges that this is an issue of concern to many.
Council notes that there is no scope for reversal of the Council’s endorsement of “the SHA’s scheme. The consultation has been completed and there is no opportunity or requirement for continuing support or consultation. At the time the Council were supportive. The SHA made a decision and that decision has been upheld by the Court. There is now a legal obligation on the Water Undertaker to implement a fluoridation scheme in Southampton unless there is a change in the law.
Council further notes that the new public health role for the Council is subject to passage of the Health and Social Care Bill. If passed as currently drafted the Council will not be responsible for implementing the scheme. The responsibility continues to rest with the Water Company.
The Council does not have a specific role in the process of implementing the legal obligation placed on the Water Company to fluoridate the water in Southampton. Until the Bill receives Royal Assent, it is unclear what requirements would be placed on a Council in the future if it were minded to propose the termination of a scheme.
Council further notes that the Heath and Social Care Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and is now in the House of Lords, and that those with strong views on fluoride might wish to make representations to Parliament on the Bill, as the wording will potentially impact on current and any future fluoridation schemes.
Finally Council resolves to urgently debate the issue of local fluoridation again should powers be granted to the Authority which give it any powers to influence the progression of a fluoridation scheme”.
Councillor Drake altered and moved and Councillor Turner seconded:
‘This Council now opposes the addition of fluoride to Southampton’s water supply and will use any future powers Southampton City Council may be given to prevent the implementation of a fluoridation scheme.’
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR MOULTON WAS DECLARED CARRIED
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR DRAKE WAS DECLARED CARRIED
RESOLVED that the motions as submitted be approved.
(2) Specialist education ... view the full minutes text for item 42. |
|
Report of the Leader of the Council, attached. Additional documents: Minutes: The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted, setting out the details of the business undertaken by the Executive (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).
The Leader and the Cabinet made statements and responded to Questions.
The following questions were then submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.1:
Question from Councillor Vinson to Councillor Fitzhenry
What plans does the Executive have to take advantage of the recently announced relaxation of conditions for the introduction of 20 mph zones?
Answer
The plans to relax the conditions for introduction of 20 mph schemes (zones and limits) were announced by the Department for Transport in a press release on the 9 June 2011. However the statutory introduction of these changes is not expected to take place until late 2011as part of the Traffic Signs Policy Review.
The Executive will continue to consider the implementation of 20 mph schemes, where they are appropriate and where such schemes would have positive benefits, particularly in relation to road safety.
Question from Councillor Vinson to Councillor Hannides
What possibilities are currently under consideration to expand the range of shared services with other councils or public bodies?
Answer
As an administration we are committed to meeting our statutory obligations and delivering the services valued the most by local residents and businesses in the most cost effective way.
This means that we are continually challenging all aspects of the council’s activities to eliminate inefficiency and bureaucracy - as well as exploring other service delivery options if they provide better value for money than our existing arrangements.
As a result the Council has a number of shared services in place with neighbouring local authorities such as Eastleigh Borough Council (Licensing Services) and Fareham Borough Council (Legal Services). Work is also underway to develop a shared Internal Audit Service covering Hampshire, West Sussex and Southampton and a report on this will be presented to Cabinet.
Through our regular discussions with other public sector bodies we are continuing to explore all joint working opportunities where mutually beneficial for both parties to do so - particularly within the Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Environment areas.
Question from Councillor Vinson to Councillor Smith
Is the Cabinet Member concerned by the proposed reduction in the manning of Southampton Central Police Station, especially the projected closure of the front desk between 10.00pm and 8.00am?
Answer
It is not appropriate to comment on this at this time as I am aware that this review is still subject to formal internal consultation.
Question from Councillor Turner to Councillor Moulton
What action is the Cabinet Member supporting to tackle Southampton's poor record on Secondary school exclusions?
Answer
The high level of exclusions in Southampton Secondary schools is a matter of concern to the Council. Southampton’s performance against this measure has been among the highest in England for many years. The Council is working with both local secondary ... view the full minutes text for item 43. |
|
Motions A) Councillor Dr R Williams to move
Following the serious disturbances across many English cities Council calls on the Executive to write to the City's MPs, Prime Minister and the Home Secretary to call for a stop in the implementation of Police and Crime Commissioners which would cost, in Hampshire and the IOW alone, nearly £2,000,000 for the election of such an individual.
B) Council Vinson to move
This Council urges the Executive, in discussion with Southampton’s two universities, to explore the adoption of a threshold for the numbers of students living in private accommodation in the community, linking future expansion in student numbers to the provision of addition purpose-built accommodation through the planning process, along the lines in force in Oxford. Minutes: (a) Police and Crime Commissioners
Councillor Dr. R. Williams moved and Councillor Letts seconded:- “Following the serious disturbances across many English cities Council calls on the Executive to write to the City's MPs, Prime Minister and the Home Secretary to call for a stop in the implementation of Police and Crime Commissioners which would cost, in Hampshire and the IOW alone, nearly £2,000,000 for the election of such an individual”. UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION WAS DECLARED LOST RESOLVED that the motion be not approved. NOTE: Councillors Moulton and Rayment declared personal and prejudicial interests in the above matter, in view of their appointment as Members of the Police Authority and left the meeting during the consideration of the matter. Councillor Thorpe declared a personal and prejudicial interest as an employee of Hampshire Constabulary and left the meeting during the consideration of the matter.
(COUNCILLOR BURKE IN THE CHAIR)
(b) Students in Private Accommodation
Councillor Vinson moved and Councillor Turner seconded:-
“This Council urges the Executive, in discussion with Southampton’s two universities, to explore the adoption of a threshold for the numbers of students living in private accommodation in the community, linking future expansion in student numbers to the provision of additional purpose-built accommodation through the planning process, along the lines in force in Oxford.”
Amendment moved by Councillor Hannides and seconded by Councillor Claisse:
Third line, after the word ‘community’ deletethe remaining paragraph.
Replace with ‘and other multi occupancy homes in the city (HMOs), for inclusion into a new planning policy to sit along side the planned Article 4 Directive, and for implementation in March 2012. Council notes that there is an existing policy H13 in place under the Local Plan in 2006, which requires that where universities propose new development that will increase student numbers, then residential accommodation is required to be agreed with the council, and that this policy is broadly in line with Oxford’s policy and Council further notes that a change to the policy would take approximately three years. Finally Council welcomes the positive dialogue that has taken place between the Executive and the University of Southampton and welcomes the recent OJEU notice to look to supply a further 1,000 student bed places in dedicated student accommodation.’
Amended Motion to read:
“This Council urges the Executive, in discussion with Southampton’s two universities to explore the adoption of a threshold for the numbers of students living in private accommodation in the community and other multi occupancy homes in the city (HMOs), for inclusion into a new planning policy to sit along side the planned Article 4 Directive, and for implementation in March 2012. Council notes that there is an existing policy H13 in place under the Local Plan in 2006, which requires that where universities propose new development that will increase student numbers, then residential accommodation is required to be agreed with the council, and that this policy is broadly in line with Oxford’s policy and Council ... view the full minutes text for item 44. |
|
Questions from Members to the Chairs of Committees or the Mayor To consider any question of which notice has been given under Council Procedure Rule 11.2. Minutes: It was noted that no questions to the Chairs of Committees or the Mayor had been received. |
|
Appointments to Committees, Sub-Committees and Other Bodies To deal with any appointments to Committees, Sub-Committees or other bodies as required. Minutes: It was noted that Councillor Beryl Harris had replaced Councillor Ball on the Licensing Committee. |
|
Members' Allowance Scheme PDF 52 KB Report of the Acting Head of Legal and Democratic Services concerning the Independent Remuneration Panel recommendations following its review of the Members’ Allowance Scheme, attached. Additional documents: Minutes: The report of the Acting Head of Legal and Democratic Services was submitted concerning the Independent Remuneration Panel recommendations following its review of the Members’ Allowance Scheme (copy of report circulated with the agenda and appended to signed minutes).
It was noted that the Standards and Governance Committee had considered the report at its meeting held on 8th September 2011 and expressed their concern that some of the recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel could effectively discourage many people from becoming councillors, and thus lead to a reduction in the Council’s current broad base of membership.
Denise Barlow, Chair of the Independent Remuneration Panel was in attendance and with the consent of the Chair addressed the Meeting.
Amendment moved by Councillor Smith and seconded by Councillor Dr. R. Williams:
Delete recommendation (i) to Council and insert new recommendation (i)
(i) That after having regard to the IRP’s report, the members’ allowance scheme as currently set at the 2009 Minimum Wage Rate, be reaffirmed to take effect on 1st October 2011 and that the rate remain at the 2009 Minimum Wage Rate until a further review is requested by the Council or is required in accordance with the Regulations, which would be by September 2015.
Insert new recommendation (iv)
(iv) That all other elements of the existing scheme remain unchanged.
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE AMENDMENT WAS DECLARED CARRIED
RESOLVED:
(i) That after having regard to the IRP’s report, the members’ allowance scheme as currently set at the 2009 Minimum Wage Rate, be reaffirmed to take effect on 1st October 2011 and that the rate remain at the 2009 Minimum Wage Rate until a further review is requested by the Council or is required in accordance with the Regulations, which would be by September 2015; (ii) to make any amendment to the Council’s Constitution accordingly; (iii) that the Panel be thanked for its work in producing the report; and (iv) that all other elements of the existing scheme remain unchanged. |
|
Report of the Leader of the Council seeking approval for the City Plan, attached.
Additional documents: Minutes: The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted seeking approval for the City Plan (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).
RESOLVED:
(i) That the draft City Plan 2011 – 2014 prepared by Southampton Connect be endorsed; (ii) that it be agreed that the Council would prioritise the necessary resources to lead the delivery of 3 priority projects (out of 10 projects) as the lead partner; and (iii) that the approval process by all key partners and subsequent formal launch of the City Plan in October 2011 be noted.
|
|
The General Fund Capital Programme 2010/11 to 2013/14 PDF 100 KB Report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Leisure and Culture updating Council on any major changes in the overall General Fund Capital Programme, attached.
Additional documents:
Minutes: The report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Leisure and Culture was submitted updating the Council on any major changes in the overall General Fund Capital Programme (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes). RESOLVED:
(i) That the revised General Fund Capital Programme (which totals £250.0M as detailed in paragraph 4 of the report) together with the associated use of resources be approved; (ii) that the over programming of £8.1M as detailed in paragraph 11 of the report, which is within the previously approved tolerances be approved; (iii) that approval for £3.9M to be added to the Environment & Transport capital programme in 2011/12 for the following works to be funded by government grants (LTP Settlement) be granted: · Highways Maintenance - £1,845,000 · Integrated Transport - £2,027,000 (iv) that it be noted that £1.6M had been transferred from the scheme for Repairs & Maintenance to the Accommodation Strategy (ASAP scheme) within Resources capital programme under powers delegated by Council; (v) that approval for £2.9M to be added to the Resources capital programme, to be phased £1.6M in 2011/12 and £1.3M in 2012/13, for the Accommodation Strategy (ASAP scheme) to be funded by revenue be granted; (vi) that approval for £550,000 to be added to the Resources capital programme, to be phased £250,000 in 2011/12 and £300,000 in 2012/13, for the demolition of surplus redundant buildings at the old Town Depot to be funded by revenue be granted; (vii) that delegated authority be granted to the Chief Financial Officer, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, Leisure & Culture to add a further £100,000 to the Resources capital programme for the demolition of surplus redundant buildings at the old Town Depot if required to be funded from revenue, bringing the total scheme up to a maximum of £650,000; (viii) that approval to add £250,000 to the Leader’s capital programme in 2011/12 for the demolition of the Eastpoint Centre to be funded by revenue be granted; (ix) that delegated authority be granted to the Chief Financial Officer, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to add a further £100,000 to the Leader’s capital programme for the demolition of the Eastpoint Centre if required to be funded from revenue, bringing the total scheme up to a maximum of £350,000; and (x) that it be noted that the revised General Fund Capital Programme takes into account the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) for 2011/12 and 2012/13. |
|
Exclusion of the Press and Public - Confidential Papers To move that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the confidential appendices to item number 14.
Appendices 1 and 2 are considered to be confidential, the confidentiality of which is based on category 3 of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules. It is not in the public interest to disclose this because doing so would impact on the integrity of a commercial procurement process and the Council’s ability to achieve ‘Best value’ in line with its statutory duties.
Minutes: RESOLVED that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the confidential appendices to the report referred to at item 13 on the agenda.
Appendices 1 and 2 of the report are considered to be confidential, the confidentiality of which is based on category 3 of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules. It is not in the public interest to disclose this information because doing so would impact on the integrity of a commercial procurement process and the Council’s ability to achieve ‘Best value’ in line with its statutory duties.
|
|
Meeting the Care Quality Commission's Standards in Council Care Homes PDF 59 KB Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health regarding the expenditure required to meet the Care Quality Commission’s Standards in Council Care Homes, attached. Additional documents:
Minutes: The report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health was submitted regarding the expenditure required to meet the Care Quality Commission’s Standards in Council Care Homes (copy of report circulated with the agenda and appended to signed minutes).
RESOLVED that approval to the sum detailed in confidential appendix 1 to the report be added to the Adult Social Care and Health Capital Programme for expenditure on improvements to the fabric and furnishings of the Council owned residential homes, to be funded from Council resources made available through the Department of Health Personal Social Services Capital Grant allocation for 2011/12.
|