Matters especially brought forward by the Lord Mayor and the Leader.
Minutes:
Announcements from the Lord Mayor:
(i) The Lord Mayor referred with sadness as the Earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria unfolded. As the death toll continues to rise, our thoughts are with the families affected and those who are on the ground offering medical and humanitarian aid. On behalf of Southampton City Council letters of condolence have been written to both Turkish and Syrian Embassies and today the Lord Mayor had received a letter from the Turkish Ambassador to the UK who was very thankful for the work that is going on in Southampton for those affected with our Turkish and Syrian communities present in the City.
(ii) The Lord Mayor informed Council that Councillor Professor Margetts had resigned from the Labour Group and now sits as an Independent Member representing Coxford Ward. Legally, that creates vacancies on both Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel and Health and Wellbeing Board as only political groups, by law, can have seats on committees.
(iii) Members, I was delighted to receive the Princess Royal when she visited us on 3rd February. A Royal visit was expected as we had received Lord Mayor status, a Royal visit was expected but we did not know when, so I was delighted when her Royal Highness visited the City to officially receive the Letters Patent which I believe you have now all seen. She had the opportunity to meet a number of members of staff, she asked not to meet politicians. We arranged for business leaders who had been part of the representation on the lord mayoralty and officers of this Council who play an important role including representing cleaners, facilities management and the town sergeants office, people who go above and beyond their duties and who I know you believe as I do, that they do not always receive the recognition they deserve. Whilst she was here, she unveiled The Queen’s Green Canopy Award. As a City Champion Southampton was one of only three cities who planted more trees than other authorities during the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. I think that is a real accolade and shows our green credentials.
(iv) Members, I am also pleased to announce that the Lord Mayor’s Ball held this month raised in excess of £5,500 after expenses for my chosen charities. There were a number of Councillors present who were very supportive on the evening and I wanted to thank you personally for that. We did have a great evening and I would like to pay tribute to the staff who gave up their own time and who put in a lot of hard effort to help me organise the evening making sure it was such a success.
(v) Members, I would like to formally welcome Claire Edgar to the Council, Claire has been appointed as the Executive Director for Wellbeing and Housing. We all look forward to working with Claire in her new role.
(vi) Members, today we say goodbye to John Harrison, Executive Director for Finance and Commercialism. Honorary Alderman Barnes-Andrews offered his thanks and gratitude for John’s service during his time as Cabinet Member for Finance.
Announcements from the Leader:
(vii) The Leader announced the following appointments – Councillor Windle be appointed to Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel and Councillor Savage be appointed to Health and Wellbeing Board.