Agenda and minutes
PDF 195 KBVenue: Council Chamber, County Hall, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2DN
Contact: Anne Gowing 020 8541 9938
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The Chairman to report apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Angell, Mrs Barton, Mr Beckett, Mrs Curran, Mrs Frost, Mr Gosling, Mr Harrison, Miss Heath, Mrs Hicks, Mrs Lallement, Mr Martin, Mr Orrick, Mr Page, Mrs Saliagopoulos and Mr Skellett. |
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To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 19 May 2015.
(Note: the Minutes, including the appendices, will be laid on the table half an hour before the start of the meeting).
Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 19 May 2015 were submitted, confirmed and signed. |
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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman to report.
A list of Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List 2015 and the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service are included within the agenda papers. The Chairman has written letters of congratulations to all those who have received awards for services to Surrey communities.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chairman made the following announcements:
(i) South East Employers Member Development Charter Award – Cllr Rory Love, Chairman of South East Employers presented the Chairman of the Member Development Steering Group with the Award. He was invited to say a few words.
(ii) Surrey Fire and Rescue Service – the Chairman presented an award, received from the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment (The Tigers) to the Chief Fire Officer, in recognition for the service’s sterling efforts in rescuing artefacts from the Surrey Infantry Museum, including the regimental colours at the recent Clandon Park House Fire.
(iii) Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2015 and the Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service – the full lists were included within the agenda. However, she drew attention to the honours received by: · Lynne Owens, Chief Constable for Surrey Police · Mrs Perdita Hunt, Director of Watts Gallery · Mr Nick Sealy, past High Sheriff · Ms Kate Orrick, Head of DifD Libya
Also, she acknowledged the high number of volunteer groups that had been recognised and received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year.
(iv) On behalf of the Council, she congratulated David Hodge on being elected as Leader of the Conservative Group at the Local Government Association (LGA) and also at the same time being installed as one of the LGAs four Vice-Chairmen.
(v) Magna Carta event, Runnymede Meadows on 15 June 2015, she said that this was an outstanding event, and that she was honoured to receive HM the Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and other VIPs to the event. She thanked all those involved, including Surrey County Council staff, volunteers and the Police, for making it a memorable occasion.
(vi) Armed Forces Day on 27 June 2015 had been marked with celebrations across the UK, with a focus on Guildford where there was a service at Guildford Cathedral, a High Street parade, a Red Arrows fly past and entertainment in Stoke Park. She also thanked the volunteers and Surrey Police.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests from Members in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.
NOTES:
· Each Member must declare any interest that is disclosable under the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, unless it is already listed for that Member in the Council’s Register of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests. · As well as an interest of the Member, this includes any interest, of which the Member is aware, that relates to the Member’s spouse or civil partner (or any person with whom the Member is living as a spouse or civil partner). · If the interest has not yet been disclosed in that Register, the Member must, as well as disclosing it at the meeting, notify the Monitoring Officer of it within 28 days. · If a Member has a disclosable interest, the Member must not vote or speak on the agenda item in which it arises, or do anything to influence other Members in regard to that item.
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none. |
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LEADER'S STATEMENT
The Leader to make a statement.
There will be an opportunity for Members to ask questions.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader made a detailed statement. A copy of the statement is attached as Appendix A.
Members raised the following topics:
· Congratulations on his new appointments at the Local Government Association (LGA) · A request to utilise his new position at the LGA to explore ‘best practice’ in Children’s Services amongst other authorities · A request for more information in relation to the Devolution agenda and how it applies to Surrey, both the County Council and Boroughs / Districts · The impact and cost, particularly to Adult Social Care Services, of introducing the ‘living wage’ · Confirmation of investment in recycling waste · Continue to lobby Central Government for a better settlement for Surrey · Details of where the £67m savings required in this financial year would be coming from
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Surrey County Council Progress Report: January - June 2015
To consider the report and the matters to which the Chief Executive draws attention. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented the Surrey County Council Progress Report – January – July 2015, the twelfth of the Chief Executive’s six monthly reports to Members.
Members made the following comments:
· Disappointment that the emphasis of the report has changed so that there was not as much attention given to scrutiny · Also, there were only four key areas set out in the report which, for scrutiny purposes, were not specific or measurable and therefore, the Leader / Chief Executive were requested to review the report and its target audience · There was no reference to financial targets or the Medium Term Financial Plan · The report was considered at a recent meeting of the Council Overview Board (COB), where Members were impressed with the achievements of staff and partner organisations · The correct priorities were outlined in the report and did not minimise the forthcoming challenges for the Council. However, the Board considered that the report would benefit from inclusion of some targets · The report was optimistic, upbeat and provided an opportunity to highlight the County’s achievements to residents
RESOLVED:
(1) That the report of the Chief Executive be noted.
(2) That the staff of the Council be thanked for the progress made during the last six months.
(3) That the support for the direction of travel be confirmed.
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MEMBERS' QUESTION TIME
(1) The Leader of the Council or the appropriate Member of the Cabinet or the Chairman of a Committee to answer any questions on any matter relating to the powers and duties of the County Council, or which affects the county.
(Note: Notice of questions in respect of the above item on the agenda must be given in writing, preferably by e-mail, to Anne Gowing in Democratic Services by 12 noon on Wednesday 8 July 2015).
(2) Cabinet Member Briefings on their portfolios
These will be circulated by email to all Members prior to the County Council meeting, together with the Members’ questions and responses.
There will be an opportunity for Members to ask questions.
Additional documents: Minutes: Notice of 15 questions had been received. The questions and replies are attached as Appendix B.
A number of supplementary questions were asked and a summary of the main points is set out below:
(Q1) Mr Sydney asked the Cabinet Member for Business Services and Resident Experience – (i) when the Department for Education changed their policy on Bio-mass installations, and (ii) why had the original wood fuel installation at High Ashurst been removed. The Cabinet Member said that she would respond outside the meeting.
(Q2) Mr Robert Evans extended an invite to Mr Ivison to visit Stanwell Moor to see what the impact of proposed expansion at Heathrow would have on this community. Mr Beardsmore asked the Leader of the Council if he was aware that an additional 9000 homes would be required in the Spelthorne / Runnymede area if further expansion at Heathrow went ahead – this would also put more pressure on the Green Belt in Surrey. Mr Forster requested that issues relating to air quality in parts of Spelthorne were adequately addressed as part of the Council’s debate on airport expansion. Mr Munro informed Members that the Council Overview Board would be considering airport expansion at its meeting on 10 September 2015. The Leader of the Council said that the County Council would only support airport expansion if it was beneficial for Surrey and that expansion could not take place until the necessary improvements to infrastructure had taken place. He also confirmed that he was aware of the issues re. housing and the pressures for Stanwell Moor and agreed to visit the area.
(Q3) Mr Goodwin asked the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Flooding if he was aware that there had been recent articles in the press relating to the programme for re-surfacing Surrey roads and that all Members should have been informed prior to it appearing in the press. The Cabinet Member said that the information used in the article was three years old and that under the Horizon programme, Surrey was performing well.
(Q8) Mr Robert Evans asked the Cabinet Member for Localities and Community Wellbeing to expand on the information provided in his response concerning emergency access to and from roads closed due to the Prudential Ride London event. The Cabinet Member agreed to provide a response outside the meeting.
(Q9) Mr Essex questioned whether the figure of an average 160 passengers being negatively affected by the proposals and recommendations arising from the Local Transport Review were accurate. He also queried the carbon emission data and asked what would be environmental impact of the changes in Surrey. The Cabinet Member considered that the Local Transport Review had been thorough, and had included two extensive consultations. He said that the ‘160’ figure had not been challenged previously, and concerning the carbon data, he said that the figures were projections, it was not an exact science but the County Council was fully aware of carbon issues and were addressing them.
(Q10) Dr Grant-Duff asked ... view the full minutes text for item 51/15 |
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STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS
Any Member may make a statement at the meeting on a local issue of current or future concern.
(Note: Notice of statements must be given in writing, preferably by e-mail, to Anne Gowing in Democratic Services by 12 noon on Monday 13 July 2015).
Additional documents: Minutes: There were no local Member statements. |
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ORIGINAL MOTIONS
ITEM 9(i)
Mr Mel Few (Foxhills, Thorpe and Virginia Water) to move under Standing Order 11 as follows:
‘This Council notes with delight the success of the many Magna Carta celebrations and in particular the historic event which took place on Runnymede Meadows on 15 June 2015 celebrating the 800th anniversary of its sealing.
This Council thanks all of the many people, partners and organisations that helped make the celebrations so successful and which enabled the county of Surrey to showcase a unique event of world significance.
This Council wishes in particular to thank its own staff and Members, many of whom went way beyond the call of duty, in the successful organisation of these celebrations.’
ITEM 9(ii)
Mrs Fiona White (Guildford West) to move under Standing Order 11 as follows:
‘This Council agrees to prioritise the recruitment and retention of Social Workers including by ensuring that the County Council's social worker pay is competitive with neighbouring councils, carrying out recruitment campaigns, recruiting social work graduates from Universities, providing key worker housing and relevant training, in order to:
· provide sufficient qualified, trained and experienced Social Workers to support and protect vulnerable children and adults in Surrey,
· reduce the council's over-reliance on costly agency staff
· reduce the workload of social workers.’
ITEM 9(iii)
Mrs Hazel Watson (Dorking Hills) to move under Standing Order 11 as follows:
‘This Council requests the Cabinet to allocate additional funding to all Local Committees to enable them to introduce 20 mph speed limits outside schools where requested by both the school and the local community in order to reduce traffic speeds and to improve road safety.’
Additional documents: Minutes: ITEM 9(i)
Under Standing order 12.3, the Council agreed to debate this motion.
Under Standing Order 12.1, Mr Few moved the motion which was:
‘This Council notes with delight the success of the many Magna Carta celebrations and in particular the historic event which took place on Runnymede Meadows on 15 June 2015 celebrating the 800th anniversary of its sealing.
This Council thanks all of the many people, partners and organisations that helped make the celebrations so successful and which enabled the county of Surrey to showcase a unique event of world significance.
This Council wishes in particular to thank its own staff and Members, many of whom went way beyond the call of duty, in the successful organisation of these celebrations.’
Mr Few made the following points in support of his motion:
· It was a brave decision, taken by Surrey County Council, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta on the Runnymede Meadows in Surrey · The event has heightened awareness of Surrey and the county will benefit from increased numbers of visitors · There had been dedicated teams from the County Council and National Trust working on the event – organising traffic management plans, coach transport, security checks and ensuring that guests would be fed and watered · With VIP guests, including several senior members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and other international guests, the organisation of the event was challenging and its success was achieved with the help of partnership working · 200 people were presented to Royalty and other dignitaries · The event culminated in a fly past from the Red Arrows · It was a very well organised event. The motion was formally seconded by Mrs Clack, who made the following points:
· Continuation of thanking the people who had key roles in bringing the event to fruition, in particular: Susie Kemp - Assistant Chief Executive, Peter Milton – Head of Cultural Services, Katie Brennan and the Magna Carta team and also the Civic team · She also thanked Surrey Police, Surrey Highways, Surrey’s Emergency Planning team, Surrey Social Services, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service, Runnymede Borough Council, Surrey Performing Arts Service, National Trust, Dame Sarah Goad and the Chief Executive · That the vision of the Leader of the Council in relation to this event had placed Surrey on the ‘world map’ · The magnificent artwork, The Jurors by Hew Locke which was commissioned by Surrey County Council and the National Trust · That art interpretation volunteers were on site at weekends and since the event the car park takings had increased by 50% · Finally, she said that it was a perfect day and that she was proud to be a part of the Magna Carta celebrations. Eight Members spoke on the motion, with the following points being made:
· The event had highlighted the reputation of Surrey and put Runnymede and Spelthorne on the map · The Jurors artwork was a good legacy · The perception that the event was for ‘the great ... view the full minutes text for item 53/15 |
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Elected Member Development Strategy
To approve a revised Elected Member Development Strategy, in accordance with County Council requirements. Additional documents: Minutes: The authority was awarded Charter status in October 2011, this was renewed in April 2015 and the Member Development Steering Group intend to achieve Charter Plus status before the end of 2017.
As Chairman of the Member Development Steering Group, Ms Le Gal introduced the revised Elected Member Development Strategy. She highlighted the following points:
(i) That the induction of the new Council in 2017 would formalise processes for using feedback from newly elected councillors (ii) The introduction of a 180 feedback process for Members.
When asked about the protocol for elected Members attendance at external courses and conferences, Ms Le Gal confirmed that the Member Development programme was tailored to each Members individual needs and that all requests should be agreed by the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman of the Member Development Steering Group.
RESOLVED:
That the Elected Member Development Strategy be approved.
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REPORT OF THE CABINET
To receive the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 26 May and 23 June 2015.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented the Report of the Cabinet meetings held on 26 May and 23 June 2015.
Reports for Information / Discussion
The following reports were received and noted:
· Joint Commissioning Strategy for Speech and Language Therapy for children and Young People · The Agreement with Surrey Wildlife Trust for the Management of the County Council’s Countryside Estate · Confident in Surrey’s Future: Equality, Fairness and Respect Strategy 2015 – 2020 · Quarterly report on decisions taken under Special Urgency Arrangements: 1 April – 30 June 2015
RESOLVED:
That the report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 26 May and 23 June 2015 be adopted.
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Report of the Audit and Governance Committee
(i) To approve the updated strategy against Fraud and Corruption, for inclusion in the Constitution (Annex A).
(ii) To approve the Risk Management Strategy, for inclusion in the Constitution (Annex B).
(iii) To approve the updated Code of Corporate Governance (Annex C). Additional documents: Minutes: The Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee introduced the report and commended the updated strategies against Fraud and Corruption and Risk Management, plus the updated Code of Corporate Governance to Members.
RESOLVED:
1. That the updated Strategy against Fraud and Corruption, attached as Annex A to the submitted report, be approved, for inclusion in the Constitution.
2. That the Risk Management Strategy, attached as Annex B to the submitted report, be approved, for inclusion in the Constitution.
3. That the updated Code of Corporate Governance, attached as Annex C to the submitted report, be approved, for inclusion in the Constitution.
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Minutes of the Meetings of the Cabinet
Any matters within the minutes of the Cabinet’s meetings, and not otherwise brought to the Council’s attention in the Cabinet’s report, may be the subject of questions and statements by Members upon notice being given to Anne Gowing in Democratic Services by 12 noon on Monday 13 July 2015.
Additional documents: Minutes: No notification had been received from Members wishing to raise a question or make a statement on any of the matters in the minutes, by the deadline.
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