Agenda and minutes
PDF 237 KBVenue: Council Chamber, County Hall, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2DN
Contact: Anne Gowing 020 8541 9938
Media
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The Chairman to report apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Coleman, Mrs Curran, Mr Ellwood, Mr Furey, Mr Gray, Mr Hussain, Mr Johnson, Mrs Mountain, Mr Page, Mrs Ross-Tomlin, Mr Skellett and Mr Witham. |
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To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 14 July 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 14 July 2015 were submitted, confirmed and signed.
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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman to report. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chairman made the following announcements:
· The untimely death of Councillor Robert Watts, Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, in a house fire last weekend. She informed Members that she had written to Councillor Mark Francis, Mayor of Spelthorne, to express her sympathies.
· That Surrey County Council had been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Silver Award for demonstrating and communicating the Council’s supportive behaviour towards the Armed Forces. She presented the award to David Munro, the Armed Forces Champion for Surrey County Council.
· The Summer Reception for volunteers - more than 50 of Surrey’s unsung heroes were recognised for their work within their communities. Each volunteer was presented with a certificate and a specially commissioned voluntary medal struck at the Pobjoy Mint in Tadworth.
· The appointment of a new Lord-Lieutenant for Surrey - Mr Michael More-Molyneux of Loseley Park replaced Dame Sarah Goad, who retired after eighteen years of dedicated service.
· That, earlier this month, she had taken part in the civic procession from the Guildhall to the Holy Trinity Church, Guildford for the annual service for the Judiciary in Surrey.
· She reported on the following Royal Visits to the county, which had taken place since 1 September 2015:
(i) HRH Duchess Gloucester visited King Edward’s School in Witley; (ii) HRH Duke of Gloucester visited the Archaeological excavations at Woking Palace, McLaren Technology centre and opened the new sixth form block at Glyn School; (iii) HRH Princess Royal had visited the Rural Housing Conference hosted at Loseley Park and presented two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: one for Innovation, and one for International Trade to Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging in Merrow.
· University of Surrey, had been recently awarded two University of the Year titles by the Times and the Sunday Times, achieving top spot overall and also being recognised for Student Experience.
· That the resignation of Mrs Stella Lallement as a county councillor be noted. She informed Members that a notice of vacancy has been published on the Council’s website.
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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: 1. Mr Forster declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 9 (the motion standing in the name of Mr Robert Evans) because he works for a Member of the European Parliament.
2. Mr Essex declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 9 (the motion standing in the name of Mr Orrick) because he was a trustee of Furnistore, a reuse charity. |
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Approval of County Councillor Absence
That the County Council considers whether to agree that County Councillor Clare Curran may continue to be absent from Council meetings by reason of ill health. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chairman said that the Council was requested to consider whether Mrs Clare Curran may continue to be absent from Council by reason of ill health, and on behalf of the Council, sent Members’ good wishes to her.
It was:
RESOLVED:
That Mrs Clare Curran may continue to be absent from meetings by reason of her ill health until May 2016 and the Council looks forward to welcoming her back in due course.
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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:
· Devolution – this was generally welcomed but the Leader was asked what opportunities would the public have to comment on the proposals and how would it be finalised before it was submitted to Government. · That a significant amount of work would need to be undertaken to develop the governance arrangements for Devolution. · Assurance was requested from the Leader that he would arrange for a cost benefit analysis, relating to Devolution proposals, to be undertaken, following his meeting with Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. · Devolution should lead to increased efficiencies and value for money for residents and should be supported. · That a £1.9m reduction of this year’s youth service budget would have a detrimental effect on the provision of this service for young people. · That Epsom had recently been named as the top town in the country for courtesy. · A request for details of the formulation of the Devolution bid in relation to Local Enterprise Partnerships which spilled over into other counties. · Whether the decision making process would become less transparent with Devolution. · Could Devolution result in the County / Boroughs and Districts moving toward a unitary model for Local Government?
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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 7 October 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 10 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 Robert Evans asked the Leader of the Council whether he, or any of his colleagues, had any discussions with Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner. The Leader referred Mr Evans to the first paragraph of his written response.
(Q2) Mrs White asked the Leader of the Council if he agreed that Government changes to planning laws would not help Surrey and requested that he write to the Prime Minister. She also considered that ‘affordable housing’ was still likely to be beyond the reach of key workers in Surrey. The Leader considered that the Government was right to encourage builders but said that he would raise the issue with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government at his meeting with him later in the week.
(Q4) Mrs Watson requested that a survey of all County Council roads be undertaken so that all county roads were included on the asset register. In the absence of the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Flooding, the Leader agreed to ensure that the Cabinet Member was aware of her request.
(Q5) Mr Kington queried the response to the first part of his question because there was no direct link to the Ofsted reports or any search engine. The Cabinet Member for Business Services and Resident Experience reiterated (as stated in her response) that she had asked officers to review the importance of clear and accurate tagging when putting information on the website.
(Q6) In the absence of the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Flooding, Mr Selleck asked the Leader of the Council why the County Council had recently received a cheque from Kier. The Leader agreed to make enquiries and to share the response with Members after the meeting.
(Q7) Mr Essex asked the Cabinet Member for Business Services and Resident Experience if it was possible to publish what the cost of the introduction of the National Living Wage on the Council would be and whether Central Government could be asked to provide additional funding to lessen the impact of its introduction. The Cabinet Member said that the budget figures produced in November, as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan refresh, may include an estimate and she confirmed that the Leader of the Council continued to lobby Central Government in relation to fairer funding for Surrey.
(Q8) Mrs White asked the Leader of the Council if it may have been financially prudent to appoint a new temporary Cabinet Member rather than a fifth Cabinet Associate Member. The Leader referred to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances and said that he was satisfied with his decision to appoint an additional Cabinet Associate Member.
(Q9) Mr Beardsmore expressed concern about the timescales involved for re-negotiating SITA Surrey’s contract with the Allington Waste for Energy Plant in Kent. The Cabinet ... view the full minutes text for item 64/15 |
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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 12 October 2015)
Additional documents: Minutes: There were three local Member statements:
· Mr Robert Evans in relation to the bus provision in Stanwell Moor · Mr Chris Townsend in relation to the Youth Service, Sure Start and School provision in Ashtead · Mr Bill Barker in relation to Pigeon House Bridge, Wisley |
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ORIGINAL MOTIONS
ITEM 9(i)
Mr Robert Evans (Stanwell and Stanwell Moor) to move under Standing Order 11 as follows:
‘This Council
views with sorrow the on-going migration crisis on mainland Europe
and expresses its deep regret at the tragic loss of lives and
deeply distressing images that have resulted.
ITEM 9(ii)
Mr John Orrick (Caterham Hill) to move under Standing Order 11 as follows:
'This Council:
Notes:
1. that the consultation on the future of Recycling Centres ended on 30 September;
2. that the consultation sought views on four options - charging for non-household waste disposal, reducing opening hours, closing some centres for one or two days, and closing some centres altogether but failed to include an option to reject all four;
3. that consequently the consultation was flawed since its conclusion could only favour one of four unacceptable options.
Resolves:
to recommend to the Cabinet that all four options are rejected because the implementation of any one of them would lead to a significant reduction in service, adversely affect recycling rates and increase fly-tipping.'
ITEM 9(iii)
Mr Will Forster (Woking South) to move under Standing Order 11 as follows:
‘This Council notes with
significant concern the most recently released road injury
statistics for 2014 showing that: (i) The number of people killed or seriously injured on Surrey’s roads increased by 23% from 2013 (up from 599 to 735) – the third worst performance of any police force area across England and Wales.
(ii) The number of casualties on Surrey's roads has increased in 2014 compared with 2013 as follows:
· Total road casualties increased by 3.5% from 5,223 to 5,408 · Fatal injuries more than doubled (111% increase) from 18 to 38 · Serious injuries increased by 20% from 581 to 697 - the highest number since at least 2005 · The number of children injured on Surrey's roads grew by 14% from 305 to 348 · The number of car occupants killed or seriously injured (KSIs) increased by 36% to 268 - the highest figure since 2008 · Cyclists KSIs increased for the sixth consecutive year by 14.5% to 166 · Pedestrians KSIs remained at 98 for a second year running - the highest number since at least 2005 · Motorcyclists KSIs increased by 32% to 185 to reach the highest recorded numbers since at least 2005
Additional documents: Minutes: ITEM 9(i)
Under Standing order 12.3, the Council agreed to debate this motion.
Under Standing Order 12.1, Mr Robert Evans moved the motion which was:
"This Council views
with sorrow the on-going migration crisis on mainland Europe and
expresses its deep regret at the tragic loss of lives and deeply
distressing images that have resulted.
Mr Robert Evans made the following points:
· That over 4 million people were now displaced and there was no end to this crisis and that each day, approximately 5000 people were still leaving Syria. · Huge numbers of migrants were anticipated across the European Union this year, it could be up to 1 million people. · The refugees were not just from Syria, they were coming from many countries including Iran and Afghanistan. · Many people were fleeing from countries where the UK had some previous involvement. · Britain / Surrey had a proud record of helping and some Surrey Boroughs and Districts were offering support to refugees. · Reference to previous refugees crises where people had settled in Surrey and had played a part in life in the county. · That there were 3000 empty homes in Surrey and this resource could help alleviate housing needs. · The importance of Surrey making a statement on this issue and that the county would be willing to work with Government and Surrey’s Borough and Districts to offer help where possible but that he had no magic solutions to this crisis.
The motion was formally seconded by Mr Hodge who thanked Mr Essex for allowing him to second this motion. He also made the following points:
· That all Members were appalled with the on-going recent migrant crisis. · Surrey residents had responded with generosity and he believed it was right for the County Council to work with Government to help migrants. · He was pleased that Government had committed to extend funding for Syrian refugees beyond one year and he hoped that there would be long term sustainable funding. · The importance of working together to have a co-ordinated multi-agency approach to helping with this crisis. · That Members and the public would receive regular updates on the County’s response. · Finally, he said that both he and the Conservative Group were happy to support this motion.
The Chairman informed Members that, as there appeared to be a general consensus that this motion would be agreed, there should only be ... view the full minutes text for item 66/15 |
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REPORT OF THE CABINET
To receive the report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 29 July and 22 September 2015.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented the Report of the Cabinet meetings held on 29 July and 22 September 2015. Members had an opportunity to comment on the report.
Reports for Information / Discussion
The following reports were received and noted:
· Annual Report of the Shareholder Board · Quarterly report on decisions taken under Special Urgency Arrangements: 1 July – 30 September 2015
RESOLVED:
That the report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 29 July and 22 September 2015 be adopted.
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Appointment of a Vice-Chairman of Education and Skills Scrutiny Board
To appoint the Vice Chairman for Education and Skills Scrutiny Board. Additional documents: Minutes:
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People, Performance and Development Committee
Report from the People, Performance and Development Committee in relation to the arrangement for the appointment of Senior Managers to the Orbis Joint Partnership between Surrey County Council and East Sussex County Council. Additional documents: Minutes: Mr Hodge, as Chairman of the People, Performance and Development Committee introduced the committee’s report.
RESOLVED:
That the Constitution be amended to institute a formalised arrangement for the appointment of senior managers to the Orbis Joint Partnership, where Surrey County Council is the authority paying for the post, to allow a Member of East Sussex County Council to sit on and participate in the Appointments Sub-Committee as a co-opted Member without the ability to exercise voting rights.
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Amendment to Surrey Pay Policy Statement 2015 - 2016
To approve an amendment to the 2015/16 Pay Policy Statement. Additional documents: Minutes: This item was withdrawn and will be brought back to the next County Council meeting in December. |
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Constitution Update Report
It is the Council’s responsibility to approve changes to the Scheme of Delegation regarding non-executive functions, while amendments to executive functions are delegated to the Leader and are brought to County Council to note.
This report seeks Council’s approval for changes to the Scheme of Delegation relating to a change in name for the Surrey Pension Fund Board (to be known as the Surrey Pension Fund Committee).
In line with Article 6.04, it also formally reports the appointment of a new Cabinet Associate.
Additional documents: Minutes: This report sought Council’s approval for changes to the Scheme of Delegation relating to a change in name for the Surrey Pension Fund Board (now to be known as the Surrey Pension Fund Committee). Also, in line with Article 6.04 it also formally reported the appointment of a new Cabinet Associate.
Mrs Watson wished it to be noted that she was opposed to an additional Cabinet Associate post because she considered Cabinet Associates were an unnecessary, additional expense to the Authority.
RESOLVED:
1. That the changes to the Constitution regarding the name change of the Surrey Pension Fund Committee (formerly known as the Surrey Pension Fund Board) be approved.
2. That the appointment of a new Cabinet Associate by the Leader of the Council be noted.
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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 12 October 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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