Agenda and minutes
PDF 352 KBVenue: Council Chamber, County Hall, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2DN. View directions
Contact: Angela Guest 020 8541 9075
Media
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The Chairman to report apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Mr Mark Brett-Warburton, Mr Ben Carasco, Mr Denis Fuller, Ms Marsha Moseley, Mr John Orrick and Mrs Denise Saliagopoulos.
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To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 11 October 2016.
(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 11 October 2016 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:
She reminded Members to complete the Members’ Allowances IRP questionnaire.
Recent events that were mentioned:
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
All Members present are required to declare, at this point in the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter (i) Any disclosable pecuniary interests and / or (ii) Other interests arising under the Code of Conduct in respect of any item(s) of business being considered at this meeting NOTES: · Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest · 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) · Members with a significant personal interest may participate in the discussion and vote on that matter unless that interest could be reasonably regarded as prejudicial.
Additional documents: Minutes: Mr Mike Bennison declared a non-pecuniary interest in that his son worked at Heathrow. Mrs Dorothy Ross-Tomlin declared a non-prejudicial interest in that she received a pension from BAA Heathrow. |
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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: · There was much support for the sentiments and recognition that it was down to all Members to write MPs. · The London Borough of Sutton was to become Oxfam’s landlord following investment and the question was asked why Surrey could not invest outside of the County. · A question was put as to how much development was unsustainable due to roads and traffic being beyond capacity. |
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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 Angela Guest in Democratic Services by 12 noon on Wednesday 30 November 2016).
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: Declarations of interest:
None
Questions:
Notice of 22 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 stated that residents were horrified that the busiest fire station in Surrey was to be closed, that the number of incidents had risen and in the last consultation 92% of residents were opposed to the closure. Mr Ian Beardsmore asked what would happen if the bridge was gridlocked? The Cabinet Member stated that there were very difficult decisions to be made, that the fire service was changing year on year, and that only 20% of the total number of calls to the service related to fires. He also pointed out that North West Surrey had four stations in close proximity with another four nearby.
(Q3) Mrs Carol Coleman requested that the Cabinet Member look into staffing at the centre for dementia, stating that staff/client ratio was 2/10 and this was a safequarding issue. The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Wellbeing and Independence replied that he would meet with Mrs Coleman to discuss her concerns.
(Q5) Mr Stephen Cooksey stated that the definition of DIY waste was not included in the response and that residents needed to know precisely what was meant by DIY waste. The Cabinet Member replied that extensive messages had been sent out regarding DIY waste. He also stated that the Council actions were within the law and other local authorities were following suit.
(Q6) Mrs Hazel Watson asked if actions could be taken sooner to which the Cabinet Member response was that it was not possible.
(Q8) Mr Ian Beardsmore stated that the response to his question gave no thought on forms of government and that the more liability the Council takes on, the less the budget the Council received. The Leader directed Mr Beardsmore to the section of his response which stated that decisions on governance could only be made when the details of any deal was known.
(Q10) Mrs Fiona White stated that pharmacies in less advantaged areas may be at risk of closure and residents needed good access. Mr Keith Witham requested to be kept informed of any updates and asked the Director for Public Health to report to the Social Care Services Board. The Cabinet Member stated that she would ensure information was circulated when she received it and that the issue would be raised at the Wellbeing Board.
(Q12) Mr Jonathan Evans stated that, whilst money for community support had increased, the money for individuals had reduced and he was of the belief that community support funding was to boost that for the individual. The Cabinet Member stated that the Council now had to rely more on voluntary organisations to perform some functions.
(Q14) Mr Stephen Cooksey asked if Skanska were interested in making replacements of the street lights. The Cabinet Member stated that safety was paramount for ... view the full minutes text for item 75/16 |
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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 Angela Guest in Democratic Services by 12 noon on Monday 5 December 2016).
Additional documents: Minutes: There was one local Member statement, from Mr Michael Sydney, concerning future housing development on green belt land. |
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ORIGINAL MOTIONS
ITEM 8 (i)
Mr Mike Goodman (Surrey Heath) to move under Standing Order 11 as follows:
Given the decision by the Government to support a new runway at Heathrow, this Council reaffirms its position on airport expansion set out in the resolution agreed in July 2013.
The Council recognises the crucial role of the airports at Heathrow and Gatwick in supporting employment for Surrey residents, generating investment in the Surrey economy and in attracting and retaining major businesses to locate in the county. This Council remains strongly of the view that expansion requires the environmental and surface access issues involved to be satisfactorily addressed.
This Council wishes to work constructively with the Government, the airport, relevant national agencies, other local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships on the expansion plans in order to protect and promote the interests of Surrey residents and businesses.
However, this Council considers that the proposals and commitments, including on surface access, that have so far been made by the airport and by the Government associated with the preferred approach to expansion at Heathrow are inadequate. In particular they give neither confidence that the necessary measures will be prioritised nor that adequate funding will be committed.
This Council considers that any expansion will only be a success for Surrey residents and businesses and for the wider South East if there is a clear and agreed framework for the necessary infrastructure, including southern rail access, and other measures to be in place before any new runway comes into operation.
This Council calls on the Government to take the lead in developing such a framework.
ITEM 8 (ii)
Mr Ian Beardsmore (Spelthorne) to move under Standing Order 11 as follows:
The Council notes
the difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled staff to work
for the County Council, the high cost of agency staff and that the
situation is becoming critical as the council’s financial
position worsens.
ITEM 8(iii)
Mr Robert Evans (Spelthorne) to move under Standing Order 11 as follows:
This Council congratulates the many teachers, support staff, parents, governors and children who have enabled the vast majority of Surrey’s schools to be judged, by Ofsted, as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. Council is very proud that Surrey has so many excellent schools at every phase of education.
Surrey County Council takes great pride that as an education authority, it has for many years, been at the forefront of innovative, progressive education and setting high standards in schools.
There have been many changes in the format of schools in recent years, with for example, academies and free schools being created. Council therefore believes that a period of stability would be beneficial and ... view the full agenda text for item 77/16 Additional documents: Minutes: Item 8(i):
Under Standing Order 12.3 the Council agreed to debate this motion.
Under Standing Order 12.1, Mr Mike Goodman moved the motion, which was:
‘Given the decision by the Government to support a new runway at Heathrow, this Council reaffirms its position on airport expansion set out in the resolution agreed in July 2013.
The Council recognises the crucial role of the airports at Heathrow and Gatwick in supporting employment for Surrey residents, generating investment in the Surrey economy and in attracting and retaining major businesses to locate in the county.
This Council remains strongly of the view that expansion requires the environmental and surface access issues involved to be satisfactorily addressed.
This Council wishes to work constructively with the Government, the airport, relevant national agencies, other local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships on the expansion plans in order to protect and promote the interests of Surrey residents and businesses.
However, this Council considers that the proposals and commitments, including on surface access, that have so far been made by the airport and by the Government associated with the preferred approach to expansion at Heathrow are inadequate. In particular they give neither confidence that the necessary measures will be prioritised nor that adequate funding will be committed.
This Council considers that any expansion will only be a success for Surrey residents and businesses and for the wider South East if there is a clear and agreed framework for the necessary infrastructure, including southern rail access, and other measures to be in place before any new runway comes into operation.
This Council calls on the Government to take the lead in developing such a framework.’
The motion was formally seconded by Mr Martin.
Mr Goodman said that:
Mr Essex moved an amendment, which was tabled at the meeting.
This was formally seconded by Mr Robert Evans.
The amendment was as follows (with additional words underlined and deletions crossed through):
The Council recognises
the
This Council remains strongly
of the view that expansion requires theclimate change, noise, air pollution and
This Council wishes ... view the full minutes text for item 77/16 |
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REPORT OF THE CABINET
To receive the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 11 October and 22 November 2016 and to agree the recommendations in respect of:
1. The School Organisation Plan 2016/17 – 2025/26 be approved. 2. That at present the funding for the increased number of school places within this Plan has not been fully identified.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented the report of the Cabinet meetings held on 18 October and 22 November 2016.
Recommendations on Policy Framework Documents
A School Organisation Plan
One Member stated that the 1% margin of error in Surrey goes against what was said at the previous meeting.
RESOLVED:
1. That the School Organisation Plan 2016/17 – 2025/26 be approved.
2. To note that at present the funding for the increased number of school places within this Plan has not been fully identified.
Reports for Information/ Discussion
One Member stated that the action plan should have measurable and bigger targets to which the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning responded that the plan sets out what the intentions are.
B Smarter Working for the Environment: Policy Statement and Action Plan
RESOLVED:
That the Smarter Working for the Environment: Policy Statement and Action Plan be noted.
RESOLVED:
That the report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 18 October and 22 November 2016 be adopted.
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PAY POLICY STATEMENT
To comply with Section 38(1) of the Localism Act 2011 and related guidance under Section 40 provided by the Secretary of State, all local authorities are required to publish a Pay Policy Statement, approved through decision by Full Council with effective from 1 April each year. The Statement will be tabled at the meeting.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented this report and stated that members, officers and trade unions had worked closely together to get this Statement more focussed on awarding high performance and gave more flexibility for staff and modernised work practices.
RESOLVED:
That the Pay Policy Statement for 2016 – 2017 be agreed.
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RECRUITMENT OF INDEPENDENT PERSON
To appoint an Independent Person for Surrey County Council for a four year term expiring in December 2020, in line with the Localism Act 2011.
Additional documents: Minutes: The chairman of the selection panel presented this report.
RESOLVED:
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CONSTITUTION UPDATE REPORT
This report seeks Council’s approval for updates to the Scheme of Delegation. The Scheme of Delegation forms part of the Council’s Constitution and has recently been revised to ensure that it reflects the current management structure of the organisation.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader submitted this report and its appendices to the Council.
RESOLVED:
That the Council approves the following recommendations with immediate effect:
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Minutes of Cabinet Meetings
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 Angela Guest in Democratic Services by 12 noon on Monday 5 December 2016.
Additional documents: Minutes: Mr Alan Young referred to the Cabinet Member’s response to a public question regarding roads in Tandridge. He asked to see mileage percentage figures for the road network in each area and the percentage of total road funding to each area.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Flooding would ensure Mr Young received the figures but also pointed out that the important data would be the condition of the roads and not the mileage.
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