Agenda and minutes
PDF 438 KBVenue: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8EF
Contact: Amelia Christopher Email: amelia.christopher@surreycc.gov.uk
Media
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The Chair to report apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Liz Bowes, Stephen Cooksey, Colin Cross, Paul Deach, Kevin Deanus, Paul Follows, John Furey, Jan Mason, Julia McShane, Carla Morson, George Potter, Lesley Steeds, Hazel Watson.
Members who attended remotely and had no voting rights were Steve Bax.
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To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 23 May 2023.
Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 23 May 2023 were submitted, confirmed and signed.
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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: There were none. |
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CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Surrey Civic Network My Chairmanship of Surrey County Council has certainly got off to a flying start and I have had a very busy couple of months since we last met.
Last month I was delighted to host the Surrey Civic Network here at Woodhatch Place, which was attended by Surrey’s Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff and the newly elected Mayors & Chairs from our districts, boroughs and towns. It was a very informative and productive meeting, during which the Mayors and Chairs shared their chosen charities and their plans for the forthcoming year. I look forward to supporting them and their quest to improve the lives of Surrey residents.
Armed Forces Week Last month, ‘Armed Forces Week’ took place and, as Chair of the Surrey Civilian-Military Partnership Board and of Surrey County Council, I hosted our annual ‘Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony’ on 21 June. It was a privilege to welcome Reservists, Veterans, Ex-Service Personnel, representatives from the Royal British Legion, SSAFA and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, for a flag raising and one minute silence in our Memorial Garden at Woodhatch Place. We remembered those extraordinarily brave men and women who have served and continue to serve to defend and protect our great country.
Windrush Day 22 June saw the 75th anniversary of the arrival of over 1,000 passengers of the Empire Windrush to the UK, who migrated to these shores from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1971 in response to a call for workers to help rebuild Britain after the devastation caused by World War II.
We marked this day to recognise, remember and celebrate the significant contributions and lasting impact these courageous pioneers and their descendants have had on British culture and society.
We had the privilege of hearing from Salem Sabur, a member of the Windrush generation, who shared with us a lived experience perspective and what this means for communities today. It was a fascinating insight and certainly left us with much to think about.
Surrey Events & Activities There have also been many activities and events taking place in Surrey, which I have had the honour of attending. To name but a few, I attended the opening day of Pirbright Amateur Community Sports Pavilion; Specsavers’ Surrey Youth Games; the Surrey Music Hub Conference; St Mary's Ukrainian Saturday School end of year concert; St Peter’s Hospital Veterans’ Hub for Armed Forces breakfast; Choral Mattins at Guildford Cathedral for the Armed Forces; Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum; Surrey Arts ‘Connect to Culture Festival’; and the Chief Scouts Gold Awards.
Chair’s Theme I am delighted to announce my theme for the forthcoming year: Empowering Diverse Communities.
We live in a beautiful and richly diverse, varied and multinational county, with residents from a range of backgrounds and cultures, as well as those with diverse abilities and needs.
I want to support these communities and shine a light on the fantastic work that they are doing. I want to hear and learn about the diverse communities in your area; please ... view the full agenda text for item 47/23 Additional documents: Minutes: Richard Tear joined the meeting at 10.04 am.
The Chair:
· Noted that a Surrey Arts 'Singing Picnic' was held last week at Woodhatch Place, it was good to see many local school children participating. · Noted that his full announcements could be found in the agenda.
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The Leader to make a statement.
There will be an opportunity for Members to ask questions and/or make comments.
Additional documents: Minutes: Amanda Boote joined the meeting at 10.06 am.
The Leader of the Council made a detailed statement. A copy of the statement is attached as Appendix A.
Members raised the following topics:
· Stressed that Members cross-party were concerned with the inadequate provision of the services that residents received, evidenced by the many Member questions on vulnerable children and grass verges. · Noted disappointment that the Leader did not mention climate change despite the Council’s declaration of a ‘climate emergency’ four years ago, a step change was still awaited on climate change. · Noted concern that the Council was still ignoring the Government and a Liberal Democrat original motion in 2018 by charging householders for taking DIY waste to Community Recycling Centres, the Council must change its policy and not charge householders. · Hoped that the detailed input the Residents' Association and Independent Group provided to the task and finish groups would be part of the rapid improvement and positive change to highways. · Noted that residents in a 2021 consultation on council tax spend, wanted funding protected for services to support the vulnerable, more investment in early intervention and prevention, and those most at risk of being left behind at the heart of decision-making. · Noted that contrary to the above, efficiencies were made in the 2022 and 2023 budgets affecting services to the most vulnerable: children and young people including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with cuts in funding to charities that delivered early intervention, and older adults and adults with disabilities and their carers. · Asked how officers chose which children would benefit from the Local Early Autism Programme funding and who would be left behind, the demand was four times the places available. · Noted that there were 1,300 Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) outstanding against the twenty-week limit. · Welcomed early engagement on the budget and the commitment to provide the Equality Impact Assessments in October to the select committees but noted the need to act now to reinstate the early intervention and prevention services that were lost. · Noted that the 2024 budget must deliver for all residents, placing those most at risk of being left behind at the heart of decision-making; officers and Members must work collaboratively and use local knowledge. · Asked for the Leader to provide detail on the Integrated Care Systems and how new partnerships had been forged across the county. · Noted that the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) found that the Council had failed SEND children and young people were not receiving the education to which they were entitled, asked whether those responsible for the failures in the system had been held to account. · Asked the Leader to comment on the leaflet by UNISON which referred to the current dispute with the Council regarding the low pay offer, it was highlighted that one in ten members of UNISON resorted to food banks. · Asked what measures the Leader would propose to improve the health of people in Surrey, particularly those in the more urban areas ... view the full minutes text for item 48/23 |
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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 Democratic Services by 12 noon on Wednesday 5 July 2023).
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 thirty-five questions had been received. The questions and replies were published in the supplementary agenda (items 6 and 8) on 10 July 2023.
The Chair noted that as Kevin Deanus had given apologies, Members could ask supplementary questions which would be responded to in writing. A Member requested that the written responses to supplementary questions to the Cabinet Member be circulated to all Members collectively and in a timely way.
A number of supplementary questions were asked and a summary of the main points is set out below:
(Q1) Catherine Powell asked the Cabinet Member to share the timelines for the review and when she envisaged the plans being presented to the select committee. She noted that whilst alignment with the nationally used terminology had merit, the change would impact Surrey residents who would need to be kept up to date to avoid any unnecessary stress and concern if the specialist placements were to remain the same type of provision as they were.
The Cabinet Member for Education and Learning noted that she would keep the Member updated with the proposed timeline for the review and would liaise with her about whether that was required to go through the select committee.
(Q2) Joanne Sexton referred to the Leader’s comment about wanting residents to have pride in Surrey’s neighbourhoods and asked why the administration blamed everything on the weather and did not take ownership and accountability by working with its residents to deliver services that they deserve and pay for. She noted that residents in her division were appalled that they had a substandard service and that the Council did not consult with residents and political groups. She asked for assurance that the Council would work with all going forward. She also asked why there was no centralised list of works.
On Kevin Deanus’ behalf, the Leader corrected the Member’s continual comment that there was no consultation with political leaders, noting that he attended several meetings with the Surrey Leaders’ Group where it was discussed in detail. Furthermore, Council officers had several conversations with district and borough council officers. A written response to the other points made would be provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Community Resilience.
(Q3) Fiona Davidson noted that she was surprised and disappointed that when negotiating with NSL there was no benchmarking against the best performing districts and boroughs in Surrey, such as Guildford which produced a significant parking surplus. She noted that she was receiving an increasing number of complaints about enforcement and a lack of communication from NSL, she had been waiting since 11 May for a response to an enforcement issue. She asked whether the Cabinet Member was happy with the current service provided by NSL, both in terms of enforcement and their communications.
A written response would be provided by the Cabinet Member for Highways and Community Resilience.
(Q4) Lance Spencer asked the Cabinet Member to ensure that the social media material would be made available to Members ... view the full minutes text for item 49/23 |
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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 Democratic Services by 12 noon on Monday 10 July 2023). Additional documents: Minutes: Steve Bax (East Molesey and Esher) made a statement on the positive feedback received from residents about Ringway which resurfaced the Walton Road in Molesey at the end of May. The Ringway crew undertook the noisiest of the work before midnight, efforts were made to accommodate residents and the resurfacing was completed swiftly. He thanked the foreman and his team for their hard work and the Council for providing the funding.
Becky Rush left the meeting at 11.59 am.
Mark Sugden(Hinchley Wood, Claygate and Oxshott) made a statement on the redevelopment of the existing outdoor swimming pool at Claygate Primary School - Claygate Community Pool. A new building had been built to cover the pool including showers and changing rooms to achieve the ambition of swimming year-round, the pool made a positive difference to the local community. The project team raised significant funds including from Claygate Parish Council and Elmbridge Borough Council, and Your Fund Surrey granted a substantial £363,500 contribution.
Robert King left the meeting at 12.01 pm.
Tim Hall (Leatherhead and Fetcham East) made a statement on the Leatherhead and Dorking Gymnastics Club expansion, there were a variety of grant applications and Your Fund Surrey provided a £550,000 contribution to expand the facilities including a sensory room and the site had been connected onto mains drainage. The focus was on children and adults with learning disabilities, there were positive relationships with local schools. It was a charity and the volunteers had worked hard to provide an inspirational facility. He recommended Members to visit various Your Fund Surrey projects.
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ORIGINAL MOTIONS
Item 8 (i)
Lance Spencer (Goldsworth East and Horsell Village) to move under standing order 11 as follows: This Council notes that:
4. declares a ‘Climate Emergency’, and commits actions to support businesses and all local authorities in their work to tackle climate change by providing a strong unified voice for councils in lobbying for support to address this emergency, and sharing best practice across all councils.
- Food production has a high impact on climate and the environment. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on climate change and land estimates that 21-27% of total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are attributable to the food system (Special Report on Climate Change and Land, IPCC, 2019). Local, organic and animal friendly food production systems reduce these emissions.
- What we eat has a significant impact on our climate impact in the UK. This is explored by the Centre for Alternative Technology (Zero Carbon: Rethinking the Future - Centre for Alternative Technology)
- What we eat has a strong role to play in our public health, including through Surrey’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
- Surrey County Council has a significant role to play in leadership in this area - including through our procurement of food, addressing food waste and through our farm ownership.
- Implementing Surrey’s Climate Change Strategy will have a positive impact on our land-use in Surrey.
- Surrey County Councillors can play an active role in advocating for what is needed in this area.
This Council further notes that:
This Council calls on the Cabinet to:
Additional documents: Minutes: Item 8 (i)
Under Standing Order 12.3 the Cabinet Member for Environment, Marisa Heath, moved a proposal. The proposal was as follows:
That the motion below by Lance Spencer be referred to the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee for the purpose of consideration and making recommendations to the Cabinet or the Council for decision. This Council notes that:
4. declares a ‘Climate Emergency’, and commits actions to support businesses and all local authorities in their work to tackle climate change by providing a strong unified voice for councils in lobbying for support to address this emergency, and sharing best practice across all councils.
- Food production has a high impact on climate and the environment. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on climate change and land estimates that 21-27% of total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are attributable to the food system (Special Report on Climate Change and Land, IPCC, 2019). Local, organic and animal friendly food production systems reduce these emissions.
- What we eat has a significant impact on our climate impact in the UK. This is explored by the Centre for Alternative Technology (Zero Carbon: Rethinking the Future - Centre for Alternative Technology)
- What we eat has a strong role to play in our public health, including through Surrey’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
- Surrey County Council has a significant role to play in leadership in this area - including through our procurement of food, addressing food waste and through our farm ownership.
- Implementing Surrey’s Climate Change Strategy will have a positive impact on our land-use in Surrey.
- Surrey County Councillors can play an active role in advocating for what is needed in this area.
This Council further notes that:
This Council calls on the Cabinet to: |
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STATUTORY LEAD MEMBER FOR CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Council is asked to note that the Leader has appointed Sinead Mooney as the Statutory Lead Member for Children’s Services in accordance with Section 19 of the Children Act 2004.
Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
Council noted that the Leader has appointed Sinead Mooney as the Statutory Lead Member for Children’s Services in accordance with Section 19 of the Children Act 2004.
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SURREY YOUTH JUSTICE PLAN 2023/24
To approve and sign off the Surrey Youth Justice Plan 2023/24.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair noted that following discussion with the Group Leaders, it was proposed that the item be deferred to the next Council meeting in October to allow for it to be considered by the relevant select committee prior to Council approval.
RESOLVED:
That the Surrey Youth Justice Plan 2023/24 item be deferred to the next Council meeting in October to allow for it to be considered by the relevant select committee prior to Council approval.
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MEMBER CONDUCT PANEL REPORT
To notify Council of the outcome of a decision made by the Member Conduct Panel following a meeting on 22 May 2023.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Director of Law and Governance introduced the report noting that as the Council's Monitoring Officer he was required to notify the Council of decisions taken by the Member Conduct Panel as set out in the Annex.
A Member noted that the sanctions available were limited. Whilst he understood that the list of sanctions was prescribed nationally, he asked the Leader to use his influence at the Local Government Association (LGA) to revisit the issue so that sanctions for breaches of the Member Code of Conduct, especially for actions external to the Council itself, are more reflective of the alleged breach.
The Leader noted that he had no influence at the LGA - unlike the County Councils Network - but would be happy to raise the matter there.
RESOLVED:
That Council noted the decision sheet of the Member Conduct Panel of 22 May 2023.
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AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION: REPORT OF THE CONSTITUTION REVIEW GROUP
It is the Council’s responsibility to approve changes to the Council’s Constitution.
This report sets out proposed changes to Part 3, Section 2 (Scheme of Delegation), Part 4 (Standing Orders) and Part 6 (Codes and Protocols).
These changes are brought to Council in accordance with Articles 4.04(b) and 13.01 of the Council’s Constitution.
Additional documents: Minutes: The
Chair noted that there was a correction to recommendation 1 (c)
whereby the correct Standing Order was 85.5, not 85.
The Leader introduced the report and thanked the Constitution Review Group for their work. He highlighted the changes to the length of speeches to six minutes by the leaders of the two largest opposition groups in response to the Leader’s Statement, explicit reference made to Deputy Cabinet Members being able to answer questions on their Briefings and other updates such as no requirement to sign an attendance register. He noted that the Group Leaders had discussed and agreed the proposals.
RESOLVED:
1. That Council agreed the following amendments to the Constitution:
(a) The proposed amendment to Part 4 - Standing Order 18. (b) The proposed amendment to Part 4 - Standing Orders 9.3, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.12. (c) The proposed amendment to Part 4 – Standing Order 85.5. (d) The proposed amendment to Part 4 - Standing Order 30. (e) The proposed amendment to Part 4 - Standing Orders 15.1, 23.2 and 28.1. (f) The proposed amendments to Part 6 – Codes and Protocols – (02) – Arrangements for dealing with Member Conduct, paragraph 10 and (04) Member-Officer Protocol Annex A – Member Role Profiles, Chair of Council Key Duties and Responsibilities, paragraph 8. (g) The proposed amendment to Part 3, Section 2 - Scheme of Delegation, paragraph 6.10(a).
2. That Council delegated the approval of the Risk Management Strategy to the Audit & Governance Committee, with the document continuing to be included in Part 5 of the Constitution as agreed by the Audit & Governance Committee.
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REPORT OF THE CABINET
To receive the report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 30 May 2023 and 27 June 2023.
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented the report of the Cabinet meetings held on 30 May 2023 and 27 June 2023.
Recommendations on Policy Framework Documents:
There were no reports with recommendations for Council.
Reports for Information/Discussion:
30 May 2023:
A. Surrey County Council’s Adoption of the Revised Surrey Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education
27 June 2023:
B. Modernising our Library Estate, Libraries Transformation - Phase 1
A Member highlighted the importance of the Council's Library and Cultural Services Transformation programme, since 2019 the increase in capital spending on Surrey’s libraries had delivered benefits to many residents. She welcomed the increased investment in Woking Library, which was a key part of the town centre and was one of the first original models for creating library hubs back in 2012. Following increased investment Woking Library expanded to provide a quiet room for book clubs to meet, more computers, free Wi-Fi, and a shop. It served as a key community hub for both children and adults. She noted the need to continue with the modernisation of libraries which would meet the Council's commitment of ‘No one being left behind’, she thanked the Leader and portfolio holder.
C. Weybridge Hub Redevelopment D. Surrey Infrastructure Plan - Phase 4 Schemes
E. Quarterly Report on Decisions Taken Under Special Urgency Arrangements: 13 May 2023 - 3 July 2023
RESOLVED:
1. Noted that there had been no urgent decisions in the last two months.
2.
Adopted the report of the meetings of the Cabinet
held on 30 May 2023 and 27 June 2023.
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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 Democratic Services by 12 noon on Monday 10 July 2023.
(Note: to follow: Minutes, Cabinet - 27 June 2023)
Additional documents: Minutes: No notification had been received by the deadline from Members wishing to raise a question or make a statement on any matters in the minutes.
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