Agenda and minutes

Councillor Prowse presented a petition from A Torsiello Rosticceria Italia with 496 signatories objecting to the recent price increase at Magdalen Road car park and future disproportional parking charges increases. Whilst the petition supported the need to reduce pollution from cars in the city, the fear was that this charge increase was driving the regular visitors out of the city for the motor car is a necessity and not a luxury and this was to the detriment of the local business. The petition was referred to the Scrutiny Committee – Economy.

The Lord Mayor announced that the Freedom of the City had been conferred on Tim Michael Sanders of a hereditary title. His father and great grandfather having been similarly honoured.

The minutes of the Planning Committee - Special held on 8 July 2013 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Bialyk and taken as read.

In relation to Minute 64 (Planning Application No.13/3219/03 – Former Foxhayes Primary School) the Chair clarified that the Planning Committee had taken into account relevant material planning considerations when making a decision on this application.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee - Special held on 8 July 2013 be received.

The minutes of the Scrutiny Committee - Economy held on 30 May 2013 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Leadbetter and taken as read.

In relation to Minute 25 (Portfolio Holders Priorities for the Forthcoming Year) the Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture stated that whilst she shared the local ward member’s frustration with the slow progress of the Heavitree improvements, work was continuing to take forward this project. The City Centre Strategy, once in place, would also include the consideration of district shopping centres.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Scrutiny Committee - Economy held on 30 May 2013 be received.

The minutes of the Scrutiny Committee - Resources held on 19 June 2013 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Baldwin and taken as read.

In relation to Minute 20 (Leader and Portfolio Holder Priorities for the Forthcoming Year) there was some discussion regarding the tabling of Portfolio Holders Reports at the meeting and how this restricted Members of the Committees ability to respond to their contents.

The Portfolio Holder for Customer Access acknowledged that there was a problem with the phones lines to Exton Road and that it was the intention to move all enquiries to the Civic Centre as soon as possible.

The Leader advised that it was proposed to increase all the Council’s lower spinal levels of salary to meet the living wage.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Scrutiny Committee - Resources held on 19 June 2013 be received.

The minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 26 June 2013 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Bowkett who advised of an amendment to the Scheme for the Enrolment of Honorary Aldermen within section 4 (d)  ‘withdrawal of the title shall be by way of a recommendation from the Audit and Governance Committee to full Council’. Subject to this amendment, the minutes were taken as read.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 26 June 2013 be received, and where appropriate, adopted.

The minutes of the Executive held on 18 June 2013 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Edwards and, subject to the addition to Minute 63 of the words that ‘Councillor Mrs Henson in accordance with Standing Order no.43 requested that her name be recorded as having voted against the resolution’, the minutes were taken as read.

In relation to Minute 56 (Downsizing Incentives for Council Tenants), the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community and Maintaining Assets confirmed that the Downsizing Post Holder role was to take a proactive caring approach to assist tenants to indentify the most suitable properties for their needs. The post was temporary and would be reviewed after a 12 month period.

With regards to Minute 57 (Christmas Tree Lights Task and Finish Group) the Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture confirmed that engagement with traders would be taking place to ensure that there was a joined up approach to the Christmas lights in the city centre.

In relation to Minute 58 (Low Average Earnings in Exeter) Members discussed the historical low wage economy in Exeter and the need for the proposed forum to address low wages and the high cost of living in the city. The Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture advised that suggested nominations for representatives to sit on the forum was underway, with the first meeting being planned for September.

In relation to Minute 63 (Councillors’ Pensions) Members discussed the potential cost to the Council of a Councillor’s Pension scheme versus the need to encourage people, in particular the young, to stand as councillors and that the pension scheme helped to ensure that, if elected, councillors would not be financial disadvantaged.

With regards to Minute 65 (Membership of Committees):-

Councillor Ruffle be appointed to the Audit and Governance Committee

Councillor Newby be appointed to replace Councillor Donovan on the Planning Committee.

With regards to Minute 66 (Appointment of Representatives to serve on Outside Bodies), the following appointments were made:-

Exeter Health and Wellbeing Board · Leader, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community and Maintaining Assets and Councillor Prowse.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Executive held on 18 June 2013 be received and, where appropriate, adopted.