Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Henson and Shiel.

To sign the minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2015.

The minutes of 20 October 2015 were moved by the Leader and seconded by Councillor Sutton were taken as read and signed as correct.

The Lord Mayor announced that she would like to make Members aware of the efforts of a member of staff, Rob Bolton, who saved the life of a fellow swimmer at the Pyramids swimming pool. The Lord Mayor would also write a letter of thanks to the two life guards at the pool who assisted in the recue.

The minutes of the Planning Committee of 2 November 2015 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Bialyk, and taken as read.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 02 November 2015 be received.

The minutes of the Planning Committee of 30 November 2015 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Bialyk, and taken as read.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 30 November 2015 be received.

The minutes of the Licensing Committee of 3 November 2015 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Sheldon, and taken as read.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Licensing Committee held on 3 November 2015 be received.

The minutes of the Scrutiny Committee - Community of 10 November 2015 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Morse, and taken as read.

In respect of Minute 56 (Local Air Quality Action Plan) and in response to a Member, the Portfolio Holder for Health and Place clarified that air quality levels were being constantly monitored in and round sensitive areas in the city.

The Portfolio Holder for City Development commented that Executive had resolved that greater weight be given to the impact of air pollution when developing planning policy and carrying out development control.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Scrutiny Committee - Community held on 10 November 2015 be received.

The minutes of the Scrutiny Committee - Economy of 12 November 2015 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Brimble, and taken as read.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Scrutiny Committee – Economy held on 12 November 2015 be received.

The minutes of the Scrutiny Committee - Resources of 18 November 2015 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Bull, andtaken as read.

In respect of Minute 61 (Waste Operations Staffing Levels) and in response to a Member, the Leader clarified that the Council was working towards reducing the reliance on the use of agency staff within the Council.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Scrutiny Committee - Resources held 18 November 2015 be received.

The minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee of 2 December 2015 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Vizard, and taken as read.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 2 December 2015 be received.

The minutes of the Strata Joint Executive Committee of 24 November 2015 were presented by the Chair, Councillor Edwards, and taken as read.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Strata Joint Executive Committee held on 24 November 2015 be received and, where appropriate, any recommendations contained therein approved.

The minutes of the Strata Joint Scrutiny Committee of 3 December 2015 were presented by Councillor Raybould and taken as read.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Strata Joint Scrutiny Committee held on 3 December 2015 be received.

The minutes of the Executive of 17 November 2015 were presented by the Leader, Councillor Edwards, and taken as read.

RESOLVED that the minutes of Executive held on 17 November 2015 be received and, where appropriate, adopted.

The minutes of the Executive of 1 December 2015 were presented by the Leader, Councillor Edwards, and taken as read.

In respect of Minute 117 (Members’ Allowances 2016/17), a Member stated that he would not support the recommendation as this would be sending the wrong message to the public particularly in these times of austerity and when the Council was relying more on the voluntary sector to work in the community.

Some Members spoke in support of the proposals as they were of the view that the present allowance was low compared to other Councils and therefore prohibited some people from standing as a local Councillor. They recognised the work of the voluntary sector, whilst acknowledging that the majority of these organisations were run by paid staff.

Other Members stated that they could not support the proposed increase in Members’ Allowance as council employees were expected to be getting only a 1% pay rise and that Members did not stand for election because of the remuneration.

It was noted that Members could opt out of the scheme or reduce their remuneration if they so wished and that the issue of any poor attendance by a Member should be addressed through the Groups. 

In accordance with Standing Order 27(1), a named vote on the recommendation was called for, and the voting recorded as follows:

Voting for:

Councillors Bialyk, Branston, Brimble, Brock, Bull, Buswell, Choules, Crew, Denham, Edwards, George, Hannaford, Hannan, Laws, Lyons, Morse, Owen, Packham, Pearson, Raybould, the Deputy Lord Mayor, Sheldon, Spackman, Sutton, Vizard, Wardle and Williams.

 (27 Members)

Against:

Councillors Baldwin, Harvey, Holland, Leadbetter, Mottram, Newby and Thompson.

(7 Members)

Abstain:

The Lord Mayor, Morris and Prowse

(3 Members)

Absent:

Councillors Henson and Shiel

(2 Members and 1 vacancy

RESOLVED that the minutes of Executive held on 1 December 2015 be received and, where appropriate, adopted.

The minutes of the Special Executive of 8 December 2015 were presented by the Leader, Councillor Edwards, and taken as read.

In respect of Minute130 (2016/17 Budget Strategy and Medium Term Financial Plan) and in response to a Member, the Leader stated that the Council was in a strong financial position because it had been prudent in its approach to the use of the New Homes Bonus receipts. The Council had also been short listed for a Local Government Chronicle (LCG) Award for Efficiency.

RESOLVED that the minutes of Special Executive held on 8 December 2015 be received and, where appropriate, adopted.