Southampton City Council
Councillors:
51
Wards:
17
Committees:
23
Meetings (2025):
154
Meetings (2024):
93
Meeting
Council - Southampton
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 27th November 2024
2:00 PM
Wednesday, 27th November 2024
2:00 PM
End:
Wednesday, 27th November 2024
6:00 PM
Wednesday, 27th November 2024
6:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
27 Nov 2024
27 Nov 2024
Location:
Council Chamber - Civic Centre
Council Chamber - Civic Centre
Meeting Attendees
Sheriff
Lord Mayor of Southampton - 2025-2026
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Economic Development
Committee Member
Leader of the Council
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Adults and Health
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Housing Operations
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Compliance and Leisure
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport
Committee Member
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Green City and Net Zero
Council Staff
Adrian AlKhalisi
Expected
Officer
Gavin Muncaster
Expected
Secretary
Judy Cordell
Expected
Secretary
Claire Heather
Expected
Officer
Richard Ivory
Expected
Officer
Executive Director - Wellbeing (Children and Learning)
Robert Henderson
Expected
Officer
Munira Holloway
Expected
Officer
Mel Creighton
Expected
Officer
Andrew Travers
Expected
Officer
Debbie Ward
Expected
Public
Honorary Alderman Cathie McEwing
Expected
Public
Honorary Alderman Ivan White
Expected
Committee Member
Sheriff of Southampton - 2025 -2026
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Communities and Safer City
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Children and Learning
Agenda
2
Minutes
To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 18th September 2024, attached.
Attachments:
- Document 18.9.24 19 Nov 2024
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 18 September 2024 were signed as a correct record.
3
Announcements from the Lord Mayor and Leader
Matters especially brought forward by the Lord Mayor and the Leader.
Minutes
(i) Filming
Members, today’s meeting is open to being filmed. I remind those filming that the right to film is limited to the duration of the meeting and recording must cease when I close the meeting.
Filming or recording is not permitted if the effect would be to interrupt or disturb the proceedings or if it is intrusive of a specific individual or individuals. If in my opinion this is occurring, it will not be permitted and I will ask you to stop.
Similarly, some members of the public attending the meeting may object to being filmed, photographed or recorded. I will be making those attending the meeting today aware and will ask those filming, to respect their wishes, and will expect that these are complied with.
As is the case with Council meetings the open parts of the meeting are being live streamed.
(ii) CPR 9.6 Presumption in Favour of Meetings Ending by 6:30 pm
Members, as you are aware within Council Procedure Rule 9.6 there is a presumption in favour of all meetings of the Council, Committees and Sub-Committees that start at 2:00 pm will finish by 6:30 pm. When a meeting reaches that time, any member of the Council, Committee or Sub-Committee may move, without comment that the meeting shall end. If the motion is accepted and seconded, it shall be put without comment and if passed, if there are any other motions or recommendations on the agenda that have not been dealt with, the Lord Mayor or person presiding may determine either to deal with them in accordance with this Council Procedure Rule, or to defer remaining business to the next meeting, but in doing so shall take particular account of any advice from the Chief Executive, Executive Director: Enabling Services and/or Monitoring Officer as to any business that, in their view, the Council or the meeting of the Council should determine at that meeting. In the event of a motion being put to the meeting under this Council Procedure Rule, it will be necessary for two thirds of the members present and voting at the meeting to support a proposal that the meeting should carry on for the meeting to proceed beyond 6:30 pm. Given the volume of business on today’s agenda in my view it is possible that the meeting may go beyond this time. Whilst considering matters properly I would therefore welcome concise contributions from speakers with no more than 2 speakers from each group on any item if reasonable to do so.
(iii) Death of Honorary Alderman Brian Parnell
Members, it is with great sadness that as many of you will know Honorary Alderman Brian Parnell has passed away and his funeral took place on 25th October. Honorary Alderman Parnell was first elected as a City Councillor in 1979 in the Freemantle Ward, he went on to hold positions of Mayor 2002, Sheriff 2007, Mayor again in 2008 and was made Honorary Alderman in 2019.
Would you all please stand for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
(iv) By-Election, Shirley Ward, 10 October
Members, I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Cllr Percival to the Chamber following the By-Election in the Shirley Ward on 10th October. Cllr Percival will you please stand so that we all can identify you.
Members, as we have a report detailing the results of the By-Election at item 6 on today’s agenda; I am going to bring this item forward.
As the report is for noting, are Members happy to note the report at item 6 on the agenda so that it can be included in the official records?
Members, today’s meeting is open to being filmed. I remind those filming that the right to film is limited to the duration of the meeting and recording must cease when I close the meeting.
Filming or recording is not permitted if the effect would be to interrupt or disturb the proceedings or if it is intrusive of a specific individual or individuals. If in my opinion this is occurring, it will not be permitted and I will ask you to stop.
Similarly, some members of the public attending the meeting may object to being filmed, photographed or recorded. I will be making those attending the meeting today aware and will ask those filming, to respect their wishes, and will expect that these are complied with.
As is the case with Council meetings the open parts of the meeting are being live streamed.
(ii) CPR 9.6 Presumption in Favour of Meetings Ending by 6:30 pm
Members, as you are aware within Council Procedure Rule 9.6 there is a presumption in favour of all meetings of the Council, Committees and Sub-Committees that start at 2:00 pm will finish by 6:30 pm. When a meeting reaches that time, any member of the Council, Committee or Sub-Committee may move, without comment that the meeting shall end. If the motion is accepted and seconded, it shall be put without comment and if passed, if there are any other motions or recommendations on the agenda that have not been dealt with, the Lord Mayor or person presiding may determine either to deal with them in accordance with this Council Procedure Rule, or to defer remaining business to the next meeting, but in doing so shall take particular account of any advice from the Chief Executive, Executive Director: Enabling Services and/or Monitoring Officer as to any business that, in their view, the Council or the meeting of the Council should determine at that meeting. In the event of a motion being put to the meeting under this Council Procedure Rule, it will be necessary for two thirds of the members present and voting at the meeting to support a proposal that the meeting should carry on for the meeting to proceed beyond 6:30 pm. Given the volume of business on today’s agenda in my view it is possible that the meeting may go beyond this time. Whilst considering matters properly I would therefore welcome concise contributions from speakers with no more than 2 speakers from each group on any item if reasonable to do so.
(iii) Death of Honorary Alderman Brian Parnell
Members, it is with great sadness that as many of you will know Honorary Alderman Brian Parnell has passed away and his funeral took place on 25th October. Honorary Alderman Parnell was first elected as a City Councillor in 1979 in the Freemantle Ward, he went on to hold positions of Mayor 2002, Sheriff 2007, Mayor again in 2008 and was made Honorary Alderman in 2019.
Would you all please stand for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
(iv) By-Election, Shirley Ward, 10 October
Members, I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Cllr Percival to the Chamber following the By-Election in the Shirley Ward on 10th October. Cllr Percival will you please stand so that we all can identify you.
Members, as we have a report detailing the results of the By-Election at item 6 on today’s agenda; I am going to bring this item forward.
As the report is for noting, are Members happy to note the report at item 6 on the agenda so that it can be included in the official records?
4
Deputations, Petitions and Public Questions
To receive any requests for Deputations, Presentation of Petitions or Public Questions.
Minutes
The Council received and noted the following deputations: -
(i) Social Care within the City – Professor Margetts
(ii) The Future of the Venny Adventure Playground in Newtown – Sue Atkins
(iii) Council Budget 2025 – Maggie Fricker, Vice -Chair, TUSC
(i) Social Care within the City – Professor Margetts
(ii) The Future of the Venny Adventure Playground in Newtown – Sue Atkins
(iii) Council Budget 2025 – Maggie Fricker, Vice -Chair, TUSC
5
Budget Virements
Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services seeking approval of Budget virements.
Attachments:
- Document 20241118135437_024503_0052461_BudgetVirementsCouncil27112024 19 Nov 2024
Minutes
Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services seeking approval of Budget Virements.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the transfer of budget from Community Wellbeing to centrally held contingency for the sustained favourable variance of £3.75M relating to care packages and costs as set out in paragraph 3 be approved;
(ii) That authority be delegated to the Cabinet to consider and approve the transfer to centrally held contingency of any further sustained favourable variances, regardless of value, identified in subsequent financial position updates for 2024/25;
(iii) That the virement of £20M income and expenditure within the Schools Budget to recognise increased funding, as set out in paragraph 4 be approved; and
(iv) That the virement of £24.30M Social Care Grant income budget from Non-Specific Government Grants (Centrally Held Funding) to Children & Learning (£9.53M) and Community Wellbeing (£14.77M) to reflect a change in the grant conditions from an un-ringfenced to a ringfenced grant, as set out in paragraph 5 be approved.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the transfer of budget from Community Wellbeing to centrally held contingency for the sustained favourable variance of £3.75M relating to care packages and costs as set out in paragraph 3 be approved;
(ii) That authority be delegated to the Cabinet to consider and approve the transfer to centrally held contingency of any further sustained favourable variances, regardless of value, identified in subsequent financial position updates for 2024/25;
(iii) That the virement of £20M income and expenditure within the Schools Budget to recognise increased funding, as set out in paragraph 4 be approved; and
(iv) That the virement of £24.30M Social Care Grant income budget from Non-Specific Government Grants (Centrally Held Funding) to Children & Learning (£9.53M) and Community Wellbeing (£14.77M) to reflect a change in the grant conditions from an un-ringfenced to a ringfenced grant, as set out in paragraph 5 be approved.
6
Southampton City Council Shirley Ward By-Election Result
Report of the Returning Officer detailing the results of the Shirley Ward By-Election held on 10th October, 2024.
Attachments:
- Document Southampton City Council Shirley Ward By-Election Result 19 Nov 2024
Minutes
Report of the Returning Officer detailing the Southampton City Council Shirley Ward By-Election Result.
RESOLVED: that the result of the Southampton City Council By-Election held on Thursday 10th October 2024 be noted.
RESOLVED: that the result of the Southampton City Council By-Election held on Thursday 10th October 2024 be noted.
7
Polling District and Polling Place Review
Report of the Returning Officer detailing the results of the 2024 Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places.
Attachments:
- Document Polling District and Polling Place Review 19 Nov 2024
- Document Appendix 1 19 Nov 2024
- Document Appendix 2 19 Nov 2024
Minutes
Report of the Returning Officer detailing the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places. The Leader moved a slight amendment to the recommendation in the report to also include Appendix 2 of the report.
RESOLVED: That the recommendations in respect of the polling districts and polling places as set out in Appendix 1 and 2 of the report be approved.
RESOLVED: That the recommendations in respect of the polling districts and polling places as set out in Appendix 1 and 2 of the report be approved.
8
Triennial Review of the Gambling Act Statement of Licensing Principles
Report of Executive Director; Resident Services seeking approval for the adoption of the Gambling Act Statement of Licensing Principles for 2025 to 2028.
Attachments:
- Document Report 19 Nov 2024
- Document App 1 - Consultation SLP with tracked changes 19 Nov 2024
- Document Appx 2 Report summarising consultation responses 19 Nov 2024
- Document Appx 3 Officer responses to consultation comments 19 Nov 2024
- Document App 4 - ESIA 19 Nov 2024
Minutes
Report of the Cabinet Member for Compliance and Leisure regarding the Triennial Review of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Principles.
RESOLVED: That with effect from 31st January 2025 the draft Statement of Licensing Policy as detailed in the report be approved.
RESOLVED: That with effect from 31st January 2025 the draft Statement of Licensing Policy as detailed in the report be approved.
9
Exclusion of the Press and Public - Exempt Papers included in the following Item
To move that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information Procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the exempt appendix 2 to the following Item
The appendix is considered to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and category 7A (obligation of confidentiality) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.
It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as the report contains confidential and commercially sensitive information in relation to one of the Council’s suppliers. It would prejudice the Council’s ability to operate in a commercial environment and obtain best value in contract negotiations and would prejudice the Council’s commercial relationships with third parties if they believed the Council would not honour obligations of confidentiality.
The appendix is considered to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and category 7A (obligation of confidentiality) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.
It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as the report contains confidential and commercially sensitive information in relation to one of the Council’s suppliers. It would prejudice the Council’s ability to operate in a commercial environment and obtain best value in contract negotiations and would prejudice the Council’s commercial relationships with third parties if they believed the Council would not honour obligations of confidentiality.
Minutes
RESOLVED: that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information Procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the exempt appendix 2 to the following Item The appendix is considered to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and category 7A (obligation of confidentiality) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules. It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as the report contains confidential and commercially sensitive information in relation to one of the Council’s suppliers. It would prejudice the Council’s ability to operate in a commercial environment and obtain best value in contract negotiations and would prejudice the Council’s commercial relationships with third parties if they believed the Council would not honour obligations of confidentiality.
10
Commercial Waste Transfer and Disposal Services
Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport seeking approval of the Commercial Waste Transfer and Disposal Services.
Attachments:
- Document Report 19 Nov 2024
- Document Appendix 1 - ESIA 19 Nov 2024
- Document Appendix 2 - Exempt Financial Information 19 Nov 2024
Minutes
Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport regarding the Commercial Waste – Transfer and Disposal Services.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the financial envelope as set out in Appendix 2 of the report be approved;
(ii) That the financial envelope be allowed to increase in line with any increase in business and therefore tonnage collected for the Commercial Waste Service, on the basis that the additional cost will be met via cost recovery mechanisms and additional revenue from the service; and
(iii) That the potential risks that could cause the level of cost to exceed the estimated budget because of lack of clarity around the government waste strategy and the likely impact on future contract disposal costs be noted.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the financial envelope as set out in Appendix 2 of the report be approved;
(ii) That the financial envelope be allowed to increase in line with any increase in business and therefore tonnage collected for the Commercial Waste Service, on the basis that the additional cost will be met via cost recovery mechanisms and additional revenue from the service; and
(iii) That the potential risks that could cause the level of cost to exceed the estimated budget because of lack of clarity around the government waste strategy and the likely impact on future contract disposal costs be noted.
11
Exclusion of the Press and Public - Exempt Papers included in the following Item
To move that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information Procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the exempt appendix to the following Item
The appendix is considered to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.
It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as ? It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as the report contains confidential and commercially sensitive information in relation to one of the Council’s suppliers. It would prejudice the Council’s ability to operate in a commercial environment and obtain best value in contract negotiations.
The appendix is considered to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.
It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as ? It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as the report contains confidential and commercially sensitive information in relation to one of the Council’s suppliers. It would prejudice the Council’s ability to operate in a commercial environment and obtain best value in contract negotiations.
Minutes
RESOLVED: that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information Procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the exempt appendix to the following Item. The appendix is considered to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules. It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as the report contains confidential and commercially sensitive information in relation to one of the Council’s suppliers. It would prejudice the Council’s ability to operate in a commercial environment and obtain best value in contract negotiations
12
Corporate Insurance Programme - Tender
Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services seeking approval for the procurement of a new Corporate Insurance Programme for 1st April 2025.
Attachments:
- Document Corporate Insurance Programme - Tender 19 Nov 2024
- Document Enc. 1 for Corporate Insurance Programme - Tender 19 Nov 2024
Minutes
Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services regarding the Tender for the Corporate Insurance Programme.
RESOLVED: That authority be delegated to the Executive Director Enabling Services and s151 Officer to procure and award appropriate insurance contracts via the YPO ‘Insurance Services Framework Agreement’ for up to 5 years from 1st April 2025 after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services.
RESOLVED: That authority be delegated to the Executive Director Enabling Services and s151 Officer to procure and award appropriate insurance contracts via the YPO ‘Insurance Services Framework Agreement’ for up to 5 years from 1st April 2025 after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services.
13
Executive Business
Verbal Report of the Leader of the Council.
Attachments:
- Document Executive Smmary 27.11.27 Final 19 Nov 2024
Minutes
A verbal report of the Leader of the Council was given setting out the details of the
business undertaken by the Executive.
The Leader and the Cabinet made statements and responded to questions.
The following questions were submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule
11.1:-
1. Streetlight Hours of Operation
Councillor Moulton to Councillor Keogh
QUESTION:
Can the Cabinet Member advise what times council streetlights are switched off over-night, and if any changes have been made in the last few months, including any changes to the list of roads or alleyways which had previously had lights on all night and were exempted from being switched off? Can the Cabinet Member also advise if he has been involved in any decisions or briefings (formal or by email) in recent months, relating to coverage or hours of operation of streetlights, or if the council are seeking further savings from turning lights off. Finally, if changes have been made or are made, can the Cabinet Member advise what consultation or communication has taken place or takes place with stakeholders, including local ward Councillors and the local constabulary.
ANSWER:
The Council’s policy is for designated streetlights (primarily residential roads) to be switched off every night between 1am to 5:30am. This timing has not altered over the last few months, nor the inventory of roads or alleyways, etc. that are included within the inventory of lamp columns that are affected. Officers have not raised the prospect of changes to the coverage or hours of operation of the policy, with a view to potential future energy and carbon reduction savings in the future. The street lighting client team continue to monitor the effectiveness of the nighttime lighting policy and stay in tune with other neighbouring highway authorities and the national picture in relation to part-night adoption.
2. Council Tax
Councillor P Baillie to Councillor Fielker
Are you fully aware of the cumulative effect of SCC council tax rises?
ANSWER:
Yes
3. Townhill Part Estate Regeneration
Councillor P Baillie to Councillor Frampton
QUESTION:
The Estate Regeneration of Townhill Park may have its end in sight, after over 12 ½ years of delay by this Labour Administration. Are you not ashamed by the financial & social impact of such a delay? Especially when your latest plan is almost identical to the plan which Full Council passed in March 2012.
ANSWER:
We fully understand the need to move forward with delivery of much needed new homes in Townhill Park. We also recognise that the delays – caused by a range of factors – has impacted on the local area and those who live and work there. We have worked closely with the SO18 Big Local and now the successor Thrill organisation to ensure that there is communication and engagement with residents. Our aim has been to keep residents informed along this challenging journey in many ways including bulletins, meetings and consultations. We have been using funding from the Brownfield Land Infrastructure Fund to clear land to make way for new homes and we have been pleased to announce that locally based Abri will work in partnership with the council on the first two plots. The first plot covers the existing Benhams Road, Meggeson Avenue, Hallet Close and Cutbush Lane. The second plot encompasses Meggeson Avenue shops and residential, where a new convenience store and community café have been proposed. The council has now also been out to tender for two more plots they are currently being evaluated and further announcements in early 2025.
4. Road Congestion in Southampton
Councillor P Baillie to Councillor Keogh
QUESTION:
What are you actually doing to reduce the disgraceful current road congestion in Southampton? The impression being given is that this Labour Administration doesn’t actually care one bit about how long residents have to spend in traffic jams.
ANSWER:
Verbal response to be provided.
I assure you we as a Labour administration do care about the impact that congestion has on our residents and our businesses.
We are a congested city as illustrated by our regular top 10 position in the league table for congested cities in England. There are many reasons that explain the congestion issued faced by the city at this current time.
The continued upgrades on the M27 motorway are pushing more and more traffic into the city to avoid the regular lane closures both planned and unplanned. Every day the echo reports of a break down or accident on the M27. However, this is a matter for National England Highways and whilst we welcome the long term benefits of these upgrades we are suffering short term pain.
The congestion arising from the repair to the landslide at the St Denys road bridge crossing was clearly an unexpected event but officers from our transport team working with out highways contractor have been instrumental in ensuring the necessary stakeholder engagement took place to ensure the repair is now taking place and the appropriate traffic management system is in places to support.
Outside the civic centre the repair is only happening because of the foresight in our transport team in applying for funding to ensure they can be replaced with latest technology available.
However, even when the upgrade on the M27 is completed, the St Denys road bridge is reopened and the civic centre traffic lights are upgrades, there will still be congestion in our city.
The simple fact is that as a nation we have not invested in our transport network and the infrastructure is outdated, failing and in need of upgrading. The previous government did provide investment, but it is not on a scale that would fix the problem long term and nor was it integrated, connected, and sustainable.
This is why I am both pleased and relieved that a Labour Government will tomorrow be announcing the first national transport strategy in decades to solve a congestion issue that is nationwide and provide a solution that in connected, integrated, accessible and attractive.
And let me just finally say when you say this Labour administration does not care, please remember we have many dedicated staff who work in our transport team and in our highways provider who absolutely do care about the harm congestion is having on our residents and it is an insult to their efforts and commitment to frame this question in the way you have.
5. Electric Scooters
Councillor P Baillie to Councillor Keogh
Electric scooters are a complete menace on our roads and pavements. What are you doing to try and control them?
ANSWER:
Southampton City Council, via the Solent Future Transport Zone, is participating in the Department for Transport e-scooter trial. Voi, the tendered operator, is contractually required to provide a platform for the public to report dangerous behaviour (https://report.voi.com/) and takes action against misuse, e.g. pavement riding, twin riding, or intoxicated riding. Voi enforces a three-strike policy. Users are given a warning on their first offence (1,193 users since March 2021), a £25 fine on their second offence (85 users) and a ban on their third offence (59 users) Voi also undertakes educational campaigns through its hire app, and conducts site specific campaigns to observe user behaviour. The Council is only able to influence e-scooter behaviour through the official Voi rental e-scooter trial. Private e-scooters remain illegal and are more difficult to control, although last week the Transport Secretary announced that the government plans to legalise private e-scooters. The Council continues to work closely with the Police through its Road Safety Partnerships to target e-scooter anti-social behaviour. The Council also continues to build more cycle lanes which will help to encourage both cyclists and e-scooter users to feel confident to ride on the roads rather than on the pavement.
6. Climate Citizens Assemby Update
Councillor Barbour to Councillor Savage
QUESTION:
A year after the climate citizens assembly on transport where 10 recommendations were made what progress has the administration made in implementation.
ANSWER:
Since the Assembly, the Council has completed several projects which align with the recommendations made, including improving bus priority and bus hubs in the City Centre to improve journey time reliability, improve cycle connections on Southampton Cycle Network Route 5 Chandlers Ford to City Centre, and implementing Active Travel Zones to create safer pedestrian access. Planned actions include further work on a metro-style transport system with our regional partners as part of recent Bus Service Improvement Plan, upgrading traffic signal technology to improve traffic flow, and additional work on how to promote the work and messaging that the Assembly carried out. The Council will publish an update of achievements made against the recommendations in March 2025 which is the one year anniversary of the launch of the Assembly’s recommendations. The update to the Three Year Implementation Plan 2025-20208 for the Local Transport Plan will include projects which have been recommended from the Citizens Assembly, with the update being ready for Summer 2025.
7. Proposed Millbrook Bus Lane
Councillor Galton to Councillor Keogh
QUESTION:
What consideration has the cabinet member given to the impact of existing cut through traffic along King George's Avenue and surrounding roads, plus the congestion at the Millbrook Road end of Regents Park road when proposing your planned bus lane for Millbrook Road West?
ANSWER:
A33 Millbrook Road West was widened to create space for a section of bus lane completed in July 2021. As part of that project, consideration was made of the impact on adjacent roads such as King Geroge’s Avenue and Regents Park Road. A community consultation took place which determined that the adjacent service road would be made one way eastbound to limit the impact on these roads. In addition, a 20mph speed limit has been introduced in the area to improve road safety. The proposed bus lane has been subject to a detailed traffic simulation model which has provided information such as queue lengths at the junctions, which has determined the extent of the bus lanes that are proposed on the corridor.
8. Capital Projects Update
Councillor Blackman to Councillor Letts
QUESTION:
The report on the Capital Outturn 23/24 submitted to July Council included information on slippage in 31 projects, including the modernisation of the Outdoor Sports Centre. How many of these projects have caught up with their schedules since the summer?
ANSWER:
Appendix 1 of the July 2024 Council report outlines the slippage and rephasing of projects within the capital programme. Under each project there is an explanation of the revised programme and the reason for the need to change the programme. There are a wide range of reasons for reprogramming the capital projects, these include for example timing relating to other external sources of funding, moving works to school holiday times to avoid disruption to classes, reprogramming road works to ensure that works are planned at the optimum time to reduce impact on road users, going out to tender again to get the best price for the Council. So whilst the slippage and rephasing can often appear to be initially negative this may not be the case. In light of the on-going slippage, which is not uncommon within a large a capital programme, a Capital Delivery Performance Board is being established to ensure that where slippage is occurring swift action can be taken, where needed.
9. Local Investment Update
Councillor Chapman to Councillor Bogle
QUESTION:
Southampton is facing increasing exasperation from businesses and investors due to persistent delays and a lack of responsiveness from the Council, which is hindering vital community investment projects. Examples of this can be found in the delayed Aldi development at Shirley Retail Park or the closure and failure to facilitate a new tenant at Southampton Sports Centre Pleasure Park, there are significantly more. Can the council provide updates on these two projects and explain what actions are being taken to address these issues and support local investment?
ANSWER:
The future of 271 Winchester Road in Shirley is the subject of a report that will be considered at the December Cabinet and the February 2025 Council meeting. This has been published on the Forward Plan. In relation to the Pleasure Park at the Outdoor Sports Centre, this operates under a sub lease through Active Nation who operate the site. Active Nation at this time are unable to make any long term agreements beyond the end of their contract. However, there are £30m of major works planned for the Outdoor Sports Centre that will be completed over the next two years and this will lead to significant improvements and an increase in use of the centre. Once all the contractors have left site and the major works are completed this may lead to increase in the interest in investing in the site such as the area currently used as a Pleasure Park.
10. SCC Transformation Programme
Councillor Chapman to Councillor Letts
QUESTION:
With the current administration awarding a £9 million consultancy contract for the delivery of their transformation programme without testing the market either independently or through established framework: Can the administration assure residents this decision represents value for money, and clarify which financial year will bear these costs?
ANSWER:
The appointment of Newton Europe (“NE”) was subject to a competitive procurement process, as set out in the report to Cabinet and Council of 17/09/24 and 18/09/24 respectively. The report can be found HERE –
(https://www.southampton.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s75345/Transformation%20Update%20-%20RPT.pdf).
The key paragraphs are 8-14 inclusive.
In summary:
· Newton Europe (“NE”) was appointed through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) RM6187 Management Consultancy Framework Three Agreement (“MCF3”). This framework is run by CCS and is compliant with Public Contracts Regulations 2015
· This framework includes a maximum framework price against which bidders provide their price to ensure best value is evidenced. Following the competitive process, the Council received 8 expressions of interest and subsequently 2 bids, and Newton Europe were identified through a Most Economically Advantageous Tender evaluation as the successful bidder. In March 2024 NE were appointed to undertake a Diagnostic Phase of work. This process envisaged and gave the Council discretion (subject to approval) to appoint NE to undertake a follow-on Implementation Phase.
· Cabinet then approved, on 27/08/24, the appointment of NE as the Council’s interim transformation partner to initiate implementation activity covering the period September and October 2024.
· Cabinet and Council then approved, on 17/09/24 and 18/09/24 respectively, the recommendations of the report to:
“Cabinet:
· To approve the release of transformation funding as detailed in ‘Resource Implications’ from reserves or the Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) facility
· To approve the appointment of Newton Europe Ltd (“Newton Europe”) as transformation partner to support the implementation of “adapt | grow | thrive” transformation savings proposals
· To delegate authority to the Chief Executive following consultation with the Leader of the Council to take all necessary actions, including finalising contractual and commercial arrangements, in order to complete the appointment of the transformation partner.
Council:
· To approve the release of transformation funding as detailed in ‘Resource Implications’ from reserves or the Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) facility”
The appointment of Newton Europe supports the delivery of the council’s transformation programme, which expects to achieve c£50m of recurrent annual savings across the Medium-Term Financial Strategy period (to 2028/29).
The £9m one-off fee relating to the Implementation Partner contract will be paid, subject to successful delivery of the agreed contractual outcomes, across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years as set out in paragraph 37 of the report to Cabinet and Council. Current expectation is that this will be profiled as follows:
Financial Year 2024/25 2025/26
Contract Spend £4.9m £4.1m
business undertaken by the Executive.
The Leader and the Cabinet made statements and responded to questions.
The following questions were submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule
11.1:-
1. Streetlight Hours of Operation
Councillor Moulton to Councillor Keogh
QUESTION:
Can the Cabinet Member advise what times council streetlights are switched off over-night, and if any changes have been made in the last few months, including any changes to the list of roads or alleyways which had previously had lights on all night and were exempted from being switched off? Can the Cabinet Member also advise if he has been involved in any decisions or briefings (formal or by email) in recent months, relating to coverage or hours of operation of streetlights, or if the council are seeking further savings from turning lights off. Finally, if changes have been made or are made, can the Cabinet Member advise what consultation or communication has taken place or takes place with stakeholders, including local ward Councillors and the local constabulary.
ANSWER:
The Council’s policy is for designated streetlights (primarily residential roads) to be switched off every night between 1am to 5:30am. This timing has not altered over the last few months, nor the inventory of roads or alleyways, etc. that are included within the inventory of lamp columns that are affected. Officers have not raised the prospect of changes to the coverage or hours of operation of the policy, with a view to potential future energy and carbon reduction savings in the future. The street lighting client team continue to monitor the effectiveness of the nighttime lighting policy and stay in tune with other neighbouring highway authorities and the national picture in relation to part-night adoption.
2. Council Tax
Councillor P Baillie to Councillor Fielker
Are you fully aware of the cumulative effect of SCC council tax rises?
ANSWER:
Yes
3. Townhill Part Estate Regeneration
Councillor P Baillie to Councillor Frampton
QUESTION:
The Estate Regeneration of Townhill Park may have its end in sight, after over 12 ½ years of delay by this Labour Administration. Are you not ashamed by the financial & social impact of such a delay? Especially when your latest plan is almost identical to the plan which Full Council passed in March 2012.
ANSWER:
We fully understand the need to move forward with delivery of much needed new homes in Townhill Park. We also recognise that the delays – caused by a range of factors – has impacted on the local area and those who live and work there. We have worked closely with the SO18 Big Local and now the successor Thrill organisation to ensure that there is communication and engagement with residents. Our aim has been to keep residents informed along this challenging journey in many ways including bulletins, meetings and consultations. We have been using funding from the Brownfield Land Infrastructure Fund to clear land to make way for new homes and we have been pleased to announce that locally based Abri will work in partnership with the council on the first two plots. The first plot covers the existing Benhams Road, Meggeson Avenue, Hallet Close and Cutbush Lane. The second plot encompasses Meggeson Avenue shops and residential, where a new convenience store and community café have been proposed. The council has now also been out to tender for two more plots they are currently being evaluated and further announcements in early 2025.
4. Road Congestion in Southampton
Councillor P Baillie to Councillor Keogh
QUESTION:
What are you actually doing to reduce the disgraceful current road congestion in Southampton? The impression being given is that this Labour Administration doesn’t actually care one bit about how long residents have to spend in traffic jams.
ANSWER:
Verbal response to be provided.
I assure you we as a Labour administration do care about the impact that congestion has on our residents and our businesses.
We are a congested city as illustrated by our regular top 10 position in the league table for congested cities in England. There are many reasons that explain the congestion issued faced by the city at this current time.
The continued upgrades on the M27 motorway are pushing more and more traffic into the city to avoid the regular lane closures both planned and unplanned. Every day the echo reports of a break down or accident on the M27. However, this is a matter for National England Highways and whilst we welcome the long term benefits of these upgrades we are suffering short term pain.
The congestion arising from the repair to the landslide at the St Denys road bridge crossing was clearly an unexpected event but officers from our transport team working with out highways contractor have been instrumental in ensuring the necessary stakeholder engagement took place to ensure the repair is now taking place and the appropriate traffic management system is in places to support.
Outside the civic centre the repair is only happening because of the foresight in our transport team in applying for funding to ensure they can be replaced with latest technology available.
However, even when the upgrade on the M27 is completed, the St Denys road bridge is reopened and the civic centre traffic lights are upgrades, there will still be congestion in our city.
The simple fact is that as a nation we have not invested in our transport network and the infrastructure is outdated, failing and in need of upgrading. The previous government did provide investment, but it is not on a scale that would fix the problem long term and nor was it integrated, connected, and sustainable.
This is why I am both pleased and relieved that a Labour Government will tomorrow be announcing the first national transport strategy in decades to solve a congestion issue that is nationwide and provide a solution that in connected, integrated, accessible and attractive.
And let me just finally say when you say this Labour administration does not care, please remember we have many dedicated staff who work in our transport team and in our highways provider who absolutely do care about the harm congestion is having on our residents and it is an insult to their efforts and commitment to frame this question in the way you have.
5. Electric Scooters
Councillor P Baillie to Councillor Keogh
Electric scooters are a complete menace on our roads and pavements. What are you doing to try and control them?
ANSWER:
Southampton City Council, via the Solent Future Transport Zone, is participating in the Department for Transport e-scooter trial. Voi, the tendered operator, is contractually required to provide a platform for the public to report dangerous behaviour (https://report.voi.com/) and takes action against misuse, e.g. pavement riding, twin riding, or intoxicated riding. Voi enforces a three-strike policy. Users are given a warning on their first offence (1,193 users since March 2021), a £25 fine on their second offence (85 users) and a ban on their third offence (59 users) Voi also undertakes educational campaigns through its hire app, and conducts site specific campaigns to observe user behaviour. The Council is only able to influence e-scooter behaviour through the official Voi rental e-scooter trial. Private e-scooters remain illegal and are more difficult to control, although last week the Transport Secretary announced that the government plans to legalise private e-scooters. The Council continues to work closely with the Police through its Road Safety Partnerships to target e-scooter anti-social behaviour. The Council also continues to build more cycle lanes which will help to encourage both cyclists and e-scooter users to feel confident to ride on the roads rather than on the pavement.
6. Climate Citizens Assemby Update
Councillor Barbour to Councillor Savage
QUESTION:
A year after the climate citizens assembly on transport where 10 recommendations were made what progress has the administration made in implementation.
ANSWER:
Since the Assembly, the Council has completed several projects which align with the recommendations made, including improving bus priority and bus hubs in the City Centre to improve journey time reliability, improve cycle connections on Southampton Cycle Network Route 5 Chandlers Ford to City Centre, and implementing Active Travel Zones to create safer pedestrian access. Planned actions include further work on a metro-style transport system with our regional partners as part of recent Bus Service Improvement Plan, upgrading traffic signal technology to improve traffic flow, and additional work on how to promote the work and messaging that the Assembly carried out. The Council will publish an update of achievements made against the recommendations in March 2025 which is the one year anniversary of the launch of the Assembly’s recommendations. The update to the Three Year Implementation Plan 2025-20208 for the Local Transport Plan will include projects which have been recommended from the Citizens Assembly, with the update being ready for Summer 2025.
7. Proposed Millbrook Bus Lane
Councillor Galton to Councillor Keogh
QUESTION:
What consideration has the cabinet member given to the impact of existing cut through traffic along King George's Avenue and surrounding roads, plus the congestion at the Millbrook Road end of Regents Park road when proposing your planned bus lane for Millbrook Road West?
ANSWER:
A33 Millbrook Road West was widened to create space for a section of bus lane completed in July 2021. As part of that project, consideration was made of the impact on adjacent roads such as King Geroge’s Avenue and Regents Park Road. A community consultation took place which determined that the adjacent service road would be made one way eastbound to limit the impact on these roads. In addition, a 20mph speed limit has been introduced in the area to improve road safety. The proposed bus lane has been subject to a detailed traffic simulation model which has provided information such as queue lengths at the junctions, which has determined the extent of the bus lanes that are proposed on the corridor.
8. Capital Projects Update
Councillor Blackman to Councillor Letts
QUESTION:
The report on the Capital Outturn 23/24 submitted to July Council included information on slippage in 31 projects, including the modernisation of the Outdoor Sports Centre. How many of these projects have caught up with their schedules since the summer?
ANSWER:
Appendix 1 of the July 2024 Council report outlines the slippage and rephasing of projects within the capital programme. Under each project there is an explanation of the revised programme and the reason for the need to change the programme. There are a wide range of reasons for reprogramming the capital projects, these include for example timing relating to other external sources of funding, moving works to school holiday times to avoid disruption to classes, reprogramming road works to ensure that works are planned at the optimum time to reduce impact on road users, going out to tender again to get the best price for the Council. So whilst the slippage and rephasing can often appear to be initially negative this may not be the case. In light of the on-going slippage, which is not uncommon within a large a capital programme, a Capital Delivery Performance Board is being established to ensure that where slippage is occurring swift action can be taken, where needed.
9. Local Investment Update
Councillor Chapman to Councillor Bogle
QUESTION:
Southampton is facing increasing exasperation from businesses and investors due to persistent delays and a lack of responsiveness from the Council, which is hindering vital community investment projects. Examples of this can be found in the delayed Aldi development at Shirley Retail Park or the closure and failure to facilitate a new tenant at Southampton Sports Centre Pleasure Park, there are significantly more. Can the council provide updates on these two projects and explain what actions are being taken to address these issues and support local investment?
ANSWER:
The future of 271 Winchester Road in Shirley is the subject of a report that will be considered at the December Cabinet and the February 2025 Council meeting. This has been published on the Forward Plan. In relation to the Pleasure Park at the Outdoor Sports Centre, this operates under a sub lease through Active Nation who operate the site. Active Nation at this time are unable to make any long term agreements beyond the end of their contract. However, there are £30m of major works planned for the Outdoor Sports Centre that will be completed over the next two years and this will lead to significant improvements and an increase in use of the centre. Once all the contractors have left site and the major works are completed this may lead to increase in the interest in investing in the site such as the area currently used as a Pleasure Park.
10. SCC Transformation Programme
Councillor Chapman to Councillor Letts
QUESTION:
With the current administration awarding a £9 million consultancy contract for the delivery of their transformation programme without testing the market either independently or through established framework: Can the administration assure residents this decision represents value for money, and clarify which financial year will bear these costs?
ANSWER:
The appointment of Newton Europe (“NE”) was subject to a competitive procurement process, as set out in the report to Cabinet and Council of 17/09/24 and 18/09/24 respectively. The report can be found HERE –
(https://www.southampton.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s75345/Transformation%20Update%20-%20RPT.pdf).
The key paragraphs are 8-14 inclusive.
In summary:
· Newton Europe (“NE”) was appointed through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) RM6187 Management Consultancy Framework Three Agreement (“MCF3”). This framework is run by CCS and is compliant with Public Contracts Regulations 2015
· This framework includes a maximum framework price against which bidders provide their price to ensure best value is evidenced. Following the competitive process, the Council received 8 expressions of interest and subsequently 2 bids, and Newton Europe were identified through a Most Economically Advantageous Tender evaluation as the successful bidder. In March 2024 NE were appointed to undertake a Diagnostic Phase of work. This process envisaged and gave the Council discretion (subject to approval) to appoint NE to undertake a follow-on Implementation Phase.
· Cabinet then approved, on 27/08/24, the appointment of NE as the Council’s interim transformation partner to initiate implementation activity covering the period September and October 2024.
· Cabinet and Council then approved, on 17/09/24 and 18/09/24 respectively, the recommendations of the report to:
“Cabinet:
· To approve the release of transformation funding as detailed in ‘Resource Implications’ from reserves or the Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) facility
· To approve the appointment of Newton Europe Ltd (“Newton Europe”) as transformation partner to support the implementation of “adapt | grow | thrive” transformation savings proposals
· To delegate authority to the Chief Executive following consultation with the Leader of the Council to take all necessary actions, including finalising contractual and commercial arrangements, in order to complete the appointment of the transformation partner.
Council:
· To approve the release of transformation funding as detailed in ‘Resource Implications’ from reserves or the Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) facility”
The appointment of Newton Europe supports the delivery of the council’s transformation programme, which expects to achieve c£50m of recurrent annual savings across the Medium-Term Financial Strategy period (to 2028/29).
The £9m one-off fee relating to the Implementation Partner contract will be paid, subject to successful delivery of the agreed contractual outcomes, across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years as set out in paragraph 37 of the report to Cabinet and Council. Current expectation is that this will be profiled as follows:
Financial Year 2024/25 2025/26
Contract Spend £4.9m £4.1m
14
Motions
(a) Moved by Councillor Blackman
This Council notes:
Southampton City Council is facing significant financial challenges, including rising costs, reduced government funding, and increasing demand for local services. As a result, it is essential that the Council make cost-effective investments to reduce operating costs, generate revenue, and improve long-term financial stability. The Council also recognizes the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, in line with the UK’s legally binding commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
One of our neighbouring councils, Portsmouth, gave the green light to a scheme in August 2023 to install over 7,000 solar panels over car parks in Portsmouth, plus provision for electric car charging. This project will not only help to meet environmental objectives but will also provide financial savings and new revenue streams from the sale of renewable energy.
This Council believes:
Investing in solar panels on council-owned car parks is a smart financial decision that can help Southampton reduce costs, generate additional income, and strengthen the city’s financial resilience. By following the example of Portsmouth, Southampton can demonstrate leadership in both environmental sustainability and sound financial management. Installing solar panels will not only help meet the city’s climate goals but also offer long-term savings, helping to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing the Council. It will also complement the Council's Climate Change and Green Infrastructure Strategies.
This Council resolves to:
Conduct a feasibility study on the installation of solar panels on council-owned car parks across Southampton, including key locations such as city centre car parks. Assess the potential financial benefits of this investment, including savings on energy bills, income from selling surplus energy to the grid, and opportunities for securing external funding or green investment. To explore the possibility of including electric vehicle (EV) charging points alongside the solar panels, creating a comprehensive green infrastructure and providing additional revenue streams.
To bring a report back to the Council within six months outlining the findings of the feasibility study, including a financial analysis, environmental benefits, and a plan for the phased installation of solar panels across council-owned car
(b) Moved by Councillor P Baillie
“As Corporate Parents, Southampton City Council believes that our children in care should be given every chance to succeed.
Presently, children stop being in care when they reach the age of 18, even if they’re still living with their foster family. There is no minimum allowance paid to carers when the young person is old enough to leave foster care.
For most young people, they turn 18 during the academic year and the lack of an allowance may then lead some carers to stop caring for our young people, who are often then moved into alternative accommodation. This is a major upheaval during a very important time of their lives – a time where their full focus should be on their studies, rather than their living situation.
Rather than it stopping based on when the young person turns 18, which could be at any point during the academic year, we want to see the fostering allowance paid to carers extended until the end of the Academic Year (31 August). This will allow greater stability for our looked after children and allow time for job hunting or pre-University preparation. This Councils asks that the Leader of Southampton City Council lobbies our local MPs and Government on this matter in order for this negative anomaly to be changed.”
(c) Moved by Councillor Galton
Council acknowledges the alarming performance of blue badge processing for both new applications and renewals. This saw a back log of 2074 open applications in June with 342 of these exceeding a 12 week process.
Despite improving in recent months, it is still far below what an inclusive and accessible City should be delivering for some of its most vulnerable residents; with around 1800 open cases and over 100 of these still exceeding a 12 week period.
In 2022 our scrutiny panel inquiry, Accessible Southampton, made this valid point: “Accessibility is key to inclusive cities. By tackling barriers and building inclusive cities it can enable disabled people, and those with access issues, to access services and contribute fully to public life.”
Council accepts:
There can be no greater accessibility barrier than a Council that doesn’t answer it’s phones and emails or respond to a renewal or new blue badge application. A blue badge is a lifeline and offers both physical and mental well-being benefits. On top of the benefits to the person living with a disability, an accessible City also sees the benefits of the “purple pound” supporting its economic sustainability & growth. The failure to either answer a phone, or reply/process an application in a timely manner has seen a significant increase in visits to Gateway for progress updates – this is causing unnecessary distress, failing to deliver a statutory service in a timely manner and costing the Council more in time and money. The negative impact of Service Centre staff restructuring in April, that reduced the number of people available to process applications and saw the subsequent loss of knowledge and capacity to be able to process applications in a timely manner.
As such, Council calls on the executive:
· to immediately prioritise and put in place temporary additional resources to clear the back log of applications.
· to establish and then provide the permanent resources needed to maintain an adequate and timely blue badge processing service.
· To recognise that adopting the mindset that every valid blue badge application is an urgent application is the best way to ensure we remain an accessible City, welcoming and caring for our most vulnerable.
(d) Moved by Councillor McManus
This Council notes that White Ribbon Day 2024 was observed on 25th November and runs until December 10th.
We acknowledge the significance of this period in raising awareness about men’s violence against women and girls, and the importance of prioritising Primary Prevention to stop violence from happening in the first place.
We recognise the ongoing need to address and prevent violence against women and girls, and the need to engage men and boys throughout society. This includes in education, in workplaces, communities and online.
We acknowledge the critical role that we, as decision makers, play in shaping and implementing policies that prioritise preventing violence against women and girls and helping to create a more equal society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can live freely without the fear of violence.
The White Ribbon Campaign’s mission is to raise awareness about men's violence against women and girls and encourage men to take action to end it.
This Council encourages all members to support the campaign by undertaking at least one of the following actions:
Wearing a white ribbon: A symbol of opposition to violence against women Making the White Ribbon Promise: A commitment to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men's violence against women and girls Calling out inappropriate language: Using gender neutral language and calling out sexist "banter" Signing people to services: When appropriate, knowing how to signpost people to services Saving the Domestic Abuse Helpline: Keeping the number in your phone and sign posting to it when needed Sharing White Ribbon UK's posts: Using social media to share their posts with your followers Becoming a White Ribbon UK Ambassador or Champion: Male volunteers who engage with other men and boys to call out abusive and sexist behaviour Challenging misogyny and sexism: Taking action to challenge misogyny and sexism in the attitudes and behaviours that you witness
This Council notes:
Southampton City Council is facing significant financial challenges, including rising costs, reduced government funding, and increasing demand for local services. As a result, it is essential that the Council make cost-effective investments to reduce operating costs, generate revenue, and improve long-term financial stability. The Council also recognizes the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, in line with the UK’s legally binding commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
One of our neighbouring councils, Portsmouth, gave the green light to a scheme in August 2023 to install over 7,000 solar panels over car parks in Portsmouth, plus provision for electric car charging. This project will not only help to meet environmental objectives but will also provide financial savings and new revenue streams from the sale of renewable energy.
This Council believes:
Investing in solar panels on council-owned car parks is a smart financial decision that can help Southampton reduce costs, generate additional income, and strengthen the city’s financial resilience. By following the example of Portsmouth, Southampton can demonstrate leadership in both environmental sustainability and sound financial management. Installing solar panels will not only help meet the city’s climate goals but also offer long-term savings, helping to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing the Council. It will also complement the Council's Climate Change and Green Infrastructure Strategies.
This Council resolves to:
Conduct a feasibility study on the installation of solar panels on council-owned car parks across Southampton, including key locations such as city centre car parks. Assess the potential financial benefits of this investment, including savings on energy bills, income from selling surplus energy to the grid, and opportunities for securing external funding or green investment. To explore the possibility of including electric vehicle (EV) charging points alongside the solar panels, creating a comprehensive green infrastructure and providing additional revenue streams.
To bring a report back to the Council within six months outlining the findings of the feasibility study, including a financial analysis, environmental benefits, and a plan for the phased installation of solar panels across council-owned car
(b) Moved by Councillor P Baillie
“As Corporate Parents, Southampton City Council believes that our children in care should be given every chance to succeed.
Presently, children stop being in care when they reach the age of 18, even if they’re still living with their foster family. There is no minimum allowance paid to carers when the young person is old enough to leave foster care.
For most young people, they turn 18 during the academic year and the lack of an allowance may then lead some carers to stop caring for our young people, who are often then moved into alternative accommodation. This is a major upheaval during a very important time of their lives – a time where their full focus should be on their studies, rather than their living situation.
Rather than it stopping based on when the young person turns 18, which could be at any point during the academic year, we want to see the fostering allowance paid to carers extended until the end of the Academic Year (31 August). This will allow greater stability for our looked after children and allow time for job hunting or pre-University preparation. This Councils asks that the Leader of Southampton City Council lobbies our local MPs and Government on this matter in order for this negative anomaly to be changed.”
(c) Moved by Councillor Galton
Council acknowledges the alarming performance of blue badge processing for both new applications and renewals. This saw a back log of 2074 open applications in June with 342 of these exceeding a 12 week process.
Despite improving in recent months, it is still far below what an inclusive and accessible City should be delivering for some of its most vulnerable residents; with around 1800 open cases and over 100 of these still exceeding a 12 week period.
In 2022 our scrutiny panel inquiry, Accessible Southampton, made this valid point: “Accessibility is key to inclusive cities. By tackling barriers and building inclusive cities it can enable disabled people, and those with access issues, to access services and contribute fully to public life.”
Council accepts:
There can be no greater accessibility barrier than a Council that doesn’t answer it’s phones and emails or respond to a renewal or new blue badge application. A blue badge is a lifeline and offers both physical and mental well-being benefits. On top of the benefits to the person living with a disability, an accessible City also sees the benefits of the “purple pound” supporting its economic sustainability & growth. The failure to either answer a phone, or reply/process an application in a timely manner has seen a significant increase in visits to Gateway for progress updates – this is causing unnecessary distress, failing to deliver a statutory service in a timely manner and costing the Council more in time and money. The negative impact of Service Centre staff restructuring in April, that reduced the number of people available to process applications and saw the subsequent loss of knowledge and capacity to be able to process applications in a timely manner.
As such, Council calls on the executive:
· to immediately prioritise and put in place temporary additional resources to clear the back log of applications.
· to establish and then provide the permanent resources needed to maintain an adequate and timely blue badge processing service.
· To recognise that adopting the mindset that every valid blue badge application is an urgent application is the best way to ensure we remain an accessible City, welcoming and caring for our most vulnerable.
(d) Moved by Councillor McManus
This Council notes that White Ribbon Day 2024 was observed on 25th November and runs until December 10th.
We acknowledge the significance of this period in raising awareness about men’s violence against women and girls, and the importance of prioritising Primary Prevention to stop violence from happening in the first place.
We recognise the ongoing need to address and prevent violence against women and girls, and the need to engage men and boys throughout society. This includes in education, in workplaces, communities and online.
We acknowledge the critical role that we, as decision makers, play in shaping and implementing policies that prioritise preventing violence against women and girls and helping to create a more equal society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can live freely without the fear of violence.
The White Ribbon Campaign’s mission is to raise awareness about men's violence against women and girls and encourage men to take action to end it.
This Council encourages all members to support the campaign by undertaking at least one of the following actions:
Wearing a white ribbon: A symbol of opposition to violence against women Making the White Ribbon Promise: A commitment to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men's violence against women and girls Calling out inappropriate language: Using gender neutral language and calling out sexist "banter" Signing people to services: When appropriate, knowing how to signpost people to services Saving the Domestic Abuse Helpline: Keeping the number in your phone and sign posting to it when needed Sharing White Ribbon UK's posts: Using social media to share their posts with your followers Becoming a White Ribbon UK Ambassador or Champion: Male volunteers who engage with other men and boys to call out abusive and sexist behaviour Challenging misogyny and sexism: Taking action to challenge misogyny and sexism in the attitudes and behaviours that you witness
Minutes
(a) Motion in the name of Councillor Blackman
This Council notes:
Southampton City Council is facing significant financial challenges, including rising costs, reduced government funding, and increasing demand for local services. As a result, it is essential that the Council make cost-effective investments to reduce operating costs, generate revenue, and improve long-term financial stability. The Council also recognizes the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, in line with the UK’s legally binding commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
One of our neighbouring councils, Portsmouth, gave the green light to a scheme in August 2023 to install over 7,000 solar panels over car parks in Portsmouth, plus provision for electric car charging. This project will not only help to meet environmental objectives but will also provide financial savings and new revenue streams from the sale of renewable energy.
This Council believes:
Investing in solar panels on council-owned car parks is a smart financial decision that can help Southampton reduce costs, generate additional income, and strengthen the city’s financial resilience. By following the example of Portsmouth, Southampton can demonstrate leadership in both environmental sustainability and sound financial management. Installing solar panels will not only help meet the city’s climate goals but also offer long-term savings, helping to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing the Council. It will also complement the Council's Climate Change and Green Infrastructure Strategies.
This Council resolves to:
Conduct a feasibility study on the installation of solar panels on council-owned car parks across Southampton, including key locations such as city centre car parks. Assess the potential financial benefits of this investment, including savings on energy bills, income from selling surplus energy to the grid, and opportunities for securing external funding or green investment. To explore the possibility of including electric vehicle (EV) charging points alongside the solar panels, creating a comprehensive green infrastructure and providing additional revenue streams. To bring a report back to the Council within six months outlining the findings of the feasibility study, including a financial analysis, environmental benefits, and a plan for the phased installation of solar panels across council-owned car parks.
An Agreed Revised Motion was tabled at the meeting in the names of Councillor Blackman and Councillor Keogh.
Revised Motion moved by Councillor Blackman and seconded by Councillor Keogh
This Council notes:
Southampton City Council is facing significant financial challenges, including rising costs, reduced government funding, and increasing demand for local services. As a result, it is essential that the Council make cost-effective investments to reduce operating costs, generate revenue, and improve long-term financial stability.
The Council also recognizes the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, and approved the Corporate Assets Decarbonisation Scheme, phase 2 in 2023. This scheme will deliver energy efficiency and renewable energy measures that have a positive return on investment, as well as delivering CO2e savings required to meet the Council’s ambitions to be net zero by 2030 and the city by 2035, in line with the UK’s legally binding commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
One of our neighbouring councils, Portsmouth, gave the green light to a scheme in August 2023 to install over 7,000 solar panels on car parking at its council owned business park in the north of the city of Portsmouth, plus provision for electric car charging. This project will not only help to meet environmental objectives but will also provide financial savings and new revenue streams from the sale of renewable energy for Portsmouth City Council.
That Southampton City Council has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Portsmouth city council to develop our programme for installing solar panel across the city.
That we currently have EV charging points in many of our car parks and identified funding to support the roll out of over 500 EV on street charging points.
This Council believes:
Investing in solar panels on suitable council owned assets mayhelp Southampton reduce costs, generate additional income, and strengthen the city’s financial resilience and help meet the city’s climate goals outlined in the Council's Green City Plan
This Council resolves to:
Continue the current work which is investigating installation of solar panels on our high-rise car parks
Assess the financial costs and benefits and feasibility of this investment, including savings on energy bills, income from selling surplus energy to the grid, and opportunities for securing external funding or green investment.
To explore the possibility of including more electric vehicle (EV) charging points in council-owned car parks and on street charging points alongside the solar panels, creating a comprehensive green infrastructure and providing additional revenue streams.
To submit an annual report to OSMC detailing a review of our progress at a time of their choosing.
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR BLACKMAN WAS DECLARED CARRIED,
RESOLVED: that the motion be approved.
(b) Moved by Councillor P Baillie and seconded by Councillor Winning
“As Corporate Parents, Southampton City Council believes that our children in care should be given every chance to succeed.
Presently, children stop being in care when they reach the age of 18, even if they’re still living with their foster family. There is no minimum allowance paid to carers when the young person is old enough to leave foster care.
For most young people, they turn 18 during the academic year and the lack of an allowance may then lead some carers to stop caring for our young people, who are often then moved into alternative accommodation. This is a major upheaval during a very important time of their lives – a time where their full focus should be on their studies, rather than their living situation.
Rather than it stopping based on when the young person turns 18, which could be at any point during the academic year, we want to see the fostering allowance paid to carers extended until the end of the Academic Year (31 August). This will allow greater stability for our looked after children and allow time for job hunting or pre-University preparation. This Councils asks that the Leader of Southampton City Council lobbies our local MPs and Government on this matter in order for this negative anomaly to be changed.”
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR P BAILLIE WAS DECLARED CARRIED,
RESOLVED: that the motion be approved.
(c) Moved by Councillor Galton and seconded by Councillor Laurent
Council acknowledges the alarming performance of blue badge processing for both new applications and renewals. This saw a back log of 2074 open applications in June with 342 of these exceeding a 12 week process.
Despite improving in recent months, it is still far below what an inclusive and accessible City should be delivering for some of its most vulnerable residents; with around 1800 open cases and over 100 of these still exceeding a 12 week period.
In 2022 our scrutiny panel inquiry, Accessible Southampton, made this valid point: “Accessibility is key to inclusive cities. By tackling barriers and building inclusive cities it can enable disabled people, and those with access issues, to access services and contribute fully to public life.”
Council accepts:
There can be no greater accessibility barrier than a Council that doesn’t answer it’s phones and emails or respond to a renewal or new blue badge application. A blue badge is a lifeline and offers both physical and mental well-being benefits. On top of the benefits to the person living with a disability, an accessible City also sees the benefits of the “purple pound” supporting its economic sustainability & growth. The failure to either answer a phone, or reply/process an application in a timely manner has seen a significant increase in visits to Gateway for progress updates – this is causing unnecessary distress, failing to deliver a statutory service in a timely manner and costing the Council more in time and money. The negative impact of Service Centre staff restructuring in April, that reduced the number of people available to process applications and saw the subsequent loss of knowledge and capacity to be able to process applications in a timely manner.
As such, Council calls on the executive:
· to immediately prioritise and put in place temporary additional resources to clear the back log of applications.
· to establish and then provide the permanent resources needed to maintain an adequate and timely blue badge processing service.
· To recognise that adopting the mindset that every valid blue badge application is an urgent application is the best way to ensure we remain an accessible City, welcoming and caring for our most vulnerable.
Amendment moved by Councillor Letts and seconded by Councillor Finn
1st Paragraph, 1st sentence after the remove “alarming”. 2nd sentence after renewals insert “which have exceeded the 12-week target. In June 342 of 2074”, delete “This saw a back log of 2074, after applications” delete “in June with 342 of these exceeding a” insert “had not been processed within”, 3rd sentence after “week” insert “s” and delete”process”
2nd Paragraph delete paragraph and insert “Council recognises that changes have been made to the administration which has led to a reduction the number of people waiting over 12 weeks to 100”.
Insert new Paragraph 3 “Council acknowledges that all Blue Badge renewals and applications should be processed within 12 weeks of receipt”
3rd Paragraph, delete 1st, 4th and 5th bullet points and replace with
A failure to process blue badge applications in a timely manner may cause distress to applicants The redesign of the Service Centre has led to temporary delay in processing blue badge applications
3rd Paragraph insert new bullet point 6
Processing blue badge applications is a priority for Southampton City Council and changes have been made to clear the back log of applications and ensure future applications are processed in a timely manner.
4th Paragraph after “As such, Council delete “calls on the executive and replace with “agrees ”delete 1st and 2nd bullet point and replace with
To continue the three-month extension of blue badges until the backlog has been cleared To always keep under review the resources allocated within the customer service team and process in place to administrate the scheme.
Amended Motion to read:
Council acknowledges the performance of blue badge processing for both new applications and renewals which have exceeded the 12-week target. In June 342 of 2074 open applications had not been processed within 12-weeks.
Council recognises that changes have been made to the administration which has led to a reduction the number of people waiting over 12 weeks to 100.
Council acknowledges that all Blue Badge renewals and applications should be processed within 12 weeks of receipt.
In 2022 our scrutiny panel inquiry, Accessible Southampton, made this valid point: “Accessibility is key to inclusive cities. By tackling barriers and building inclusive cities it can enable disabled people, and those with access issues, to access services and contribute fully to public life.”
Council accepts:
A blue badge is a lifeline and offers both physical and mental well-being benefits.
On top of the benefits to the person living with a disability, an accessible City also sees the benefits of the “purple pound” supporting its economic sustainability & growth. A failure to process blue badge applications in a timely manner may cause distress to applicants The redesign of the Service Centre has led to temporary delay in processing blue badge applications Processing blue badge applications is a priority for Southampton City Council and changes have been made put in placeto clear the back log of applications and ensure future applications are processed in a timely manner.
As such, Council agrees
To continue the three-month extension of blue badges until the backlog has been cleared
To always keep under review the resources allocated within the customer service team and process in place to administrate the scheme.
To recognise that adopting the mindset that every valid blue badge application is an urgent application is the best way to ensure we remain an accessible City, welcoming and caring for our most vulnerable.
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE AMENDMENT IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR LETTS WAS DECLARED CARRIED.
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE SUBSTANTIVE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR LETTS WAS DECLARED CARRIED.
RESOLVED: that the amended motion be approved.
(d) Moved by Councillor McManus and seconded by Councillor Greenhalgh
This Council notes that White Ribbon Day 2024 was observed on 25th November and runs until December 10th.
We acknowledge the significance of this period in raising awareness about men’s violence against women and girls, and the importance of prioritising Primary Prevention to stop violence from happening in the first place.
We recognise the ongoing need to address and prevent violence against women and girls, and the need to engage men and boys throughout society. This includes in education, in workplaces, communities and online.
We acknowledge the critical role that we, as decision makers, play in shaping and implementing policies that prioritise preventing violence against women and girls and helping to create a more equal society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can live freely without the fear of violence.
The White Ribbon Campaign’s mission is to raise awareness about men's violence against women and girls and encourage men to take action to end it.
This Council encourages all members to support the campaign by undertaking at least one of the following actions:
Wearing a white ribbon: A symbol of opposition to violence against women Making the White Ribbon Promise: A commitment to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men's violence against women and girls Calling out inappropriate language: Using gender neutral language and calling out sexist "banter" Signing people to services: When appropriate, knowing how to signpost people to services Saving the Domestic Abuse Helpline: Keeping the number in your phone and sign posting to it when needed Sharing White Ribbon UK's posts: Using social media to share their posts with your followers Becoming a White Ribbon UK Ambassador or Champion: Male volunteers who engage with other men and boys to call out abusive and sexist behaviour Challenging misogyny and sexism: Taking action to challenge misogyny and sexism in the attitudes and behaviours that you witness
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR MCMANUS WAS DECLARED CARRIED,
RESOLVED: that the motion be approved.
This Council notes:
Southampton City Council is facing significant financial challenges, including rising costs, reduced government funding, and increasing demand for local services. As a result, it is essential that the Council make cost-effective investments to reduce operating costs, generate revenue, and improve long-term financial stability. The Council also recognizes the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, in line with the UK’s legally binding commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
One of our neighbouring councils, Portsmouth, gave the green light to a scheme in August 2023 to install over 7,000 solar panels over car parks in Portsmouth, plus provision for electric car charging. This project will not only help to meet environmental objectives but will also provide financial savings and new revenue streams from the sale of renewable energy.
This Council believes:
Investing in solar panels on council-owned car parks is a smart financial decision that can help Southampton reduce costs, generate additional income, and strengthen the city’s financial resilience. By following the example of Portsmouth, Southampton can demonstrate leadership in both environmental sustainability and sound financial management. Installing solar panels will not only help meet the city’s climate goals but also offer long-term savings, helping to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing the Council. It will also complement the Council's Climate Change and Green Infrastructure Strategies.
This Council resolves to:
Conduct a feasibility study on the installation of solar panels on council-owned car parks across Southampton, including key locations such as city centre car parks. Assess the potential financial benefits of this investment, including savings on energy bills, income from selling surplus energy to the grid, and opportunities for securing external funding or green investment. To explore the possibility of including electric vehicle (EV) charging points alongside the solar panels, creating a comprehensive green infrastructure and providing additional revenue streams. To bring a report back to the Council within six months outlining the findings of the feasibility study, including a financial analysis, environmental benefits, and a plan for the phased installation of solar panels across council-owned car parks.
An Agreed Revised Motion was tabled at the meeting in the names of Councillor Blackman and Councillor Keogh.
Revised Motion moved by Councillor Blackman and seconded by Councillor Keogh
This Council notes:
Southampton City Council is facing significant financial challenges, including rising costs, reduced government funding, and increasing demand for local services. As a result, it is essential that the Council make cost-effective investments to reduce operating costs, generate revenue, and improve long-term financial stability.
The Council also recognizes the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, and approved the Corporate Assets Decarbonisation Scheme, phase 2 in 2023. This scheme will deliver energy efficiency and renewable energy measures that have a positive return on investment, as well as delivering CO2e savings required to meet the Council’s ambitions to be net zero by 2030 and the city by 2035, in line with the UK’s legally binding commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
One of our neighbouring councils, Portsmouth, gave the green light to a scheme in August 2023 to install over 7,000 solar panels on car parking at its council owned business park in the north of the city of Portsmouth, plus provision for electric car charging. This project will not only help to meet environmental objectives but will also provide financial savings and new revenue streams from the sale of renewable energy for Portsmouth City Council.
That Southampton City Council has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Portsmouth city council to develop our programme for installing solar panel across the city.
That we currently have EV charging points in many of our car parks and identified funding to support the roll out of over 500 EV on street charging points.
This Council believes:
Investing in solar panels on suitable council owned assets mayhelp Southampton reduce costs, generate additional income, and strengthen the city’s financial resilience and help meet the city’s climate goals outlined in the Council's Green City Plan
This Council resolves to:
Continue the current work which is investigating installation of solar panels on our high-rise car parks
Assess the financial costs and benefits and feasibility of this investment, including savings on energy bills, income from selling surplus energy to the grid, and opportunities for securing external funding or green investment.
To explore the possibility of including more electric vehicle (EV) charging points in council-owned car parks and on street charging points alongside the solar panels, creating a comprehensive green infrastructure and providing additional revenue streams.
To submit an annual report to OSMC detailing a review of our progress at a time of their choosing.
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR BLACKMAN WAS DECLARED CARRIED,
RESOLVED: that the motion be approved.
(b) Moved by Councillor P Baillie and seconded by Councillor Winning
“As Corporate Parents, Southampton City Council believes that our children in care should be given every chance to succeed.
Presently, children stop being in care when they reach the age of 18, even if they’re still living with their foster family. There is no minimum allowance paid to carers when the young person is old enough to leave foster care.
For most young people, they turn 18 during the academic year and the lack of an allowance may then lead some carers to stop caring for our young people, who are often then moved into alternative accommodation. This is a major upheaval during a very important time of their lives – a time where their full focus should be on their studies, rather than their living situation.
Rather than it stopping based on when the young person turns 18, which could be at any point during the academic year, we want to see the fostering allowance paid to carers extended until the end of the Academic Year (31 August). This will allow greater stability for our looked after children and allow time for job hunting or pre-University preparation. This Councils asks that the Leader of Southampton City Council lobbies our local MPs and Government on this matter in order for this negative anomaly to be changed.”
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR P BAILLIE WAS DECLARED CARRIED,
RESOLVED: that the motion be approved.
(c) Moved by Councillor Galton and seconded by Councillor Laurent
Council acknowledges the alarming performance of blue badge processing for both new applications and renewals. This saw a back log of 2074 open applications in June with 342 of these exceeding a 12 week process.
Despite improving in recent months, it is still far below what an inclusive and accessible City should be delivering for some of its most vulnerable residents; with around 1800 open cases and over 100 of these still exceeding a 12 week period.
In 2022 our scrutiny panel inquiry, Accessible Southampton, made this valid point: “Accessibility is key to inclusive cities. By tackling barriers and building inclusive cities it can enable disabled people, and those with access issues, to access services and contribute fully to public life.”
Council accepts:
There can be no greater accessibility barrier than a Council that doesn’t answer it’s phones and emails or respond to a renewal or new blue badge application. A blue badge is a lifeline and offers both physical and mental well-being benefits. On top of the benefits to the person living with a disability, an accessible City also sees the benefits of the “purple pound” supporting its economic sustainability & growth. The failure to either answer a phone, or reply/process an application in a timely manner has seen a significant increase in visits to Gateway for progress updates – this is causing unnecessary distress, failing to deliver a statutory service in a timely manner and costing the Council more in time and money. The negative impact of Service Centre staff restructuring in April, that reduced the number of people available to process applications and saw the subsequent loss of knowledge and capacity to be able to process applications in a timely manner.
As such, Council calls on the executive:
· to immediately prioritise and put in place temporary additional resources to clear the back log of applications.
· to establish and then provide the permanent resources needed to maintain an adequate and timely blue badge processing service.
· To recognise that adopting the mindset that every valid blue badge application is an urgent application is the best way to ensure we remain an accessible City, welcoming and caring for our most vulnerable.
Amendment moved by Councillor Letts and seconded by Councillor Finn
1st Paragraph, 1st sentence after the remove “alarming”. 2nd sentence after renewals insert “which have exceeded the 12-week target. In June 342 of 2074”, delete “This saw a back log of 2074, after applications” delete “in June with 342 of these exceeding a” insert “had not been processed within”, 3rd sentence after “week” insert “s” and delete”process”
2nd Paragraph delete paragraph and insert “Council recognises that changes have been made to the administration which has led to a reduction the number of people waiting over 12 weeks to 100”.
Insert new Paragraph 3 “Council acknowledges that all Blue Badge renewals and applications should be processed within 12 weeks of receipt”
3rd Paragraph, delete 1st, 4th and 5th bullet points and replace with
A failure to process blue badge applications in a timely manner may cause distress to applicants The redesign of the Service Centre has led to temporary delay in processing blue badge applications
3rd Paragraph insert new bullet point 6
Processing blue badge applications is a priority for Southampton City Council and changes have been made to clear the back log of applications and ensure future applications are processed in a timely manner.
4th Paragraph after “As such, Council delete “calls on the executive and replace with “agrees ”delete 1st and 2nd bullet point and replace with
To continue the three-month extension of blue badges until the backlog has been cleared To always keep under review the resources allocated within the customer service team and process in place to administrate the scheme.
Amended Motion to read:
Council acknowledges the performance of blue badge processing for both new applications and renewals which have exceeded the 12-week target. In June 342 of 2074 open applications had not been processed within 12-weeks.
Council recognises that changes have been made to the administration which has led to a reduction the number of people waiting over 12 weeks to 100.
Council acknowledges that all Blue Badge renewals and applications should be processed within 12 weeks of receipt.
In 2022 our scrutiny panel inquiry, Accessible Southampton, made this valid point: “Accessibility is key to inclusive cities. By tackling barriers and building inclusive cities it can enable disabled people, and those with access issues, to access services and contribute fully to public life.”
Council accepts:
A blue badge is a lifeline and offers both physical and mental well-being benefits.
On top of the benefits to the person living with a disability, an accessible City also sees the benefits of the “purple pound” supporting its economic sustainability & growth. A failure to process blue badge applications in a timely manner may cause distress to applicants The redesign of the Service Centre has led to temporary delay in processing blue badge applications Processing blue badge applications is a priority for Southampton City Council and changes have been made put in placeto clear the back log of applications and ensure future applications are processed in a timely manner.
As such, Council agrees
To continue the three-month extension of blue badges until the backlog has been cleared
To always keep under review the resources allocated within the customer service team and process in place to administrate the scheme.
To recognise that adopting the mindset that every valid blue badge application is an urgent application is the best way to ensure we remain an accessible City, welcoming and caring for our most vulnerable.
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE AMENDMENT IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR LETTS WAS DECLARED CARRIED.
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE SUBSTANTIVE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR LETTS WAS DECLARED CARRIED.
RESOLVED: that the amended motion be approved.
(d) Moved by Councillor McManus and seconded by Councillor Greenhalgh
This Council notes that White Ribbon Day 2024 was observed on 25th November and runs until December 10th.
We acknowledge the significance of this period in raising awareness about men’s violence against women and girls, and the importance of prioritising Primary Prevention to stop violence from happening in the first place.
We recognise the ongoing need to address and prevent violence against women and girls, and the need to engage men and boys throughout society. This includes in education, in workplaces, communities and online.
We acknowledge the critical role that we, as decision makers, play in shaping and implementing policies that prioritise preventing violence against women and girls and helping to create a more equal society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can live freely without the fear of violence.
The White Ribbon Campaign’s mission is to raise awareness about men's violence against women and girls and encourage men to take action to end it.
This Council encourages all members to support the campaign by undertaking at least one of the following actions:
Wearing a white ribbon: A symbol of opposition to violence against women Making the White Ribbon Promise: A commitment to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men's violence against women and girls Calling out inappropriate language: Using gender neutral language and calling out sexist "banter" Signing people to services: When appropriate, knowing how to signpost people to services Saving the Domestic Abuse Helpline: Keeping the number in your phone and sign posting to it when needed Sharing White Ribbon UK's posts: Using social media to share their posts with your followers Becoming a White Ribbon UK Ambassador or Champion: Male volunteers who engage with other men and boys to call out abusive and sexist behaviour Challenging misogyny and sexism: Taking action to challenge misogyny and sexism in the attitudes and behaviours that you witness
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR MCMANUS WAS DECLARED CARRIED,
RESOLVED: that the motion be approved.
15
Questions from Members to the Chairs of Committees or the Mayor
To consider any question of which notice has been given under Council Procedure Rule 11.2.
Minutes
It was noted that no requests for Questions from Members to the Chairs of Committees or the Lord Mayor had been received.
16
Appointments to Committees, Sub-Committees and Other Bodies
To deal with any appointments to Committees, Sub-Committees or other bodies as required.
Minutes
It was noted that Councillor Percival had been appointed to the Scrutiny Inquiry Panel.
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