Winchester City Borough Council Council Meeting

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Extraordinary and Ordinary Meetings of the Council held on 5 October 2022 be approved and adopted.

Councillors Tod, Porter and Warwick declared personal (but not prejudicial) interests in relation to agenda items which may relate to Hampshire County Council matters due to their role as County Councillors.

The Deputy Mayor firstly paid tribute to former councillor Peter Kent Mason and former councillors and Mayors of Winchester, Ian Bidgood and Allan Mitchell who had all recently passed away.

Council stood in silent tribute to their memory.

The Deputy Mayor then announced forthcoming charity events and also the annual Mayor of Winchester’s Community Awards for 2023.

With regard to the King’s New Year Honours, the Deputy Mayor congratulated the following recipients:

Dr Martin Read CBE of Bishops Waltham - a knighthood for services to industry and for public and voluntary service.

Clare Hobbs of Winchester - an OBE for her work with young people as founder of the Wessex Dance Academy.

John Caulcutt of Sutton Scotney - an OBE for servicesto charity and philanthropy.

Jordan Wylie, lately of Andover but now living in Winchester – a MBE for services to children’s education in the Horn of Africa.

John Sutton of Winchester – a MBE for services to charitable fundraising as Director of Amateur Choirs.

Professor Beverley Harden, visiting professor at the University of Winchester – a MBE for services to healthcare.

Finally, the Deputy Mayor announced that Lisa Kirkman, Strategic Director, was to leave the council at the end of the month and she wished her well and asked that council accord its best thanks to her and that this be recorded in the minutes.

This was agreed and the meeting also reciprocated with applause. 

The Leader then made a number of announcements.

In summary, the Leader referred to his recent meetings with the Leaders of Test Valley Borough Council and Eastleigh Borough Council (Councillor Phil North and Councillor Keith House respectively). Common issues discussed included the phosphates and nitrates issue, the way forward on the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH) Statement of Common Ground and the importance of rural economy issues.  The Leader advised he had recently been elected as a local authority representative to the EM3 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board and reported on the LEP’s work regarding relevant rural economy initiatives in the area and this included the recently opened Animal Health & Welfare Research Centre at Sparsholt.  Regarding PfSH, he reported that the most recent Joint Committee meeting had discussed progress on the Statement of Common Ground and the Secretary of State’s recent announcements regarding changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).  

The Leader also advised that Councillor Becker (Cabinet Member for Inclusion and Engagement) was to investigate both Test Valley Borough Council’s and Eastleigh Borough Council’s initiatives to use the knowledge, insight and local understanding of local members to drive their council’s work.

The Leader also reported that he had discussed with the Leader of Hampshire County Council (Councillor Rob Humby) regeneration and growth in Winchester district and across the county. He then referred to his recent visits to North Whiteley, Newlands Parish Council, Wickham, Bishops Waltham and Alresford where he had met with local stakeholders. 

He then referred to the importance of partnership working and highlighted this as part of the development of the council’s cost of living programme.  Finally, he thanked officers for their response to issues over Christmas regarding Southern Water supplies and problems associated with the council’s out of hours call centre.

The Chief Executive announced apologies for the meeting.

One written question had been received from a member of the public who attended the meeting to present his question. A supplementary question was also asked.  The question received and response were subsequently set out on the council’s website.

Councillor Tod (Leader & Cabinet Member for Asset Management) moved that the recommended minute of Cabinet be approved and adopted (seconded by Councillor Ferguson, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Community and Housing).

Council proceeded to ask questions and debate the matters in the recommended minute of Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

That the recommended minute of Cabinet held 14 December 2022 (as follows) be approved and adopted:

That the Council Plan 2020 to 2025: December 2022 update be adopted

Councillor Tod (Leader & Cabinet Member for Asset Management) advised that an alternative scheme to that produced by the Independent Members’ Remuneration Panel (IRP) had been circulated to all members in advance of the meeting. The Leader stated that the work of the IRP was acknowledged and its work appreciated, however, in accordance with recommendation 2 of Report CL164 he proposed that the IRPs’ scheme and recommendations (recommendations 1 (i) – (xiii)) be noted and that the alternative scheme be tabled as the substantive motion and once seconded, be debated upon and taken to the vote.

The alternative scheme proposed by Councillor Tod as the new substantive motion was set out as per the supplementary agenda item and was seconded by Councillor Horrill.

Council then proceeded to debate the substantive motion.

RESOLVED:

1. That the report and recommendations of the Independent Members’ Remuneration Panel (IRP) be noted.

2. That the following Members’ Allowances Scheme (as summarised) take effect from 1 April 2023 and that delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director and Monitoring Officer to finalise the approved scheme for adoption:

i. That the Basic Allowance for Members of Winchester City Council for the year 2023/24 be £6,597 subject to any indexation

ii. That Special Responsibility Allowances payable for Members of Winchester City Council for the year 2023/24 be as follows:

iii. That other Allowances and scheme benefits payable for Members of Winchester City Council for the year 2023/24 be as follows:

      Travelling and Subsistence Allowance:

                 i.       Payable to councillors in connection with any approved councillor duties. The amount of travel payable shall continue to be in line with HM Revenue and Customs’ rates.

                ii.      No changes to the existing 2022/23 travel allowances.

              iii.       No changes be made to the existing 2022/23 Subsistence Allowance scheme payable for approved councillor duties

Dependant Carers Allowance:

                 iv.       Childcare and more specialist care should continue to be based on costs, upon production of receipts.

                  v.       In the case of specialist care, a requirement of medical evidence that this type of care be required.

                 vi.       The allowance should have no daily or monthly maximum claim when undertaking Approved Councillor Duties.

Parental Leave 

                vii.       That the approach outlined in the IRP report (as set out as Appendix A to Report CL164) is adopted as a basis of a policy to support parental leave for councillors.

     Indexing of Allowances

               viii.        That an annual indexation of the basic allowance be increased annually in line with the NJC Local Government pay award from April 2023 for a period of up to four years.  After this period, the Scheme shall be reviewed again by an independent remuneration panel.

3. That the new scheme of allowances as set out above be implemented with effect from the beginning of the 2023/24 financial year, at which time the current scheme of allowances will be revoked

Councillor Cutler (Chairperson of the Audit and Governance Committee) moved that the recommendation in Report CL166 be approved and adopted (seconded by Councillor Power, Cabinet Member for Finance and Value).

Council noted a typographical error in the first paragraph of report CL166.  The Audit and Governance Committee considered the final report and Pay Policy Statement 2023/24 at its meeting on 10 November 2022, and not on 23 November as stated. 

Council proceeded to debate the matters in the recommended minute and the report.

RESOLVED:

That the Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2023/24 as set out at Appendix 3 to Report CL166, be adopted.

Councillor Becker (Cabinet Member for Inclusion and Engagement) moved that the recommendations in Report CL167 be approved and adopted (seconded by Councillor Williams, Chairperson of the Licensing and Regulation Committee).

Council proceeded to ask questions and debate the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council note the results of the two consultations that have taken place on the options for the future governance arrangements for the North Whiteley Major Development Area.

2.    That Council approve the draft recommendations, set out in the letter to residents at Appendix 3 to Report CL167, so they can be published, and the community governance review process can be concluded.

3. That Council approve the draft reorganisation order, which appears in Appendix 4 to Report CL167.

The Leader, Councillor Tod (Leader and Cabinet Member for Asset Management) moved that the recommendations in Report CL165 be approved and adopted (seconded by Councillor Horrill).

RESOLVED:

1. That Elizabeth Keys be appointed Section 151 Officer for the Council with immediate effect.

2. That Sharon Evans be appointed Monitoring Officer for the Council with immediate effect.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, three motions had been submitted for council.

(i) Motion submitted by Councillor Malcom Wallace.

The first motion had been submitted by Councillor Wallace and was as set out on the agenda which he then proceeded to introduce.   The motion was seconded by Councillor Learney (Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency).

Council then debated the matters in the motion.  In summary, the following points were raised:

·      There could be negative consequences at this time should the extraction of oil and gas be immediately ceased.

·      There was urgent need to move forward the green energy agenda.

·      Oil extraction does already take place in the district as well as solar energy farms.

·      New homes constructed by the council were designed so to stop reliance on fossil fuels. Other developers were also moving ahead in this regard. 

·      North Sea oil extraction was important to the country.

·      It was important to support the council’s climate emergency declaration by not taking further fossil fuels out of the ground and releasing more carbon into the atmosphere.

·      It was a contradiction to support closure of oil and gas extraction when many still relied on, and used it, including from imported supplies.

·      Any reserves should remain in the ground and we should give that assurance to residents.

AMENDMENT – Moved by Councillor Bolton and seconded by Councillor Godfrey. 

Amend b to read as follows (see strikethrough and changes in bold)

b.    Respond to the consultation to the County Council’s refreshed Minerals and Waste Plan stating our opposition to we would only support a just transition away from the extraction of oil and gas as part of the government pathway to carbon neutrality and also state our opposition to the continuing potential for further licences for extraction above and beyond those already agreed. and re-affirming our opposition to the process of fracking to obtain gas and oil in Hampshire.”

With the leave of the deputy mayor and at the request of the mover and seconder of the original motion (Councillors Wallace and Learney respectively), Council adjourned for advice to be given regarding the proposed amendment. 

Upon reconvening, the Deputy Monitoring Officer explained that the proposer of the motion, Councillor Bolton, had withdrawn his motion as was contrary to paragraph 17 (Rules of Debate) of Part 4.1 of the council’s constitution – Council Procedure Rules.  This was because the proposed amendment had the effect of both introducing an entirely new proposition as well as negating the original motion before the Council. 

AMENDMENT WITHDRAWN

Council then returned to the matters in the original motion and following the seconder of the motion exercising their right to speak and summing up by the proposer, council then voted of the motion as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED:

 This council notes with concern

·      The Government’s inconsistent policies on fracking for shale gas

·      The support of Hampshire County Council for further oil and gas development in its draft Minerals and Waste Plan: Partial update.

As part of our climate emergency response, this council is committed to a just energy transition and to ambitious investments in the green infrastructure and industries that will create jobs and rapidly decarbonise our economy.

The construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure and expanded reliance on fossil fuels exposes our communities to untenable risks to public health and safety at the local and global levels, whilst failing to provide relief to those struggling with fuel bills as the tiny contribution such activity would make to the world market would not affect prices. The economic opportunities presented by a clean energy transition far outweigh the opportunities presented by an economy supported by expanding fossil fuel use and extraction.

Therefore, this council resolves to:

a.            Oppose as a matter of council policy any initiatives to develop fracking for shale gas.

b.                  Respond to the consultation to the County Council’s refreshed Minerals and Waste Plan stating our opposition to the extraction of oil and gas, our opposition to the continuing potential for further licences for extraction and re-affirming our opposition to the process of fracking to obtain gas and oil in Hampshire.

(ii) Motion submitted by Councillor Caroline Horrill.

The second motion had been submitted by Councillor Horrill and was as set out on the agenda which she then proceeded to introduce.  The motion was seconded by Councillor Brook.  

Council then debated the matters in the motion. In summary, the following points were raised:

• The Leader stated that he would be joint signatory along with the mover of the Motion in a latter to local Members of Parliament to support the LGA campaign.
• Social media could be divisive and was easier for people to hide when making comments.  Abuse via social media was not acceptable.
• Debate recently appeared to be more toxic, both in person and on-line.
• Abuse and threats made to councillors when going about their business in communities was not acceptable.
• Respect and integrity was important, including when the council was conducting its own business in meetings etc.
• Jo Cox and David Amess were MPs tragically killed in local surgeries with their constituents.
• 70% of councillors had reported abuse and this figure was likely to be greater when an ethnic minority or part of the LGBTQ community.  As a consequence, democracy suffered as these communities are less likely to be represented. Fear of abuse was a barrier for those standing as candidates for election.
• Abuse in social media deters the use of this important, positive tool in democracy.
• People must not potentially be able to stop decisions taking place through intimidation and abuse.
• Some members gave examples of instances of abuse that they had experienced. Support mechanisms were important for those having suffered abuse.
• There should also be zero tolerance for the abuse of officers of the council.
• There should be a positive example set in the council chamber and in parliament regarding debate.

Following the seconder of the motion exercising their right to speak and summing up by the proposer, council then voted of the motion as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED:

In 2022 the Local Government Association launched a campaign Debate Not Hate.

The intimidation and abuse of councillors, in person or otherwise, undermines democracy; preventing elected members from representing the communities they serve, deterring individuals from standing for election, and undermining public life in democratic processes.

This council notes that increasing levels of toxicity in public and political discourse is having a detrimental impact of local democracy and that prevention, support and responses to abuse and intimidation of local politicians must improve to ensure councillors feel safe and able to continue representing their residents.

This council therefore commits to challenge the normalisation of abuse against councillors and officers and uphold exemplary standards of public and political debate in all it does. The council further agrees to sign up to the LGA’s Debate Not Hate campaign. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in local communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the response to and support those in public life facing abuse and intimidation.

In addition, this council resolves to:

o   Write to our local Members of Parliament to ask them to support the campaign

o   Regularly review the support available to councillors in relation to abuse and intimidation and councillor safety

o   Work with the local police to ensure there is a clear and joined-up mechanism for reporting threats and other concerns about the safety of councillors and their families and discuss the need to take a preventative approach that accounts for the specific risks that councillors face, as they do with other high-risk individuals, like MPs.

o   Take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of councillors and officers.

(iii) Motion submitted by Councillor James Batho

The third motion had been submitted by Councillor Batho and was as set out on the agenda which he then proceeded to introduce.  The motion was seconded by Councillor Gordon-Smith (Cabinet Member for Service Quality).  

Council then debated the matters in the motion.  In summary, the following points were raised:

• Slowing down traffic in rural areas was an important issue.
• There should be consultation with relevant stakeholders in areas before imposing blanket speed restrictions, especially in rural parishes.
• The use of satellite navigation had diverted traffic from main arterial routes in some cases.
• Speeding traffic was intimidating for cyclists.
• The city needed to be a safer and lower carbon environment. Reducing speeds was a start.

PROPOSAL TO SUSPEND COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE – Moved by Councillor Tod (Leader & Cabinet Member for Asset Management) and seconded by Councillor Batho:

“Suspend Council Procedure of part 4.1 of the council’s constitution, paragraph 10, Notice of Motion – ‘a period of up to 20 minutes shall be allowed for the Council to have a discussion about the motion’.”

SUSPENSION OF COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE CARRIED

Council continued to debate the motion.  In summary, the following further matters were raised:

• Speed reduction was welcomed but there must be appropriate enforcement.
• There should not be excessive street furniture, including traffic calming measures.
• 20 mile per hour should be the default in built up areas, subject to democratic consent and this would be clear in the council’s position regarding this matter.
• Speeding traffic was a health and safety issue for pedestrians

Following the seconder of the motion exercising their right to speak and summing up by the proposer, council then voted of the motion as set out on the agenda.

RESOLVED:

This council notes:

·         Winchester City Council has historically taken a lead in implementing 20 mph zones in Hampshire – implementing the City Centre zone and the Highcliffe and Winnall 20 mph zones – alongside the Hampshire County Council-initiated zone in Stanmore – in 2014.

·         Winchester City Council has worked in partnership with Hampshire County Council to develop the Movement Strategy which provides a framework for Active Travel related infrastructure within the City area. Active Travel is further promoted in the City and District by Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans. In conjunction with Hampshire County Council a bid has been recently submitted for funding of a ‘Mini Holland” to develop additional schemes to encourage Active Travel.

·         Last year Hampshire County Council initiated a review of 20 mph speed limits and conclusions from that are due to be decided upon later this year.

·         A campaign organised by 20’s Plenty for Hampshire has generated a high level of support from Parish Councils in the Winchester District.

That this Council:

1)    Expresses its support for the '20's Plenty for Hampshire' campaign;

2)    Calls on Hampshire County Council to extend the 20 mph areas in Winchester City, and introduce new ones in the wider District where appropriate, as part of the wider programme to support Active Travel;

3)    Supports Parish Councils in the Winchester District who want 20 mph zones;

4)    Requests Hampshire County Council to make the 20mph speed limit the default in the County in places where people live, work, shop, play or learn; leaving a 30mph limit as the exception on those roads where full consideration of the needs of vulnerable road users allows a higher limit; and

5)    Asks the Leader of the Council to write to our district’s County Councillors, the members of Hampshire County Council’s Universal Services - Transport and Environment Select Committee and the Executive Lead Member for Universal Services to support this change.

RESOLVED:

1. For the Health & Environment Policy Committee, deputy member Councillor Brook to be replaced by Councillor Bolton.

2 For the Audit and Governance Committee, Councillor Bronk to be replaced by Councillor Batho as a full member of the committee. Councillor Westwood is to replace Councillor Batho as a deputy member.

26 written questions had been received of which 13 were heard at the meeting along with associated supplementary questions. All questions are set out on in full on the council’s website, together with responses from the relevant Cabinet Member.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Rutter be appointed Vice Chairperson for the meeting.