Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Barnes-Andrews.

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 19 November 2014, the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 19 November 2014 and the Council Meeting held on 11 February 2015, attached.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Extraordinary Council and the Council meetings held on 19^th November 2014, together with the minutes of the Council meeting held on the 11 February, 2015 be approved and signed as correct records.

(i)  University of Hof

Members, I would like to welcome to the meeting today some German students from the University of Hof.  They have visited the Mayor’s Parlour and are seated in the Public Gallery to observe proceedings today.

(ii)  Last meeting of the Municipal Year

The Mayor made reference to this being the last meeting of the municipal year and the last meeting before the elections in May. The Mayor took the opportunity to say goodbye to those councillors who would not be standing for re-election and to those who did, but did not retain their seat. On behalf of the Council, the Mayor thanked them for their hard work and the contribution they had made during their period in office.

To receive any requests for Deputations, Presentation of Petitions or Public Questions.

The following petitions concerning the future transformation of the Library Service have been received containing in total 2099 amalgamated signatures.  Under the Council’s Procedure Rules they therefore are a qualifying petition which must be debated at Council.

Title: The Future Transformation of Southampton Library Service

These petitions will feed into the consultation process regarding the future transformation of the Library Service and which will inform the ultimate decision. 

(i)  “We the undersigned petition the Council to maintain and develop Southampton libraries as centres for reading, learning and community activities and to save our libraries from the proposed closures, reduced opening hours and cuts to staff and resources.”

(ii)  “Keep Cobbett Road Library as part of the Southampton Library Service with a long term plan to safeguard it against future cuts, appreciating the amazing value it offers to the local community.  Work with the local community to help keep the library innovative and offering more but not by Community Asset Transfer.”

(iii)  “Burgess Road Library - Save our Library.”

(i)  The Council received and noted a deputation together with the submission of petitions from Mr Adrian Vinson concerning wheelie bins and fly tipping and Westridge Road toilets, Portswood.

(ii)  The Council received the following petitions. Rachel Hickman, Friends of Cobbett Road Library and Sarah Docherty, on behalf of Burgess Road Library were in attendance and in accordance with the Council’s petition scheme addressed the meeting.

(a)  Sam Gould, Save Our Libraries - “We the undersigned petition the Council to maintain and develop Southampton libraries as centres for reading, learning and community activities and to save our libraries from the proposed closures, reduced opening hours and cuts to staff and resources.”

(b)  Rachel Hickman, Friends of Cobbett Road Library - “Keep Cobbett Road Library as part of the Southampton Library Service with a long term plan to safeguard it against future cuts, appreciating the amazing value it offers to the local community.  Work with the local community to help keep the library innovative and offering more but not by Community Asset Transfer.” and

(c)  Bassett Green Primary School - “Burgess Road Library - Save our Library.”

As the amalgamated petitions contained over 1,500 signatures, under the Council’s Procedure Rules, the amalgamated petitions were a qualifying petition which must be debated at Council.

The Council agreed to bring forward item 6(d) on the Council agenda, the motion in the name of Councillor Baillie.

Councillor Baillie moved and Councillor O’Neil seconded:

“Council calls upon the Executive to ensure that all submitted suggestions and options regarding the now finished Library Consultation are fully, openly and thoroughly investigated, with special investigation and consideration given to the general positive physical & mental health improvements that a vibrant community centre such as Cobbett Road Library provides, taking particular advice from Southampton Public Health”.

Amendment moved by Councillor Letts and seconded by Councillor Tucker:

In the second line, delete ‘fully, openly and thoroughly’

In the third line, delete‘special investigation and’

Delete from fourth line ‘community centre such as Cobbett Road Library provides, taking particular advice from Southampton Public Health.’  Replace with ‘library provides.’

Insert two new paragraphs at the start of the motion:

“Council welcomes the petitions regarding the future transformation of the Library Service and thanks all those who have signed them for doing so. Council recognises that this is an issue of concern to many.

Council acknowledges that the consultation period ended on the 6^th March and as such the results of the consultation exercise need to be collated and reviewed. Consequently, these petitions will feed into the consultation process and which will inform the ultimate decision.”

Amended Motion to read:

“Council welcomes the petitions regarding the future transformation of the Library Service and thanks all those who have signed them for doing so. Council recognises that this is an issue of concern to many.

Council acknowledges that the consultation period ended on the 6^th March and as such the results of the consultation exercise need to be collated and reviewed.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted setting out the details of the business undertaken by the Executive.

The Leader and the Cabinet made statements and responded to Questions.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding referred to the recent publication of the Serious Case Review findings on the death of Blake Fowler and to the failings that the review had identified. On behalf of the Council, the Cabinet Member wished to place on record the Authority’s apologies for these failings and a reassurance that work was continuing to ensure that such failings would be rectified.

The following questions were then submitted in accordance with Council Procedural Rule 11.1:

1. Use of Lettings Boards

Question from Councillor Claisse to Councillor Letts

The North Southampton Community Forum recently wrote to you confirming that the Voluntary Code intended to restrict the use of lettings boards is not working.  They also asked that a Regulation 7 Direction was introduced to significantly reduce the number of Lettings Boards.  Will the Council introduce a Regulation 7 Direction to effectively address this persistent problem?

Answer

The Planning and Development Manager is currently exploring the feasibility of introducing a Regulation 7 Direction, as part of a comprehensive response to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Panel A’s Inquiry into Maintaining Balanced Neighbourhoods Through Planning. It is expected that a recommendation as to whether or not to proceed will be made in the late summer. Any proposal for a Regulation 7 Direction would be subject to approval by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

In the meantime, within the HMO Licensing Area, the Planning and Environmental Health teams have increased the use of Section 225 Notices. These notices are served under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 and require letting agents to remove “Let By” or incorrectly sited boards after a prescribed period, with the Council taking direct action to remove the boards if the agent fails to comply. In the event of direct action being taken, the Council will pursue reimbursement of the costs from the letting agent.

2. Congestion at the junction of Thomas Lewis Way and St. Denys Road

Question from Councillor Moulton to Councillor Rayment

What is the Cabinet Member doing to address the problem of congestion at the junction of Thomas Lewis Way and St. Denys Road at peak times?

Answer

A study has been undertaken to assess the traffic signal junction at Thomas Lewis Way and St Denys Road. The study did confirm the eastern arm (St Deny’s Road) does become saturated as it receives a high volume of vehicle movements from each of the other arms. We are currently modelling an option to change the order that the arms of the junction get their green light to improve the flow of traffic through the junction. Whilst this could reduce the delays on St Deny’s Road, there may be a negative impact on Thomas Lewis Way. Given the importance of Thomas Lewis Way as a key strategic route in and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

(a)  Councillor Moulton to move:

Council recognises the benefits that the Western Docks bring to the local, regional and national economy but also notes the impact that increasing amounts of docks related traffic and industry is having on neighbouring residential communities on the west of the City.

Council calls upon the Executive to work with council officers and ABP in drawing up plans to improve the appearance of the western approach to the City; to develop a green corridor with a programme of tree planting along the boundary of the docks. Council notes the opportunities presented by the refresh of the Council's Local Plan to address this matter. Council also notes the evidence that has been presented to the scrutiny inquiry into air quality, which highlights the benefits that greening this part of the City would bring; as well as improving the aesthetic appearance of the area, it would also help improve local air quality by absorbing pollution.

Furthermore Council notes the many benefits that trees can bring communities more broadly; including reducing ground maintenance budgets, helping to maintain climate equilibrium, improving water quality in rivers and streams, assisting with combating flooding, supporting a wide range of wildlife and providing health and wellbeing benefits.

This Council therefore pledges to explore broader opportunities for increased tree planting on Council owned land, and to give consideration and encouragement to initiatives that encourage tree planting elsewhere in the City.

(b)  Councillor Hecks to move:

Every year in the United Kingdom there are more than 30,000 ‘out of hospital’ cardiac arrests. Of those 30,000 less than 10% of patients survive; that is 27,000 potentially avoidable deaths. Contrast that with Norway where survival rates of 1 in 4 – 25% - significantly more than in the UK. One primary reason for that substantially greater survival rate is that in Norway training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] is compulsory in all secondary schools. This means that many more bystanders have the knowledge to assist in an emergency prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

CPR training is simple and takes less than 30 minutes. The British Heart Foundation [BHF] has launching its ‘Nation of Lifesavers’ campaign to make CPR training a part of the curriculum in every secondary school and college. Free training kits are available and no direct teacher involvement is required, the training being essentially led by a video presentation. There is thus no financial resource requirement from the school’s budget, only a single half hour out of teaching time per year.

Council therefore RESOLVES to support the British Heart Foundation’s ‘Nation of Lifesavers’ campaign by encouraging all secondary schools and colleges within Southampton to implement the BHF’s campaign by including CPR training within the curriculum.

(c)  Councillor Keogh to move:

The My Journey Commuter Challenge is an excellent initiative supported by Southampton City Council that seeks to encourage commuters in the month of May to use a mode of transport to and from work other than their car.  This could be walking, cycling,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 88.

(a)  Western approach to City

Councillor Moulton moved and Councillor Galton seconded:

“Council recognises the benefits that the Western Docks bring to the local, regional and national economy but also notes the impact that increasing amounts of docks related traffic and industry is having on neighbouring residential communities on the west of the City.

Council calls upon the Executive to work with council officers and ABP in drawing up plans to improve the appearance of the western approach to the City; to develop a green corridor with a programme of tree planting along the boundary of the docks. Council notes the opportunities presented by the refresh of the Council's Local Plan to address this matter. Council also notes the evidence that has been presented to the scrutiny inquiry into air quality, which highlights the benefits that greening this part of the City would bring; as well as improving the aesthetic appearance of the area, it would also help improve local air quality by absorbing pollution.

Furthermore Council notes the many benefits that trees can bring communities more broadly; including reducing ground maintenance budgets, helping to maintain climate equilibrium, improving water quality in rivers and streams, assisting with combating flooding, supporting a wide range of wildlife and providing health and wellbeing benefits.

This Council therefore pledges to explore broader opportunities for increased tree planting on Council owned land, and to give consideration and encouragement to initiatives that encourage tree planting elsewhere in the City”.

Amendment moved by Councillor Shields and seconded by Councillor Hammond:

In the second paragraph after ‘green corridor’ delete‘with a’

Replace with ‘which may include’

New sentence to read:

; to develop a green corridor which may include a programme of tree planting along the boundary of the docks.

Amended Motion to read:

“Council recognises the benefits that the Western Docks bring to the local, regional and national economy but also notes the impact that increasing amounts of docks related traffic and industry is having on neighbouring residential communities on the west of the City. 

Council calls upon the Executive to work with council officers and ABP in drawing up plans to improve the appearance of the western approach to the City; to develop a green corridor which may include a programme of tree planting along the boundary of the docks. Council notes the opportunities presented by the refresh of the Council's Local Plan to address this matter. Council also notes the evidence that has been presented to the scrutiny inquiry into air quality, which highlights the benefits that greening this part of the City would bring; as well as improving the aesthetic appearance of the area, it would also help improve local air quality by absorbing pollution.

Furthermore Council notes the many benefits that trees can bring communities more broadly; including reducing ground maintenance budgets, helping to maintain climate equilibrium, improving water quality in rivers and streams, assisting with combating flooding, supporting a wide range of wildlife and providing health and wellbeing benefits. 

This Council therefore pledges  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

It was noted that no questions to the Chairs of Committees or the Mayor had been received.

It was noted that Councillor White had replaced Councillor Baillie on the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee.

Report of the Leader of the Council seeking adoption to the City Centre Action Plan, attached.

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted seeking adoption to the City Centre Action Plan (copy of the report circulated with the agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED

(i)  that  the City Centre Action Plan be adopted; and

(ii)  that the list of Local Plan Review policies that will be replaced by the City Centre Action Plan be endorsed

Report of the Leader of the Council seeking approval of the Core Strategy, attached.

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted seeking approval to the Core Strategy (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED that the Core Strategy Partial Review be adopted.

Report of Head of Legal and Democratic Services regarding the need for independent members and the appointment of Designated Independent Persons, attached.

The report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services was submitted regarding the need for independent members and the appointment of Designated Independent Persons (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, paid tribute to the work of the Independent Members during their period of appointment.

RESOLVED

(i)  that one Designated Independent Person as required under S.28(7) Localism Act 2011 be appointed from 1st July 2015 for a term of 3 years;

(ii)  that the two independent member appointments to the Governance Committee cease on 20^th May 2015 and it be noted that the appointment of independent members will end;

(iii)  that the current independent members, David Blake and Geoff Wilkinson be thanked for their work during the past three years; and

(iv)  that the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be granted delegated authority to carry out all actions to give effect to this resolution.

To consider the report of the Head of Strategic Human Resources detailing the Annual Pay Policy for the financial year 2015/16, attached.

The report of the Head of Strategic Human Resources was submitted detailing the Annual Pay Policy for the financial year 2015/16 (copy circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED that the Southampton City Council Pay Policy Statement for 2015/16 be approved.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive detailing the appointment of Monitoring Officer and reconfirmation of Returning Officer and Electoral Returning Officer, attached.

The report of the Chief Executive was submitted detailing the appointment of Monitoring Officer and reconfirmation of Returning Officer and Electoral Returning Officer (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

On behalf of the Council, the Mayor thanked the Director, Place for his help, advice and support to the Council during his period as Monitoring Officer.

RESOLVED

(i)  that the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be appointed Monitoring Officer with effect from 18th March 2015; and

(ii)  that the Director, Place be appointed as the Returning Officer for local elections and Electoral Registration Officer and the Acting Returning Officer for UK Parliamentary Elections and European Elections.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive detailing the use of the call-in procedure since last reported to Council in September 2014, attached.

The report of the Assistant Chief Executive was noted detailing the use of the call-in procedure since last reported to Council in September 2014 (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).