Agenda and minutes

FORMER COUNCILLOR MRS BLATCHFORD IN THE CHAIR

RESOLVED upon the motion of the Mayor (Former Councillor Mrs Blatchford) and seconded by the Sheriff (Councillor Norris), that the City of Southampton Award be presented to Geoff Wilkinson and Alex Downer.

RESOLVED upon the motion of Councillor Moulton, and seconded by Councillor Letts, that Councillor Norris be elected to the Office of 793rd Mayor of Southampton and Chair of the Council for the ensuing year.

The Mayor (Councillor Norris) then made and subscribed to the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

THE MAYOR (COUNCILLOR NORRIS) IN THE CHAIR

The Mayor announced that she would be supporting the Saints Foundation, Rose Road Association and Southampton Air Cadets.

RESOLVED upon the motion of Councillor Rayment and seconded by Councillor O’Neill, that Councillor McEwing be appointed the 578th Sheriff of the City of Southampton and Vice-Chair of the Council for the ensuing year.

The Sheriff (Councillor McEwing) then made and subscribed to the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

RESOLVED upon the motion of Councillor Rayment and seconded by Councillor Vasilliou, that the Council places on record its appreciation for the distinguished manner in which Former Councillor Mrs Blatchford had discharged the duties of the Mayor of the City during the period of her term of office.

RESOLVED that the Southampton Business Success Award be presented to Elliott Brothers Limited.

RESOLVED that former Councillors Peter Baillie, Mrs Blatchford, Asa Thorpe and Matthew Stevens be thanked for their service to the City during their period in office.

AT THE RECONVENED MEETING OF THE SOUTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC CENTRE ON 20^th MAY, 2015

It was noted that no apologies for absence had been received.

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 18 March 2015, attached.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council Meeting held on the 18^th March, 2015 be approved and signed as a correct record subject to it being noted that Councillor Pope had been present for items 83-88(d).

Matters especially brought forward by the Mayor.

(i)  Welcome to New Members

The Mayor thanked all Members for their support in electing her as Mayor and welcomed to the meeting all those councillors who were attending their first meeting together with those who had successfully defended their seats.

(ii)  Transformation Implementation Director

The Mayor welcomed Stephen Giacchino the Council’s new Transformation Implementation Director, to his first meeting.

(iii)  Retirement of Town Sergeant

The Mayor paid tribute to Paul Potterton who would shortly be retiring. The Mayor paid tribute to his long service as a Town Sergeant and as a chauffeur to the Mayor. On behalf of the Council, the Mayor wished him a long and happy retirement.

(iv)  Training

The Mayor reminded Members of a number of training sessions that had been arranged and encouraged both new and existing Councillors to attend:

•  23 May and 6 June 9.00am – 12.00 Module A

1.00pm – 4.30pm Module B - Planning Training

• 2 June 5.30pm - Council Overview and Introduction
• 22 June 6.00pm Briefing on Children’s Safeguarding
• 3 June 2.30pm - Licensing Training

(v)  Social Media

For the benefit of new Members, the Mayor referred to the wi-fi that was available in the Council Chamber and that the use of mobile electronic devices could therefore be used in the Chamber and in Committee Meetings.

The Mayor urged Members to use their good sense and behave with courtesy, particularly in not tweeting messages which would otherwise be in breach of the Council’s rules or the law. For example, tweeting material discussed in confidential session would be a serious breach.

The Mayor also informed Members that the fine for mobile phones ringing had been increased and the Mayor’s charity would now request £25 be paid.

(vi)  Précis Speeches and Courtesy in the Chamber

The Mayor reminded all Members of the need to précis speeches. This was necessary to ensure that where there were time limits everyone had an opportunity to participate without overrunning and would avoid speeches being repeated. She asked Members to use their judgement and either précis any new points or, save it for another time.

In referring to the need for meetings to run efficiently and effectively, the Mayor asked Members to keep in mind throughout the year the basic courtesies that needed to be adhered to both in timeliness in arriving at the meeting and listening carefully to the arguments.

The Mayor further requested that for the benefit of the public, Members remain in the seat allocated, or if they wished to move, they give notice of their intention prior to the next meeting so that the copies displayed in the public can be amended.

To elect a Leader of the Council for the ensuing year.  Following the election the Leader will announce membership of the Cabinet.

The nomination of Councillor Letts was moved and seconded.

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE IT WAS:

RESOLVED that Councillor Letts be elected as Leader of the Council for the ensuing year.

Following his election as Leader, Councillor Letts informed the Council of his Cabinet and their Portfolio responsibilities.

Education and Children’s Social Care – Councillor Jeffery

Health and Adult Social Care – Councillor Shields

Finance - Councillor Chaloner

Communities, Culture and Leisure – Councillor Kaur

Transformation - Councillor Hammond

Environment and Transport – Councillor Rayment

Deputy Leader and Housing and Sustainability – Councillor Payne

The Leader then circulated details of the contents of each of the Portfolios and announced that these would be incorporated into the scheme of Executive Delegation in the Constitution (copy appended to signed minutes).

Report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services reviewing and updating the Council’s Constitution, attached.

RESOLVED

(i)  That the changes to the Constitution and associated support arrangements as set out in the report be approved;

(ii)  that the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to finalise the arrangements as approved by Full Council and make any further consequential or minor changes arising from the decision of Full Council;

(iii)  that the City Council’s Constitution, as amended, including the Officer Scheme of Delegation for the municipal year 2015/16 be approved;

(iv)  that the Head of Strategic HR be delegated authority the operational requirements to comply with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 as referred to in the revised Officer Employment Procedure Rules;

(v)  that the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be delegated authority, following consultation with the Director, Place and Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport, to determine a revised local threshold for parking petitions and to amend the Council Petition Scheme accordingly.

The report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services was submitted detailing the annual review of the Council’s Constitution.

RESOLVED

(i)  that the changes to the Constitution and associated support arrangements as set out in the report be approved;

(ii)  that the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to finalise the arrangements as approved by Full Council and make any further consequential or minor changes arising from the decision of Full Council;

(iii)  that the City Council’s Constitution, as amended, including the Officer Scheme of Delegation for the municipal year 2015/16 be approved;

(iv)  that the Head of Strategic HR be delegated the operational requirements to comply with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 as referred to in the revised Officer Employment Procedure Rules; and

(v)  that the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be delegated authority, following consultation with the Director, Place and Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport, to determine a revised local threshold for parking petitions and amend the Council Petition Scheme accordingly.

A  Appointment of Members

The Leader to move that, subject to alterations as may from time to time be made by the Council, the necessary Committees, Sub-Committees and other bodies and external organisations be appointed by the Council with the number and allocation of seats to political groups as set out in a schedule to be tabled at the meeting.

B  Appointment of Chair

To appoint the Chair to each of the Committees and Sub-Committees appointed by the Council.

RESOLVED that subject to certain decisions that may from time to time be made by the Council, the following Committees, Sub-Committees and other bodies be appointed with the allocation of seats to political groups shown therein and they be delegated authority to act within their Terms of Reference:

To approve the following dates for meetings of the Council in the 2015/16 Municipal Year:

15 July 2015

16 September 2015

18 November 2015

10 February 2016 (Budget)

16 March 2016

18 May 2016 (Date subject to change, awaiting confirmation of election dates)

The Council approved the following dates for meetings of the Council in the 2015/16 Municipal Year:

15 July 2015

16 September 2015

18 November 2015

10 February 2016 (Budget)

16 March 2016

18 May 2016 (Date subject to change, awaiting confirmation of election dates)

The Council received and noted a deputation from Linda Hayes concerning care of dementia sufferers in Southampton.

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 following questions were then submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.1

1.  Clock Tower

Question from Councillor Parnell to Councillor Letts

Would the Leader refresh my memory as to when the scaffolding around the Clock Tower was erected ?

When is the work finishing?

Answer

Erection of the scaffolding to the Clock Tower commenced in July 2014.

The work is expected to be finished in July 2015, the precise date being dependent on the extent of stonework repairs required to the tower and the weather.

Background information

The work to repair the Clock Tower covers scaffolding to allow access, replacement of the copper roof damaged in storms, repairs to the clock faces, bell louvres and external stonework cladding to the tower. Repairs to the internal bell supports have also been carried out. The objective being to ensure that minimal repairs are required to the tower for the next 10 years. Since construction in the 1930’s only limited work has been carried out.

The work is complicated due to restrictions on the loading bearing of the roof of the SeaCity museum which has restrictions on its load bearing, and this has required limited weight being added to the scaffolding, causing working only at the top levels.

The work has been delayed due to the extent of repairs required to the bell louvres, clock faces and stonework which could not be accurately determined before scaffold access was available.

The weather, particularly wind and rain, has also caused delays to the project.

2.  Town Crier

Question from Councillor Parnell to Councillor Letts

What plans has the Executive in hand to appoint a new Town Crier?

Answer

I’m not aware that we have received any communication from the public regarding this matter so it does not appear that the service is missed by the City.  The Town Crier is paid an annual honorarium so there would be a cost to appointing a new Crier in addition to the cost of the uniform.  I will have a discussion with the Mayor and decide whether we feel that the cost involved warrants appointing a new Crier or whether we utilise the services of a Crier from a nearby town for the rare occasions when we require one, as we currently do.

3.  Nutfield Social Services Centre

Question from Councillor Parnell to Councillor Letts

Would the Leader inform me of the arrangements that have been made to accommodate the approximate 50 service users that attend regularly, once the Centre is closed?

Answer

Members will recall that on 12^th January 2015 Cabinet decided, following extensive consultation, to close six of the eight in-house day services. The situation with regard to closures remains unchanged; it has been made clear that there will be no closures until all service users’ needs have been reviewed and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

(a)  Councillor Keogh to move:

The Council calls upon the Executive to write to the new Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen to set out how he will work with the Council to achieve a fairer funding settlement for the residents of Southampton from Central Government.

(a)  Funding Settlement

Councillor Keogh moved and Councillor Letts seconded:

“The Council calls upon the Executive to write to the new Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen to set out how he will work with the Council to achieve a fairer funding settlement for the residents of Southampton from Central Government.”

Amendment moved by Councillor Fuller and seconded by Councillor O’Neill:

On the second line after “Itchen” add “asking him”

On the second line after “achieve” delete“a fairer funding settlement for the residents of Southampton from Central Government.”

Replace with “the best outcomes for the residents of Southampton and resolves to work closely with him and our other local MPs for the benefit of the City. 

Furthermore the Council congratulates Councillor Smith on his election to Parliament as a Southampton MP and thanks him for his 15 years of service to this local authority and to the City.”

Amended Motion to read:

The Council calls upon the Executive to write to the new Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen asking him to set out how he will work with the Council to achieve the best outcomes for the residents of Southampton and resolves to work closely with him and our other local MPs for the benefit of the City.

Furthermore the Council congratulates Councillor Smith on his election to Parliament as a Southampton MP and thanks him for his 15 years of service to this local authority and to the City. 

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE AMENDMENT WAS DECLARED LOST

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION AS SUBMITTED WAS DECLARED CARRIED

RESOLVED that the motion be approved.

To consider any question of which notice has been given under Council Procedure Rule 11.2.

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

Report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainability seeking approval of expenditure for Housing Revenue Account funded projects, attached.

The report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainability was submitted seeking approval of expenditure for Housing Revenue Account funded projects.

RESOLVED

(i)  To approve in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules capital expenditure of £32,890,000 phased as follows:

•  £2,806,000 in 2015/16

•  £22,233,000 in 2016/17

•  £3,720,000 in 2017/18

•  £2,150,000 in 2018/19

•  £1,981,000 in 2019/20

For which provision exists within the Warm and Energy Efficient, Well Maintained Communal Facilities, Safe, Wind and Weather tight and Modern Facilities sections of the HRA Capital Programme as detailed in the table below

The report of the Returning Officer detailing the results of the City Council and Parliamentary elections on 7 May 2015 was noted.

Report of the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee details the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Annual Report 2014/15 in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, attached.

The report of the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee detailing the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Annual Report 2014/15 in accordance with the Council’s Constitution was noted.