Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Samuels.

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12^th May 2010, attached.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12^th May, 2010 be approved and signed as a correct record.

Matters especially brought forward by the Mayor and the Leader.

The Mayor informed Members that this was Carolyn Williamson’s last Council meeting. Carolyn had worked for Southampton City Council for 5 years, prior to that she was Director of Corporate Services with Inverclyde Council.

Carolyn had corporate responsibilities as part of Southampton City Council’s Chief Officers Management Team and was also the Council’s Statutory Chief Financial Officer. She also had strategic responsibility for the Council’s Strategic Services Partnership (SSP) with Capita and was responsible for the leadership and delivery of the transfer of services to Capita, including delivery of the new Regional Business Centre in Southampton City Centre which was due to open in late July this year.

The Mayor on behalf of the Council wished Carolyn all the best in her new role as County Treasurer at Hampshire County Council.

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

The Council received a deputation from Tim Cutter, David Rawlinson and Mike King concerning the proposed variations to the Council’s budget.

To elect a Leader of the Council for the remainder of the municipal year. 

The nomination of Councillor Smith was moved and seconded.

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE IT WAS:

RESOLVED that Councillor Smith be elected as Leader of the Council for the remainder of the municipal year.

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

Adult Social Care and Health – Councillor White

Children and Safeguarding – Councillor Holmes

Environment and Transport – Councillor Dean

Housing – Councillor Baillie

Leisure, Culture and Heritage – Councillor Hannides

Local Services and Community Safety – Councillor P. Williams

Resources and Workforce Planning – Councillor Moulton

The Leader then confirmed that the contents of each of the Portfolios, which would be incorporated into the scheme of Executive Delegation in the Constitution, would be circulated in due course.

Report of the Leader of the Council, attached.

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted, setting out the details of the business undertaken by the Executive (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

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.  Free Swimming Provision

Question from Councillor Burke to Councillor Hannides

Can the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage tell me how many people have used the free swimming provision?

Answer

Total free swimming attendance for 2009/10 was 106,351.

Under 16’s  =  79,958

Over 60’s  =  26,393

Total attendance for 2010/11 to end of June is 21,231

Under 16’s  =  15,681

Over 60’s  =  5,550

Which totals 127,582 people who have used the free swimming provision.

2.  Surveillance

Question from Councillor Vinson to Councillor Smith

How many covert surveillance and ‘bugging’ operations have been conducted by Southampton City Council under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act in the past year?

Answer

The Council has a balanced approach to surveillance i.e. we are not prolific users and operate well within the current guidelines.  The recent RIPA inspection in May 2010 commended the Council and were positive about our approach, appropriate use of powers and training.

The form of operation is usually CCTV surveillance and/or officer observance.  In 2009/10 the Council undertook 25 directed surveillance operations.

There were no instances of ‘bugging’.  In fact, the local authority is not empowered to carry out such activity as this is the preserve of the law enforcement agencies such as the police and the security organisations such as MI5 and MI6.

3.  Portswood Recreation Ground

Question from Councillor Vinson to Councillor P Williams

Will the Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Services please arrange for the installation of improved signage of the dog-walking area at Portswood Recreation Ground, in the interests of the health and safety of children?

Answer

The Council is already working closely with the local residents and the friends group on improvements to Portswood Rec. We are currently finalising the designs for the park entrances and linked to this is the improved signage. Temporary signage clarifying the dog walking has been in place but has been removed and needs replacing which is in hand.

4.  Future Jobs Fund

Question from Councillor Bogle to Councillor Smith

Can the Cabinet Member for Economic Development confirm how the Council aims to mitigate the impact of the axing of the Future Jobs Fund?

Answer

The Future Jobs Fund in Southampton is delivered through a consortium lead by Hampshire County Council.  The programme in Hampshire and Portsmouth will close to new entrants on 30^th September 2010.  However, in Southampton the programme will close to new entrants on 31^st March 2011, enabling placements to continue until 30^th September 2011.

To enable the continued delivery of an apprenticeship programme the following actions are also planned:

·  Make use of ongoing ‘surplus’ FJF funded places that Hampshire/Portsmouth do not wish to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

1. Councillor R Williams to move:

Southampton City Council re-affirms its constitutional arrangements that Full Council may remove a sitting Leader by a simple majority vote of the Full Council.

B. Councillor Drake to move:

Council deplores the Executive's inept handling of the new voluntary sector grants process, whereby organisations were given inadequate notice of proposals to reduce or cease grants, and Cabinet decisions regarding the award of grants were made without reasonable time to adequately consider representations. Council therefore requests the Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Services to consult with voluntary sector organisations on a revised schedule for future years.

C. Councillor Payne to move:

This council recognises the good work of the estate regeneration scheme and reaffirms its efforts to provide affordable housing to meet the overwhelming need in the city. As a result, the Council Executive will write to the Government to ask for sufficient funding to keep the estate regeneration programme going in the long term and provide cash to meet our housing needs.

D. Councillor Vinson to move:

This Council is concerned at possible erosion of the new planning powers to manage the spread of Houses in Multiple Occupation introduced by the last Government, and agrees that a robust response to the recently announced further consultation be submitted, supporting an opt-out strategy as proposed by the National HMO Lobby.

Council also expresses its concern that the recent extension of Permitted Development Rights under the previous Government is having an adverse effect on areas within the city and urges the new Government to review this legislation at the earliest opportunity. 

E. Councillor Slade to move:

This council should write to the Government and ask that minimum numbers be reinstated on planning in respect of car parking standards rather than maximum numbers as introduced by the previous government.

(a)  Constitutional Arrangements

Councillor Dr R Williams moved and Councillor Letts seconded:-

Southampton City Council re-affirms its constitutional arrangements that Full Council may remove a sitting Leader by a simple majority vote of the Full Council.

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION WAS DECLARED CARRIED

RESOLVED that the motion be approved.

COUNCILLOR MATTHEWS IN THE CHAIR

(b) Voluntary Sector Grants

Councillor Vinson moved and Councillor Slade seconded:-

Council deplores the Executive's inept handling of the new voluntary sector grants process, whereby organisations were given inadequate notice of proposals to reduce or cease grants, and Cabinet decisions regarding the award of grants were made without reasonable time to adequately consider representations. Council therefore requests the Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Services to consult with voluntary sector organisations on a revised schedule for future years.

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION WAS DECLARED LOST

RESOLVED that the motion be not approved.

NOTES

(i)  Councillors Cunio and Drake declared prejudicial interests in the above matter, in view of their status as trustees of Southampton Advice and Representation Centre and left the meeting during the consideration of the matter.

(ii)  Councillor Mrs Damani declared a prejudicial interest in the above matter, in view of her employment within NHS Southampton City and left the meeting during the consideration of the matter.

(iii)  Councillor Fitzgerald declared a prejudicial interest in the above matter, in view of his position on the executive of Southampton Voluntary Services and within MENCAP along with his involvement in the scouting movement and left the meeting during the consideration of the matter.  

COUNCILLOR CUNIO BACK IN THE CHAIR

(c) Estate Regeneration

Councillor Payne moved and Councillor McEwing seconded:-

This Council recognises the good work of the estate regeneration scheme and reaffirms its efforts to provide affordable housing to meet the overwhelming need in the city. As a result, the Council Executive will write to the Government to ask for sufficient funding to keep the estate regeneration programme going in the long term and provide cash to meet our housing needs.

Amendment moved by Councillor P. Williams and seconded by Councillor Fuller:

AMENDMENT

In second line delete the words “affordable housing” and replace with “more and better homes”

In the third line after the words “overwhelming need in the city” add:

“The Council notes that the pilot project at Hinkler Parade is proceeding despite funding challenges under the previous Government.
 
The Council welcomes the Coalition Government's commitment to reforming the Housing Revenue Account. It welcomes initiatives to further devolve housing responsibilities and funding to local councils. The Council also notes that the new leader of the Council has already shown the new Secretary of State for Local Government and the new Housing Minister around the Hinkler Parade site to discuss the project with officers and residents." 

In the third line delete the words “As a result,”

In the third line delete the words “write to” and replace with “continue dialogue with”

In the fourth line delete the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

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 Committees or the Mayor had been received.

To deal with any appointments to Committees, Sub-Committees or other bodies as required.

It was noted that at the Annual Meeting the matter of appointing a member to the Joint Committee of the Hampshire Police Authority was deferred until the next meeting of the Council.  However, in June, a meeting was called by the Hampshire Police Authority and it was considered important that a Member attend to represent Council as the whole issue of representation and nominations by the constituent authorities was to be discussed.  The Chief Executive had therefore used his delegated powers to appoint Councillor Moulton to this position on an interim basis. 

RESOLVED:

(a) that the appointment of Councillor Moulton as the Council representative to the Joint Committee of the Hampshire Police Authority be confirmed and that Councillor Moulton be the Council’s nominated representative to the Hampshire Police Authority;

(b) that the following changes to the appointments to Committees, Sub-Committees and other bodies be noted:

1. That Councillor Harris had replaced Councillor Fitzhenry on the Employment and Appeals Panel.

2. That Councillor Fitzgerald and Councillor Ball had swapped membership of Scrutiny Panels A and C.

3. That Councillor Letts had replaced Councillor Bogle on Scrutiny Panel C for the purposes of the Knowledge Economy Inquiry; and

4. That Councillor Willacy and Councillor Parnell had swapped membership of Scrutiny Panels A and B.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning, concerning the statement of accounts for 2009/10, attached.

The report of the Executive Director of Resources was submitted concerning the statement of accounts for 2009/10 (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED that the Statement of Accounts 2009/10 as approved by the Standards and Governance Committee on 24^th June 2010, subject to any changes required after the completion of the Audit, be noted.  Any such changes will be presented to the Audit Committee.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning, concerning the general fund revenue outturn for 2009/10, attached.

The report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning was submitted concerning the general fund revenue outturn for 2009/10 (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED:

(i)  that the final outturn for 2009/10 detailed in Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

(ii)  that  the performance of individual Portfolios in meeting their budget targets as set out in paragraph 7 of the report together with the major variances set out in Appendix 2 be noted;

(iii)  that the addition to the Revenue Development Fund of £110,000 as set out in paragraph 14 of the report be approved;

(iv)   that the use of £25,000 of the unspent contingency to fund the replacement of the windows at the Cobbett Road Library in 2010/11, which had already been approved as outlined in paragraph 16 of the report, be noted;

(v)  that the carry forward requests totalling £1,460,200 (of which £362,600 relates to central repairs and maintenance) as outlined in paragraph 17 and set out in detail in Appendix 3 to the report be approved; and

(vi)  that the use of £4,214,000 of the 2009/10 under-spend to fund the cost of the corporate items set out in paragraph 18 of the report be approved.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning, concerning the general fund capital outturn for 2009/10, attached.

The report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning was submitted concerning the general fund capital outturn for 2009/10 (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED:

(i)  that the actual capital spending in 2009/10 as shown in paragraphs 4 and 5 of the report be noted together with the major variances in Appendix 1;

(ii)  that the proposed capital financing in 2009/10 as shown in paragraph 10 of the report be approved;

(iii)  that the revised estimates for 2010/11 as adjusted for slippage and re-phasing as shown in Appendix 3 to the report be noted; and

(iv)  that it be noted that due to the continuing impact of the recession on land disposals as outlined in paragraphs 15 and 16 of the report that the capital programme continues to run a deficit.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Services, concerning the housing revenue account and capital outturn for 2009/10, attached.

The report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Local Services was submitted concerning the housing revenue account and capital outturn for 2009/10 (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED:

(i)  that the HRA revenue outturn for the financial year 2009/10, which shows a favourable variance for the year of £388,800 and balances at the end of the year of £1,588,800 be noted;

(ii)  that the capital outturn for 2009/10 be noted;

(iii)  that the revenue carry forward of £248,500 for Programme Repairs External Decorations be approved;

(iv)  that an increase in Direct Revenue Financing in 2010/11 of £140,300, which can be financed from the net revenue savings in 2009/10 be approved; and

(v)  that the amendments to the HRA Capital Programme for 2010/11 set out in Appendix 3 to the report, to take account of the slippage and re-phasing in 2009/10, be approved.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning, concerning the treasury management activities for 2009/10, attached.

The report of the Executive Director of Resources was submitted concerning the treasury management activity for 2009/10 (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED:

(i)  that the Treasury Management activities for 2009/10 and the outturn on the Prudential Indicators be noted;

(ii)  that it be noted that for institutions with a minimum long-term rating in the ‘double-A’ category or higher (i.e. AAA, AA+, AA, AA- or equivalent) the individual limit was increased from £5M to £10M following a temporary reduction due to market uncertainty.  This amendment was made by the Chief Financial Officer under existing delegations;

(iii)  that it be noted that the continued proactive approach to Treasury Management has led to significant savings in borrowing costs and safeguarded investment income during the year; and

(iv)  that the Chief Financial Officer be granted delegated authority,  following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning, to approve any changes to the Prudential Indicators and both borrowing and investment limits that will aid good treasury management.  Any amendments will be reported as part of quarterly financial and performance monitoring and in revisions to this strategy.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning, concerning the actual payments made to and from the collection fund during the 2009/10 financial year, attached.

The report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning was submitted concerning the actual payments made to and from the collection fund during the 2009/10 financial year (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED that the accounts for the Collection Fund in 2009/10 as shown in Appendix 1 to the report be noted.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning, detailing changes to existing Revenue and Capital budgets, attached.

The report of the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning was submitted detailing changes to existing Revenue and Capital budgets (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

Amendment moved by Councillor Sollitt and seconded by Councillor Vinson:

Add at end of recommendation (iv): ‘….with the exception of:   

The shortfall to be met from either in-year under-spends or the approved draw from Balances.’

Add at end of recommendation (vii): ‘….with the exception of:

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE AMENDMENT WAS DECLARED LOST

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT WERE DECLARED CARRIED

RESOLVED:

(i)  that  the key issues outlined in Appendix 1 to the report arising from the Budget on 22^nd June that will have an impact on Local Government be noted;

(ii)  that the high level forecast for the General Fund for the next three years contained in Appendix 2 to the report be noted;

(iii)  that the cuts in Government grant for 2010/11 detailed in Appendix 3 to the report be noted;

(iv)  that the reductions in budget for 2010/11 detailed in Appendix 4 to the report be approved in response to the cut in Government grant;

(v)  that the actions that are being taken to manage the in year cuts in grant outlined in paragraphs 21 to 25 of the report be noted;.

(vi)  that an additional draw from General Fund Balances of up to £1M in 2010/11 if required during the year be approved;

(vii)  that the efficiencies, income generation proposals and service reductions as set out in Appendix 5 to the report be approved, subject to resolution (viii) below;

(viii)  that it be noted that prior to a final decision being made regarding grant reductions and new income generation referred to in Appendix 5 to the report, formal consultation with affected people and organisations be commenced as soon as possible and that the implementation of these savings is subject to the outcome of consultation with affected parties; and

(ix)  That the Executive Director of Resources be granted delegated authority following consultation with the Solicitor to the Council and the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning, to make any further changes to budgets during 2010/11 in response to the cuts in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

Report of the Leader of the Council, setting out the priorities of the Corporate Plan 2010/11, attached.

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted setting out the priorities of the Corporate Plan 2010/11 (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED:

(i)  that the Executive’s response to the recommendations made by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

(ii)  that the draft 2010/11 Corporate Plan be approved; and

(iii)  that delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to incorporate any changes made at the meeting and to amend the plan as necessary from time to time to ensure that it aligns with any new budgetary or policy developments which will impact on the Council’s activities in 2010/11.

Report of the Head of Organisational Development, recommending a successor to the Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, who will be retiring in November 2010, attached.

The report of the Head of Organisational Development was submitted recommending a successor to the Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, who would be retiring in November 2010 (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED:

(i)  that the appointment of Alistair Neill to the position of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service at Southampton City Council be approved; and

(ii)  that the Head of Organisational Development be granted delegated authority to take any further action necessary to give effect to the contents of the report.