Agenda and minutes

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 17^th July 2024, attached.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2024 were signed as a correct record subject to an amendment to the list of Members present which recorded Cllr Renyard as being in attendance and he was not.

Matters especially brought forward by the Lord Mayor and the Leader.

(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)  Death former Councillor Harry Mitchell

Members, it is with sadness that I announce former Councillor Harry Mitchell passed away on 25th August and his funeral takes place this afternoon.  Councillor Mitchell was elected as Coxford Ward Councillor in May 2000 and was Sheriff in 2003.  Would you all please stand for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.

(iii)  Honorary Alderman Cathie McEwing

Members, I’m sure you would like to join me in sending Honorary Alderman Cathie McEwing our best wishes for a speedy recovery as she recovers in hospital from an accident.

(iv)  Staff:

Members, today we send our best wishes for the future and thanks to two members of staff who are leaving the authority.  Claire Edgar, Executive Director of Community Wellbeing and Karen Baker, the Leader’s PA.  We also welcome Stephen Haynes, Executive Director of Growth and Prosperity. 

(v)  By-Election, Shirley Ward, 10 October

Members, I am also formally confirming the resignation of Councillor Kaur from her seat in the Shirley Ward as she takes on board her new role as MP for Southampton Test.  On behalf of the Council I would like to send best wishes to all candidates standing in the forthcoming By-Election on 10 October as a result of Cllr Kaur’s resignation.

(vi)  Change in Order of Today’s Meeting

Members it is likely that we will need to go into confidential session for item 5 on today’s agenda therefore I propose this should be moved to the end of the agenda following motions. Are Group Leaders in agreement ?

(vii)  Lord Mayor’s Charities

·  Ideas and thoughts would be shared in due course but to highlight Cllr Keogh and others would be taking part in a sponsored bike ride at the end of September.

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

The Council received and noted the following deputation:

(i)  Housing issues that effect so many of the citizens of Southampton and Mental Health and Wellbeing – Ms Karen Rogers

(ii)  Empty Properties in the City – Honorary Alderman Derek Burke

The Council received four Public Questions on the same theme Proposed Plant Based Treaty for Southampton which was responded to by Councillor Savage, Cabinet Member for Green City and Net Zero.

QUESTION 1 -  Laura Hunt 

More than 80% of farmland worldwide is used to farm animals yet provides only 18% of calories. The UK is no exception to this fact. In fact, if every country ate and consumed like the UK, we would need another planet the size of Mercury to feed everyone. Globally, it is estimated that a transition towards a plant-based food system would allow the release of more than three-quarters of farmland back to nature, whilst providing the opportunity to repurpose land to absorb carbon.

Other councils like Edinburgh, Norwich, Haywards Heath, Lambeth and Exmouth have endorsed the Plant Based Treaty and are implementing positive changes that are helping normalise plant-based food and encouraging people to eat more of them. 

Exmouth is transitioning catering at climate events to 100% plant-based. Edinburgh is introducing carbon labelling in schools. Haywards Heath are creating test cases for plant-based food at events and all of them have been involved in public education campaigns. Amsterdam has committed to Vegan Fridays in public institutions. Edinburgh’s Plant Based Treaty action plan is the most ambitious in the UK. I ask this council - are we serious about climate change and we ready to join these climate leading councils. And if not, what is stopping us?

ANSWER

Southampton City Council's Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2030 includes an action to ‘Work with partners to make progress on becoming a sustainable food city’ (p.57). To progress this, Southampton City Council’s Public Health team is facilitating the development of a Food Partnership using the resource of a Public Health Specialty Registrar funded by the NHS.

Cllr Finn, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, updated the Health & Wellbeing Board on this matter at its meeting of 4 September 2024 (Agenda for Health and Wellbeing Board on Wednesday, 4th September, 2024, 5.30 pm / paper). There were three recommendations made in this paper, as follows, each of which were supported by the Board:

·  Health and Wellbeing Board members support the development and growth of the city-wide food partnership, including a bid to become a Sustainable Food Place member

·  Health and Wellbeing Board members provide system leadership by promoting food partnership efforts in their own respective organisations and encouraging active contribution to the food partnership.

·  The Health and Wellbeing Board provides a degree of governance and oversight by reviewing the progress of the city-wide food partnership in 12 months’ time.

The framework offered by Sustainable Food Places identifies 6 key issues that should be addressed together to achieve fundamental food system change - one of which is around  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

Report of the Interim Chief Executive detailing a Revision of Appointments of Returning Officer (RO) and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) and Deputy Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer.

Council moved into confidential session to discuss this item 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 debate relating to the Item, in accordance with categories 1 (information relating to an individual) and 3

(information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) of paragraph 10.4 of Southampton City Council’s (“the Council’s”) Access to Information Procedure Rules, as contained in the Council's Constitution.

The vote would be taken in public therefore would move back into open session at the conclusion of the confidential debate and voted upon.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the current personal appointment of Mark Heath as the Returning Officer for local elections in the City and the Acting Returning Officer for UK Parliamentary Elections and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) be terminated with effect from 18th September 2024; and

(ii)  that the Chief Executive be appointed as Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer and the Director of Legal and Governance as the Deputy Returning Officer and Deputy ERO with effect from 19th September 2024.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Safer City requesting approval to accept government funding relating to the Household Support Fund.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Safer City seeking approval of the Household Support Fund September 2024.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the Household Support Fund for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025 be approved and accepted; and

(ii)  That future tranches of the Household Support Fund be approved and accepted.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Safer City seeking approval for the Safe City Partnership.  The local Community Safety Partnership, ‘Southampton Safe City Partnership’ (SSCP) has a strategy to prevent and reduce crime, as required by Sections 5-7 Crime and Disorder Act 1998, for 22-27.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Safer City detailing the Community Safety/Refresh of City Safety Strategy.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the refreshed Southampton Safe City Partnership Plan as set out in Appendix 1 to this report be approved; and

(ii)  That authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Community Wellbeing, Children and Learning to make minor amendments to the Southampton Safe City Partnership Plan following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Safer City.

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.

Appendix 1 of this report is not for publication by virtue of categories 3 (commercial sensitivity) and 7A (obligation of confidentiality) of paragraph 10.4 of Southampton City Council’s (“the Council’s”) Access to Information Procedure Rules, as contained in the Council's Constitution.

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.

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.

Appendix 1 of this report is not for publication by virtue of categories 3 (commercial sensitivity) and 7A (obligation of confidentiality) of paragraph 10.4 of Southampton City Council’s (“the Council’s”) Access to Information Procedure Rules, as contained in the Council's Constitution.

Report of the Leader of the Council detailing progress on the Transformation Programme. 

Report of the Leader of the Council detailing the Transformation Implementation Partner.

RESOLVED: that the release of transformation funding as detailed in

‘Resource Implications’ from reserves or the Exceptional Financial

Support (EFS) facility be approved.

Verbal Report of the Leader of the Council.

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.  Housing Voids

Councillor Laurent to Councillor A Frampton

QUESTION:

Regarding Council Housing Voids, how long is it taking to turn properties around so available to re-let?

ANSWER:

The total time from when one tenant moves out and another tenant moves in for August 2024 was 157 days. 

The time it takes to turn around void properties is a metric that provides a snapshot at a given point in time and is volatile based on the properties that are being prioritised for re-letting. This figure is likely to remain high in the medium term as the transformation work is embedded.

due to the methods being deployed to reduce the number of void properties and the sheer volume of work needed. 

Although the key-to-key time performance is below target, good progress is being made to reduce the number of void properties.

We have made great progress in bring void homes back in to use for our residents. Although we may well still have some challenges to bring our Homes to the standard, we all want. This administration will scrutinise this process and make sure our voids are back in use in a reasonable time fame.

2.  Damage to Residents Properties

Councillor Laurent to Councillor A Frampton

QUESTION:

Why when Council damages a resident’s property does the Council immediately put right the damage?

ANSWER:

Southampton City Council seeks to put right any damage it has accidentally caused with immediate effect.  On those occasions where this is not be an appointment is arranged within the quickest possible timeframe.

3.  Parking Issues on Highways

Councillor Wood to Councillor Keogh

QUESTION:

A resident contacted me about dangerous parking on the corner of his road. Cars could squeeze through but risked minor scrapes but the bin lorry couldn’t get through. The car was parked there for nearly 24 hours and when I visited could have been pulled forward a few metres to a sensible place.  I contacted the Police on 101 and was told they would help remove vehicles that, for example, blocked a junction after being involved in an accident but not inconsiderate parking.

If life were in danger fire brigade would push through and damage the car.  I contacted traffic enforcement and was told “With regards to cars parking on corners and making it awkward for other vehicles to get past, unless there is a restriction in place (such as double/single yellow lines) then we (as Civil Enforcement Officers for SCC) do not have any powers to do anything about those vehicles. If there are restrictions in place, then we could potentially issue a Penalty Charge Notice. If it is a regular occurrence, and causing issues in the road, then you could request the traffic regulation order be amended  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

(a)  Moved by Councillor Windle

Southampton City Council notes the important role local assets play in thriving communities and understands that these venues can take various forms, ranging from community centres and pubs to cinemas and music venues.

Further notes that over recent years the decline of high streets together with the UK’s poor economic growth has meant our communities are losing the assets that we all find important, with many vital assets left empty and vacant – ultimately becoming an eyesore.

The Council welcomes the news of the UK Government’s plans to strengthen a Community Right to Buy and its commitment to strengthen the powers available to communities, including a first refusal on a wider range of assets of community value, as well as doubling the time period for communities to raise finance to buy Assets of Community Value from six months to twelve.

This Council celebrates the role that local people have played in saving and breathing new life into once forgotten venues through schemes such as Assets of Community Value and commits to supporting further work to ensure these processes are as accessible as possible.

Southampton City Council commits to supporting community groups interested in acquiring an asset with connections to local and national funders as well as infrastructure support. This includes working with organisations such as Plunkett UK and Power to Change.

Therefore Southampton City Council resolves to work with Council officers to see how best it can:

1.  Promote Assets of Community Value (ACVs)

2.  Make it easier for people to apply for an ACV.

3.  Celebrate the success stories of ACVs in our community.

(b) Moved by Councillor Gravatt

Protecting and Improving Southampton’s Children’s Play Parks

This Council notes: Children’s play parks provide an essential space for young people to engage in physical activity, develop social skills, and foster a sense of community. These parks are not just recreational areas; they are vital for the health, wellbeing, and development of our city’s children.

The condition of some of our parks, such as Octavia Rd Play Park and Portswood Rec, is poor due to equipment being removed and not replaced for a prolonged period of time, in some cases over 2 years. These examples show the pressing need for more consistent maintenance and investment.

This Council believes: The safety and upkeep of play parks should be a priority for Southampton City Council. Given their importance, damaged equipment should be replaced within 6 months at maximum to ensure the safety and enjoyment of local children.

As part of the Council’s commitment to environmental responsibility, any future investment in play parks should focus on using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This approach will help ensure that our play parks remain safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable for future generations.

With the city’s current financial challenges, it is more important than ever to carefully prioritise spending to ensure that critical services like children’s play parks are protected from potential cuts.

This Council resolves to:

1. Assess play parks across Southampton  ...  view the full agenda text for item 43.

1.  Moved by Councillor Windle and seconded by Councillor Evemy

Southampton City Council notes the important role local assets play in thriving communities and understands that these venues can take various forms, ranging from community centres and pubs to cinemas and music venues.

Further notes that over recent years the decline of high streets together with the UK’s poor economic growth has meant our communities are losing the assets that we all find important, with many vital assets left empty and vacant – ultimately becoming an eyesore.

The Council welcomes the news of the UK Government’s plans to strengthen a Community Right to Buy and its commitment to strengthen the powers available to communities, including a first refusal on a wider range of assets of community value, as well as doubling the time period for communities to raise finance to buy Assets of Community Value from six months to twelve.

This Council celebrates the role that local people have played in saving and breathing new life into once forgotten venues through schemes such as Assets of Community Value and commits to supporting further work to ensure these processes are as accessible as possible.

Southampton City Council commits to supporting community groups interested in acquiring an asset with connections to local and national funders as well as infrastructure support. This includes working with organisations such as Plunkett UK and Power to Change.

Therefore Southampton City Council resolves to work with Council officers to see how best it can:

1. Promote Assets of Community Value (ACVs)

2. Make it easier for people to apply for an ACV.

3. Celebrate the success stories of ACVs in our community

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR WINDLE WAS DECLARED CARRIED.

RESOLVED: that the motion be approved.

NOTE: Councillors Denness and Payne declared personal interests and left the meeting.

2.  Moved by Councillor Gravatt and seconded by Councillor Blackman

This Council notes: Children’s play parks provide an essential space for young people to engage in physical activity, develop social skills, and foster a sense of community. These parks are not just recreational areas; they are vital for the health, wellbeing, and development of our city’s children.

The condition of some of our parks, such as Octavia Rd Play Park and Portswood

Rec, is poor due to equipment being removed and not replaced for a prolonged period of time, in some cases over 2 years. These examples show the pressing need for more consistent maintenance and investment.

This Council believes: The safety and upkeep of play parks should be a priority for

Southampton City Council. Given their importance, damaged equipment should be

replaced within 6 months at maximum to ensure the safety and enjoyment of local

children.

As part of the Council’s commitment to environmental responsibility, any future

investment in play parks should focus on using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This approach will help ensure that our play parks remain safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable for future generations.

With the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

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

It was noted that no requests for Questions from Members to the Chairs of Committees or the Lord Mayor had been received.

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

It was noted that:-

Following the resignation of Councillor Kaur, Councillor Yvonne Frampton would replace her on the Children and Families Scrutiny Panel. 

Councillors Cooper, Greenhalgh and Webb had been appointed to the Scrutiny Inquiry Panel with Councillor Cooper being appointed as Chair.