Agenda

To receive any apologies.

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

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

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

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 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.

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Appendix 1 of this report is not for publication by virtue of categories 3 (commercial sensitivity) and 7A (obligation of confidentiality) of paragraph 10.4 of Southampton City Council’s (“the Council’s”)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.

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

Verbal Report of the Leader of the Council.

(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 11.

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

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

NOTE: There will be no formal prayers in the Lord Mayor’s Reception Room at 1.45 pm however Members of the Council and Officers are welcome to attend for quiet reflection.