Matters especially brought forward by the Lord Mayor and the Leader.
Minutes:
Announcements from the Lord Mayor:
(i) The Lord Mayor announced that the meeting was open to being filmed and reminded those filming that the right to film was limited to the duration of the meeting and recording must cease when the meeting closed. Filming or recording was not permitted if the effect would be to interrupt or disturb the proceedings or if it was intrusive of a specific individual or individuals. If in her opinion this was occurring, it would not be permitted, and she would ask you to stop. Similarly, some members of the public attending the meeting may object to being filmed, photographed or recorded. The Lord Mayor would be making those attending the meeting today aware and would ask those filming, to respect their wishes, and would expect that these were complied with.
(ii) The Lord Mayor also reminded Members that during the meeting they should treat each other with due respect during debates, remembering the courtesies they would like from members when speaking and extending those to others. This specifically included respect for the role of Lord Mayor and for them not to talk over the Lord May as unfortunately happened on occasions at the last meeting. During business, as an example, a question where it should be a question as opposed to statements that then lead to inappropriate debate across the Chamber. I expect time limits as indicated by the traffic light system to be respected. At the last two meetings of Council, we have been getting used to the revised format for Executive Business and I have given members some latitude because of that. We are now used to the system and therefore questions to the Cabinet Members must only relate to matters that have been referred to by the Cabinet, nothing else. I would repeat timings must be adhered to by all members and will be strictly applied. Also, Members I would like to remind you that as in previous years, there is a £25 fine for mobile phones ringing and this will go to the Lord Mayor’s charity.
(iii) Member’s it is with great pride I am able to share with you that the Southampton Sunday Lunch Project is one of only four winners in Hampshire of this year’s prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This prestigious National Honour recognises outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others. It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged of the highest standard.
The Southampton Sunday Lunch Project was created to help people when they are having a tough time in their life. Our customers are people who cannot or do not have the facilities to cook a hot meal for themselves or their families or are in other ways in need of lunch. Thanks to our volunteers and our generous supporters, we are able to carry on supporting our community to maintain our good work.
Winning the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a fantastic honour for our volunteers and supporters, I great accolade for our city, and recognises their selfless service to help those less fortunate have a hot Sunday lunch.
(iv) Members, I wish to express my thanks to all those involved in Sunday’s Remembrance Day which went so well and particularly to the security, police, Council officers and town sergeants.
(v) Members, we have some senior officers who will be leaving the Authority over the next few months and as this is their last Council meeting wish to thank them for the work, dedication to the organisation and wish them well, they include:-
Steve Harrison – Head of Finance
Gaetana Wiseman – Head of Support Services
Rosie Zambra – Head of Consumer Protection and Environmental Services