Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Burke, McEwing and Morrell.

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 17^th July 2013, attached.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 17^th July, 2013 be approved and signed as a correct record.

Matters especially brought forward by the Mayor and the Leader.

(i) Cancellation of Extraordinary Council and Special Cabinet Meetings (16^th October)

Members were reminded that there was no longer a need to hold an Extraordinary Council Meeting or Special Cabinet Meeting on Wednesday 16^th October.

(ii) European and City Council Elections 2014

It was noted that the Council of Europe had now determined that the European Elections would be held on 22^nd May 2014; and the Government had approved the required regulations to confirm that the local elections in 2014 would be deferred so they were combined with the European elections. Accordingly, the Annual Council Meeting would be held on the 4^th June as provisionally published.

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

(i)  The Council noted that the deputation from Mr Westcott concerning Group Leaders’ Allowances had been withdrawn.

(ii)  The Council received and noted a deputation from Mr Fitzpatrick and Mr Simms concerning Dale Valley Residents’ Association – New Charges to Residents’ Parking Schemes.

(iii)  The Council received and noted a deputation from Issa Farrah concerning Cuts to Youth Services.

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. Permit Charges

Question from Councillor Moulton to Councillor Rayment

What is the Executive's rationale for the introduction of 1st permit charges in residents' parking areas?

Answer

The justification was stated in the Cabinet report earlier this year.

This stated that we accept the need to have residents parking priority where there are pressures from parking caused by commuters, visitors or shoppers.  The Council is seeking to cover some of its costs in issuing residents parking permits. 

Background:

·  Current income from second permits and visitors’ permits brings in around £50k per year.

·  The cost of administering all types of permits in these areas is £260k every year.

·  The proposal to charge £30 for first residents permits are expected to bring in £130k per year . This would still leave an annual cost to all the residents of the City of £80k.

·  There have been policies for charging for different types of permits since 1973. The proposed charge is designed to ensure that the schemes become more self funding by those that benefit from the scheme.

We will be further consulting with the residents in all the zones to ensure that  parking restrictions that best meet their current needs.

2. City Centre Parking charges

Question from Councillor Moulton to Councillor Rayment

In light of potential night time commuter parking on the outskirts of the City Centre, as a result of the new night time City Centre parking charges, will the Executive consult with other residents’ parking areas close to the City Centre in Freemantle Ward, and not just the Polygon area, about the possible extension of enforcement times to 8pm?

Answer

The current First permit proposals were advertised with Polygon Area Controlled Parking Zone hours extended until 8pm so that this would limit displacement from the City centre evening charges proposals if approved.

We are consulting with all 13,000 residential properties within all the Controlled Parking Zones to understand how well their parking restrictions are working and whether any changes are necessary. Any changes will be dependent upon the level of response that we receive.

If the evening charges are approved and there are any displacement effects on other resident parking areas close to the city centre adjustments to permit times will be considered as necessary.

3. Athelstan Road highways issue

Question from Councillor Lewzey to Councillor Rayment

Could the Cabinet Member please confirm that she has been looking at the Athelstan Road highways issue.

Answer

I can confirm that I have visited Athelstan Road to see for myself the problems caused by large lorries using this north – south highway route.

I have asked officers to develop a revised proposal that builds upon previous  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

(a)  Councillor Pope to move

"Given the two delivery offices in Southampton, the Southampton Mail Centre and delivery offices just outside the City, this Council recognises that the Royal Mail is part of the fabric of our nation and believes that plans for its privatisation will lead to high prices, a loss of jobs that will impact on our citizens and a reduction in services for the people in our City who need those services the most.  Therefore we resolve that Southampton City Council should formally sign  the “Save our Royal Mail” petition to put pressure on the Government to reverse its decision and protect the country’s postal services; and that the Leader of the Council should write to the Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise conveying the terms of this Resolution."

(b)  Councillor Letts to move

“Given the recent changes of use of pubs in Southampton, for example the Castle at Midanbury to a Tesco store and the Hope and Anchor at Freemantle to a Co-op store, and the prospect of other pubs being similarly affected, Council notes the possibility of submitting the following proposal to the government under the Sustainable Communities Act:

‘That the Secretary of State help protect community pubs in England by ensuring that planning permission and community consultation are required before community pubs are allowed to be converted to betting shops, supermarkets and pay-day loan stores or other uses, or are allowed to be demolished.”

The Council notes that if this power was acquired it would allow the council to determine if pubs should be demolished or converted into other uses and could save many valued community pubs.

The Council resolves to submit the proposal to the government under the Sustainable Communities Act and to work together with Local Works and the Campaign for Real Ale to gain support for the proposal from other councils in the region and across the country.

(c)  Councillor Fitzhenry to move

“Council notes that as part of this year’s budget the council withdrew c£500,000 of bus subsides from bus operators in the city. Council recognises that the changes in routes that took place in June of this year following these cuts has led to real problems for many residents in the city. Council recognises that many residents no longer have a local bus and that other residents now are faced with significantly reduced services. Council believes that the current situation is not acceptable.

Council urges the Executive to urgently look at the situation and seek to improve matters with partners and that in doing so, they ensure they maximise the use of government grants and capital monies awarded to ensure bus provision is useable by all members of the community. Council also urges the Executive to reinstate the bus users forum and seek to hold an urgent meeting to discuss possible solutions.”

(d)  Councillor Vinson to move

“This Council is concerned at the rising tide of litter and fly tipping across our City, and calls on the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 56.

(a)  Royal Mail

Councillor Pope moved and Councillor Jeffery seconded:-

"Given the two delivery offices in Southampton, the Southampton Mail Centre and delivery offices just outside the City, this Council recognises that the Royal Mail is part of the fabric of our nation and believes that plans for its privatisation will lead to high prices, a loss of jobs that will impact on our citizens and a reduction in services for the people in our City who need those services the most.  Therefore we resolve that Southampton City Council should formally sign  the “Save our Royal Mail” petition to put pressure on the Government to reverse its decision and protect the country’s postal services; and that the Leader of the Council should write to the Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise conveying the terms of this Resolution."

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION WAS DECLARED CARRIED

RESOLVED that the motion be approved.

(b)  Community Pubs

Councillor Letts moved and Councillor Lloyd seconded:-

“Given the recent changes of use of pubs in Southampton, for example the Castle at Midanbury to a Tesco store and the Hope and Anchor at Freemantle to a Co-op store, and the prospect of other pubs being similarly affected, Council notes the possibility of submitting the following proposal to the government under the Sustainable Communities Act:

‘That the Secretary of State help protect community pubs in England by ensuring that planning permission and community consultation are required before community pubs are allowed to be converted to betting shops, supermarkets and pay-day loan stores or other uses, or are allowed to be demolished.’

The Council notes that if this power was acquired it would allow the Council to determine if pubs should be demolished or converted into other uses and could save many valued community pubs.

The Council resolves to submit the proposal to the government under the Sustainable Communities Act and to work together with Local Works and the Campaign for Real Ale to gain support for the proposal from other councils in the region and across the country.”

Amendment moved by Councillor Fitzhenry and seconded by Councillor Moulton:-

Second paragraph, third line, delete “to betting shops, supermarkets and pay day loan stores or other users, or are allowed to be” and replace with “or”

Third paragraph, second line, delete“could save many valued community pubs” and replace with “determine the impact of such changes.”

AMENDED MOTION TO READ:

Given the recent changes of use of pubs in Southampton, for example the

Castle at Midanbury to a Tesco store and the Hope and Anchor at Freemantle

to a Co-op store, and the prospect of other pubs being similarly affected,

Council notes the possibility of submitting the following proposal to the

government under the Sustainable Communities Act:

‘That the Secretary of State help protect community pubs in England by

ensuring that planning permission and community consultation are required

before community pubs are allowed to be converted or demolished.’

The Council notes that if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

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 the appointment of Councillor Jeffery and Councillor Pope on South East Employers had been swapped. Councillor Pope would now have the role as representative, and Councillor Jeffery the role of substitute.

Report of the Leader of the Council recommending to Council the adoption of the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan, attached.

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted recommending to Council the adoption of the Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED

(i)  That the Inspector’s report be noted;

(ii)  That it be noted that the Minerals and Waste Plan (2013) would supersede the saved policies of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan (1998) and the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy (2007);

(iii)  That the Minerals and Waste Plan (2013) which incorporates the Inspector’s Main Modifications and Additional Modifications be approved and adopted; and

(iv)  That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Planning, Transport and Sustainability, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make minor changes to the Plan prior to adoption.  

Report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainability seeking approval for the revised Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme, attached.

The report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainability was submitted seeking approval for the revised Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme (copy of report circulated with the agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED

(i)  That the revised Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme set out in Appendix 1 to the report be approved; and

(ii)  That the use of resources to fund the HRA Capital Programme as shown in Appendix 3 to the report be approved.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Resources seeking approval for Changes to the Capital Programme, attached

The report of the Cabinet Member for Resources was submitted seeking approval for changes to the Capital Programme (copy of report circulated with the agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED

(i)  That the revised General Fund Capital Programme, which totals £167.0M (as detailed in paragraph 4 of the report) and the associated use of resources be approved;

(ii)  That the changes to the programme as summarised in Appendix 2 and described in detail in Appendix 3 to the report be noted;

(iii)  That the portfolio programme and structures changes, slippage and re-phasing and financial and project issues as described in detail in Appendix 3 to the report be noted;

(iv)  That £2,820,000 be added to the Environment and Transport Capital Programme funded by Local Transport Plan (LTP) government grant in 2014/15 for Integrated Transport Schemes (£1,351,000) and Highways Maintenance Schemes (£1,469,000);

(v)  That a sum of £508,000 be added to the Children’s Services Capital Programme for Bitterne Park 6^th Form in 2013/14 funded by government grant;

(vi)  That it be noted that the revised General Fund Capital Programme is based on prudent assumptions of future Government Grants to be received, due to the uncertainty surrounding the Comprehensive Spending Review for 2015/16 and future years;

(vii)  that it be noted that the additional temporary borrowing taken out in 2010/11 and 2011/12 due to cash flow issues, now totalling £9.4M, is expected to be repaid by the end of 2014/15 when anticipated capital receipts are finally forecast to be received;

(viii)  That in addition to the forecast capital receipts that are assumed as a key element of funding the capital programme presented for approval, it be noted that there may be additional receipts that flow from the sale of assets programme and that towards the end of 2013/14, it should be possible to better estimate the amount and timing of any forecast additional receipts;

(ix)  That the financial and project issues for each portfolio which are set out in paragraphs 29 to 33 of the report and detailed in Appendix 3 to the report be noted.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities, detailing the Safer City and Youth Justice Strategy for Southampton, attached.

The report of the Cabinet Member for Communities was submitted, detailing the Safer City and Youth Justice Strategy for Southampton (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED that the Safe City Plan 2013/14 (Appendix 2 to the report) and the Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2013/14 (Appendix 3 and 4 to the report) be approved.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Change detailing the project plan for the People Directorate Transformation Programme and seeking the delegation of authority to the Director of People to act in strategic and operational matters relating to this transformation, attached.

The report of the Cabinet Member for Change was submitted detailing the project plan for the People Directorate Transformation Programme and seeking the delegation of authority to the Director of People to act in strategic and operational matters relating to this transformation (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

RESOLVED

(i)  That the progress from April 2013 to implement the transformation of the People Directorate, including the specific savings proposals which will impact on the 2014/15 budget and staffing levels detailed in appendices 1 & 2 to the report be noted;

(ii)  That the Executive’s proposals for staffing reductions in Adult Social Care and Children’s Services within the People Directorate which are brought forward for consultation as part of the Transformation work and are set out in appendices 1 & 2 to the report be noted;

(iii)  That the proposed establishment of an Integrated Commissioning Unit, which will lead to budget pressure of up to £125k per annum from 2014/15, and a part year pressure in the current year be noted;

(iv)  That delegated authority be granted to the Director of People, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Change (lead member for the decision), and  the Cabinet Member for Resources, the Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and the Chief Financial Officer, to enter into formal consultation with staff, recognised trade unions, partners, customers, parents, carers and stakeholders on the wider transformation work and the savings proposals set out in the appendices to the report with a view to being able to implement the structural changes necessary to implement the transformation by April 2014; and

(v)  That the Director of People be authorised to undertake any ancillary actions necessary to deliver the Transformation Programme as agreed by Cabinet.