Agenda and minutes

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 20^th July, 2016, attached.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 20^th July 2016 be approved and signed as a correct record. 

Matters especially brought forward by the Mayor and the Leader.

(i)  Members stood in a minute’s silence in memory of former Councillor Holden-Brown (Swaythling ward) who passed away on 14^th September, 2016.

(ii)  The Mayor informed Members that SVS will no longer be running the Annual Toy Appeal.  SCRATCH will be accepting donated new toys for Christmas present and the Mayor’s Office will arrange for the delivery of presents to them. 

(iii)  The Mayor announced that she would be attending an event following Council meeting to mark International Peace Day. 

(iv)  Former Mayor John Martin attended Council to present the Mayor with gifts from a recent delegation to the Port from Turkmenistan.

(v)  The Mayor informed Members that the Leader had called for an Extra Ordinary Council meeting to be held on Wednesday 19^th October at 6pm.

(vi)  The Mayor was escorted into the Chamber by Abel Sea Cadet Jack Cozens to commemorate Merchant Navy Day on 3^rd September.

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

The Council received and noted deputations from:

(i)  Mr Shane Dickson representing the Southampton and Winchester group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association; and

(ii)  Mr Ray Beare regarding traffic accidents, pollution and congestion on the major roads in and out of the City on the west side.

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.

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.  Loose paving slabs

Question from Councillor Moulton to Councillor Rayment

Why are so many paving slabs loose and dangerous in London Road, Guildhall Square and Shirley Precinct?

Answer

1.  Loose paving

The HSP contract does not require paving repairs if loose / rocking.  It does, however, oblige intervention if causing a danger / hazard.

2.  Dangerous paving

To reduce Council revenue spend, the HSP contract does not require repairs unless causing a raised trip hazard greater than 20mm (as Category 2 criteria for all pedestrianised areas).  However, BBLP consider case-by-case – i.e. occasionally, loose slabs through exposed location, potential for imminent failing or the nature of the hazard presented, get repaired notwithstanding the trip height.

3.  Site specifics

All 3 sites are routinely walked monthly.  Between programmed visits, the HSP relies on reports from members of the public, etc.  All 3 sites will have repeat visits shortly:

3.1London Road

Certain areas have been subject to successfully defended claims.  These are subject to additional deterioration monitoring - i.e. to trigger refurbishment rather than reactive repairs.

3.2GHS

West Marlands Rd / GHS boundaries have this year undergone significant paving replacement.  A revisit will ensure no residually defective areas remain.

3.3Shirley Precinct

Particular attention to possible damage from the weekly market operator is made.  If damage is directly attributable, then liability for repairs will be passed to the operator.

2.   Shirley Depot/Police Station

Question from Councillor Moulton to Councillor Letts

Will you agree to produce a Planning Development Brief for the Shirley Depot/Police station site, to set out acceptable criteria such as usage, access and building heights?  Will you ensure that residents are engaged in this process?

Answer

The Council has jointly marketed this site with Hampshire Police. The marketing has been robust and terms are now agreed and well advanced in legal hands. The contract is not conditional on planning.

If the purchaser comes forward with a planning application in the short term that will be the appropriate time for matters such as usage, access and building heights to be considered. If no proposal is forthcoming these matters are best considered as part of the local plan process.

3.  Fallen Trees on the Common

Councillor Claisse to Councillor Rayment

It is noticeable that when trees fall over in high winds on Southampton Common, unless they block paths, they are simply left to decay.  Do we not have a contractor to remove these?

Answer

The Council have had a working practice across the whole city for a number of years whereby they leave fallen trees if they are safe and not blocking footpaths or roads. Wherever possible cord wood and larger logs are left on site as “habitat” piles and only cleared where they may  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

(a)  Councillor Fuller to move:

Southampton City Council recognises the important role that the Armed Forces, both Regular and Reserve, play in protecting the security, independence and interests of the United Kingdom both at home and abroad.  As such, we re-affirm our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and will undertake any actions needed to achieve a Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in the coming year.  We will also commit to meeting all the criteria required to achieve Silver and Gold Awards in the same scheme which will enable us to be nominated for those awards in future years. 

(a)  Armed Forces Covenant

Councillor Fuller moved and Councillor Moulton seconded

Southampton City Council recognises the important role that the Armed Forces, both Regular and Reserve, play in protecting the security, independence and interests of the United Kingdom both at home and abroad. As such, we re-affirm our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and will undertake any actions needed to achieve a Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in the coming year. We will also commit to meeting all the criteria required to achieve Silver and Gold Awards in the same scheme which will enable us to be nominated for those awards in future years.

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION WAS DECLARED CARRIED

RESOLVED that the motion be approved.

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

1.  Hate Crime

Councillor P Baillie to The Mayor, Councillor McEwing

Would you explain why you refused to allow my motion regarding Hate Crime in the form of anti-Jewish sentiment which appears to be coming from the higher regions of the Labour Party? Have you allowed your own political ideals to cloud your judgement? And why do you feel that this type of Hate Crime doesn’t affect Southampton? and why seemingly you can’t be bothered to try and do anything about it?

Answer

Councillor Baillie, I do not need to justify myself to you or anyone in this Chamber.  However, my reasoning being for disallowing your Motion was on the grounds that we voted unanimously against the Hate Crime Motion at July’s full Council.

I am disappointed that you think I am party politicking on such an evil offence.

We had legislation against Racism, Race Relations Act 1976, amended 2001 repealed 2010 and incorporated into the Equality Act.  However, that did not stop derogatory comments about Scots and Welsh and I have been subjected to that on many occasions.  Scots and Welsh are not minority groups in England.  Irish people are and were protected under the Race Relations Act 1976 and 2001 as they were a minority group at those times.  Most people treat it as friendly banter and it is, however, there are some who still continue to use derogatory comments and do not understand that their language is offensive and I treat them accordingly. 

You suggest that I am not bothered and do not want to do anything about this – this is as far from the truth as you can get. 

You all know my background as a Trade Union activist.  I have responsibility for Equality monitoring in my workplace and in my Union Branch.  I am offended that you are so base to suggest party politics. 

Your Motion was not directly related to Southampton so there had no justification for being on the agenda. 

At the start of full Council I mentioned the United Nations Peace vigil, you are most welcome to join me for this meeting. 

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

It was noted that Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee have approved this years’ Scrutiny Inquiry topic as  ‘Combating Loneliness in Southampton’ the following Councillors have been appointed to the inquiry, Councillors Burke, Coombs, Furnell, Laurent, Murphy, Parnell and T Thomas.

Report of the Leader of the Council detailing the Workforce Strategy 2016, attached. 

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted seeking approval of the Workforce Strategy 2016.

RESOLVED

(i)  To approve the proposed Workforce Strategy and draft Action Plan (attached at Appendix 1); and

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Chief Strategy Officer, following consultation with the Leader, Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer and the HR Strategy Managers to finalise the Strategy and Action Plans and take necessary action for implementation. This will include the Children and Adult Social Care Workforce Development Plan, following consultation with the relevant Cabinet Members and Service Directors.

Report of the Leader of the Council detailing the Council Strategy 2016-2020, attached. 

The report of the Leader of the Council was submitted seeking approval of the Council Strategy 2016-2020.

RESOLVED

(i)  To approve the draft Council Strategy 2016-2020, attached as Appendix 1; and

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Chief Strategy Officer, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to finalise the draft Council Strategy 2016-2020, including incorporating any changes made at the meeting, and to make any in-year changes and to refresh relevant sections of the Strategy in 2017, 2018 and 2019 so that it aligns with any new budgetary or policy developments which will impact on the council’s activities.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance seeking approval of the acceptance of the four year funding settlement, attached.

The report of the Cabinet Member for Finance was submitted seeking approval of the Local Government Finance Settlement, Four Year Funding Settlement 2016/17 to 2019/20.

RESOLVED

(i)  To approve the efficiency plan for Southampton City Council as detailed in Appendix 1; and

(ii)  To approve to accept the Government’s offer of a four year funding settlement 2016/17 to 2019/20.