Agenda and minutes

It was noted that apologies had been received from Councillors Fuller and T Thomas.

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 19^th July 2017, attached.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 19th July 2017 be approved and signed as a correct record subject to the attendance record being amended to reflect those Members who were present.

Matters especially brought forward by the Mayor and the Leader.

South Coast Property Awards – Winner Dawn Baxendale, Chief Executive

The Mayor presented Dawn Baxendale, Chief Executive with her South Coast Property Award for “Outstanding Contribution” which had been awarded to the “stand-out person who had promoted and created success in the execution of property strategy across the region and, more importantly had been involved with the promotion of the South Coast as a great place in which to do business”.

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

The following petitions have been received which under the Council’s Procedure Rules are qualifying petitions which must be debated at Council.  A position statement is attached for information relating to each petition.

(i)  Closure of Kentish Road Respite Centre for Carers of Adults with a Learning Disability containing 2223 signatures. 

(ii)  A Safer South East Road and Kathleen Road Junction containing 1820 signatures. 

(iii)  Support Southampton Schools against Making Cuts due to Funding Shortfall containing 1786 signatures.   

It was noted that no deputations or public questions had been received, however the following petitions had been received which under the Council’s Procedure Rules were qualifying petitions which must be debated at Council.

(i)  Closure of Kentish Road Respite Centre for Carers of Adults with a Learning Disability containing 2223 signatures.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.2 “Motions without Notice” the Mayor used his discretion to allow a motion in the name of Councillor Moulton and seconded by Councillor Hannides following recommendations from the Overview and Management Scrutiny Committee held on 14^th September 2017.

Motion to read:-

Ø  That the Cabinet Member remove the proposed closure date of 31 October and re-considers the timeframe for the closure of Kentish Road Respite Centre at a meeting of Cabinet;

Ø  That, to inform the proposed Cabinet decision, the report to Cabinet includes a re-assessment of the financial business case associated with the closure of Kentish Road Respite Service;

Ø  That, if Cabinet agree to postpone the closure, a communications and transition plan was developed and published to support the process;

Ø  That, if Cabinet agree to postpone the closure, the Cabinet Member ensures that every effort be made to adequately staff Kentish Road Respite Service whilst it remains open;

Ø  That the Cabinet Member clarifies and communicates to carers and service users the message about respite care at Kentish Road being available during weekends in October to those in the process of transitioning to alternative provision, or have not yet agreed an alternative provision;

Ø  That the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee are provided with a briefing paper outlining the current position as it relates to the individuals that are still using Kentish Road, with regards to:

·  Completed and outstanding assessments;

·  Completed and outstanding care and support plans;

·  The number that have not received an offer of alternative provision;

·  The number that have accepted offers of alternative provision;

·  The number that have received an offer but have not reached agreement with the Council with regards to alternative provision;

It is recommended that, where practical, external validation was provided of the statistics requested and that the briefing paper provides Cabinet with an explanation of the stages that need to be followed from assessment to completing the transition.

Ø  That information clearly identifying the alternative respite provision available, including capacity and facilities, and the various needs that they are able to support is provided to Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and is circulated to the carers of individuals that use Kentish Road Respite Centre;

Ø  That the Cabinet Member circulates to the Members (not only Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee) the definition that Southampton City Council is working to, as it relates to the users of Kentish Road Respite Service, for the term ‘suitable alternative provision’;

Ø  That Cabinet and OSMC  are provided with:

·  A summary of the legal requirements placed on the Council with regards to engaging with service users and carers and ensuring that their views  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

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. 

Council noted that Councillor Jordan had replaced Councillor Lewzey as Lead Member for Children’s Social Care and revised portfolio responsibilities were made available.

The following questions were submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.1.

1.   Skateboarders in Guildhall Square

Question from Councillor Moulton to Councillor Kaur

Following the Council debate some months ago regarding skateboarders in Guildhall Square, what steps have been taken by the Council to provide new or improved facilities in the city centre away from Guildhall Square? What meetings have taken place with skateboarders, between officers and what funds have been earmarked for skateboarding?

Answer

Officers and members have met with skateboarders on many occasions. A Southampton Skating Association has been formed to represent views, through whom a code of conduct has been signed as a means of promoting improved community engagement and on the 10^th September hundreds of people attended Skatefest hosted in the Cultural Quarter in a positive display of support for skating.

We are working with Southampton Skating Association on investigating options for new as well as improved facilities around the city, including the inner city area. With skateboarding becoming an Olympic sport, Southampton City Council are keen to work with national skating organisations and other partners who have expressed interest in working with us and Southampton Skating Association to help secure the necessary resources needed to make Southampton a skater friendly City.

2.  Council blocks procurement costs

Question from Councillor Moulton to Councillor Payne

Leaseholder residents in council blocks have recently received section 20 paperwork concerning procurement costs associated with structural works to balconies. The letters quote sums of c£5000 and ?c£10000, depending on the numbers of flats and balconies. These letters provide no details of when residents might have to pay these sums and what the payment options are. Is it acceptable that residents, many of whom are elderly, are left not knowing and worrying about when such huge sums of money might be due? What is the Cabinet Member doing to resolve the situation?

Answer

Following the completion of the design for the support of the balconies, Leaseholders were sent an initial Stage 1 Letter on 10 April 2017 advising of the Council’s intention to seek tenders for the remedial works. Following on from receipt of tenders and the assessment process, the Stage 2 letter was issued on 23 August 2017 confirming details of the accepted tender for the works. A number of documents were appended setting out the tender report and the estimated cost of the works which varied depending on which Lot and the number of affected flats. These letters are required to be in a set format to meet the requirements of the Act and are based on templates drawn up for us by specialist lawyers. We will review the template with lawyers and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

(a)  Councillor Mintoff to move:-

In light of the Grenfell Tower Fire, this Council agrees to write to the Local Government Association and the Police & Fire Minister asking that Planning Law is changed to make it obligatory for Planning Departments and developers to consult the Fire Service on all Planning Applications which relate to purpose-built student accommodation, schools, hotels, high rise office blocks, high rise housing, large development sites and NHS buildings.  In the meantime Southampton City Council immediately operates the voluntary process offered by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to look at the above-mentioned planning applications.

(b)  Councillor Moulton to move:-

Council recognises that many residents across Southampton have been adversely impacted by cuts to the weekly bin collection; with instances of overflowing bins, a proliferation of flies and maggots, and unpleasant smells.

Council calls on the Executive to reconsider its approach to bin collections, to consult widely with residents about the impact of the changes and to consider reinstating a weekly service where it is appropriate. Furthermore Council calls on the Executive to ensure that council operatives collect side waste from properties rather than leaving it behind. Finally Council calls on the Executive to review its approach to issuing bigger bins so that residents who want and need a larger bin can have one.

(a)  Consultation with the Fire Service on particular Planning Applications

Councillor Mintoff moved and Councillor Coombs seconded:

In light of the Grenfell Tower Fire, this Council agrees to write to the Local Government Association and the Police & Fire Minister asking that Planning Law is changed to make it obligatory for Planning Departments and developers to consult the Fire Service on all Planning Applications which relate to purpose-built student accommodation, schools, hotels, high rise office blocks, high rise housing, large development sites and NHS buildings.  In the meantime Southampton City Council immediately operates the voluntary process offered by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to look at the above-mentioned planning applications.

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION WAS DECLARED CARRIED

RESOLVED that the motion be approved.

(b)  Weekly Bin Collections

Councillor O’Neill moved and Councillor Painton seconded:  

Council recognises that many residents across Southampton have been adversely impacted by cuts to the weekly bin collection; with instances of overflowing bins, a proliferation of flies and maggots, and unpleasant smells.

Council calls on the Executive to reconsider its approach to bin collections, to consult widely with residents about the impact of the changes and to consider reinstating a weekly service where it is appropriate. Furthermore Council calls on the Executive to ensure that council operatives collect side waste from properties rather than leaving it behind. Finally Council calls on the Executive to review its approach to issuing bigger bins so that residents who want and need a larger bin can have one.

UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION WAS DECLARED LOST

RESOLVED that the motion be rejected.

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

1.  Chairing of Planning Application

Councillor Moulton to Councillor Denness

Will you be stepping down as Chairman of planning for the meeting that determines the Lidl planning application on the former Police / Shirley Depot site?

Answer

Verbal answer given at the meeting in which Councillor Denness confirmed he would be stepping down as Chair for this item so he could represent his constituents.

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

Council noted that the Putting People First Group had withdrawn from their allocation of seats on Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee.  The Local Authorities duty under the Local Government Act 1989 was to work out the political proportionality and “allocate” to the parties, there was no provision for reallocating any seats that one party did not wish to fill therefore it would be noted as 2 vacancies for Putting People First Group.

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council seeking approval of a budget to develop a new Housing with Care Facility on the site of the former Woodside Lodge and 536-550 Wimpson Lane, attached. 

The report of the Leader of the Council seeking approval of Woodside/Wimpson Lane Development Budget and Construction Contract Commitment was submitted.

Council noted that there was a confidential appendix to the report which was not referred to and therefore the exclusion of the press and the public was not required.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That a transfer of £2.122M from the ECO – City Energy Scheme to the Estate Regeneration – Woodside/Wimpson Scheme within the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme be approved;

(ii)  That the addition of £0.909M to the Estate Regeneration – Woodside/Wimpson Scheme within the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme, funded from retained Right-to-Buy Capital Receipts be approved;

(iii)  That total capital expenditure of £26.014M on the Woodside/Wimpson Scheme, from the provision within the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme, phased £0.614M in prior years, £2.488M in 2017/18, £10.579M in 2018/2019, £10.822M in 2019/2020 and £1.511M in 2020/21 be approved;

(iv)  That authority be delegated to the Head of Capital Assets following consultation with the Leader, Service Director: Finance and Commercialisation and the Service Director: Legal Governance to enter into a JCT Design and Build Contract with Drew Smith Ltd;

(v)  That authority be delegated to the Head of Capital Assets following consultation with the Leader, the Service Director: Finance and Commercialisation and the Service Director: Legal and Governance to consider the implications for the Council and subsequently, if appropriate to agree terms for the sale and lease back of the completed development as well as the Erskine Court development completed in 2016; and

(vi)  That authority be delegated to the Director of Adults, Housing and Communities following consultation with the Leader, the Head of Capital assets, Service Director: Legal and Governance and the Service Director: Finance and Commercialisation to use this scheme as a pilot project to explore detailed scheme-based service charges and any implications on tenure mix.

NB: Cllr Morrell declared a pecuniary interest and withdrew from the meeting.