Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies.

It was noted for the official record that this meeting was purposely being held with only the minimum of a quorum of 16 due to the unprecedented Covid 19 Pandemic that was affecting not only the United Kingdom but the World.  As such the meeting would now only deal with core business that had been published in the papers for the meeting. 

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 20^th November 2019 and 26^th February 2020, attached.

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th November and 26^th February be approved as a correct record.

Matters especially brought forward by the Mayor and the Leader.

(i)  The Mayor welcomed representatives from the Chinese Association who donated Covid 19 testing kits.

(ii)  The Mayor announced that due to the Covid 19 restrictions on social gatherings the Mayors Ball had been cancelled.

(iii)  The Mayor announced that this was the last Full Council meeting of the Municipal Year and thanked all Members for their hard work and commitment over the year.

(iv)  The Mayor announced that there would be an emergency motion at the end of the meeting to deal with the unprecedented impact Covid 19 was having on the City.

(v)  The Leader thanked the Mayor and his wife for their work over the last year and the Mayor for chairing the Council meetings.

(vi)  The Leader announced that these were unprecedented times and paid tribute to all those working in the NHS who were going above and beyond at this time.  As a Council the following top ten priorities had been identified in order to continue to adapt to the fast changing situation:-

·  Making sure the right services were in place to continue to support and safeguard the most vulnerable residents.

·  Making sure that residents and businesses had access to the information needed about how to stay safe, including signposting to the latest public health guidance, as well as keeping them up to date on disruptions to normal services.

·  Working with communities to reach those who might be more vulnerable and not go online for advice.  A personal written letter to all residents and businesses this week so that everyone had access to the latest information.

·  Working closely with community groups and the voluntary sector to help communities help each other, and encourage the wonderful community spirit which has been shared across the City.

·  Reviewing the need for face to face meetings, and moving to telephone contact where possible, to minimise risk to residents and staff.

·  Protecting staff, many of whom were also City residents.  We have encouraged staff to work from home if possible where this would not affect the day to day running of essential services.  For those who cannot work remotely, making sure that they have access to hand wash and sanitisation facilities.

·  Keeping the Council’s buildings and venues safe and clean to stop infections spreading, recognising the role as the largest landlord in the City.

·  Working with schools to support them, including helping those who rely on free school meals.  All schools were working with the Council to maintain provision for the children of key workers such as NHS and emergency services.

·  Working with partners and contracted services to make sure that there was capacity to support people in care homes, nursing homes, refuges and hostels.  This included making sure that support was in place for people who were homeless or rough sleeping, so that they had safe spaces to go if they need to isolate.

·  Working with partners across the City to support local businesses in particular smaller businesses so they could access the support and advice available.

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

This item was withdrawn from the meeting.

This item was withdrawn from the meeting.

(a)  Councillor Vaughan to move:

It has been estimated that as much as 40% of public service spending is on interventions that could have been avoided by prioritising a preventive approach to early years development.

The Wave Trust is an independent organisation whose 70/30 campaign seeks to bring about a 70 per cent reduction in child maltreatment by the year 2030. It proposes a preventive and integrated approach in Southampton. This organisation has been endorsed by Councillors from across the chamber and local MPs. As well as this, their work has already been well received in another local city.

This Council agrees to be trauma informed; to use the learning and research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to inform change in practice and thus better able to reduce the negative effects of ACEs on lives of all with whom we come in contact.

Council commits to exploring the Wave Trust's 70/30 approach to see what value this might add to the Council's existing activities to prioritise children's early years and give every child the best possible start in life.

Council will commission Early Years leaders and relevant partners from across Southampton to carry out a feasibility study of this approach and to see whether it would be right for our city in delivering a more preventative and integrated approach for everyone.

(b)  Councillor S Galton to move:

This Council notes the overwhelming public desire for at least some unrestricted access to the former Civil Service Sports Ground.

Council recognises the recent deputation from the Friends of the Field group asking for the same.

Council takes on board the majority of public comments to the pre-consultation and formal planning application process, asking for unrestrictive access.

Council acknowledges the supportive comments made during the planning meeting itself by a number of cross party Councillors and that the Chair made it clear they were only there to decide on the application before them, not create policy.

Council recognises the previous legal advice that has been provided to members.  The main concern being  any additional activities like dog walking or infrastructure such as bins and benches; do not interfere with the primary use of pitches for team games and recreational play.

As such Council resolves to,

Request the administration ensure the Council’s development plans for the site are altered to include a legally accessible pocket park, or other area of public accessible land, within the wider contained school development site, but separate from the main school site.

Motions (a) and (b) were withdrawn from the meeting.

Emergency Motion moved at the Meeting:-

Councillor Hammond moved and Councillor Fitzhenry seconded

The Covid-19 pandemic is the worse seen in generations and requires a civic undertaking not seen since the Second World War. During this time, the Council has a vital role in ensuring that the city has the resilience to cope and to continue providing vital services to our residents. 

To aid delivery of Council functions, the usual decision-making processes may become impossible or unlawful to carry out.  Therefore, Council resolves to temporarily suspend all parts of the Constitution that require formal decision making by elected members in person.

Council delegates to the Service Director; Legal and Business Operations and Monitoring Officer, the power to cancel any formal Council, committee or panel meeting as considered appropriate after consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Mayor (only in respect of full Council meetings). Council would use these powers following Government direction or the Director of Public Health’s advice that the Council is advised not to hold public meetings.”

To ensure continuity and agility when dealing with the pandemic, and in the potential absence of Full Council meetings, further authority is delegated to the Chief Executive, Executive Directors and Service Director; Legal and Business Operations, and Heads of Service in their absence, to exercise all decisions that would ordinarily be decided by members. Decisions would only be valid after consultation with the Leader of the Council and/or the relevant Cabinet Member as appropriate.

This would include suspending all financial limits and the Key Decision criteria but does not include setting new strategic policy or Council priorities which have a democratic mandate by the citizens of Southampton.

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.

This item was withdrawn from the meeting.

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

Membership had been requested for the new Combined Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority which would exist in “shadow form” for its first year from 1^st April 2020 to 31^st March 2021.

RESOLVED: that Councillor Mintoff who was the current Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority Member be appointed to the new Combined Authority for its shadow year which would be reviewed as part of the Annual General Meeting in May 2020 when all appointments for the 2020/2021 Municipal Year would be confirmed.

Report of the Leader seeking approval of the Pay Policy for 2020-2021.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the Pay Policy statement for 2020-2021 be approved;

(ii)  That the continued implementation of the Living Wage Foundation increase as the minimum hourly rate for NJC evaluated posts from 1st April 2020 be noted; and

(iii)  That negotiations for a cost of living award for 2020 - 2021 as part of the pay agreement for NJC evaluated roles and Chief Officer and Chief Executive pay are ongoing and that implementation of this, once agreed, is delegated to the Service Director HR and OD to be applied for 2020-2021 be noted. The budget proposals for 2020-2021 included an indicative uplift of 2% across all pay points.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Healthier and Safer City seeking approval of the Southampton City Health and Care Strategy 2020-2025.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Healthier and Safe City seeking approval of the Southampton City Health and Care Strategy 2020-2025.

RESOLVED: That the Southampton City Health and Care Strategy, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Aspiration, Children and Lifelong Learning seeking approval for the Local Placement Plan proposal for Children’s Residential Care.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Aspiration, Children and Lifelong Learning seeking approval for the Local Placement Plan Proposal for Children’s Residential Care.

RESOLVED: That the financial commitment of £2,311,500 Capital spend and Revenue spend from Children and Families budget as detailed below to deliver the project be approved.

·  FY 20/21 - £686,200

·  FY 21/22 - £2,476,400

·  FY 22/23 - £2,880,800