Agenda and minutes

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 18^th September 2024, attached.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 September 2024 were signed as a correct record.

Matters especially brought forward by the Lord Mayor and the Leader.

(i)  Filming

Members, today’s meeting is open to being filmed.  I remind those filming that the right to film is limited to the duration of the meeting and recording must cease when I close the meeting. 

Filming or recording is not permitted if the effect would be to interrupt or disturb the proceedings or if it is intrusive of a specific individual or individuals.  If in my opinion this is occurring, it will not be permitted and I will ask you to stop.

Similarly, some members of the public attending the meeting may object to being filmed, photographed or recorded.  I will be making those attending the meeting today aware and will ask those filming, to respect their wishes, and will expect that these are complied with.

As is the case with Council meetings the open parts of the meeting are being live streamed. 

(ii)  CPR 9.6 Presumption in Favour of Meetings Ending by 6:30 pm

Members, as you are aware within Council Procedure Rule 9.6 there is a presumption in favour of all meetings of the Council, Committees and Sub-Committees that start at 2:00 pm will finish by 6:30 pm.  When a meeting reaches that time, any member of the Council, Committee or Sub-Committee may move, without comment that the meeting shall end. If the motion is accepted and seconded, it shall be put without comment and if passed, if there are any other motions or recommendations on the agenda that have not been dealt with, the Lord Mayor or person presiding may determine either to deal with them in accordance with this Council Procedure Rule, or to defer remaining business to the next meeting, but in doing so shall take particular account of any advice from the Chief Executive, Executive Director: Enabling Services and/or Monitoring Officer as to any business that, in their view, the Council or the meeting of the Council should determine at that meeting. In the event of a motion being put to the meeting under this Council Procedure Rule, it will be necessary for two thirds of the members present and voting at the meeting to support a proposal that the meeting should carry on for the meeting to proceed beyond 6:30 pm. Given the volume of business on today’s agenda in my view it is possible that the meeting may go beyond this time. Whilst considering matters properly I would therefore welcome concise contributions from speakers with no more than 2 speakers from each group on any item if reasonable to do so.

(iii)  Death of Honorary Alderman Brian Parnell

Members, it is with great sadness that as many of you will know Honorary Alderman Brian Parnell has passed away and his funeral took place on 25th October. Honorary Alderman Parnell was first elected as a City Councillor in 1979 in the Freemantle Ward, he went on to hold positions of Mayor 2002, Sheriff 2007, Mayor again in 2008 and was made Honorary Alderman in 2019.

Would you all please stand for a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

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

The Council received and noted the following deputations: -

(i)  Social Care within the City – Professor Margetts

(ii)  The Future of the Venny Adventure Playground in Newtown – Sue Atkins

(iii)  Council Budget 2025 – Maggie Fricker, Vice -Chair, TUSC

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services seeking approval of Budget virements.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services seeking approval of Budget Virements.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the transfer of budget from Community Wellbeing to centrally held contingency for the sustained favourable variance of £3.75M relating to care packages and costs as set out in paragraph 3 be approved;

(ii)  That authority be delegated to the Cabinet to consider and approve the transfer to centrally held contingency of any further sustained favourable variances, regardless of value, identified in subsequent financial position updates for 2024/25;

(iii)  That the virement of £20M income and expenditure within the Schools Budget to recognise increased funding, as set out in paragraph 4 be approved; and

(iv)  That the virement of £24.30M Social Care Grant income budget from Non-Specific Government Grants (Centrally Held Funding) to Children & Learning (£9.53M) and Community Wellbeing (£14.77M) to reflect a change in the grant conditions from an un-ringfenced to a ringfenced grant, as set out in paragraph 5 be approved.

Report of the Returning Officer detailing the results of the Shirley Ward By-Election held on 10th October, 2024.

Report of the Returning Officer detailing the Southampton City Council Shirley Ward By-Election Result.

RESOLVED: that the result of the Southampton City Council By-Election held on Thursday 10th October 2024 be noted.

Report of the Returning Officer detailing the results of the 2024 Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places.

Report of the Returning Officer detailing the Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places.  The Leader moved a slight amendment to the recommendation in the report to also include Appendix 2 of the report.

RESOLVED: That the recommendations in respect of the polling districts and polling places as set out in Appendix 1 and 2 of the report be approved.

Report of Executive Director; Resident Services seeking approval for the adoption of the Gambling Act Statement of Licensing Principles for 2025 to 2028.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Compliance and Leisure regarding the Triennial Review of the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Principles.

RESOLVED: That with effect from 31st January 2025 the draft Statement of Licensing Policy as detailed in the report be approved.

To move that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information Procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the exempt appendix 2 to the following Item

The appendix is considered to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and category 7A (obligation of confidentiality) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.

It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as the report contains confidential and commercially sensitive information in relation to one of the Council’s suppliers. It would prejudice the Council’s ability to operate in a commercial environment and obtain best value in contract negotiations and would prejudice the Council’s commercial relationships with third parties if they believed the Council would not honour obligations of confidentiality.

RESOLVED: that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information Procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the exempt appendix 2 to the following Item The appendix is considered to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and category 7A (obligation of confidentiality) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules. It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as the report contains confidential and commercially sensitive information in relation to one of the Council’s suppliers. It would prejudice the Council’s ability to operate in a commercial environment and obtain best value in contract negotiations and would prejudice the Council’s commercial relationships with third parties if they believed the Council would not honour obligations of confidentiality.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport seeking approval of the Commercial Waste Transfer and Disposal Services.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport regarding the Commercial Waste – Transfer and Disposal Services.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the financial envelope as set out in Appendix 2 of the report be approved;

(ii)  That the financial envelope be allowed to increase in line with any increase in business and therefore tonnage collected for the Commercial Waste Service, on the basis that the additional cost will be met via cost recovery mechanisms and additional revenue from the service; and

(iii)  That the potential risks that could cause the level of cost to exceed the estimated budget because of lack of clarity around the government waste strategy and the likely impact on future contract disposal costs be noted.

To move that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information Procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the exempt appendix to the following Item

The appendix is considered to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.

It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as ? It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as the report contains confidential and commercially sensitive information in relation to one of the Council’s suppliers. It would prejudice the Council’s ability to operate in a commercial environment and obtain best value in contract negotiations.  

RESOLVED: that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, specifically the Access to Information Procedure Rules contained within the Constitution, the press and public be excluded from the meeting in respect of any consideration of the exempt appendix to the following Item.  The appendix is considered to be exempt from general publication based on Category 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) of paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules. It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as the report contains confidential and commercially sensitive information in relation to one of the Council’s suppliers. It would prejudice the Council’s ability to operate in a commercial environment and obtain best value in contract negotiations

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services regarding the Tender for the Corporate Insurance Programme.

RESOLVED: That authority be delegated to the Executive Director Enabling Services and s151 Officer to procure and award appropriate insurance contracts via the YPO ‘Insurance Services Framework Agreement’ for up to 5 years from 1st April 2025 after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services.

Verbal Report of the Leader of the Council.

A verbal report of the Leader of the Council was given 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.  Streetlight Hours of Operation

Councillor Moulton to Councillor Keogh

QUESTION:

Can the Cabinet Member advise what times council streetlights are switched off over-night, and if any changes have been made in the last few months, including any changes to the list of roads or alleyways which had previously had lights on all night and were exempted from being switched off?  Can the Cabinet Member also advise if he has been involved in any decisions or briefings (formal or by email) in recent months, relating to coverage or hours of operation of streetlights, or if the council are seeking further savings from turning lights off.  Finally, if changes have been made or are made, can the Cabinet Member advise what consultation or communication has taken place or takes place with stakeholders, including local ward Councillors and the local constabulary.

ANSWER:

The Council’s policy is for designated streetlights (primarily residential roads) to be switched off every night between 1am to 5:30am.  This timing has not altered over the last few months, nor the inventory of roads or alleyways, etc. that are included within the inventory of lamp columns that are affected.  Officers have not raised the prospect of changes to the coverage or hours of operation of the policy, with a view to potential future energy and carbon reduction savings in the future.  The street lighting client team continue to monitor the effectiveness of the nighttime lighting policy and stay in tune with other neighbouring highway authorities and the national picture in relation to part-night adoption.

2.  Council Tax

Councillor P Baillie to Councillor Fielker

Are you fully aware of the cumulative effect of SCC council tax rises?

ANSWER:

Yes

3.  Townhill Part Estate Regeneration

Councillor P Baillie to Councillor Frampton

QUESTION:

The Estate Regeneration of Townhill Park may have its end in sight, after over 12 ½ years of delay by this Labour Administration. Are you not ashamed by the financial & social impact of such a delay? Especially when your latest plan is almost identical to the plan which Full Council passed in March 2012.

ANSWER:

We fully understand the need to move forward with delivery of much needed new homes in Townhill Park.  We also recognise that the delays – caused by a range of factors – has impacted on the local area and those who live and work there. We have worked closely with the SO18 Big Local and now the successor Thrill organisation to ensure that there is communication and engagement with residents. Our aim has been to keep residents informed along this challenging journey in many ways including bulletins, meetings and consultations. We have been using funding from the Brownfield Land Infrastructure Fund to clear land to make way for new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

(a)  Moved by Councillor Blackman

This Council notes:

Southampton City Council is facing significant financial challenges, including rising costs, reduced government funding, and increasing demand for local services. As a result, it is essential that the Council make cost-effective investments to reduce operating costs, generate revenue, and improve long-term financial stability. The Council also recognizes the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, in line with the UK’s legally binding commitment to Net Zero by 2050.

One of our neighbouring councils, Portsmouth, gave the green light to a scheme in August 2023 to install over 7,000 solar panels over car parks in Portsmouth, plus provision for electric car charging. This project will not only help to meet environmental objectives but will also provide financial savings and new revenue streams from the sale of renewable energy.

This Council believes:

Investing in solar panels on council-owned car parks is a smart financial decision that can help Southampton reduce costs, generate additional income, and strengthen the city’s financial resilience. By following the example of Portsmouth, Southampton can demonstrate leadership in both environmental sustainability and sound financial management. Installing solar panels will not only help meet the city’s climate goals but also offer long-term savings, helping to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing the Council. It will also complement the Council's Climate Change and Green Infrastructure Strategies.

This Council resolves to:

1. Conduct a feasibility study on the installation of solar panels on council-owned car parks across Southampton, including key locations such as city centre car parks.
2. Assess the potential financial benefits of this investment, including savings on energy bills, income from selling surplus energy to the grid, and opportunities for securing external funding or green investment.
3. To explore the possibility of including electric vehicle (EV) charging points alongside the solar panels, creating a comprehensive green infrastructure and providing additional revenue streams.

To bring a report back to the Council within six months outlining the findings of the feasibility study, including a financial analysis, environmental benefits, and a plan for the phased installation of solar panels across council-owned car

(b)  Moved by Councillor P Baillie

“As Corporate Parents, Southampton City Council believes that our children in care should be given every chance to succeed.

Presently, children stop being in care when they reach the age of 18, even if they’re still living with their foster family. There is no minimum allowance paid to carers when the young person is old enough to leave foster care.

For most young people, they turn 18 during the academic year and the lack of an allowance may then lead some carers to stop caring for our young people, who are often then moved into alternative accommodation. This is a major upheaval during a very important time of their lives – a time where their full focus should be on their studies, rather than their living situation.

Rather than it stopping based on when the young person turns 18, which could be at any point during  ...  view the full agenda text for item 58.

(a)  Motion in the name of Councillor Blackman

This Council notes:

Southampton City Council is facing significant financial challenges, including rising costs, reduced government funding, and increasing demand for local services. As a result, it is essential that the Council make cost-effective investments to reduce operating costs, generate revenue, and improve long-term financial stability. The Council also recognizes the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, in line with the UK’s legally binding commitment to Net Zero by 2050.

One of our neighbouring councils, Portsmouth, gave the green light to a scheme in August 2023 to install over 7,000 solar panels over car parks in Portsmouth, plus provision for electric car charging. This project will not only help to meet environmental objectives but will also provide financial savings and new revenue streams from the sale of renewable energy.

This Council believes:

Investing in solar panels on council-owned car parks is a smart financial decision that can help Southampton reduce costs, generate additional income, and strengthen the city’s financial resilience. By following the example of Portsmouth, Southampton can demonstrate leadership in both environmental sustainability and sound financial management. Installing solar panels will not only help meet the city’s climate goals but also offer long-term savings, helping to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing the Council. It will also complement the Council's Climate Change and Green Infrastructure Strategies.

This Council resolves to:

1. Conduct a feasibility study on the installation of solar panels on council-owned car parks across Southampton, including key locations such as city centre car parks.
2. Assess the potential financial benefits of this investment, including savings on energy bills, income from selling surplus energy to the grid, and opportunities for securing external funding or green investment.
3. To explore the possibility of including electric vehicle (EV) charging points alongside the solar panels, creating a comprehensive green infrastructure and providing additional revenue streams.
4. To bring a report back to the Council within six months outlining the findings of the feasibility study, including a financial analysis, environmental benefits, and a plan for the phased installation of solar panels across council-owned car parks.

An Agreed Revised Motion was tabled at the meeting in the names of Councillor Blackman and Councillor Keogh.

Revised Motion moved by Councillor Blackman and seconded by Councillor Keogh

This Council notes:

Southampton City Council is facing significant financial challenges, including rising costs, reduced government funding, and increasing demand for local services. As a result, it is essential that the Council make cost-effective investments to reduce operating costs, generate revenue, and improve long-term financial stability.

The Council also recognizes the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions, and approved the Corporate Assets Decarbonisation Scheme, phase 2 in 2023. This scheme will deliver energy efficiency and renewable energy measures that have a positive return on investment, as well as delivering CO2e savings required to meet the Council’s ambitions to be net zero by 2030 and the city by 2035, in line with the UK’s legally binding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

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

It was noted that no requests for Questions from Members to the Chairs of Committees or the Lord Mayor had been received.

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

It was noted that Councillor Percival had been appointed to the Scrutiny Inquiry Panel.