Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Jo Morrison  01225 394358

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Items
No. Item

53.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

The Chairman will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out under Note 8.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure, as set out on the agenda.

54.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to complete the green interest forms circulated to groups in their pre-meetings (which will be announced at the Council Meeting) to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman announced an interest on behalf of the Chief Executive and the Monitoring Officer in Appendix 2 (Scale of Fees) of agenda item 14 (Proposals for a Directly Elected Mayor) and explained that they would leave the meeting if this item needed to be discussed.

 

The Monitoring Officer declared a dispensation, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, for all Councillors who would have a disclosable pecuniary interest by living near a proposed Park & Ride site.

55.

MINUTES - 10th SEPTEMBER AND 16TH SEPTEMBER 2015 pdf icon PDF 123 KB

Both sets of minutes to be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair(man)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On a motion from Councillor Eleanor Jackson, seconded by Councillor Dine Romero, it was

 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of 10th September be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman;

 

and then on a further motion from Councillor Tim Warren and seconded by Councillor Jonathan Carr, it was

 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of 16th September be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

56.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OR FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

These are matters of information for Members of the Council. No decisions will be required arising from the announcements.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman made the customary housekeeping announcements regarding the webcast, mobile phones and meeting procedures.

 

He congratulated Councillor Shaun McGall on his recent wedding.

 

He invited the Chief Executive to update Council about the latest situation with Syrian Refugees.

57.

TO ANNOUNCE ANY URGENT BUSINESS AGREED BY THE CHAIRMAN

If there is any urgent business arising since the formal agenda was published, the Chairman will announce this and give reasons why he has agreed to consider it at this meeting. In making his decision, the Chairman will, where practicable, have consulted with the Leaders of the Political Groups. Any documentation on urgent business will be circulated at the meeting, if not made available previously.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no items of urgent business.

58.

QUESTIONS, STATEMENTS, PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

The Democratic Services Manager will announce any submissions received. The Council will be invited to decide what action it wishes to take, if any, on the matters raised in these submissions. As the questions received and the answers given will be circulated in written form there is no requirement for them to be read out at the meeting. The questions and answers will be published with the draft minutes.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman made reference to the Public Questions document which had been circulated to the meeting.

 

Joy Burt made a statement and handed in a petition of over 400 signatures calling for a ceiling on student numbers in the world heritage city of Bath.

 

Mr Ellis made a brief statement and handed in a petition of over 300 signatures concerning traffic problems on the Wellsway in Keynsham.

 

Jane Fox, on behalf of Tom Moat, made a statement supporting the continuation of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and objecting to the changes proposed to the funding.  In response to a question from Councillor Michael Evans about whether Ms Fox was aware that Academies are responsible for their own funding, she explained she was aware, but that take up was still far higher in private schools than in state schools which made it exclusive and more difficult to deliver.  In response to a question from Councillor Lisa Brett about the effect on smaller charities, Ms Fox responded that the changes to funding would make it very difficult for smaller groups to deliver.  Councillor Jackson expressed concern and queried whether the programme delivered through the Radstock Youth Centre would be affected, Ms Fox confirmed that it would apply to the Youth Centre who would need to provide the £1100 per annum and take on the additional workload.

 

Giles Denning made a statement supporting the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.  In response to a question from Councillor Michael Evans about whether Mr Denning was aware that he was working with officers to alleviate the cuts and it looked likely they would be able to continue with licensing and possibly other arrangements, Mr Denning said that he was not aware.

 

Nigel Whitfield, a volunteer Duke of Edinburgh Leader, made a statement about the benefits of open award centres.

 

Jemma Rowlandson made a statement also in support of open award centres, explaining that she had recently achieved her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award at one such centre.  In response to a question from Councillor Lisa Brett about whether she felt volunteers at open award centres would have the confidence to deliver the programme without the backing of the Local Authority, Ms Rowlandson responded that she felt it was important to have Local Authority support and backing.

 

Nigel Sherwin made a statement about cycling on the London Road and the Gateway scheme, Bath.  A full copy of his statement is linked to the minutes online.  In response to a question from Councillor Lin Patterson about whether his views had support of others, Mr Sherwin responded that over 1200 people had signed a petition when it was originally proposed, and all the cycling clubs avoid the London Road when possible although there isn’t really an alternative route.

 

Bryn Jones, Chair of Transition Larkhall, made a statement, a copy of which is linked to the online minutes, suggesting measures to reduce congestion and poor air quality on the A4/London Road into Bath.  In response to a question from Councillor Lin  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

Additional documents:

59.

Consultation on proposals for a Park & Ride east of Bath pdf icon PDF 967 KB

A new park and ride is part of a package of improvement works in and around the City, identified in the ‘Getting Around Bath’ transport strategy, which was approved by Council 14th November 2014.  The Cabinet, at its meeting on 8th July, agreed to undertake a public consultation on the options to identify a preferred location for a new Park & Ride east of Bath.  This report outlines the issues raised to date through the consultation process and the wider issues surrounding proposals for a Park and Ride facility to the east of Bath

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following submissions from over 80 members of the public about this issue, the Council considered the submissions to them and the report outlining the issues raised to date through the consultation process on proposals for a Park and Ride facility to the east of Bath.

 

On a motion from Councillor Tim Warren, seconded by Councillor Anthony Clarke, it was

 

RESOLVED

 

1.  To note the officer report, including the evidence of need and the results of the consultation.

 

2.  To reaffirm its commitment to delivering an East of Bath Park & Ride as part of an integrated transport strategy which also includes improvements to local rail services through the MetroWest project, investment in safe walking and cycling routes, support for local bus services, and progress towards an East of Bath link-road.

 

3.  To ask that the cross-party Local Development Framework Steering Group review all the options for the location of an East of Bath Park & Ride prior to Cabinet selecting a preferred site early next year, giving due consideration to the following:

 

·  The responses received to the East of Bath Park & Ride consultation;

 

·  The feasibility and deliverability of each site option;

 

·  The costs associated with each site option;

 

·  The transport benefits of each site option;

 

·  The visual impact of each site option.

 

4.  That, in addition, Cabinet and officers are also asked to give consideration to:

 

·  Measures to reduce the number of high-polluting vehicles entering Bath, such as a Low Emission Zone, alongside the delivery of the Park & Ride;

·  Measures to ensure the protection of bus services to the villages east of Bath alongside the delivery of the Park & Ride;

·  Measures to mitigate any visual and environmental impacts of the Park & Ride, whichever site is ultimately selected, including looking at ‘best practice’ examples from elsewhere in the country and abroad.

·  The potential of providing a shuttle-bus service from the new Park & Ride to the RUH.

 

5.  To ask that Cabinet and officers continue to engage with the Parish Councils and communities on the East of Bath on the proposals for a Park & Ride, and that once a site has been selected and more detailed proposals produced, further public engagement is undertaken as part of the planning process.

 

6.  That, alongside plans for an East of Bath Park & Ride, Cabinet is asked to develop a fully costed business case for an East of Bath link-road and continues efforts to work alongside our local MPs, neighbouring authorities, Highways England, the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and the Department for Transport to lobby for the necessary funding to deliver this project; and

 

7.  To call for the Communities, Transport and Environment Policy Development & Scrutiny Panel to undertake an open and transparent public scrutiny, examining a wide range of integrated transport solutions for the East of Bath.

 

[Notes;

1  During debate, an unsuccessful amendment was moved by Councillor John Bull and seconded by Councillor Neil Butters, covering much of the wording above, but without a specific commitment to an east of Bath Park & Ride, nor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

60.

Referendum on Proposal for Bath & North East Somerset Council to operate a Directly Elected Mayor and Cabinet Executive instead of a Leader and Cabinet Executive Model pdf icon PDF 100 KB

This report is to inform Council of the position following the receipt of a valid petition requesting a referendum on a move to a Directly Elected Mayor and Cabinet Executive form of governance, as required by Regulations 17 (1) and (2) of the Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions) (England) Regulations 2011 and Regulation 4 (1) of the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2012. It sets out the arrangements for following the process required by legislation and also makes proposals for operating a Directly Elected Mayor and Cabinet Executive model in the event of a vote in favour of a directly elected mayor in the referendum. It also includes proposals relating to fees payable for the referendum and other elections.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following adjournment of the meeting, this item was deferred until the next meeting to take place on December 17th 2015.

61.

Bath & North East Somerset Local Development Scheme 2015-2019 pdf icon PDF 92 KB

This report seeks the agreement of the revised Bath & North East Somerset Local Development Scheme in order to establish the priorities for the preparation of Planning Policy documents for the period 2015-2019.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following adjournment of the meeting, this item was deferred until the next meeting to take place on December 17th 2015.

62.

The Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTS) 2016-17 pdf icon PDF 87 KB

To consider a proposal for continuation of the Local Council Tax Support scheme (LCTS) into its fourth year, with the policy to incorporate uprating of national personal allowances and benefits as necessary.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following adjournment of the meeting, this item was deferred until the next meeting to take place on December 17th 2015.

63.

Parish Councils: Local Council Tax Support Scheme Grant pdf icon PDF 79 KB

The grant the Council currently pays to Parish, Town Councils and the Charter Trustees in respect of the introduction of the Local Council Tax Support Scheme has been reviewed as part of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Planning process.

 

This report proposes reductions to the level of grant paid in 2016/17 and the phasing out of the remaining grant from 2017/18, in light of the reductions already made to the Council’s core funding received from central government and the further reductions anticipated over the next four years.

 

A Council decision is required ahead of the Budget setting meeting in February so parishes can be notified and factor the change in grant into their upcoming precept setting decisions.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following adjournment of the meeting, this item was deferred until the next meeting to take place on December 17th 2015.

64.

Review of the Council's Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 pdf icon PDF 100 KB

The Gambling Act 2005 (The Act) requires that licensing authorities review their Statement of Principles with regard to gambling every three years.  Following the completion of a consultation exercise, and a recommendation from the Licensing Committee, Council is asked to consider the responses received and the officer recommendations, before adopting the proposed Statement of Principles provided in Annex B.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following adjournment of the meeting, this item was deferred until the next meeting to take place on December 17th 2015.

65.

Request by Dunkerton Parish Council to change its name to Dunkerton and Tunley Parish Council pdf icon PDF 70 KB

The Dunkerton Parish Council, in the district of Bath and North East Somerset wishes to change its name to Dunkerton and Tunley Parish Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following adjournment of the meeting, this item was deferred until the next meeting to take place on December 17th 2015.

66.

Required and Proposed Amendments to the Constitution pdf icon PDF 113 KB

This report sets out several proposed amendments to the Constitution.  Appendices 1 – 6 deal with updates required to Contract Standing orders; Procurement Regulations, Budget Management and Financial Regulations, following scrutiny by the Corporate Audit Committee,  Appendices 7 – 8 were drawn up following discussions with the Constitution Working Group.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following adjournment of the meeting, this item was deferred until the next meeting to take place on December 17th 2015.

67.

Treasury Management Monitoring Report to 30th September 2015 pdf icon PDF 205 KB

In February 2012 the Council adopted the 2011 edition of the CIPFA Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice, which requires the Council to approve a Treasury Management Strategy before the start of each financial year, review performance during the year, and approve an annual report after the end of each financial year.

 

This report gives details of performance against the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Plan 2015/16 for the first six months of 2015/16.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following adjournment of the meeting, this item was deferred until the next meeting to take place on December 17th 2015.

68.

Motion from the Labour group - Trade Union Bill pdf icon PDF 37 KB

To be moved by Councillor Robin Moss on behalf of the Labour group.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following adjournment of the meeting, this item was deferred until the next meeting to take place on December 17th 2015.

69.

QUESTIONS, STATEMENTS, PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS FROM COUNCILLORS

The Democratic Services Manager will announce any submissions received. The Council will be invited to decide what action it wishes to take, if any, on the matters raised in these submissions. As the questions received and the answers given will be circulated in written form there is no requirement for them to be read out at the meeting. The questions and answers will be published with the draft minutes.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Following adjournment of the meeting, a statement from Councillor Will Sandry on Moorland Road was deferred until the next meeting to take place on December 17th 2015.