Agenda and minutes

The Chair will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out under Note 5.

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

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 4.4 Appendix 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.

Disclosable pecuniary interests were declared by Councillors Oli Henman and Joel Hirst in item 10 – Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

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

On a motion from Councillor Eleanor Jackson, and seconded by Councillor Kevin Guy, it was

RESOLVED that the minutes of 25^th May 2023 and 15^th June 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Chair was pleased to announce that the seven parks and green spaces managed by Bath & North East Somerset Council have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for being welcoming places that are safe and secure, clean and well maintained and fulfil sustainable and conservation requirements.

If there is any urgent business arising since the formal agenda was published, the Chair will announce this and give reasons why it has been agreed for consideration at this meeting. In making this decision, the Chair 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.

There were no urgent items.

To note that Councillors Liz Hardman and Grant Johnson were elected to the Paulton ward on 22^nd June 2023.

Members noted that Councillors Liz Hardman and Grant Johnson had been elected to the Paulton ward on 22^nd June 2023.

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.

Statements were made by the following members of the public;

Debbie Andrews made a statement regarding the nuisance from seagulls.  A copy of the statement has been placed on the Minute book and attached to the online record.  Mrs Andrews provided a number of examples of how seagulls were negatively impacting residents’ lives and called on the Council to provide funding for a solution.  Councillor June Player asked Mrs Andrews if she would like the Council to petition Natural England to allow egg and nest removal, to which Mrs Andrews replied that she definitely would like that, as the chicks needed to be taken to a more appropriate place.  Councillor Tim Warren commented that nest removal used to take place and asked if Mrs Andrews had noticed an increase in the problem since this had stopped.  Mrs Andrews replied that she definitely had.

Adam Reynolds made a statement raising two concerns; the Somer Valley Links consultation and urged councillors to attend the consultation events and delivery issues of the Liveable Neighbourhood trials, calling for the focus to change so that officer time was not spent on the wrong aspects.  A copy of the statement has been placed on the Minute book and attached to the online record.

Chad Allen made a statement outlining his concerns about the destructive effect of English Ivy on buildings and other trees and challenged the position of the Royal Horticultural Society on ivy.

Natalie Barnett from Climate Hub B&NES made a statement calling for a permanent Climate hub to be provided in Bath city centre and setting out the reasons why this was necessary.  A copy of the statement has been placed on the Minute book and attached to the online record.  Councillor Kevin Guy asked if Ms Barnett would like to meet with the relevant Cabinet Member to discuss this, to which she replied that that would be great.  Councillor Liz Hardman asked why a physical space was needed to which Ms Barnett responded that they had considerable experience doing pop ups, but there were benefits that arose from a permanent physical focus.  Councillor Shaun Hughes asked about plans to expand into North East Somerset, to which Ms Barnett responded that Bath was the current focus, but they would like to expand to other areas such as Keynsham and Midsomer Norton.

Leigh Samways from the Moorland Road Traders’ Association made a statement expressing the community’s concern about the Residents’ Parking zone (RPZ) in the Westmoreland/Oldfield Park area and the impact it will have on local businesses and shops.  She acknowledged the efforts that had been made recently by the Council to listen to and address their concerns and called on the Council to keep engaging with them so that their vibrant community was not negatively affected.  Councillor Colin Blackburn noted that the signs for the RPZ had already gone up, 6 weeks before the scheme starts, and wondered if they felt this would have a detrimental effect on the community while they were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

This report invites the Council to consider the annual business items that were deferred from the 25^th May 2023 Council.

The Council considered a report which covered those aspects of annual business which had not been able to be considered at the May AGM, due to the delayed Paulton election.

On a motion from Councillor Kevin Guy, seconded by Councillor Robin Moss, it was unanimously

RESOLVED to

1.  Approve the revised political proportionality table for the composition of committees and panels and the appointment of Members to those bodies in accordance with the requirements of political proportionality;

2.  Expressly disapply the proportionality rule to the Restructuring Implementation Committee (with no Councillor voting against), as set out in section 3.9 of the report;

3.  Agree the allocation of Political Assistants and Group Support Officers as set out in Appendix 2 of the report; and

4.  Authorise the Monitoring Officer to make and publicise any amendment to the Council’s Constitution required, or take any other necessary action, as a result of decisions taken at this meeting on this and other reports within the agenda, or otherwise as required by law.

The Independent Remuneration Panel on Members’ Allowances were asked by Council on 25^th May 2023 to specifically consider the new role of Cabinet Project Lead and whether an allowance was appropriate.  They met on 19^th June to consider this and their recommendations are included in the report.

Councillors Oli Henman and Joel Hirst had previously declared a disclosable pecuniary interest for this item and left the Chamber for the duration of the item, taking no part in the debate or vote.

The Independent Remuneration Panel on Members’ Allowances were asked by Council on 25^th May 2023 to specifically consider the new role of Cabinet Project Lead and whether an allowance was appropriate.  They met on 19^th June to consider this.

On a motion from Councillor Kevin Guy, seconded by Councillor Sarah Warren, it was

RESOLVED to

1.  Note the comments and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) on Members’ Allowances, as set out in Section 3 of the report;

2.  Agree that the job description for the role be slightly revised to reflect the volume of work and nature of the role, as attached at Appendix 1 to the report, and that should this be incorporated into the Councillor Roles document linked from the Code of Conduct in the Constitution;

3.  Agree that the Cabinet Project Lead role be paid an allowance equivalent to 1 x the basic allowance (currently £10,225);

4.  Agree the necessary changes to the Constitution sections regarding Cabinet arrangements, as set out at Section 3.7 of the report to include the new allowance in Schedule 1 Part 1 of the Constitution;

5.  Agree to increase the allowance rate for IRP members from £50 to £70 per meeting as set out in section 4.5 of the report; and

6.  Formally thank the Panel for their work.

[Notes;

1.  The above successful resolution was carried with 38 Councillors voting in favour, 5 Councillors voting against and 5 Councillors abstaining.]

The Council has a scheme to appoint Member Advocates who provide a voice for certain interests within the Council or community.

The Council considered a report appointing Member Advocates who provide a voice for certain interests within the Council or community.

On a motion from Councillor Kevin Guy, seconded by Councillor Robin Moss, it was

RESOLVED to

1.  Appoint the following Councillors as Member Advocates;

Cllr Jess David      - Green Infrastructure & Nature Recovery

Cllr Fiona Gourley    - Rural communities

Cllr Kevin Guy      - Armed Forces and Veterans

Cllr Alan Hale      - Safer Roads

Cllr Ian Halsall      - Engagement with Students

Cllr Liz Hardman      - Looked After Children

Cllr Saskia Heijltjes    - Active Travel – Bath

Cllr John Leach      - Climate Adaptation

Cllr Ruth Malloy      - Great Spa Towns of Europe

Cllr Ruth Malloy      - Twinning

Cllr Sarah Moore      - Accessibility

Cllr Michelle O’Doherty     - Homeless people

Cllr Shaun Stephenson McGall  - Active Travel – NE Somerset

Cllr Shaun Stephenson McGall  - LGBTQ+ issues

Cllr Sam Ross  - Rural Housing and community buildings

Cllr George Tomlin  - Social Housing Tenants

Cllr Andy Wait  - Rivers and waterways

2.  Agree the updated Member Advocate role description; and

3.  Invite the above Councillors to report briefly to the Council AGM each year on their activity.

The council’s Corporate Strategy will guide council activity and budget planning over the next four years. This report invites Council to adopt the Corporate Strategy and its associated outcomes framework as set out in the appendix.

The Council considered the Corporate Strategy and its associated framework which will guide council activity and budget planning over the next four years.

Councillor Robin Moss, Chair of the Corporate Policy Development & Scrutiny Panel, presented the comments from the Panel, which looked at the wider national context as well as the local picture.

On a motion from Councillor Dave Wood, and seconded by Councillor Sarah Warren, it was unanimously

RESOLVED to adopt the Corporate Strategy 2023-2027 as set out in the appendix to the report.

At its meeting of 16 March 2023, Council resolved to pursue and formalise a friendship agreement between B&NES Council and the city of Oleksandriya.  Delegated authority was given to the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council to negotiate, agree and sign the friendship agreement on behalf of B&NES Council. The Leader has exercised this authority and Council is now invited to give its approval to invite the Mayor of Oleksandriya City Council to counter-sign the document on 21 July 2023.

At its meeting of 16 March 2023, the Council resolved to pursue and formalise a friendship agreement between B&NES Council and the city of Oleksandriya.  Delegated authority was given to the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council to negotiate, agree and sign the friendship agreement on behalf of B&NES Council. The Leader has exercised this authority and Council is now invited to give its approval to invite the Mayor of Oleksandriya City Council to counter-sign the document.

On a motion from Councillor Kevin Guy, seconded by Councillor Chris Dando, it was unanimously

RESOLVED to

1.  Note the attached friendship agreement developed in collaboration between Bath and North East Somerset Council, Oleksandriya City Council and local group - Friends of Oleksandriya;

2.  Note that the Leader, under delegated authority provided by Council – 16 March 2023, has signed the friendship agreement on behalf of B&NES Council; and

3.  Give its approval to invite the Mayor of Oleksandriya City Council to counter-sign and finalise the friendship agreement on behalf of Oleksandriya City Council.

Treasury risk management at the Authority is conducted within the framework of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice 2021 Edition (the CIPFA Code), 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 within six months after the end of each financial year.  This report gives details of performance against the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23.

The Council considered a report giving details of performance against the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23.

On a motion from Councillor Mark Elliott, and seconded by Councillor Robin Moss, it was unanimously

RESOLVED to agree that;

1.  The Treasury Management Report to 31^st March 2023, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Treasury Code of Practice, is noted; and

2.  The Treasury Management Indicators to 31^st March 2023 are noted.

The Avon Pension Fund Committee discharges the responsibilities of the Council in its role as the administering authority of the Avon Pension Fund in accordance with the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013 (as amended).  The APF Committee recommended a change in the quorum of the committee set out in its Terms of Reference (ToR) at its last meeting on 23 June 2023 and seek Council approval for the change.

The Avon Pension Fund Committee recommended a change in the quorum of the committee set out in its Terms of Reference (ToR) at its last meeting on 23^rd  June 2023 and this report seeks Council approval for the change.

On a motion from Councillor Paul Crossley, seconded by Councillor Chris Dando, it was unanimously

RESOLVED

1.  To approve the Terms of Reference of the APF Committee and Investment Panel including the change to the quorum in Appendix 1 of the report.

To consider the annual report of the Standards Committee.

The Council considered the annual report of the Standards Committee.

On a motion from Councillor Toby Simon, and seconded by Councillor Michelle O’Doherty, it was unanimously

RESOLVED to note the work of the Standards Committee as set out in the Annual report (Appendix 1).

On a motion from Councillor Paul May, and seconded by Councillor Michelle O’Doherty, it was unanimously

RESOLVED that

Council:

1. Is horrified by incidents of knife crime in Bath and North East Somerset and expresses deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims and to all those people who are affected.

2. Notes the Police instruction against reporting, commentary or sharing of information or images online which could in any way prejudice proceedings. Notes that any juvenile defendants are legally entitled to anonymity, and that it is an offence to publicly name them while reporting restrictions are in place.

3. Thanks Police officers, the Ambulance service and other public services for their response.

4. Welcomes the support offered to young people locally by the emergency services, Children’s and Adults social care, voluntary and community organisations and others.

5. Notes with concern that some young people are becoming increasingly afraid of knife crime.

6. Notes that Avon and Somerset Police say the vast majority of young people do not routinely carry knives.

7. Welcomes the preventative work carried out in partnership with the Council by the Police, NHS, Council services, youth and voluntary organisations, and other agencies to tackle the complex root causes of knife crime.

8. Recognises the vital role of the B&NES Community Safety and Safeguarding Partnership and Violence Reduction Unit; the Serious Violence Duty of councils and local services, including preparation of a Strategic Needs Assessment and a Strategy by April 2024.

9. Notes the importance of continuing regular engagement between the Council, Police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

10. Recognises the importance of education to divert young people away from crime and keep them safe and calls for information and support to continue to be provided through schools and other educational settings.

11. Recognises that Avon and Somerset Police participate in Operation Sceptre, a national initiative to tackle knife crime through education and enforcement.

12. Notes that the Police encourage parents and adults to talk with young people about the dangers and potentially devastating consequences of carrying a knife.

13. Notes that knife surrender bins are provided outside Police stations across the area, including in Bath, Radstock and Keynsham.

14. Supports Police and charity efforts to make emergency bleed control kits publicly accessible and to raise awareness of the role these can play in saving lives.

15. Notes that the BCSSP (B&NES Community Safety and Safeguarding Partnership) and Violence Reduction Unit will need to consider the multi-agency response and will determine next steps.

16. Welcomes the proposal by the Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing PDS Panel to hold an investigation into the issue of young people and knives in B&NES, to identify other successful projects to reduce knife crime and draw up an action plan for B&NES.

17. Suggests that young people impacted by these issues, and their families, should be invited to give evidence of their experiences and inform responses.

18. Welcomes the proposal from the Cabinet member for Children’s Services of holding a multi-agency meeting to brief and listen to parent concerns.

[Notes:

1.  The underlined  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Councillor Onkar Saini made a statement about the proposed closure of train ticket offices, calling on his fellow Councillors to engage in the consultation to ensure the needs of vulnerable groups in the community are considered.  A full copy of the statement has been placed on the Minute book and linked to the online minutes.  Councillor Kevin Guy asked if Councillor Saini would welcome him writing to the Minister to express the Council’s position, to which Councillor Saini responded that he would.

Councillor Ruth Malloy made a statement about single use vapes, calling on the Council to back the Local Government Association in calling for a ban on the sale and manufacture of single-use vapes, for both health and environmental reasons. A full copy of the statement has been placed on the Minute book and linked to the online minutes.  Councillor Paul May asked if Councillor Malloy would welcome an item on the Health & Wellbeing Board agenda on this issue, to which she replied that she very much would.

The Chair thanked the Councillors for their statements, which would be considered by the relevant Cabinet Members.