Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

There were none

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 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.

Councillor Lucy Hodge stated that, as Cabinet Lead for Highways, she had been involved in conversations about the budget and so for transparency purposes, would not take part in the debate on that item.

Councillor Oli Henman stated that, as Cabinet Lead for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, he had been involved in conversations about the budget and so for transparency purposes, would not take part in the debate on that item.

There was none.

Councillor Shaun Hughes made a statement regarding emissions based parking charges in Midsomer Norton. A copy of the statement is appended to these minutes.

Following a question from Councillor Blackburn regarding WECA funding, Councillor Hughes explained that this had been limited investment for a redevelopment of the town square and town hall.

Councillor Halsall asked if there was evidence of people parking for more than 2 hours. Councillor Hughes explained that there has been no feasibility study, there is little evidence and the impact has not been assessed.

Councillor Moss raised the issue of collecting money – he asked how often parking enforcement officers were in the area. Councillor Hughes stated that it was on average every 3/6 months.

Becky Brooks (Director 3SG – Supporting Charities & Social Enterprises in BANES) made a statement on the budget proposals.

In response to a question from Councillor Henman, Becky Brooks explained that she has asked for a breakdown in terms of groups effected by the proposed cuts and will wait to see the detail.

Councillor Blackburn as if 3G had been asked for any input on the proposals. Becky Brooks explained that they had not been contacted.

Councillor Moss stated that the work that the 3^rd sector does is valued. Becky Brooks stated that she would welcome an opportunity to get around the table to discuss the proposals. A huge amount of anxiety is being felt.

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The Chair explained that a question and answer document had been circulated to Panel members and will be attached to these minutes. Questions had been received from:

Councillor Eleanor Jackson

Becky Brooks (Director 3SG) regarding budget proposals

The minutes of the 16^th January 2024 meeting will be circulated at a later date

The Chair explained that minutes for both the 16^th January 2024 and this meeting would come to the March meeting of the Panel for approval.

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Mark Elliott, introduced the item (officer support Andy Rothery, Executive Director - Resources). Councillor Elliott explained that it had been a very difficult budget setting round, the cost of living crisis equally effects the Council with the added demand in social services. He added that, despite this, he is pleased to present a robust and balanced budget proposal. He stated that he had heard representations from the third sector and would be considering what could be done. The Executive Director explained that this was the most difficult budget he had worked on.

The Chair invited Councillor Dine Romero, Chair of the Childrens, Adults, Health and Wellbeing PDS Panel, to make a comment on the budget proposals on behalf of her Panel. Councillor Romero first highlighted that the word ‘overspend’ was used regarding Children’s Services for example but a better phrase would be ‘increase in demand’. She explained that the Panel had picked up on a lack of detail in the budget proposals. She stated that there are concerns on the budget proposals but everybody understands the position. She stated that there was a lack of clarity on when the cuts would come in to play which was leading to more anxiety in the sector. She urged the Cabinet Member to reconsider the cuts put forward and at least work with the 3^rd Sector to explore timescales as they are often providing preventative services.

The Chair invited Councillor Andy Wait, Chair of the Climate Emergency and Sustainability PDS Panel, to make a comment on the budget proposals on behalf of his Panel. Councillor Wait stated that he sympathized with the Cabinet Member’s position which was caused by unfair treatment from central government who did not seem to appreciate the services of local authorities. Regarding the Climate Emergency area – he stated that there was now a small team in place and the Panel considered  policies that are driven by the Climate Emergency such as Liveable Neighbourhoods and the Clean Air Zone. He stated that the issue of parking charges in Midsomer Norton came up at the Panel meeting. He added that difficult decisions have to be made. He congratulated Councillor Sarah Warren and the Climate Emergency team on their achievements so far.

The Chair, Councillor Robin Moss explained that he would be making statements at Cabinet and Council reflecting general comments of PDS Panels.

Panel members raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Halsall asked for confirmation that Council would formalise the budget on 20^th February and that the Council is not in a section 114 situation. The Cabinet Member confirmed this.

Councillor Halsall referred to the change of format regarding Council Tax relief which people can be signposted to. The Cabinet Member stated that he was pleased to have passed this adjustment which will help those most vulnerable.

Councillor Halsall asked if the Cabinet Member would sit down and have a discussion with the 3^rd sector.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel. Any suggestions for further items or amendments to the current programme will be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel’s Chair and supporting officers.

The Panel noted the future workplan with the following additional items:

Commercial Estate

Aequus (consultants and tendering process)