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Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Council Offices, Woodgreen, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 1NB. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services 

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Items
No. Item

CL.194

Apologies for Absence

To receive any apologies for absence. The quorum for full Council is 13 Members.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Michael Brooker, David Cooper, Natalie King, Charlie Maynard, and Martin McBride.

 

Councillor Michele Mead left the meeting at the end of item 13.

 

Councillor Julian Cooper left the meeting at the end of item 13.

 

 

 

CL.195

Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations from Members of Council on any items to be considered at the meeting

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest made by members of the Council.

 

The Chair advised that in relation to Item 16 on the agenda, there was an exempt report relating to the salaries and terms and conditions of the Council’s Chief Officers. Those Officers would leave the room for the duration of that item.

 

CL.196

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 60 KB

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2024.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair requested a minor amendment relating to the Chair’s Reception held at Woodgreen.

Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, proposed that the minutes of the previous meeting of Council, held on Wednesday 25 September 2024, be agreed by Council as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chair of the Council subject to the minor amendment. This was seconded by Councillor Duncan Enright and was put to a vote.

There were 42 votes for, 0 votes against and 2 abstentions. The vote was carried.

Council resolved to:

1.    Agree the minutes of the previous meeting, held on Wednesday 25 September 2024 as a true and accurate record.

CL.197

Receipt of Announcements

To receive any announcements from the Chair, Leader, Members of the Executive or the Chief Executive.

Minutes:

Councillor Elizabeth Poskitt, the Chair of the Council, welcomed Members and Officers to the meeting. The Chair gave an update of their engagements since the last meeting of Council in September 2024 and also announced the following upcoming events:

  • There would be an event in aid of the Mayor’s charities on 31 January 2025 at Woodstock Town Hall and more information would follow.
  • Thanks were given to those who had bought cake and jam with the proceeds being donated to charity.
  • There was a Christmas staff event on the morning of 16 December at 10am -11am in the Committee Rooms downstairs at the Woodgreen Council Offices.
  • Congratulations were given to the newly elected Councillor Mike Baggaley for Chipping Norton.

 

Councillor Andy Graham, the Leader announced the following:

  • Various work was being carried out in regard to the winter fuel payment uplift program which was using data to target people at risk of crisis. The Council had communicated to residents about the support available, encouraging people to sign up to pension credit. The Executive Member for Stronger Healthy Communities would continue to work on this.
  • The Council had received Innovation Funding to increase participation and digital consultation for complex planning consultations. Officers were thanked for their work on the project. was. Members would be trained on how to use the platform.
  • The West Oxfordshire District Council Voice had been circulated at a cost of 60 pence per copy.  After a request from Councillor Ashby, The Leader confirmed he would ensure that the communications team would circulate electronic copies to Councillors and Town and Parish Councils.
  • The flooding impact was far worse than forecast by Environment Agency (EA) and the Met Office. The Council’s teams had responded to the situation quickly, carrying out door knocking on Monday evening. Officers at Ubico, within the flood management and emergency management teams, were thanked for their work.
  • The Chair added her sympathies to those who would be out of their homes due to the flooding.
  • In response to a query from a member, the Leader confirmed that it was an immediate priority to check sandbag stocks.

Councillor Duncan Enright, the Deputy Leader, announced the following:

  • Further sympathy was expressed to those impacted by the floods. There was a whole series of events and markets across the district. Woodstock Festival, Witney and Carterton Christmas Lights switch on and the Chipping Norton gift market was on 8 December. The Christmas market at Marriott’s walk was on from 5-8 December and would be larger than last year. Events were on Cotswold.com. The Deputy Leader wished everyone a Happy Christmas.

 

Councillor Andrew Prosser thanked staff for dealing with floods and Councillor Booker and colleagues within the fire department. He said that Miller’s Mews had also flooded but was grateful for the support received. There would be a route map published soon.

Councillor Geoff Saul – There were two bids on behalf of the Community Partnership that had been successful. Monday would see the start of 16 days of activism  ...  view the full minutes text for item CL.197

CL.198

Participation of the Public

A member of the public, who is a registered elector in the District, may ask questions of the Chair of Council, any Member of the Executive or the Chair of any Committee, on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the District.

 

A member of the public is limited to asking one such question at any meeting of the Council, other than Annual Council. No more than one question can be asked on behalf of any organisation or body at any Council meeting.

 

Notice that the question is to be asked, together with a written copy of the question, must be provided to the Director of Governance, via email to [email protected], and is to be received no later than noon on the seventh working day before the day of the meeting.

 

The deadline for submissions for public participation to be received by Democratic Services was 12.00pm on Monday 18 November 2024.

 

No questions from the public will be allowed where the requisite notice has not been given.

Minutes:

There was no public participation at the meeting.

CL.199

Questions by Members pdf icon PDF 59 KB

The following questions have been submitted by Members of Council to Members of the Executive, in accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (Constitution Part 5A, Rule 12).

 

Written responses will be circulated to Members and published on the Council’s website at least one working day prior to the meeting. A Member submitting a question is entitled to ask one supplementary question at the meeting which must arise directly from the question or the response to it.

 

The supplementary questions and answers will be detailed in the minutes of the meeting.

 

Question 1: Councillor Michele Mead to Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council

How many bookings have you received to hire the Chamber?

 

Question 2: Councillor Michele Mead to Councillor Duncan Enright, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economic Development

As yet another shop closes in Marriots walk please can we have a update on what the Executive are doing to fill these empty units?

 

Question 3: Councillor Ruth Smith to Councillor Rachel Crouch, Executive Member for Stronger Healthy Communities

What are the latest developments in the Council's work towards becoming a Local Authority of Sanctuary and what are the Council's next steps on this?

 

Question 4: Councillor Alex Wilson to Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council

Please could you confirm when a mental health champion will be in position?

 

Question 5: Councillor Jane Doughty to Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Social Care

How many homeless people is the Council aware of in West Oxfordshire and more specifically Witney?

 

Question 6: Councillor Jane Doughty to Councillor Geoff Saul, Executive Member for Housing and Social Care

Following on from that when was the last time the Council’s Housing Policy in relation to homeless people was reviewed and how frequently is this done?

 

Question 7: Councillor Thomas Ashby to Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, Executive Member for Environment

Given that West Oxfordshire District Council is recording a deficit in regard to Green Waste, will the Executive Member consider reducing the Green Waste Fee from the current £50 ahead of the 25/26 budget?

 

Question 8: Councillor Thomas Ashby to Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, Executive Member for Environment

There have been a number of complaints regarding trees.  There have been many claims of subsidence over the past few years within my ward, therefore there is a real need for the Tree Management Policy to be reviewed urgently.

 

Not only are there cases of subsidence, but many elderly residents are unable to afford Tree Surgeons to maintain Council owned shrubs, bushes and trees that are affecting their homes.  Please can the Executive Member start the review on the Tree Management Policy in January 2025, as this is a Policy which is now out of date.

 

Question 9: Councillor Thomas Ashby to Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, Executive Member for Environment

How many fly-tipping incidents have been reported?  How many that have been reported have had action taken against them? 

 

Please can the Executive Member review the Policy to ensure that all housing estates  ...  view the full agenda text for item CL.199

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Questions by Members, as listed on the agenda, and the responses to those questions, which were circulated in advance, were taken as read.

 

The Chair invited the questioners to ask a supplementary question if they wished and then invited the relevant Executive Members to respond.

 

The Written Questions, Written Answers, Verbal Supplementary Questions and Verbal Supplementary Answers are detailed in a separate document appended to the Minutes of the Meeting.

 

CL.200

Recommendations from the Executive pdf icon PDF 64 KB

Purpose:
To
receive and consider recommendations made by the Executive since the previous meeting of Council.

 

Recommendation:
Subject to the resolutions of the Executive on 20 November 2024, the Executive recommends that Council resolves to:

  1. Agree from 01 April 2025 to levy the maximum level of premium for Empty Homes as set out in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023:

i)               Premium of 100% for dwellings which are unoccupied and   substantially unfurnished (Empty Homes Premium) after 1 year up to 5 years of becoming empty;

ii)              Premium of 200% for dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (Empty Homes Premium) between 5 years and 10 years;

iii)            Premium of 300% for dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (Empty Homes Premium) for 10 years or more;

  1. Agree from 1 April 2025 to the implementation of a premium (Second Homes Premium) of 100% for dwellings that are no one’s sole or main residence and which are substantially furnished;
  2. Note that where premiums are to be applied, the Council is mindful of the outcome of the government consultation which recommends exceptions in certain circumstances outlined within the report may be amended, and as such guidance may change
  3. Agree that any amendments to the guidance which may change the criteria for Premiums be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Andy Graham, The Leader of the Council, referred to Councillor Smith, Executive

Member for Finance, to present the recommendation.

Councillor Smith explained that the recommendation was to introduce 100% Council Tax premiums on second homes from 1 April 2025 to levy the maximum level of premium for Empty Homes as set out in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 with graduated premiums for long term empty properties up to a 300% premium for properties empty for 10 years or more. This would incentivise owners to bring properties in to use and would also be a revenue stream to help to provide for local services.

In response to a question it was clarified that legislation determined the charge on substantially unfurnished properties and advice needed to be taken on what the maximum charge for the levy was under legislation.Councillor Andy Graham proposed that Council approve the recommendations 1-4.

This was seconded by Councillor Alaric Smith was put to a vote, and was there were 42 votes for, 1 against and 1 abstention. The vote was carried.

Council Resolved to:

1.    Agree from 01 April 2025 to levy the maximum level of premium for Empty Homes as set out in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023:

                      i.        Premium of 100% for dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (Empty Homes Premium) after 1 year up to 5 years of becoming empty;

                     ii.        Premium of 200% for dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (Empty Homes Premium) between 5 years and 10 years;

                    iii.        Premium of 300% for dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (Empty Homes Premium) for 10 years or more.

2.    Agree from 1 April 2025 to the implementation of a premium (Second Homes Premium) of 100% for dwellings that are no one’s sole or main residence and which are substantially furnished.

3.    Note that where premiums are to be applied, the Council is mindful of theoutcome of the government consultation which recommends exceptions in certain circumstances outlined within the report may be amended, and as such guidance may change.

4.    Agree that any amendments to the guidance which may change the criteria for Premiums be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance.


CL.201

Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles (Policy) Review 2024 pdf icon PDF 71 KB

Purpose:

The report details the proposed revisions to the Council’s Statement of Principles (Gambling Act 2005), based on legislative requirements, statutory guidance and any amendments following public consultation.

 

Recommendation:

The Licensing Committee on 19 November 2024 agreed to recommend to Council to:

  1. Approve the Statement of Principles; and,
  2. Agree that the Council continues to adopt a “no-casino resolution” for inclusions in the published Gambling Act 2005 Licensing Policy Statement.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr David Jackson, Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee, introduced the report that detailed the proposed revisions to the Council’s Statement of Principles (Gambling Act 2005), based on legislative requirements, statutory guidance and any amendments following public consultation.

 

Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 (the “Act”) required the licensing authorities before each successive period of three years to:

a) Prepare a statement of the principles that they propose to apply in exercising their

functions under this Act during that period, and;

 

b) Publish the statement.

 

The next “successive period” would start on 31 January 2025. However, the Statement needed to

be adopted by 31 December 2024 as it must be published at least 4 weeks before the date

on which it comes into effect on the authority’s website and also be available for inspection

by the public.

 

Before determining its Policy, the Authority was required to consult with the police, persons who represent the interests of gambling businesses and those who represent the interests

of persons who were likely to be affected by gambling businesses.

 

It was to be noted that there were no responses from consultees. The benefit of making a ‘no casino’ resolution meant that any applications for a casino in the West Oxfordshire District area would be determined by Full Council. If a ‘no casino’ resolution was not renewed, then if the operator had the necessary planning permission, it was likely that the application for a casino would automatically be granted.

Councillor David Jackson proposed that Council approve the recommendations.

This was seconded by Councillor Mark Walker, was put to a vote, and agreed unanimously.

Council resolved to:

1.    Approve the Statement of Principles; and,

Agree that the Council continues to adopt a “no-casino resolution” for inclusions in the published Gambling Act 2005 Licensing Policy Statement

 

 

 

CL.202

Review of standards arrangements pdf icon PDF 70 KB

Purpose:

To consider the Council’s Member Code of Conduct Complaint Handling Arrangements and the Standards Sub-Committee Procedure Rules following a review by officers.

 

Recommendation:

The Audit and Governance Committee on 26 September 2024 agreed to recommend that Council resolves to:

  1. Adopt the revised Member Code of Conduct Complaint Handling Arrangements (Annex A2).
  2. Adopt the revised Standards Sub-Committee Procedure Rules (Annex B2) following a review undertaken by officers and the three Independent Persons.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Carl Rylett, the Chair of the Audit Committee introduced the report, which considered the Council’s Member Code of Conduct Complaint Handling Arrangements and the Standards Sub-Committee Procedure Rules following a review by Officers and the Council’s Independent Persons.

There were a number of learnings taken from a complaint that progressed to the local hearing stage, which was the first hearing held since the incumbent Director of Governance joined the Council. The Council’s complaint handling arrangements and the Standards Sub-Committee Procedure Rules were considered to have generally worked well but could be strengthened in certain respects, in particular around complaints brought by third parties. Officers, following receipt of external legal advice and in conjunction with three Independent Persons, had reviewed the documents and presented amended versions showing changes which were attached at Annex A and B respectively. The main substantive changes were listed in the cover report.

Councillors queried the report and were provided with the following answers:

  • The changes in section 6.1 would be made and the error free version was being approved.
  • The Monitoring Officer could reopen the matter if further changes to either document was considered necessary in future.
  • Comments were made about the language being gender neutral and there was greater clarity around defining bullying and disrespect which provided more clarity for all.

 

Councillor Carl Rylett proposed that Council approve the recommendations.

This was seconded by Councillor Ruth Smith was put to a vote, and it was agreed unanimously.

Council resolved to:

  1. Adopt the revised Member Code of Conduct Complaint Handling Arrangements (Annex A2).
  2. Adopt the revised Standards Sub-Committee Procedure Rules (Annex B2)  

following a review undertaken by officers and the three Independent Persons

 


CL.203

Review of political proportionalities pdf icon PDF 65 KB

Purpose:

To review the political proportionalities on committees following receipt of a notice that a member has joined a group.

 

Recommendation:

That Council resolves to:

  1. Agree the political proportionalities as set out in Annex A.
  2. Appoint to any vacant seats on committees in accordance with the wishes of the political group to which the seat has been allocated, as expressed at the meeting.
  3. Note that any remaining vacancies on committees shall be appointed to by the Monitoring Officer in accordance with the wishes of the political group to which the vacant seat has been allocated and that Council will be asked to ratify and note any such appointments at the next ordinary Council meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Andy Graham, the Leader of the Council introduced the review of the political proportionalities on committees following receipt of a notice that a Member had joined a political group.

 

On Friday 15 November 2024 a notice was received by the Proper Officer confirming that

Councillor Michael Baggaley had joined the Liberal Democrat Group on the Council and

that a review of the political proportionalities on committees was requested. Councillor

Baggaley was elected at the Chipping Norton by-election held on 14 November 2024.

Annex A showed the proportionalities on committees with changes since the previous review

of political proportionalities, at the 22 May 2024 Annual Meeting of Council given in brackets. The Liberal Democrat Group had gained one seat on the Development Control Committee and one seat on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, both from the Labour Group. The Labour Group had a vacant seat on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and had been asked to confirm which Member would come off the Development Control Committee.

Where there were changes to be made to the membership of committees, the relevant group

leaders were asked to announce the nominated Members at the meeting alternatively notify the Monitoring Officer

for appointment under delegated authority. If required, the Monitoring Officer would use their delegated authority to appoint to vacancies on committees in accordance with the wishes of political groups (Constitution Part 5A, rule Such appointments would be reported to the next meeting of Council for noting and ratification.

 

Councillor Andy Graham proposed that Council approve the recommendations.

This was seconded by Councillor Duncan Enright, was put to a vote, and agreed unanimously.

Council resolved to:

1. Agree the political proportionalities as set out in Annex A.

2. Appoint Councillor Mike Baggaley to sit on the Overview &Scrutiny Committee and the Development Control Committee.

CL.204

Council Size Proposal (Phase 1 of the Electoral Review of West Oxfordshire District) pdf icon PDF 91 KB

Purpose:

To consider the submission of a Council Size Proposal to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England as part of the electoral review of West Oxfordshire, and any associated change to the electoral cycle for the district council and town and parish councils within the West Oxfordshire district area.

 

Recommendation:

That Council resolves to:

  1. Approve the Draft Council Size Proposal (Annex A) for submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
  2. Delegate authority to the Head of Democratic and Electoral Services, in consultation with the Chair of the Constitution Working Group, to make any minor amendments required to finalise the document to reflect the discussion at full Council, correct typographical errors or otherwise strengthen and improve the proposal document.
  3. Note that whole-Council elections will be held on new ward boundaries in May 2027 in any scenario.
  4. Agree in principle to move to whole-Council elections every four years from May 2027.
  5. Agree to convene a special meeting of full Council on 29 January 2025 at 4.00pm for the purpose of formally deciding whether to change the electoral cycle to whole-Council elections every four years from May 2027 (which will require a 2/3 majority at the specially convened meeting).
  6. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to seek the views of town and parish councils on whether to harmonise ordinary elections of all town and parish councils within the district area with district council elections from May 2027, in the event that the District Council does decide to move to whole-Council elections from May 2027.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Alaric Smith, as Chair of the Constitution Working Group, introduced the report that considered the submission of a Council Size Proposal to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England as part of the electoral review of West Oxfordshire, and any associated change to the electoral cycle for the District Council and Town and Parish Councils within the West Oxfordshire district area.

 

The Chair of the Constitution Working Group explained the following points;

  • There hadn’t been an electoral review of the district since 2001.

·         A review was now taking place and the outcomes would take effect from the local elections in 2027.

·         The aim was to address electoral inequalities whereby some wards contain too many or too few electors per councillor, as a result of new developments and population movements over time.

·         Phase 1 of the review was to consider the appropriate number of Councillors on the District Council.

·         The Draft Council Size Proposal at Annex A had been overseen by the cross-party Constitution Working Group and sought an unchanged size of 49 Councillors.

·         Having considered the issues and the results of the Member survey, the Working Group believed that 49 was the right number of Councillors for West Oxfordshire to ensure that the governance arrangements of the Council could continue to function and that communities across the District could be represented effectively. The size of 49 was supported by the vast majority of Members who completed the survey (and thanks was given to those of you who did so).

·         The size of the Council would ultimately be a decision for the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. The Council didn’t have to submit a Council Size Proposal but the Working Group believed that it was in the Council’s interests to do so to inform the Commission’s decision.

·         The Council also needed to consider whether it was wished to retain a mix of 1, 2 and 3 Member wards. If so, the Council would need to hold whole-Council elections every 4 years from 2027.

·         Any decision to change the electoral cycle could only be taken at a specially convened full Council meeting with a 2/3 majority in favour. This was the Working Group’s recommended option.

·         If it were to be decided to move to whole-Council elections then the Council would have the power to harmonise town and parish council elections with its own electoral cycle, should it wish to do so.

·         The alternative was to retain elections by thirds. This would require the Council to have a uniform pattern of 3-Member wards across the whole district. This would result in some extremely large 3-Member wards which would be challenging to represent effectively. The size of the Council would also need to be divisible by 3 (i.e. 48 or 51 Members but not 49).

·         Phase 2 of the review would involve consultation on ward boundaries once the Council size had been determined, and this phase would follow the County Council elections in May 2025.

CL.205

Polling District and Places Review pdf icon PDF 77 KB

Purpose:

To update Members on the review of the Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places within West Oxfordshire, following the public consultation which was in place from 24 September to 4 November 2024.

 

Recommendation:

That Council resolves to:

1.    Note the consultation feedback as set out in Annex A.

2.    Approve the recommended changes to polling districts and polling places as set out in Annex A.

3.    Approve the full schedule of polling districts and polling places set out in Annex B.

4.    Note that the Council will undertake a further review of polling districts and polling places following the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s electoral review of West Oxfordshire District Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Andy Graham, the Leader of the Council, introduced the report that updated Members on the review of the Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places within West Oxfordshire, following the public consultation which was in place from 24 September to 4 November 2024.

A review of parliamentary polling districts and polling places within the West Oxfordshire District Council area had been undertaken. The process had involved inviting representations from such persons thought to have particular expertise in relation to access to premises or facilities for persons with varying disabilities. Representations were also sought from political parties within the district, the various political groups on the Council and from Town & Parish Councils and Parish Meetings. The representations had been considered by the Constitution Working Group which had endorsed the recommended changes arising from the review which are set out in Annex A and summarised in section 3 of the report.

It was explained that the new County Council division changes resulted in 3 new polling districts within Witney. Members wished to thank the Electoral Services Manager and her team and the following points by Members were to be noted:

  • The next review would be undertaken before too long and the remaining issues could be sorted within that time.
  • In some places there were awkward arrangements i.e. in Curbridge parish with housing developments on the other side of A40.
  • Polling district JD2 was split and it was a long walk to Davenport Road. Polling Stations should be in heart of communities.
  • Regarding Shilton Old School, another polling district could be established in Bradwell Grove.

 

Councillor Andy Graham proposed that Council approve the recommendations.

 

This was seconded by Councillor Alaric Smith, was put to a vote, and there were 43 votes in favour and 1 abstention. The vote was carried.

 

Council resolved to:

1.    Note the consultation feedback as set out in Annex A.

2.    Approve the recommended changes to polling districts and polling places as set out in Annex A.

3.    Approve the full schedule of polling districts and polling places set out in Annex B.

4.    Note that the Council will undertake a further review of polling districts and polling places following the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s electoral review of West Oxfordshire District Council.

CL.206

Results of Member Survey on Meeting Start Times pdf icon PDF 63 KB

Purpose:

To report to Council the results of the Member Survey on Council start times which Council agreed to undertake following a trial of a 4.00pm start time for the 25 September full Council meeting.

 

Recommendation:

That Council resolves to:

  1. Note the report.
  2. Consider any proposal to change the start time of future Council meetings from the default start time of 2.00pm.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Andy Graham, the Leader of the Council, introduced the report that presented the results of the Member Survey on Council start times which Council agreed to undertake following a trial of a 4.00pm start time for the 25 September full Council meeting.

 

Full Council meetings presently started at 2.00pm.

 

The results of the survey were set out in Annex A and Annex B. Of the 31 Members who

responded, 13 (42%) favoured retaining a 2.00pm start time, 12 (39%) favoured moving to

4.00pm and 6 (19%) were unsure.

 

Councillor Andy Graham proposed that Council approve the recommendation to note the report. This was seconded by Councillor Duncan Enright.

 

Councillor Thomas Ashby proposed that Council change the start time of meetings to 4.00pm. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Liam Walker. The proposal was put to a vote, and there were 19 votes in favour, 20 votes against and 5 abstentions. The vote was not carried.

 

Council resolved to:

1.    Note the report.

CL.207

Motion A: Suicide Prevention (Proposer: Cllr Alex Wilson, Cllr Michele Mead)

We as a Council can and should be calling for further support for those who struggle with their mental health and the thoughts that may come from this. The motion below is a further step forward in the correct direction in supporting the many people who struggle and to assist our officers and Mental Health Champion, once chosen, to increase the support available.

Council resolves to:

1.       Join the Zero Suicide Alliance network.

2.       Promote existing safeguarding and suicide prevention training and resources to all council workers and signpost to the council’s wellbeing pages and Mental Health First Aiders.

3.       Include appropriate signposting to suicide prevention and/or mental health support in cost-of-living material, on the online community hub, and in arrears letters.

4.       For the Council Leader to write to local MPs informing them of the situation and calling for them to lobby for the increased awareness and for an increase in support of the national suicide prevention strategy put forward under the Conservative Government in September 2023.

Minutes:

Councillor Alex Wilson introduced the motion that was set out as follows:

We as a Council could and should be calling for further support for those who struggle with their mental health and the thoughts that may come from this. The motion was a further step forward in the correct direction in supporting the many people who struggle and to assist our officers and Mental Health Champion, once chosen, to increase the support available.

 

Councillor Alex Wilson proposed the motion and Councillor Liam Walker seconded the motion.

 

Councillor Steve Cosier explained that he felt there was moral case for supporting mental health and early help. Preservation and support of strategy goes beyond party politics. He wanted positive advocates for mental health and proposed an amendment. Councillor Stuart McCarroll seconded the amendment as he felt it would improve the motion.

 

Councillor Wilson accepted the amendment and Members thanked Councillor Wilson for his motion and his work around it. A Member suggested writing to the MP Layla Moran.

 

The motion was put to a vote, and it was agreed unanimously.

The Council resolved to:

1.           Join the Zero Suicide Alliance network.

2.           Promote existing safeguarding and suicide prevention training and resources to all council workers and signpost to the council’s wellbeing pages and Mental Health First Aiders.

3.           Include appropriate signposting to suicide prevention and/or mental health support in cost-of-living material, on the online community hub, and in arrears letters.

4.           For the Council Leader to write to local MPs informing them of the situation and calling for them to lobby for the increased awareness and for an increase in support of the national suicide prevention strategy put forward under the Conservative Government in September 2023

5.           Positive advocates to be provided for mental health.

 

 

 

 


CL.208

Matters exempt from publication

If Council wishes to exclude the press and public from the meeting during its consideration of the item on the exempt from publication part of the agenda, it will be necessary for Council to pass a resolution in accordance with the provisions of Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 specifying the grounds on which their presence could involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

 

Council may maintain the exemption if and so long as, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Minutes:

The press and public were excluded from the meeting during its consideration of  item 16. A resolution was passed in accordance with the provisions of Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 specifying the grounds on which their presence could involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.


CL.209

Salaries and Terms and Conditions of Chief Officers

Purpose:

Following formal Job Evaluation under the LGA Senior Management Evaluation Scheme (undertaken by South West Councils), to consider the salary for the Chief Executive Officer, Director of Finance and Director of Governance and Regulatory Services, to ensure that additional duties and Line Management responsibilities are reflected in salary and that salaries are consistent with that of the newly recruited Director of Place.

 

Initial agreement has been sought from the Leader and a recommendation was passed by Performance and Appointments Committee (13.11.24).

 

In addition, as per the WODC Constitution to move the Chief Executive. and Directors to the terms and conditions of Joint National Committee (JNC), from National Joint Council (NJC) which was also recommended to Council by the Performance and Appointments Committee (13.11.24).

 

Recommendation:

The Performance and Appointments Committee on 13 November 2024 agreed to recommend that Council resolves to:

1.    Approve the appropriate salary for the post of Chief Executive Officer, Director of Finance, and Director of Governance effective from 1 November 2024 and the movement to Joint National Committee (JNC) Terms and Conditions.

Minutes:

The purpose of the item was to consider the salary for the Chief Executive

Officer, Director of Finance and Director of Governance and Regulatory Services, to

ensure that additional duties and Line Management responsibilities are reflected in salary and that salaries are consistent with that of the newly recruited Director of Place.

 

Initial agreement had been sought from the Leader and a recommendation was passed by Performance and Appointments Committee (13.11.24).

In addition, as per the WODC Constitution to move the Chief Executive. and Directors to the terms and conditions of Joint National Committee (JNC), from National Joint Council (NJC) which was also recommended to Council by the Performance and Appointments Committee (13.11.24).

 

The Members discussed the item, it was put to a vote and the recommendations were agreed.

 

The Council resolved to:

1.    Approve the appropriate salary for the post of Chief Executive Officer, Director of Finance, and Director of Governance effective from 1 November 2024 and the movement to Joint National Committee (JNC) Terms and Conditions.