Agenda and minutes

The Council held a minutes silence in respect of David, Lord Stoddart of Swindon who had represented Swindon as a Member of Parliament between 1970 and 1983 and who had subsequently sat as a Member of the House of Lords.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Emma Bushell, Oladapo Ibitoye and Vera Tomlinson.

The Chief Executive reported that that correspondence had been received from Justin Tomlinson MP and Robert Buckland MP in respect to assaults on retail workers (Minute 23 refers) and from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in respect of a Council Motion on Greyhound Racing.

Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting held on 1^st October 2020 be confirmed and signed.

The Worshipful The Mayor reminded Members of the need to declare any known interests in any matters to be considered at the meeting.  No declarations were made.

Mr Roy Worman submitted a public question regarding the introduction of 20mph speed limits. The Leader of the Council responded that a written response had been tabled.

Mr Roy Worman asked a supplemental question regarding information sought from other local authorities in respect of the introduction of speed limits.  The Cabinet Member for Highways, Maintenance and Waste Services responded at the meeting.  

Councillor Steve Heyes will move and Councillor Cllr Bazil Solomon will second:

“This Council fully supports the current RSPCA campaign that recognises that whilst fireworks are exciting and fun for many of us, they can also pose significant problems for other people and animals. “Fireworks can be a source of fear and distress for many animals (including pet animals, farm livestock and wildlife). Animals affected not only suffer psychological distress but can also cause themselves injuries – sometimes very serious ones – as they attempt to run away or hide from the noise”.

This Council resolves:

Continue to require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

This Council Further Requests that:

That the Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety will write to the Minister with Responsibility for Fireworks at the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private display.”

Councillor Steve Heyes moved and Councillor Cllr Bazil Solomon seconded:

“This Council fully supports the current RSPCA campaign that recognises that whilst fireworks are exciting and fun for many of us, they can also pose significant problems for other people and animals. “Fireworks can be a source of fear and distress for many animals (including pet animals, farm livestock and wildlife). Animals affected not only suffer psychological distress but can also cause themselves injuries – sometimes very serious ones – as they attempt to run away or hide from the noise”.

This Council resolves:

Continue to require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

This Council Further Requests that:

That the Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety will write to the Minister with Responsibility for Fireworks at the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private display.”

The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor Claire Crilly will move:

“This Council recognises that:

• Lower speeds lead to safer streets which are easier for cycling and walking. Reducing the speed limit to 20 mph is recognised as one of the simplest ways to reduce road casualties and make streets feel safer.
• The risk of serious injury or death to pedestrians or cyclists increases disproportionately as speeds increase. At an impact speed of 30 km/h (18.5 mph) more than 95% of the pedestrians survive a crash with a passenger car; at an impact speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph) approximately 85% of the pedestrians survive such a crash¹.
• 20 mph is a much safer speed — a study into 20 mph zones in London found that casualties fell by an average of 42%².
• Lower speed limits are also linked with increased cycling and walking. In the Netherlands 30 km/h (18.5 mph) covers 70%³ of the residential street network and is deemed a safe speed for cyclists, pedestrians and light vehicles to mix.
• 20mph as the standard urban speed limit has become more and more widespread in recent years, with many towns and cities adopting this approach. Bristol, Oxford and Newcastle are just a few of the areas that are returning speeds to 20mph. 
• Potential non-compliance with the limit from a proportion of road users is not a sufficient reason for inaction and that lower average speeds will represent an important step in encouraging sustainable and healthier transport options in the town.

This Council calls upon the Cabinet Member for Transport to take a lead and ensure that 20mph should become the standard speed for most streets in the built-up areas of Swindon. Exceptions would only be permitted where there is a strategic traffic function requiring higher speeds.”

With the consent of Council, Councillor Claire Crilly moved and Councillor Steve Allsopp seconded an altered motion as set out in the Supplementary Papers:

“This Council recognises that:

•   Lower speeds lead to safer streets which are easier for cycling and walking. Reducing the speed limit to 20 mph is recognised as one of the simplest ways to reduce road casualties and make streets feel safer.

•   The risk of serious injury or death to pedestrians or cyclists increases disproportionately as speeds increase. At an impact speed of 30 km/h (18.5 mph) more than 95% of the pedestrians survive a crash with a passenger car; at an impact speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph) approximately 85% of the pedestrians survive such a crash1.

•   20 mph is a much safer speed — a study into 20 mph zones in London found that casualties fell by an average of 42%2.

•   Lower speed limits are also linked with increased cycling and walking. In the Netherlands 30 km/h (18.5 mph) covers 70%3 of the residential street network and is deemed a safe speed for cyclists, pedestrians and light vehicles to mix.

•   20mph as the standard urban speed limit has become more and more widespread in recent years, with many towns and cities adopting this approach. Bristol, Oxford and Newcastle are just a few of the areas that are returning speeds to 20mph.

•   Potential non-compliance with the limit from a proportion of road users is not a sufficient reason for inaction and that lower average speeds will represent an important step in encouraging sustainable and healthier transport options in the town.

Therefore, Council calls for a Cabinet report on how 20mph limits become the standard speed for most streets in the built-up areas of Swindon. Exceptions would only be permitted where there is a strategic traffic function requiring higher speeds.’

Councillor Roger Smith moved and Councillor Vinay Manro seconded that the Motion be amended to read:

“This Council voted through an almost identical Motion on 20mph in September 2018.

The position remains the same and this Council continues to:

• Recognise there can be benefits to areas with 20mph speed limits, including to public safety and encouraging more physical activity, such as walking and cycling.

• Support the implementation, where applicable, of 20mph speed limits in line with the Council’s current policy as stated on our website and where it has the support of Ward Councillors.

This Council further notes that:

• The Cabinet Forward Tracker for February 2021 includes a report on updating our accident reduction strategy. The new strategy and the Cabinet report is currently being drafted and is likely to impact on our existing approach to 20mph speed limits.

• The Council currently justifies and prioritises road safety schemes using historic records of where accidents are taking place. The Cabinet Member is currently exploring a move to a “risk based” approach where priority will be given to locations where the risk of serious injury or death can be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

Councillor Carol Shelly will move:

“The Council agrees to ask the Cabinet to consider finding the resources needed, so that the council can provide food vouchers for children on free school meals during the Christmas school holidays. “

This Motion was withdrawn.

Councillor Oliver Donachie will move:

“This council requires the leader of the council to report to all members of the Council within 90 days confirmation that any action agreed by a motion to council has been complied with and providing evidence of this compliance.

Where compliance has not taken place the leader of the council will be required to produce a report for the next council meeting outlining the reasons for non-compliance so members can debate the progress of the motion and resolve if any new action is required. “

Councillor Oliver Donanchie moved and Councillor Emma Faramarzi seconded:

“This Council requires the Leader of the Council to report to all members of the Council within 90 days confirmation that any action agreed by a motion to council has been complied with and providing evidence of this compliance.

Where compliance has not taken place the leader of the council will be required to produce a report for the next council meeting outlining the reasons for non-compliance so members can debate the progress of the motion and resolve if any new action is required.”

Councillor Oliver Donachie moved and Councillor Emma Faramarzi seconded that the Motion be amended to read:

“This Council requires the Leader of the Council to report to all members of the Council within 90 days confirmation that any action agreed by a motion to council has been complied with and providing evidence of this compliance.

Where compliance has not taken place the leader of the council will be required to produce a report for the next council meeting outlining the reasons for non-compliance so members can debate the progress of the motion and resolve if any new action is required.

This Council recommends that the Corporate Governance Working Group additionally review issues arising out of the recording of actions following from Council motions.” 

The amendment was put to the vote and declared lost.

Councillor Matthew Courtliff moved and Councillor Jenny Jefferies Seconded that the Motion be amended to read:

“This Council requires the Leader of the Council to report to all members of the Council within 90 days confirmation that any action agreed by a motion to council has been complied with and providing evidence of this compliance.

Where compliance has not taken place the leader of the council will be required to produce a report for the next council meeting outlining the reasons for non-compliance so members can debate the progress of the motion and resolve if any new action is required.

This Council recommends that the Corporate Governance Working Group review issues arising out of the recording of actions following from Council motions.” 

The amendment was put to the vote and declared carried.

The Substantive Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor Oliver Donachie will move:

“The council wishes the cabinet to consider as part of the budget process, ongoing funding to enable on an annual basis, member training on how to deal with, and the options open to them, when they experience undue influence or intimidation of any kind in relation to their role as a Councillor and the decision they have to make.”

With the Consent of Council, Councillor Oliver Donachie moved and Councillor Robert Jandy seconded an altered motion that had been circulated prior to the meeting:

Councillor Oliver Donachie moved and Councillor Robert Jandy seconded:

“The Council wishes the cabinet to consider as part of the budget process, ongoing funding to enable on an annual basis, member training on how to deal with, and the options open to them, when they experience undue influence or intimidation of any kind in relation to their role as a Councillor and the decision they have to make.”

This Council:

•   Condemns any form of bullying or intimidation against both Members and Officers

•   Once again, extends an invitation to Group Leaders to attend the Member Development CMAG for which details have been provided to them.

This Council Requests that:

•   The Cabinet Member for Organisational Excellence forward this request to the Members Development to add to the work already being carried out in this area.”

The Motion, as amended was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor Paul Dixon will move:

This council notes:

·         That the council is making increased efforts to drive to the provision of digital services to improve efficiency and to save costs, and that the Coivd19 outbreak has increased challenges for the council’s service provision.

·         However, it also recognises that a significant number of residents do not have access to the technology to access services online or lack the skills and support to do this, and that consequently some residents are struggling to access basic council services.

·         That although it is still possible for residents to book slots at Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) by phone the council is not advising residents of this option unless pressed.

·         That council communications state that non-emergency housing repairs requests can only be made online through the ‘My Housing Tenancy’ portal, and that there have been cases of vulnerable residents struggling to be allowed to report repairs by phone.

This Council agrees:

·         That whilst it continues to strive for increased efficiency and performance through its digitalisation drive it has an obligation to provide access to services to the same level of efficiency to those residents who cannot access them digitally.

·         To amend and improve its communications to residents to make it clear that its services can still be accessed by non-digital means either over the phone or in writing.

·         To invest in its phone and in-person customer services operations to ensure it is resident-focussed and efficient and that staff are properly trained to advise customers of the services available to them.

·         To ensure council tenants are made aware that they are still able to report housing repairs by means other than the online ‘My Housing Tenancy’ portal.”

With the Consent of Council, Councillor Paul Dixon moved and Councillor Robert Jandy seconded an altered motion that had been circulated prior to the meeting:

‘This Council notes:

•   That the council is making increased efforts to drive to the provision of digital services to improve efficiency and to save costs, and that the Coivd19 outbreak has increased challenges for the council’s service provision.

•   That although it is still possible for residents to book slots at Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) by phone the council is not advising residents of this option unless pressed.

•   There have been cases of residents struggling to report repairs by phone.

This Council further recognises:

•   That a significant number of residents do not have access to the technology to access services online or lack the skills and support to do this, and that consequently some residents are struggling to access basic council services.

This Council requests that the Cabinet Member for Organisational Excellence:

•   Continues with his plan to establish a Digital Services Cabinet Member Advisory Group to review customer services and ensure that services are available for those who may not have access to the internet. This is to include:

o   Ensuring that council tenants are made aware that they are still able to report housing repairs by means other than the online ‘My Housing Tenancy’ portal.

o   Investing in the council’s phone and in-person customer services operations to ensure it is resident-focussed and efficient and that staff are properly trained to advise customers of the services available to them.’

The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor David Renard proposed and Councillor Russell Holland seconded:

“That the  single use of an exemption from call-in for the Test and Trace Payment Cabinet Member Delegated decision on 5th October 2020 be noted.”

The resolution was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor David Renard proposed and Councillor Russell Holland seconded:

“That that the Indicative Timetable of Meetings for 2021-22 and  as set out in Appendix 1 of the Report of the Chief Legal Officer be approved for formal adoption by Annual Council in May 2021, with the provisions that:

(a) The dates for Audit, Council, Cabinet, Licensing, Planning, and Scrutiny shall not be changed as far as is practicable.

(b) That officers (i) investigate an alternative date for the meeting of Council scheduled to be held in November, 2021, and (ii) that where possible meetings are not held in school holidays.

(c) In accordance with current practice, Annual Council will be asked to authorise the Chief Legal Officer (Monitoring Officer), in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to vary the dates for meetings of the Council, the Cabinet, Committees and Other Swindon Borough Council bodies should this prove necessary for the efficient discharge of Council business.”

The resolution was put to the vote and declared carried.

The Council considered (a) the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 21^st October 2020, (b) questions to the Cabinet Members regarding their portfolio responsibilities and answers received, and (c) Cabinet Member Decision Notices.

The Council (a) received the minutes set out in the “Minutes of Other Council Bodies” circulated with the Agenda, and (b) considered questions to Chairs relating to the work of their Committees and other bodies and answers received.

The Chief Legal Officer reported that a Standing Order 15 Questions had been received from Councillors Steve Allsopp, Oliver Donachie and Jim Robbins. In addition urgent questions had been received from Councillor Jim Grant and approved for consideration by The Worshipful The Mayor.

Councillor Steve Allsopp asked a supplemental question the removal of street light standards.  The Cabinet for the Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Highways, Maintenance and Waste Services indicated that if Councillor Allsopp provided additional information a written response would be provided.

Councillor Jim Grant asked supplemental questions regarding (i) dates within the land transfer agreement for the former Clares Factory site to Seven Capital, and (ii) dates with the land transfer agreement for works to be undertaken. The Leader of the Council indicated that a written response would be provided.

Councillor Jim Grant asked supplemental questions regarding the future provision of leisure facilities by Severn Capital within the Borough.  The Leader of the Council responded at the meeting.