Agenda and minutes

          There were no apologies for absence.   

The Chief Executive reported that no communications had been received.

          Resolved –That the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd February 2017 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 Martin Costello submitted written questions regarding (a) the removal, by the Council, of recycling centres, (b) the Council’s financial forecast, and (c) the level of Council Tax increases within the Borough. The Council was advised that the Leader of the Council, the Cabinet Member for StreetSmart, Highways and Transport and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services had provided written responses to Mr. Costello’s questions and that these had been circulated at the meeting.

          Mr Costello asked supplementary questions in respect of (a) recycling centres, (b) the level of Council Tax rises and (c) the Council’s decision not to hold a referendum on the level of Council Tax increases.  The Cabinet Member for StreetSmart, Highways and Transport and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services responded at the meeting.

          Mr Eddie Costello asked a question regarding the level of Council Tax increase within the Borough.  The Leader of the Council responded at the meeting.

To consider any petition received in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme calling on the Council to reinstate the crossing patrol officer for Hazelwood Academy.

          The Council considered a report of the Director of Law and Democratic Services concerning the receipt of an electronic petition containing 429 signatures calling on the Council “reinstate the crossing patrol officer for Hazelwood Academy, to keep pupils safe on their journey to school”.

          In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, Ms Julie Collar and Mr Robin Stagg, on behalf of the petitioners introduced the petition.

          Councillor Keith Williams moved and Councillor David Renard seconded:

“Council notes:

(a) The petition and the Cabinet Member for StreetSmart, Highways and Transport thanked the lead petitioner for bringing this matter to Council’s attention.

(b) That the Cabinet Member for StreetSmart, Highways and Transport and Highway Officers will continue to work with Council Officers and local schools to monitor road safety and, where necessary, seek capital funding for solutions.

(c) That there was no amendment to restore funding for crossing patrols when Council debated the Budget on 23^rd February 2017.”

          Councillor James Robbins moved and Councillor Kevin Small seconded that the Motion be amended to read:

“This Council:

·       Thanks the petitioners for raising their issue with the Council.

·       Believes it should do all it can to ensure Hazelwood Academy pupils are safe when travelling to and from school and that either a school crossing patrol officer or a new school pedestrian crossing is essential to meeting this objective.

·       Requests the Cabinet Member for StreetSmart, Highways and Transport to bring a report to Cabinet detailing the future costs to the Council of either inserting a new pedestrian crossing at Hazelwood Academy or reinstating their school crossing patrol officer.”

The Amendment was put to the vote and declared lost.

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

To consider the approval of a Highworth Neighbourhood Plan Decision Statement.

          The Corporate Director, Economy, Regeneration and Skills and the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Sustainability submitted a joint report setting out proposals for the production of Highworth Neighbourhood Plan accords and policies in the Swindon Borough Council Local Plan.

Councillor Toby Elliott moved and Councillor David Renard seconded

“(1) That the Highworth Neighbourhood Plan “Decision Statement” as set out in Appendix 1 of the joint report be approved.

(2) That, subject to the Director of Law and Democratic Services being satisfied as to the carrying out by Highworth Town Council and Swindon Borough Council of the modifications recommended by the Examiner, the Director of Law and Democratic Services be authorised to undertake a referendum on the Highworth Neighbourhood Plan in Highworth Parish, in accordance with the regulations in the Neighbourhood Planning (Referendum) Regulations 2012 as soon as is practically possible.”

          The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

To consider and recommend to Annual Council the dates for meetings of the Council, the Cabinet, Committees and other Swindon Borough Council Bodies for the Municipal Year, 2016/17.

The Director of Law and Democratic Services submitted a report setting out the proposed dates for meetings of the Council, the Cabinet, Committees and Other Swindon Borough Council Bodies for the Municipal Year, 2017/18.

          Councillor David Renard moved and Russell Holland seconded:

“(1) That the Timetable of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report of the Director of Law and Democratic Services be approved for formal adoption by Annual Council.

(2) That the Director of Law and Democratic Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised 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 Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

          The Council considered (a) the minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 1^st and 8^th February and 15^th March 2017, and (b) questions to the Cabinet Members regarding their portfolio responsibilities and answers received.

          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 Director of Law and Democratic Services reported that Standing Order 15 questions had been received from Councillors Stephanie Exell and James Robbins.

Councillor Stephanie Exell asked a supplementary question regarding future notification to Councillors of works to be undertaken within their Wards. The Cabinet Member for StreetSmart, Highways and Transport responded at the meeting.

          Councillor James Robbins asked a supplementary question regarding the volume of materials recycled by the Council. The Cabinet Member for StreetSmart, Highways and Transport responded at the meeting.

          Councillor James Robbins asked a supplementary question regarding the number of refugees offered places within the Borough under the Duds Amendment Council. The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services responded at the meeting.