Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mavis Childs,

Doreen Dart, Michael Dickinson, Claire Ellis, Andy Harrison, Fay Howard,

Anthony Peake and Kevin Small.

To receive any communications or letters which the Mayor or Chief Executive may have to bring before the Council.

The Deputy Chief Executivereported that the Council has received a Certificate of Excellence signed by the President of the Institute of Civil Engineers in respect of the Swindon Canal Walk and Regent Street Public Realm Enhancement Scheme.

            Councillor Garry Perkins (Deputy Leader) Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture presented the Certificate to the Mayor.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20^th May 2011.

            Resolved – That, subject to the inclusion of a declaration of interest from Councillor Nicky Sewell in respect of Minute 14, the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th May 2011, be confirmed and signed.

Members are reminded that at the start of the meeting they should declare any known interests in any matter to be considered, and also during the meeting if it becomes apparent that they have an interest in the matters being discussed.

            Councillor Emma Faramarzi made a personal and prejudicial declaration of interest in respect of Agenda Item 9(f) (Motion  - Brunel Centre) as Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses.

            Councillor Nick Martin made a personal declaration of interest in respect of Agenda Item 9(h) (Motion – Swindon Academies) as a Local Authority appointed School Governor.

            Councillor Brian Ford made a personal and prejudicial declaration of interest in respect of Agenda Item 9(a) (Motion - Housing) due to a potential conflict of interest with his employment.

Councillor Steve Wakefield made a personal declaration of interest in respect of Agenda Item 9(g) (Motion - BBC Local News and Programmes) as a broadcaster on community radio.

See explanatory note below.

            Mr. Barrie Thompson submitted written questions relating to road improvements to make Drove Road, Swindon, safer for pedestrians near Chandler Close and Belle Vue.

            The Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Sustainability,  Transport and Strategic Planning tabled a written response.

            Mr. Barrie Thompson asked a supplemental question regarding possible further improvements.

            The Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Sustainability,  Transport and Strategic Planning responded at the meeting.

            Mr. Martin Wicks submitted written questions regarding Housing Options Appraisal.

            The Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care tabled a written response.

            Mr. Martin Wicks asked supplemental questions relating to the finances of Housing Options Appraisal and requested that the Council further consider making available the addresses of tenants to any groups campaigning against a possible transfer of Housing Stock.

            The Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care responded at the meeting.

            Mr. Tim French asked a public question on the Council’s plan to turn off some street lighting within the Borough.

            The Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Sustainability,  Transport and Strategic Planning responded at the meeting.

            Mr. Tim French asked a supplemental question regarding the use of dimmer lighting as opposed to switching street lights off.

            The Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Sustainability,  Transport and Strategic Planning responded at the meeting.

            Mr. Tim French asked a question regarding companies using the side of roads for banners and signage and whether this required planning permission.

            The Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Sustainability,  Transport and Strategic Planning responded at the meeting.

            The Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition, Leader of the Minority Group and Chief Executive submitted a joint report setting out proposals for the Council to work in a significantly different way supported by a new organisational model to support the principals and outcomes set out in One Swindon and legislative changes.

            Councillor Roderick Bluh moved and Councillor Garry Perkins seconded:

“That Council

            (1) Commits to working in a significantly different way, supported by a new organisational model, as described in the joint report of the Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition Group, Leader of the Minority Group and Chief Executive.

            (2) Approves the organisation model detailed in the joint report of the Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition Group, Leader of the Minority Group and Chief Executive, to enable an ongoing reduction of £1.2m in management costs by April 2013.

            (3) Authorises the Chief Executive to restructure the organisation on the basis of the principles set out in the joint report of the Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition Group, Leader of the Minority Group and Chief Executive, implementation to commence following the appointment to Tier 1 posts, with a view to the new management structure being operational by 1st April 2012.

            (4) Authorises the Director of Law and Democratic Services to make the necessary changes to the Council’s Constitution.

            (5) Requests that the Council’s Corporate Governance Review Working Group, including the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, review which decisions can be devolved to local member level, by when, and by what mechanism, and to report accordingly to Cabinet on 19^th October 2011 and Council on 10^th November 2011.

            (6) Requests the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Corporate Services to establish a cross-party Advisory Group to carry out an on-going review of the Council-wide development programme for Officers and Members that will support the proposals set out in the joint report of the Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition Group, Leader of the Minority Group and Chief Executive.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and unanimously approved.

To note that there are no petitions to be considered under the Council’s Petition Scheme.

            There were no petitions to be considered under the Council’s petition scheme. 

It is anticipated that there will be a Minute for Confirmation arising from the meeting of the Cabinet to be held on 13^th July 2011 relating to Housing Options Appraisal.  This Minute will be circulated to Members under separate cover.  A copy of the relevant report is attached for Members’ information.

(1) CouncillorBrian Mattock moved and Councillor Roderick Bluh seconded:

“That Minute 15 of the Cabinet (Housing Options Appraisal - Update) be confirmed and adopted.

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

A formal division was requested in accordance with Standing Order 14(2).

            Members voting for the motion were Councillors Andy Albinson, Mike Bawden, Alan Bishop, Roderick Bluh, Wayne Crabbe, Sinead Darker, Mark Edwards, Emma Faramarzi, Fionuala Foley, Brian Ford, Peter Greenhalgh, Peter Heaton-Jones, Dale Heenan, Janet Heenan, Russell Holland, Richard Hurley, Colin Lovell, Mary Martin, Nick Martin, Brian Mattock, Stan Pajak, Kevin Parry, Garry Perkins, David Renard, Nicky Sewell, Eric Shaw, John Short, Peter Stoddart, Vera Tomlinson, Keith Williams, David Wood and David Wren. 

            Members voting against the motion were Councillors Junab Ali, Steve Allsopp, Paul Baker, John Ballman, Mark Dempsey, Jim Grant, Jenny Millin, Des Moffatt, Derique Montaut, Ellen Osa, Rochelle Russell, Joe Tray, Steve Wakefield and Bob Wright.

            Councillors Ray Ballman and Mick Bray abstained.

(2) Councillor David Renard moved and Councillor Roderick Bluhseconded:

“That Minute 20(2) of the Cabinet (Swindon Youth Justice Plan 2011/12). be confirmed and adopted.

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor Steve Allsopp will move and Councillor Jim Grant will second:

"This Council notes recent reports from Housing Organisations that has drawn attention to the growing gap between those who aspire to enter the Housing Market and their ability to do so. In particular the age of first time buyers who enter the market without family support has now reached 38.
 
This Council believes that a dynamic housing market is an integral part of Swindon’s economy and it is now opportune to examine if there are ways in which Council assistance can close the aspiration gap and help more first time buyers enter the market at an earlier age.
 
One key barrier to entering the market at the current time is the restrictive funding conditions imposed by mortgage lenders. The demand for 25-30% deposits, requiring a sum of £25-£30,000 is beyond the reach of many. However those on average income could afford to meet ongoing mortgage payments and are indeed often paying rent higher than the mortgage payments on an entry level property.
 
This Council requests that the Director of Housing and Leisure and the Director of Finance bring a report to a future meeting of full Council to expand on the options available to help assist first time buyers enter the Housing Market."

Councillor Steve Allsopp moved and Councillor Jim Grant seconded:

"This Council notes recent reports from Housing Organisations that has drawn attention to the growing gap between those who aspire to enter the Housing Market and their ability to do so. In particular the age of first time buyers who enter the market without family support has now reached 38.
 
This Council believes that a dynamic Housing Market is an integral part of Swindon’s economy and it is now opportune to examine if there are ways in which Council assistance can close the aspiration gap and help more first time buyers enter the market at an earlier age.
 
One key barrier to entering the market at the current time is the restrictive funding conditions imposed by mortgage lenders. The demand for 25-30% deposits, requiring a sum of £25-£30,000 is beyond the reach of many. However, those on average income could afford to meet ongoing mortgage payments and are indeed often paying rent higher than the mortgage payments on an entry level property.
 
This Council requests that the Director of Housing and Leisure and the Director of Finance bring a report to a future meeting of full Council to expand on the options available to help assist first time buyers enter the Housing Market."

            With the agreement of the mover and seconder the Motion was amended to read:

"This Council notes recent reports from Housing Organisations that has drawn attention to the growing gap between those who aspire to enter the Housing Market and their ability to do so. In particular the age of first time buyers who enter the market without family support has now reached 38.
 
This Council believes that a dynamic Housing Market is an integral part of Swindon’s economy and it is now opportune to examine if there are ways in which Council assistance can close the aspiration gap and help more first time buyers enter the market at an earlier age.
 
One key barrier to entering the market at the current time is the restrictive funding conditions imposed by mortgage lenders. The demand for 25-30% deposits, requiring a sum of £25-£30,000 is beyond the reach of many. However, those on average income could afford to meet ongoing mortgage payments and are indeed often paying rent higher than the mortgage payments on an entry level property.
 
This Council requests that the cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social care  and the Cabinet Member for Finance bring a report to a future meeting of the Cabinet to expand on the options available to help asist first time buyers enter the Housing Market."

            The Motion was pit to the vote and declared carried.

(Councillor Brian Ford made a personal and prejudicial declaration of interest in respect of this item and left the room during its discussion due to a potential conflict of interest with his employment.)

Councillor Jenny Millin will move and Councillor Steve Allsopp will second:

“This Council notes the insecurity of local residents in Private Care Homes following the liquidation of Southern Cross and requests that information be presented to the next Full Council Meeting detailing what preparations and financial contingencies the Council has in place for further liquidations of residential care companies that currently houses and supports local residents.

Further, this Council requests its Director of Adult Social Care to write to the Secretary of State for Health, calling on the Government to have contingency monies in place to help Local Authorities like Swindon Borough Council address further liquidations of residential care companies.”

Councillor Jenny Millin moved and Councillor Steve Allsopp seconded:

“This Council notes the insecurity of local residents in Private Care Homes following the liquidation of Southern Cross and requests that information be presented to the next Full Council Meeting detailing what preparations and financial contingencies the Council has in place for further liquidations of residential care companies that currently houses and supports local residents.

Further, this Council requests its Director of Adult Social Care to write to the Secretary of State for Health, calling on the Government to have contingency monies in place to help Local Authorities like Swindon Borough Council address further liquidations of residential care companies.”

With the agreement of the mover and seconder the Motion was amended to read:

“This Council notes the assurances given by the Minister of Social Care on 19^th July 2011 and confirms that all vulnerable people in Southern Cross care homes will be protected.

This Council requests that the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care bring a report to the Cabinet to demonstrate the provisions being made in case any other care home has similar problems.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor Stan Pajak will move and Councillor Andy Harrison will second:
 
”This Council welcomes the announcement that councils wanting to use 20 mph schemes will be able to reduce time-consuming and costly bureaucracy by no longer having to use expensive and street cluttering upright speed signage.
 
This Council also welcomes the announcement that the Government will be reducing the need for councils to use universally unpopular speed humps in 20 mph zones and will make it cheaper and easier for councils to put in place variable speed limits outside schools where local residents want these schemes.
 
This Council considers that Swindon’s residential streets should be as safe as possible for local residents and notes that other local authorities have already adopted a policy of a default 20mph speed limit, major roads excepted.
 
This Council recognises that most people want to live in quieter streets where children are able to walk and play without fear of speeding vehicles and that throughout Northern Europe this is the norm where the speed limit in residential and urban streets is 30 kph (18.5 mph) or less.
 
This Council also recognises that with the increase in vehicle ownership many streets in residential areas are often heavily congested with parked cars and that this increases the hazard of crossing the road where the normal 30mph speed limit is still in force.
 
This Council calls on the Leader and Cabinet to bring forward proposals that will enable this Council to implement a Borough wide 20mph residential area speed limit, major roads being excepted, for implementation as soon as possible.”

Councillor Stan Pajak moved and Councillor Nicky Sewell seconded:

”This Council welcomes the announcement that councils wanting to use 20 mph schemes will be able to reduce time-consuming and costly bureaucracy by no longer having to use expensive and street cluttering upright speed signage.
 
This Council also welcomes the announcement that the Government will be reducing the need for councils to use universally unpopular speed humps in 20 mph zones and will make it cheaper and easier for councils to put in place variable speed limits outside schools where local residents want these schemes.
 
This Council considers that Swindon’s residential streets should be as safe as possible for local residents and notes that other local authorities have already adopted a policy of a default 20mph speed limit, major roads excepted.
 
This Council recognises that most people want to live in quieter streets where children are able to walk and play without fear of speeding vehicles and that throughout Northern Europe this is the norm where the speed limit in residential and urban streets is 30 kph (18.5 mph) or less.
 
This Council also recognises that with the increase in vehicle ownership many streets in residential areas are often heavily congested with parked cars and that this increases the hazard of crossing the road where the normal 30mph speed limit is still in force.
 
This Council calls on the Leader and Cabinet to bring forward proposals that will enable this Council to implement a Borough wide 20mph residential area speed limit, major roads being excepted, for implementation as soon as possible.”

The motion was put to the vote and declared lost.

Councillor Dave Wood will move and Councillor Stan Pajak will second:

“Following the precedent set to clear the un-adopted alleyway behind Dixon Street, this Council resolves to:

• Ask Cabinet to consider clearing the two similar long-term problem sites behind Dover Street and behind Shelley Street and to work with residents on all three sites to encourage and facilitate placement of a gate to stop such problems being repeated in the future

• Request the Economic, Environmental and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Committee to set up a task group to specifically look at the problem of un-adopted back alleys and report back on what action the Council can take to work with residents to facilitate positive and sustainable environmental change.”

 Councillor Dave Wood moved and Councillor Stan Pajak seconded:

“Following the precedent set to clear the un-adopted alleyway behind Dixon Street, this Council resolves to:

• Ask Cabinet to consider clearing the two similar long-term problem sites behind Dover Street and behind Shelley Street and to work with residents on all three sites to encourage and facilitate placement of a gate to stop such problems being repeated in the future

• Request the Economic, Environmental and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Committee to set up a task group to specifically look at the problem of un-adopted back alleys and report back on what action the Council can take to work with residents to facilitate positive and sustainable environmental change.”

Councillor Des Moffatt moved and Councillor Nick Martin seconded that the Motion be amended to read:

“This Council congratulates Swindon Commercial Services for its cooperation with Councillors and concerned citizens when they take direct action to remove spoil from public and private land that endangers health and blights the environment.

This Council requests the Economic, Environmental and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Committee to set up a Task Group to specifically look at the problem of un-adopted back alleys and report back on what action the Council can take to work with residents to facilitate positive and sustainable change.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor Nicky Sewell will move and Councillor Stan Pajak will second:

”This Council notes that the quality of residents' lives can often be improved by very small changes to street signage or road markings, particularly in side roads in Swindon’s older areas such as Old Town, Eastcott, Rodbourne and Central Swindon.

The Council further notes that the cost of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), even for very small issues, being £3000-£5000 means that it is often financially prohibitive to affect these small changes.

This Council believes that for smaller street issues that the statutory burden is often too high and too expensive.

This Council therefore resolves to lobby Central Government to reduce the statutory advertising burden and to establish a cross-party group to look at how costs of TROs can be reduced overall.”

 Councillor Nicky Sewell moved and Councillor Stan Pajak seconded:

”This Council notes that the quality of residents' lives can often be improved by very small changes to street signage or road markings, particularly in side roads in Swindon’s older areas such as Old Town, Eastcott, Rodbourne and Central Swindon.

The Council further notes that the cost of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), even for very small issues, being £3000-£5000 means that it is often financially prohibitive to affect these small changes.

This Council believes that for smaller street issues that the statutory burden is often too high and too expensive.

This Council therefore resolves to lobby Central Government to reduce the statutory advertising burden and to establish a cross-party group to look at how costs of TROs can be reduced overall.”

With the agreement of the mover and the seconder the Motion was amended to read:

”This Council notes that the quality of residents' lives can often be improved by very small changes to street signage or road markings, particularly in side roads in Swindon’s older areas such as Old Town, Eastcott, Rodbourne and Central Swindon.

The Council further notes that the cost of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), even for very small issues, being £3000-£5000 means that it is often financially prohibitive to affect these small changes.

This Council believes that for smaller street issues that the statutory burden is often too high and too expensive.

This Council therefore resolves to lobby Central Government to reduce the cost of the statutory advertising burden and to establish a cross-party group to look at how costs of TROs can be reduced overall.”

            The  Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor Roderick Bluh will move and Councillor Garry Perkins will second:

“This Council congratulates Tony Wilkes, the manager of the Brunel Centre, for his recent award in making the shopping centre one of the most successful in the United Kingdom.  This Council notes how he has worked in partnership with the Borough to achieve this success, particularly in supporting the renovation of Wharf Green, Canal Walk and Regent Street and by promoting the Council’s bold and innovative move to lower car parking prices. This Council requests that the Leader of the Council should write to Mr Wilkes to pass on this Council’s appreciation of his work in turning round the fortunes of a key part of Swindon Town Centre.  This Council also suggests that the Leaders of the Opposition and Minority Groups be invited to sign the Leader’s letter.”

Councillor Roderick Bluh moved and Councillor Garry Perkins seconded:

“This Council congratulates Tony Wilkes, the manager of the Brunel Centre, for his recent award in making the shopping centre one of the most successful in the United Kingdom.  This Council notes how he has worked in partnership with the Borough to achieve this success, particularly in supporting the renovation of Wharf Green, Canal Walk and Regent Street and by promoting the Council’s bold and innovative move to lower car parking prices. This Council requests that the Leader of the Council should write to Mr Wilkes to pass on this Council’s appreciation of his work in turning round the fortunes of a key part of Swindon Town Centre.  This Council also suggests that the Leaders of the Opposition and Minority Groups be invited to sign the Leader’s letter.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

(Councillor Emma Faramarzi made a personal and prejudicial declaration of interest in respect of this item as she is Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses.)

Councillor Peter Heaton-Jones will move and Councillor Andy Harrison will second:

“This Council notes that the BBC is currently undertaking an internal consultation process to consider cuts following the Corporation's licence fee settlement.  As part of this consultation the staff at BBC Wiltshire, the SONY award winning local radio station serving the Borough of Swindon, have been warned by senior BBC management to expect reductions in local news and programme output, and job losses among local journalists and programme-makers.

This Council believes that good local news coverage is a vital part of democracy and essential for good local government and the delivery of the Coalition Government’s localism agenda.

This Council believes that any such reductions would have a serious, adverse impact on the provision of local news and information to Swindon’s residents, and would restrict their ability to participate in local democracy, discussion and decision-making;

This Council requests that the Leader and Chief Executive of the Council to write to both the Director-General and the Chairman of the BBC Trust to argue strongly against any reductions in local output or local news coverage at BBC Wiltshire. This Council also requests that the Leader of the Council write to the Borough’s two MPs – Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson – to seek their assistance in having the BBC provide fairer funding for its radio service.”

Councillor Peter Heaton-Jones moved and Councillor Stan Pajak seconded:

“This Council notes that the BBC is currently undertaking an internal consultation process to consider cuts following the Corporation's licence fee settlement.  As part of this consultation the staff at BBC Wiltshire, the SONY Award winning local radio station serving the Borough of Swindon, have been warned by senior BBC management to expect reductions in local news and programme output, and job losses among local journalists and programme-makers.

This Council believes that good local news coverage is a vital part of democracy and essential for good local government and the delivery of the Coalition Government’s localism agenda.

This Council believes that any such reductions would have a serious, adverse impact on the provision of local news and information to Swindon’s residents, and would restrict their ability to participate in local democracy, discussion and decision-making;

This Council requests that the Leader and Chief Executive of the Council write to both the Director-General and the Chairman of the BBC Trust to argue strongly against any reductions in local output or local news coverage at BBC Wiltshire. This Council also requests that the Leader of the Council write to the Borough’s two MPs – Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson – to seek their assistance in having the BBC provide fairer funding for its radio service.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and was unanimously agreed.

(Councillor Steve Wakefield made a personal declaration of interest in respect of this item as a broadcaster on community radio.)

Councillor Nick Martin will move and Councillor Emma Faramazi will second:

“This Council notes the new legislation making it easier for schools to become Academies and that a number of the Borough’s secondary schools have already applied for this new status.

This Council notes the success in raising education standards achieved by this administration since 2003 and urges the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services to work with the new academies to ensure this progress is continued.

This Council requests that the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services bring a report to Cabinet as soon as practicable outlining how the Council will help local schools move to academy status.”

“This Council notes the new legislation making it easier for schools to become Academies and that a number of the Borough’s secondary schools have already applied for this new status.

This Council notes the success in raising education standards achieved by this administration since 2003 and urges the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services to work with the new academies to ensure this progress is continued.

This Council requests that the Cabinet Member for Children write to the Secretary of State for Education thanking the Coalition Government for introducing the legislation that will make it possible for Swindon’s students to continue benefiting from higher education standards.” 

With the agreement of the Council the Motion was amended to read:

“This Council notes the new legislation making it easier for schools to become Academies and that a number of the Borough’s secondary schools have already applied for this new status.

This Council notes the success in raising education standards achieved by this administration since 2003 and urges the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services to work with the new academies to ensure this progress is continued.

This Council requests that the Cabinet Member for Children write to the Secretary of State for Education thanking the Coalition Government for introducing the legislation that will make it possible for Swindon’s students to continue benefiting from higher education.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

(Councillor Nick Martin made a personal declaration of interest in respect of this item as a Local Authority appointed School Governor.)

Councillor Kevin Parry will move and Councillor Garry Perkins will second:

“This Council notes that the Coalition Government has awarded Swindon Borough Council £4.7m of additional funding for sustainable transport.  This Council would like to congratulate Cabinet Member Councillor Peter Greenhalgh and all his officers who produced the successful bid.

This Council requests that Councillor Greenhalgh brings a report to Cabinet outlining in detail how this money will be used for the benefit of Swindon’s residents and what additional funds he is seeking from Government.

This Council requests that the Leader of the Council write to the relevant Minister to express Council’s gratitude for the additional support.”

Councillor Garry Perkins moved and Councillor Kevin Parry seconded:

“This Council notes that the Coalition Government has awarded Swindon Borough Council £4.7m of additional funding for sustainable transport.  This Council would like to congratulate Cabinet Member Councillor Peter Greenhalgh and all his officers who produced the successful bid.

This Council requests that Councillor Greenhalgh brings a report to Cabinet outlining in detail how this money will be used for the benefit of Swindon’s residents and what additional funds he is seeking from Government.

This Council requests that the Leader of the Council write to the relevant Minister to express Council’s gratitude for the additional support.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried. 

Members are requested to approve appointments in respect of the following Outside Bodies:

(a) South West Councils – (One Place - Normally Council Leader); and

(b) South West Councils' Employers Panel – (One Place – Normally Council Leader or Portfolio Holder).

Councillor Roderick Bluh moved and Councillor Garry Perkins seconded:

“(1) That Councillor Roderick Bluh be appointed as this Council’s representative to serve on the South West Councils.

(2) That Councillor Roderick Bluh be appointed as this Council’s representative to serve on the South West Councils’ Employers Panel.

            (3) That it be noted that if the South West Councils is minded to appoint members under a top-up arrangement this Council will express interest in receiving a nomination and, if successful, the Special Committee be requested to make an appointment in accordance with the approved criteria.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

Members have the opportunity to raise questions with the relevant Cabinet Member in respect of Cabinet minutes (which are not reserved for Council for decision) and in respect of individual Cabinet Member delegated decisions.

            The Council considered (a) the minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 20^th April and 8^th June 2011, (b) decisions taken by Cabinet Members relating to delegated decisions taken under their portfolio responsibilities, and (c) questions to the Cabinet Members regarding their portfolio responsibilities and answers received.  

Members have the opportunity to raise questions with the relevant Chair in respect of all other Committee minutes (not reserved to Council for decision), as set out in the Minute Book circulated separately. 

            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 regarding the work of their Committees or other bodies and answers received.  

Questions (if any) of which notice has been given by Councillors in accordance with Standing Order 15.

The Director of Law and Democratic Servicesreported that Standing Order 15 Questions had been received from CouncillorsJenny Millin, Des Moffatt, Derique Montaut, David Wood and Bob Wright.

            Councillor David Wood asked the following supplementary question “Could the offer of assistance to Stagecoach in helping them find an alternative site be renewed?”  The Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Sustainability, Transport and Strategic Planning advised that the offer made to Stagecoach was open-ended and the Council was willing to discuss the issue with them at any time.

            Councillor Bob Wright indicated that he felt that the answer did not answer the question tabled on Wi-Fi and he asked if the Deputy Leader had a conflict of interest and why no action had been taken in this matter. The Deputy Leader responded that he had no conflict of interest and that it was up to the Council to take action.