Agenda and minutes

(1) The Council joined the Mayor in wishing Concillor Jenny Millin a speedy recovery following her recent illness.

(2) The Mayor announced that Mr. John Robinson, on behalf of the Royal Company of Town Criers, was awarding Mr. Fred Ferris a badge of honour for his services as a Town Cryer and that only six such badges have been awarded in 20 years. Councillors joined The Mayor, friends and family in congratulating Mr. Fred Ferris on the receipt of this prestigious award. 

            The Mayor indicated that a Motion would be considered as an urgent item following a written statement of a Council candidate against Cabinet Members as the statement in question came to light after the dispatch of the Council Agenda Papers and that, as Mayor, she considered that the issue should be addressed prior to the next full Council meeting on 23^rd February 2012, because of the nature of the comments made and the need for this issue to be considered at the earliest opportunity. 

            Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mavis Childs, Jenny Millin, Ellen Osa and Eric Shaw.

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

The Chief Executive reported that a letter has been received from Mark Thompson (Director General) and Judy Lustigman (BBC Trust Unit) regarding the Council’s Motion relating to the retention of local BBC radio services.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22^nd November 2011.

            Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd November 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 Fionuala Foley made a Personal Declaration of interest in respect of Agenda Item 8d (Motion – No. 23 Bus Service) as she was a Council appointed Director of Thamesdown Transport Ltd.)

(Councillor Peter Greenhalgh made a Personal Declaration of interest in respect of Agenda Item 8d (Motion – No. 23 Bus Service) as he was a Council appointed Director of Thamesdown Transport Ltd.)

(Councillor Colin Lovell made a Personal Declaration of interest in respect of Agenda Item 8d (Motion – No. 23 Bus Service) as he was a Council appointed Director of Thamesdown Transport Ltd.)

 (Councillor Keith Williams made a Personal Declaration of interest in respect of Agenda Item 8d (Motion – No. 23 Bus Service) as he was a Council appointed Director of Thamesdown Transport Ltd.)

(Councillor Kevin Parry made a Personal Declaration of interest in respect of Agenda Item 8b (Motion – Sure Start) as his wife was employed as a teacher in Swindon.)

See explanatory note below.

Mr. Glenn Mills asked a question regarding an on-going planning dispute and issues that had arisen with Members and Officers regarding this matter.

The Leader of the Council responded at the meeting.

Mr. Chris Watts submitted a written question concerning payments made by the Council to Mr. John “Rikki” Hunt and a written response was tabled at the meeting.

Mr. Tim French asked why the current No.23 Thamesdown Transport bus service could not be replaced with a mini bus service rather than being withdrawn totally.

The Cabinet Member for Leisure and Corporate Services responded at the meeting.

(1)To consider Minutes for Confirmation from Cabinet:

• Minute 66 – Local Sustainable Transport Fund Programme
• Minute 68 – Review of Polling Districts and Places 2011

(Further suggestions of Members have been considered and a list of Polling Stations and Polling District Boundaries will be circulated prior to the meeting)

• Minute 69 – Community Governance Review of Town/Parish Council arrangements within the Borough of Swindon
•  Minute 70 – Wiltshire and Swindon Submission Draft Waste Site Allocations Development plan Document, and
• Minute 72 – Revisions to Contract Standing Orders of Cabinet and

(2)To consider Minutes for Confirmation from the Licensing Committee

• Minute 16(1) – Consideration of Hackney Carriage Vehicle Specifications
•  

(3) To note Minute 63 of the Cabinet  – Use of Regeneration Funds in Walcot – Petition to Council

(1) CouncillorPeter Greenhalgh moved and Councillor Roderick Bluh seconded:

“That Minute 66 of the Cabinet (Local Sustainable Transport Fund Programme) be confirmed and adopted.”

The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

(2) CouncillorRoderick Bluh moved and Councillor Garry Perkins seconded:

“That Minute 68 of the Cabinet (Review of Polling Districts and Places 2011) be confirmed and adopted.”

The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

(3) CouncillorPeter Greenhalgh moved and Councillor Roderick Bluh seconded:

“That Minute 69 of the Cabinet (Community Governance Review of Town/Parish Council arrangements within the Borough of Swindon) be confirmed and adopted.” 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

(4) CouncillorPeter Greenhalgh moved and Councillor Roderick Bluh seconded:

“That Minute 70 of the Cabinet (Wiltshire and Swindon Submission Draft Waste Site Allocations Development Plan Document) be confirmed and adopted.”

The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

(5) CouncillorRoderick Bluh moved and Councillor Garry Perkins seconded:

“That Minute 72 of the Cabinet (Revisions to Contract Standing Orders) be confirmed and adopted.” 

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

(6) CouncillorVera Tomlinson moved and Councillor Richard Hurley seconded:

“That Minute 16(1) of the Licensing Committee (Consideration of Hackney Carriage Specifications) be confirmed and adopted.” 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

(7) CouncillorRussell Holland moved and Councillor Garry Perkins seconded:

“That Minute 63 of the Cabinet (Use of Regeneration Funds in Walcot) be noted.”

The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

To consider any petition received in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme.

            There were no petitions to be considered under the Council’s Petition Scheme.  

            Councillor Roderick Bluh moved and Councillor Stan Pajak seconded:

“This Council notes the offensive remarks published by a Labour Party candidate, the failure of that person to make an apology and the failure of the Leader of the Opposition to condemn his behaviour by refuting the statement.

This Council is of the view that such remarks are completely inappropriate and harmful to the democratic process. This Council calls upon the Labour Leader to condemn these remarks in public, to call upon his own candidate to withdraw the remarks and to issue a complete and unreserved apology to Council.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

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

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

            Members voting for the motion were Councillors Andy Albinson, Rex Barnett, Mike Bawden, Andrew Bennett, Alan Bishop, Roderick Bluh, Wayne Crabbe, Sinead Darker, Doreen Dart, Michael Dickinson, Mark Edwards, Claire Ellis, Emma Faramarzi, Ray Fisher, Fionuala Foley, Brian Ford, Peter Greenhalgh, Andy Harrison, Peter Heaton-Jones, Dale Heenan, Janet Heenan, Russell Holland, Richard Hurley, Colin Lovell, Mary Martin, Nick Martin, Brian Mattock, Stan Pajak, Kevin Parry, Anothy Peake, Garry Perkins, David Renard, Nicky Sewell, John Short, Peter Stoddart, Vera Tomlinson, Keith Williams, David Wood and David Wren. 

            No Members voted against the motion. 

            Councillors Junab Ali, Steve Allsopp, Paul Baker, John Ballman, Ray Ballman, Mick Bray, Mark Dempsey, Jim Grant, Fay Howard, Des Moffatt, Derique Montaut, Kevin Small, Joe Tray, Steve Wakefield and Bob Wright abstained.

Councillor Peter Heaton-Jones will move and Councillor Emma Faramarzi will second:

“This Council notes the success of the administration’s sustained investment in the town centre and its bold decision to lower car parking charges, which has helped deliver a lower shop vacancy rate than Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bristol. 

This Council welcomes the report by Mary Portas on how to regenerate the High Street and notes that this Council has been implementing some of her key recommendations for some time.

This Council requests that the Deputy Leader of the Council write to Ms Portas to invite her to come to Swindon to see in detail the work that has been done here.”

Councillor Peter Heaton-Jones moved and Councillor Emma Faramarzi seconded:

“This Council notes the success of the administration’s sustained investment in the town centre and its bold decision to lower car parking charges, which has helped deliver a lower shop vacancy rate than Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bristol. 

This Council welcomes the report by Mary Portas on how to regenerate the High Street and notes that this Council has been implementing some of her key recommendations for some time.

This Council requests that the Deputy Leader of the Council write to Ms Portas to invite her to come to Swindon to see in detail the work that has been done here.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor Fay Howard will move and Councillor Jim Grant will second:

“This Council recognises Swindon's success in the field of Early Intervention with the last Government's introduction of Sure Start/Children's Centres and the current administration's work with the Family Life Project.

The Council regards early intervention projects as incredibly important in both giving young children and young families the best start in life and in generating savings to the public sector in the longer-term through reduced levels of demand on public services.

However this Council also notes the cut in funding this Council is set to receive from the Government’s Early Intervention Grant in 2012/13, particularly in relation to the services it is expected to deliver. And this Council fears that further cuts to Swindon’s early intervention services may jeopardise all the work that Swindon has done in this area. In the future this might mean there being higher levels of crime, reduced levels of educational attainment and extra demand on Swindon’s health services.

Therefore, this Council calls on its three political group leaders to write to the Secretary of State outlining the pioneering work Swindon has done in Early Intervention and call on him to exempt Swindon from any cuts in its 2013/14 grant so that Swindon may continue to maintain and improve the service it currently provides.”

Councillor Fay Howard moved and Councillor Jim Grant seconded:

“This Council recognises Swindon's success in the field of Early Intervention with the last Government's introduction of Sure Start/Children's Centres and the current administration's work with the Family Life Project.

The Council regards early intervention projects as incredibly important in both giving young children and young families the best start in life and in generating savings to the public sector in the longer-term through reduced levels of demand on public services.

However this Council also notes the cut in funding this Council is set to receive from the Government’s Early Intervention Grant in 2012/13, particularly in relation to the services it is expected to deliver. And this Council fears that further cuts to Swindon’s early intervention services may jeopardise all the work that Swindon has done in this area. In the future this might mean there being higher levels of crime, reduced levels of educational attainment and extra demand on Swindon’s health services.

Therefore, this Council calls on its three political group leaders to write to the Secretary of State outlining the pioneering work Swindon has done in Early Intervention and call on him to exempt Swindon from any cuts in its 2013/14 grant so that Swindon may continue to maintain and improve the service it currently provides.” 

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

“This Council recognises Swindon’s success in the field of Early Intervention with the introduction of 14 Children’s Centres across the Borough and the current administration’s work with the Family Life Project.

The Council regards early intervention projects as incredibly important in both giving young children and young families the best start in life and in generating savings to the public sector in the longer-term through reduced levels of demand on public services.

Council also notes that, despite the reduction this Council is set to receive from the Government’s Early Intervention Grant in 2012/12, the Council continues to deliver improved outcomes for those families most in need whilst securing best value for money for Swindon’s tax payers.

Therefore, this Council calls on its three political group leaders to write to the Secretary of State and the Borough’s two Members of Parliament, outlining the pioneering work Swindon has done in Early Intervention, welcome the additional £200,000 the Government has agreed to add to our Early Intervention Grant and call on them to congratulate Swindon for its achievements to date and to seek additional funding to extend and improve its range of services.”

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

(Councillor Kevin Parry made a Personal Declaration of interest in respect of this item as his wife was employed as a teacher in Swindon and left the room during its discussion.)

Councillor Steve Wakefield will move:

“This Council notes the year-long trial agreed by the Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Transport and Strategic Planning in July last year, which switched off 433 streetlights across the Borough and, in particular, streetlights in West and East Swindon.

This Council welcomes the Lead Member’s decision to respond to residents’ concerns and switch back on approximately 50 streetlights which were originally part of the streetlights trial.

This Council believes that for most council-taxpayers’ in the Borough, having their lights and roads lit when it is dark is one of the only services they receive from the Council.

This Council therefore requests the Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Transport and Strategic Planning to bring a report to the next Cabinet Meeting detailing the financial implications of immediately ending the streetlights trial and of keeping all of Swindon’s streetlights on in the future.”

Councillor Steve Wakefield moved and Councillor Kevin Small seconded:

“This Council notes the year-long trial agreed by the Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Transport and Strategic Planning in July last year, which switched off 433 streetlights across the Borough and, in particular, streetlights in West and East Swindon.

This Council welcomes the Lead Member’s decision to respond to residents’ concerns and switch back on approximately 50 streetlights which were originally part of the streetlights trial.

This Council believes that for most council-taxpayers’ in the Borough, having their lights and roads lit when it is dark is one of the only services they receive from the Council.

This Council therefore requests the Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Transport and Strategic Planning to bring a report to the next Cabinet Meeting detailing the financial implications of immediately ending the streetlights trial and of keeping all of Swindon’s streetlights on in the future.”

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

“This Council notes the year-long trial agreed by the Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Transport and Strategic Planning in July last year, which switched off 433 streetlights across the Borough and, in particular, streetlights in West and East Swindon.

This Council welcomes the Lead Member’s decision to respond to residents’ concerns and switch back on approximately 50 streetlights, which were originally part of the streetlights trial.

This Council notes that for some council-taxpayers’ in the Borough, having streetlights and roads lit when it is dark, is one visible service they receive from the Council.

This Council therefore requests the Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Transport and Strategic Planning to bring a report to the next Cabinet Meeting detailing the financial implications of immediately ending the streetlights trial and of keeping all of Swindon’s streetlights on in the future.

This Council also requests that the report identifies other roads where lights could be switched off.  The report should set out a consultation programme for ward councillors, Town and Parish Councils, Community Groups and individuals to nominate streetlights that could be switched off to reduce light pollution, reduce energy wastage and save tax payers’ money.”

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

Councillor Dale Heenan will move and Councillor Richard Hurley will second:

“This Council notes that:

·  ·  Thamesdown Transport stopped the 23 Bus Service on Monday 8th January 2012.

·  ·  Thamesdown Transport carried out no consultation about the change with passengers or local ward councillors.

·  ·  Thamesdown Transport waited until four weeks after the Traffic Commissioner was notified before publicly announcing the change. 

·  ·  The change means that there is no longer a bus service running through Coleview.

This Council further notes that since the announced cut of the 23 Bus Service three weeks before Christmas, the ward Councillors for Coleview, Covingham and Nythe have contacted

·  ·  Stagecoach, who are considering the potential for changes so they can provide a service through Coleview.

·  ·  InSwindon, who have agreed to facilitate meetings with businesses such as Sainsburys to seek commercial support.

·  ·  Thamesdown Transport, who will talk to Swindon Borough Council about ways to continue a future Coleview service.

This Council requests that:

·  ·  The Chief Executive and Leader of Swindon Borough Council ask Thamesdown Transport to immediately reinstate a bus service through Coleview for a minimum period of six months so that options for a continued service can be fully explored.

·  ·  Officers actively work with Stagecoach, Thamesdown Transport, Ward Councillors and local residents so that a viable bus service through Coleview is maintained from June 2012.”

Councillor Dale Heenan moved and Councillor Richard Hurley seconded:

“This Council notes that:

·     Thamesdown Transport stopped the 23 Bus Service on Monday 8th January 2012.

·     Thamesdown Transport carried out no consultation about the change with passengers or local ward councillors.

·     Thamesdown Transport waited until four weeks after the Traffic Commissioner was notified before publicly announcing the change. 

·     The change means that there is no longer a bus service running through Coleview.

This Council further notes that since the announced cut of the 23 Bus Service three weeks before Christmas, the ward Councillors for Coleview, Covingham and Nythe have contacted

·     Stagecoach, who are considering the potential for changes so they can provide a service through Coleview.

·     InSwindon, who have agreed to facilitate meetings with businesses such as Sainsburys to seek commercial support.

·     Thamesdown Transport, who will talk to Swindon Borough Council about ways to continue a future Coleview service.

This Council requests that:

·     The Chief Executive and Leader of Swindon Borough Council ask Thamesdown Transport to immediately reinstate a bus service through Coleview for a minimum period of six months so that options for a continued service can be fully explored.

·     Officers actively work with Stagecoach, Thamesdown Transport, Ward Councillors and local residents so that a viable bus service through Coleview is maintained from June 2012.”

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

“This Council notes that:

·     Thamesdown Transport stopped the 23 Bus Service on Monday 8th January 2012.

·     Thamesdown Transport carried out no consultation about the change with passengers or local ward councillors.

·     Thamesdown Transport waited until four weeks after the Traffic Commissioner was notified before publicly announcing the change. 

·     The change means that there is no longer a bus service running through Coleview.

This Council further notes that since the announced cut of the 23 Bus Service three weeks before Christmas, the ward Councillors for Coleview, Covingham and Nythe have contacted

·     Stagecoach, who are considering the potential for changes so they can provide a service through Coleview.

·     InSwindon, who have agreed to facilitate meetings with businesses such as Sainsburys to seek commercial support.

·     Thamesdown Transport, who will talk to Swindon Borough Council about ways to continue a future Coleview service.

This Council requests that:

·     The Chief Executive and Leader of Swindon Borough Council ask Thamesdown Transport to immediately reinstate a bus service through Coleview for a minimum period of six months so that options for a continued service can be fully explored.

·     Officers actively work with Stagecoach, Thamesdown Transport, Ward Councillors and local residents so that viable No. 2, 18, 21 and 23 bus services are maintained.”

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

(Councillor Fionuala Foley made a Personal Declaration of interest in respect of this as she was a Council appointed Director of Thamesdown Transport Ltd. and left the room during the discussion of the item.)

(Councillor Peter Greenhalgh made a Personal Declaration of interest in respect of this Item as he was a Council appointed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

To consider changes to the Council’s Committee representation.

            The Director of Law and Democratic Services submitted a report setting out proposed changes to Council Committees.

Councillor Roderick Bluh moved and Councillor Garry Perkins seconded:

“(1) That Councillor Eric Shaw replace Councillor John Short as a Member serving on the Licensing Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2011/12.

(2)         That Councillor Vera Tomlinson replace Councillor John Short as Chair of the Appeals Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2011/12.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

To consider granting the Freedom of the Borough to Monsignor Canon Richard Twomey.

The Director of Law and Democratic Services submitted a report setting out a proposal by Members that the Freedom of the Borough be conferred upon Monsignor Canon Richard Twomey

Councillor Mick Bray moved Councillor Derique Montaut seconded and Councillor Stan Pajak concurred:

“(1) That, with the agreement of the Mayor, a special meeting of the Council be convened at a convenient time on Thursday 29 March 2012 to confer the Freedom of the Borough upon Monsignor Canon Richard Twomey.

(2) That the Director of Law and Democratic Services be authorised to make all the necessary arrangements in preparation for the granting of the Freedom of the Borough to Monsignor Canon Richard Twomey.”

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 meeting of the Cabinet held on 14^th December 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 and 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 Services reported that Standing Order 15 Questions had been received from Councillors Steve Allsopp, Jim Grant, Dale Heenan, Des Moffatt, and Kevin Small.

            Councillor Steve Allsopp asked the Cabinet Member for One Swindon, Communities and Housing whether he was in agreement that the Housing Minister’s time would be better spent on creating new housing rather than chasing headlines?

            The Cabinet Member for One Swindon, Communities and Housing indicated that he couldn’t speak on behalf of the Minister.

            Councillor Dale Heenan asked the Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Transport and Strategic Planning if East Swindon, and in particular, Merlin Drive and Covingham Drive could be included in the April review referred to in his written response?

            The Cabinet Member for Council Transformation, Transport and Strategic Planning indicated that he would ask for Councillor Heenan’s request to be included.

            Councillor Des Moffatt asked the Cabinet Member for One Swindon, Communities and Housing what the cost of the advise relating to the Ballot and Housing Transfer was?

            The Cabinet Member for One Swindon, Communities and Housing indicated that he would provide Councillor Moffatt with a written response.

            Councillor Kevin Small asked the Leader of the Council if Councillors could be involved in the consultation and engagement process referred to in paragraph 2 of the written response as there was no assurance that additional charges would not be levied?

            The Leader of the Council responded that there were no plans for the levy of additional charges relating to payments previously made at the One Stop Shop.