Agenda, decisions and minutes


Venue: Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury, OX15 4AA

Contact: Natasha Clark, Democratic and Elections  Email: natasha.clark@cherwellandsouthnorthants.gov.uk, 01295 221589

Media

Items
No. Item

64.

Declarations of Interest

Members are asked to declare any interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

65.

Communications pdf icon PDF 331 KB

To receive communications from the Chairman and/or the Leader of the Council.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Recording at meetings

The Vice-Chairman advised councillors and members of the public that under the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014members of the public are permitted to film, broadcast and report on the meeting, subject to the efficient running of the meeting not being affected.

 

Chairman’s Engagements

The Vice-Chairman advised Council that a list of engagements that she, or the Chairman, had attended since the last meeting of Council was included in the agenda pack.

 

Chairman’s Dinner

The Vice-Chairman reported that the Chairman had held his Chairman’s dinner on 31 January 2015. It raised in the region of £1500.

 

Food Hygiene Enforcement

The Vice-Chairman reported that Cherwell District Council had topped a Which? Magazine survey for food hygiene enforcement for the second year running. Of the 398 councils across the country CDC was rated top for ensuring that businesses comply with food hygiene rules.

 

Post

The Vice-Chairman reminded Members to collect post from pigeon holes

 

66.

Petitions and Requests to Address the Meeting

The Chairman to report on any requests to submit petitions or to address the meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no petitions or requests to address the meeting.

 

67.

Urgent Business

The Chairman to advise whether they have agreed to any item of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no items of urgent business.

68.

Minutes of Council pdf icon PDF 398 KB

To confirm as correct records the Minutes of Council held on 15 December 2014 and the Special Meeting of Council held on 27 January 2015.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of meeting of Council held on 15 December 2014 and the Special Meeting of Council held on 27 January 2015 were agreed as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

69.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 420 KB

a)         Minutes of Executive, Lead Member Decisions and Executive Decisions not included in the Forward Plan

 

The Leader of the Council to formally propose that the minutes of the meetings of the Executive and Lead Member Decisions as set out in the Minute Book (circulated separately) be received and to report that since the last meeting three decisions have been taken by the Executive which were not included in the 28 day notice relating to Landscape Management Contract Re-tender, Negotiations with Parkwood Leisure Limited Regarding Benchmarking and Contract Structure and Bicester Leisure Centre.

 

b)         Minutes of Committees

 

The Leader of the Council to formally propose that the minutes of committees as set out in the Minute Book (circulated separately) be received.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

a)            Minutes of the Executive, Lead Member Decisions and Executive Decisions made under Special Urgency

 

Resolved

 

That the minutes of the meeting of the Executive and Lead Member decisions as set out in the Minute Book be received and that it be noted that since the last meeting of Council, three decisions have been taken by the Executive which were not included in the 28 day notice relating to Landscape Management Contract Re-tender, Negotiations with Parkwood Leisure Limited Regarding Benchmarking and Contract Structure and Bicester Leisure Centre.

 

b)           Minutes of Committees

 

Resolved

 

That the minutes of Committees as set out in the Minute Book be received.

 

 

70.

Questions pdf icon PDF 119 KB

a)         Written Questions

 

            At the time of agenda publication, one written question had been received in accordance with the Constitution.

 

A written response to the question will be circulated at the meeting.

 

A supplementary question by the Member who submitted the written question provided it is related to the reply and does not introduce any new matter is permitted.

 

b)         Questions to the Leader of the Council

 

The Chairman to invite questions to the Leader of the Council (including any matters arising from the minutes).

 

Following a response to their question being provided members will be entitled to a follow up or supplementary question.

 

c)         Questions to Committee Chairmen on the minutes

 

The Chairman to invite questions to Chairmen of Committees on any matter arising from the minutes of their committee (if any).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

a) Written Questions

 

There were no written questions.

 

b) Questions to the Leader of the Council

 

Questions were asked and answers received on the following issues:

 

Franklin Car Park Closure: Councillor Sibley

Parking Scheme at Bicester Hospital:Councillor Sibley

Retail development at Kingsmere: Councillor Sibley

MOD logistics contract: Councillor Sibley

Performance Monitoring 2014/15 Quarter 3 report – domestic burglaries in Banbury and processing of minor applications within 8 weeks – Councillor Dhesi

Deferral of applications at Planning Committee – Councillor Beere

Potential for closure of London Road railway station – Councillor Mawer

                       

c) Questions to Committee Chairmen on the minutes

 

Councillor Lawrie Stratford asked a question to the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee relating to Minute 52, 2015-16 Business Plan, of the 13 January 2015 minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee whereby the Committee had sought clarification as to whether self-build projects attracted S106 funding.

 

The Lead Member for Planning agreed to provide a written response.

 

71.

Motions

To debate a motion which has been submitted with advance notice, in accordance with the constitution.

 

Car Parking in Bicester

This motion requests the Executive to review all parking charges at Council owned Car Parks in Bicester with a view to introducing a 2 hour free car parking scheme for Bicester in light of the successful parking arrangements introduced by Sainsburys.

 

Proposer: Councillor Les Sibley

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Sibley advised that he had withdrawn his motion in light of the Leader’s response to his earlier question under agenda item 8.

 

72.

Members Allowances 2015/16 pdf icon PDF 142 KB

Report of Head of Law and Governance

 

Purpose of report

 

To determine the levels of the allowances to be paid to Members for the forthcoming 2015/2016 financial year following the submission of the report of the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP)

 

Recommendations

             

The meeting is recommended:

 

 1.1        Consider the levels of allowances to be included in the 2015/2016 Members’ Allowances Scheme, and whether the Panel’s recommendations should  be adopted or modified in any way

 

1.2         Authorise the Head of Law and Governance to prepare an amended Members’ Allowances Scheme, in accordance with the decisions of the Council for implementation with effect from 1 April 2015.

 

1.3         Authorise the Head of Law and Governance to take all necessary action to revoke the current (2014/2015) Scheme and to publicise the revised Scheme pursuant to The Local Authorities (Members’s Allowances)(England) Regulations 2003 (as amended).

 

1.4         Thank the Independent Remuneration Panel for its report and set a fee of £300 for Panel Members for the work carried out in 2014/2015 and propose the same level of fee for 2015/2016.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)          That the levels of allowances to be included in the 2015/2016 Members’ Allowances Scheme be agreed as set out in the annex to the minutes (as set out in the Minute Book).

 

(2)          That the Head of Law and Governance be authorised to prepare an amended Members’ Allowances Scheme, in accordance with the decisions of the Council for implementation with effect from 1 April 2015.

 

(3)          That the Head of Law and Governance be authorised to take all necessary action to revoke the current (2014/2015) Scheme and to publicise the revised Scheme pursuant to The Local Authorities (Members’s Allowances)(England) Regulations 2003 (as amended).

 

(4)          That the Independent Remuneration Panel be thanked for its report and a fee of £300 for Panel Members for the work carried out in 2014/2015 and the same level of fee for 2015/2016 be agreed.

 

Minutes:

The Head of Law and Governance submitted a report to determine the levels of the allowances to be paid to Members for the forthcoming 2015/2016 financial year following the submission of the report of the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP)

 

Resolved

 

(1)          That the levels of allowances to be included in the 2015/2016 Members’ Allowances Scheme be agreed as set out in the annex to the minutes (as set out in the Minute Book).

 

(2)          That the Head of Law and Governance be authorised to prepare an amended Members’ Allowances Scheme, in accordance with the decisions of the Council for implementation with effect from 1 April 2015.

 

(3)          That the Head of Law and Governance be authorised to take all necessary action to revoke the current (2014/2015) Scheme and to publicise the revised Scheme pursuant to The Local Authorities (Members’s Allowances)(England) Regulations 2003 (as amended).

 

(4)          That the Independent Remuneration Panel be thanked for its report and a fee of £300 for Panel Members for the work carried out in 2014/2015 and the same level of fee for 2015/2016 be agreed.

 

73.

Corporate Plan, Revenue and Capital Budgets and Treasury Strategy 2015/16 pdf icon PDF 209 KB

Report of Head of Finance and Procurement and Head of Transformation

 

Purpose of report

 

The purpose of this report is to set the Council’s General Fund Budget and to seek formal adoption of all parts of the Council’s financial plans for the 2015-16 budget year.

 

The report also details the proposed strategic priorities, the underpinning key objectives and outcomes for 2015-16 which have now been converted into a proposed business plan for the Council.  The proposed business plan sits alongside the proposed budget for 2015-16 so as to demonstrate that the Council adopts a strategic and integrated approach to managing all of its resources by aligning the development and delivery of the Council’s strategic business priorities and key outcomes to the proposed budget.

 

Recommendations

            

The meeting is recommended:

 

1.1         To consider the contents of this report in approving the General Fund Revenue Budget and Capital Programme for 2015-16 and to formally record that consideration.

 

1.2      To approve the 2015-16 General Fund Budget (in table 1) and 2015-16 Capital Programme (in Appendix 1) proposed by the Executive on 2 February 2015.

 

1.3       To approve the Collection Fund Estimates contained in Appendix 2

 

1.4         To approve the proposed 5 year business strategy, 2015-16 business plan and public pledges (detailed in Appendices 3, 4 and 5) and to delegate authority to the Head of Transformation in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Banbury Developments, Communications and Performance to make any minor amendments to the plan or pledges as required before final publication in March 2015.

 

1.5         To note the contents of the section 25 statement from the Director of Resources contained in paragraphs 2.1 to 2.7 in relation to the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves.

 

1.6         To approve the Treasury Management Strategy as detailed in Appendix 6.

 

1.7         To approve the appended statement of pay policy for 2015-16 as required by the Localism Act and detailed in Appendix 7.

 

1.8         To approve the proposed Transitional Relief and Retail Relief Policies outlined in paragraphs 3.24 and contained in Appendices 8 and 9.

 

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)          That the contents of this report in approving the General Fund Revenue Budget and Capital Programme for 2015-16 be noted and that consideration be formally recorded.

 

(2)          That the 2015-16 General Fund Budget and 2015-16 Capital Programme (contained in the annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) proposed by the Executive on 2 February 2015 be approved.

 

(3)          That the Collection Fund Estimates (annex to the minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

 

(4)          That the proposed 5 year business strategy, 2015-16 business plan and public pledges (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved and authority delegated to the Head of Transformation in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Banbury Developments, Communications and Performance to make any minor amendments to the plan or pledges as required before final publication in March 2015.

 

(5)          That the contents of the section 25 statement from the Director of Resources in relation to the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of reserves be noted

 

(6)          That the Treasury Management Strategy (annex to the minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

 

(7)          That the statement of pay policy for 2015-16 as required by the Localism Act (annex to the minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

 

(8)          That the proposed Transitional Relief and Retail Relief Policies (annexes to the minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

 

Minutes:

The Head of Finance and Procurement and Head of Transformation submitted a report to set the Council’s General Fund Budget and to seek formal adoption of all parts of the Council’s financial plans for the 2015-16 budget year.

 

The report also detailed the proposed strategic priorities, the underpinning key objectives and outcomes for 2015-16 which have now been converted into a proposed business plan for the Council. The proposed business plan sits alongside the proposed budget for 2015-16 so as to demonstrate that the Council adopts a strategic and integrated approach to managing all of its resources by aligning the development and delivery of the Council’s strategic business priorities and key outcomes to the proposed budget.

 

Councillor Atack introduced and proposed the Corporate Plan, Revenue and Capital Budgets and Treasury Strategy 2015/16.

 

Councillor Wood seconded the adoption of the budget. Councillor Woodcock, on behalf of the Labour Group, addressed Council in response to the budget.

 

Councillor Wood paid tribute to the Lead Member for Finance, the Director of Resources, Head of Finance and Procurement and the finance team who had worked hard on the budget process and submitted a balanced budget to Council.

 

A recorded vote was taken and members voted as follows:

 

Councillor Ken Atack – For

Councillor Andrew Beere – Against

Councillor Claire Bell - Against

Councillor Maurice Billington – For

Councillor Fred Blackwell – For

Councillor Norman Bolster – For

Councillor Mark Cherry – Against

Councillor Colin Clarke - For

Councillor Surinder Dhesi – Against

Councillor John Donaldson – For

Councillor Diana Edwards - For

Councillor Andrew Fulljames – For

Councillor Michael Gibbard – For

Councillor Carmen Griffiths - For

Councillor Tim Hallchurch MBE – For

Councillor Chris Heath - For

Councillor Simon Holland – For

Councillor David Hughes – For

Councillor Russell Hurle – For

Councillor Tony Ilott – For

Councillor Ray Jelf – For

Councillor Matt Johnstone - Against

Councillor James Macnamara – For

Councillor Melanie Magee – For

Councillor Kieron Mallon – For

Councillor Nicholas Mawer – For

Councillor Nigel Morris – For

Councillor D M Pickford – For

Councillor Lynn Pratt – For

Councillor Neil Prestidge - For

Councillor Nigel Randall – For

Councillor G A Reynolds – For

Councillor Barry Richards - Against

Councillor Daniel Sames – For

Councillor Les Sibley – For

Councillor Trevor Stevens - For

Councillor Lawrie Stratford – For

Councillor Rose Stratford – For

Councillor Lynda Thirzie Smart – For

Councillor Nicholas Turner – For

Councillor Douglas Webb – For

Councillor Bryn Williams - For

Councillor Barry Wood – For

Councillor Sean Woodcock – Against

 

Resolved

 

(1)          That the contents of this report in approving the General Fund Revenue Budget and Capital Programme for 2015-16 be noted and that consideration be formally recorded.

 

(2)          That the 2015-16 General Fund Budget and 2015-16 Capital Programme (contained in the annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) proposed by the Executive on 2 February 2015 be approved.

 

(3)          That the Collection Fund Estimates (annex to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

74.

Adjournment of Council Meeting

The Council to adjourn, if necessary to allow the Executive to meet to consider any proposals which do not accord with the Executive’s recommendations.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council confirmed that she did not require Council to adjourn to allow Cabinet to meet discuss any issues arising from the budget.

75.

Calculating the amounts of Council Tax for 2015-2016 and setting the Council Tax for 2015-2016 pdf icon PDF 136 KB

Report of Report of the Chief Finance Officer and Head of Finance and Procurement

 

Purpose of report

 

To detail the Calculations for the amounts of Council Tax for 2015-16 and the setting of Council Tax for 2015-2016.

 

Recommendations

            

It is recommended that the Council resolves:-

 

(1)          That it be noted that at the Executive meeting held on 5 January 2015 the Council calculated the Council Tax Base 2015-16:

 

a)            for the whole Council area as 48,253 [item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)]; and

 

b)            For dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish Precept relates as in the attached Appendix 1.

 

(2)          That the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2015-16 (excluding Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) is £5,959,246.

 

(3)          That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2015-16 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:-

 

a)            £70,480,648 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act, taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils and any additional special expenses.

 

b)           £60,437,491 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the Act.

 

c)            £10,043,157 being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act).

 

d)           £208.14 being the amount at 3(c) above (Item R), all divided by Item T (6(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish Precepts and Special Expenses);

 

e)           £4,083,911 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act as per the attached Schedule 2.

 

f)             £123.50 being the amount at 3(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 3(e) above by Item T(1(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no Parish Precept or special item relates;

 

(4)       It be noted that for the year 2015-16 the Oxfordshire County Council and  the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley have issued precepts to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area as indicated below :-

 

Valuation

Band

Oxfordshire County Council

Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley

 

£

£

A

821.64

109.13

B

C

958.58

1095.52

127.32

145.51

D

E

F

G

H

1232.46

1506.34

1780.22

2054.10

2464.92

163.70

200.08

236.46

272.83

327.40  ...  view the full agenda text for item 75.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)          That it be noted that at the Executive meeting held on 5 January 2015 the Council calculated the Council Tax Base 2015-16:

 

a)            for the whole Council area as 48,253 [item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)]; and

 

b)            For dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish Precept relates as in the attached annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book).

 

(2)          That the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2015-16 (excluding Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) is £5,959,246.

 

(3)          That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2015-16 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:-

 

a)            £70,480,648 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act, taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils and any additional special expenses.

 

b)           £60,437,491 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the Act.

 

c)            £10,043,157 being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act).

 

d)           £208.14 being the amount at 3(c) above (Item R), all divided by Item T (6(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish Precepts and Special Expenses);

 

e)           £4,083,911 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act as per the attached Schedule 2.

 

f)             £123.50 being the amount at 3(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 3(e) above by Item T(1(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no Parish Precept or special item relates;

 

(4)       That it be noted that for the year 2015-16 the Oxfordshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley have issued precepts to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area as indicated below :-

 

Valuation

Band

Oxfordshire County Council

Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley

£

£

A

821.64

109.13

B

C

958.58

1095.52

127.32

145.51

D

E

F

G

H

1232.46

1506.34

1780.22

2054.10

2464.92

163.70

200.08

236.46

272.83

327.40

 

(5)       That the Council, in accordance with Sections 30 and 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the amounts shown in the annex to the Minutes (as set out in the  ...  view the full decision text for item 75.

Minutes:

The Chief Finance Officer and Head of Finance and Procurement submitted a report to detail the Calculations for the amounts of Council Tax for 2015-16 and the setting of Council Tax for 2015-2016.

 

Councillor Atack introduced and proposed the Council Tax for 2015-16, which was duly seconded by Councillor Wood.

 

A recorded vote was taken and members voted as follows:

 

Councillor Ken Atack – For

Councillor Andrew Beere – Abstain

Councillor Claire Bell - Abstain

Councillor Maurice Billington – For

Councillor Fred Blackwell – For

Councillor Norman Bolster – For

Councillor Mark Cherry – Abstain

Councillor Colin Clarke - For

Councillor Surinder Dhesi – Abstain

Councillor John Donaldson – For

Councillor Diana Edwards - For

Councillor Andrew Fulljames – For

Councillor Michael Gibbard – For

Councillor Carmen Griffiths - For

Councillor Tim Hallchurch MBE – For

Councillor Chris Heath - For

Councillor Simon Holland – For

Councillor David Hughes – For

Councillor Russell Hurle – For

Councillor Tony Ilott – For

Councillor Ray Jelf – For

Councillor Matt Johnstone - Abstain

Councillor James Macnamara – For

Councillor Melanie Magee – For

Councillor Kieron Mallon – For

Councillor Nicholas Mawer – For

Councillor Nigel Morris – For

Councillor D M Pickford – For

Councillor Lynn Pratt – For

Councillor Neil Prestidge - For

Councillor Nigel Randall – For

Councillor G A Reynolds – For

Councillor Barry Richards - Abstain

Councillor Daniel Sames – For

Councillor Les Sibley – For

Councillor Trevor Stevens - For

Councillor Lawrie Stratford – For

Councillor Rose Stratford – For

Councillor Lynda Thirzie Smart – For

Councillor Nicholas Turner – For

Councillor Douglas Webb – For

Councillor Bryn Williams - For

Councillor Barry Wood – For

Councillor Sean Woodcock – Abstain

 

Resolved

 

(1)          That it be noted that at the Executive meeting held on 5 January 2015 the Council calculated the Council Tax Base 2015-16:

 

a)            for the whole Council area as 48,253 [item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)]; and

 

b)            For dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish Precept relates as in the attached annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book).

 

(2)          That the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2015-16 (excluding Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) is £5,959,246.

 

(3)          That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2015-16 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:-

 

a)            £70,480,648 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act, taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils and any additional special expenses.

 

b)           £60,437,491 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the Act.

 

c)            £10,043,157 being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

76.

Developing the approach to Joint Working and the Delivery of Local Authority Services Final Business Case pdf icon PDF 159 KB

** Appendix 2 (parts B and D) are exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of Local Government Act 1972  **

 

Report of Chief Executive

 

Purpose of report

 

This report presents the final business case for a shared service and/or confederated approach to joint working and the delivery of local authority services following consideration of the draft business case by Council on the 15 of December 2014 and a period of public consultation.

 

Recommendations

            

1.1         Following consideration by Council in December 2014 and a period of public consultation Members are recommended, subject to South Northamptonshire Council resolving in similar terms, to:

 

1)    Note and consider the responses received to the public consultation exercise as outlined in section 3.2 of the final business case.

 

2)    Agree to implement scenario 5 (as set out in the appended final business case), moving towards shared services in all service areas between Cherwell District and South Northamptonshire Councils. This option should be underpinned by a planned programme of change which should commence as soon as practicable in order to contribute towards the savings required by the councils’ medium term financial strategies. 

 

3)    Subject to recommendation 2 being agreed to add to the Council’s adopted policy framework the establishment of shared service or joint working arrangements in any service area (subject to the approval of service specific business cases via the executive arrangements and the necessary employee consultation).

 

4)    Agree that the implementation costs associated with scenario 5 (as set out in part 3 of the appended business case) will be funded by general fund or earmarked reserves to be determined at year end by the Director of Resources in consultation with the Lead Member of for Financial Management at Cherwell District Council (CDC) and the Resources and Change Management Portfolio Holder at South Northamptonshire Council (SNC).

 

5)    Agree the draft workforce development plan as set out in appendix 2b as a framework to support the implementation of joint working and a full organisational development strategy.

 

6)    Agree the principles set out in appendix 2c, management arrangements, and request that the Chief Executive prepares a management structure for the future consideration of the Joint Commissioning Committee (subject to the approval of recommendation 8 below) to ensure the effective implementation of the transformation programme and on-going frontline service delivery.

 

7)    Receive the additional technical information provided on the feasibility of alternative models of service delivery in appendix 2d and agree to move towards a ‘confederation approach’ (scenario 6) between Cherwell District and South Northamptonshire as founding councils.  Any decisions to implement a confederation or alternative service delivery models will still be subject to specific business cases to be considered by Members. Development will be incremental and focused on business support services in the first instance.

 

8)    Establish a Joint Commissioning Committee and Joint Scrutiny Committee (as set out in appendix 2e) and disestablish the current Joint Personnel Committee with effect from the annual council meeting on 19 May 2015 to enhance the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 76.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)          That following consideration by Council in December 2014 and a period of public consultation Members, subject to South Northamptonshire Council resolving in similar terms:

 

1)    That the responses received to the public consultation exercise as outlined in section 3.2 of the final business case (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be noted.

 

2)    That the implementation of scenario 5, moving towards shared services in all service areas between Cherwell District and South Northamptonshire Councils be agreed. This option should be underpinned by a planned programme of change which should commence as soon as practicable in order to contribute towards the savings required by the councils’ medium term financial strategies.

 

3)    That the establishment of shared service or joint working arrangements in any service area (subject to the approval of service specific business cases via the executive arrangements and the necessary employee consultation) be added to the Council’s adopted policy framework.

 

4)     That that the implementation costs associated with scenario 5 (as set out in part 3 of the appended business case) be funded by general fund or earmarked reserves to be determined at year end by the Director of Resources in consultation with the Lead Member of for Financial Management at Cherwell District Council (CDC) and the Resources and Change Management Portfolio Holder at South Northamptonshire Council (SNC).

 

5)    That the draft workforce development plan (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) as a framework to support the implementation of joint working and a full organisational development strategy be agreed.

 

6)    That the principles set out in the management arrangements (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be agreed, and the Chief Executive be requested to prepare a management structure for the future consideration of the Joint Commissioning Committee to ensure the effective implementation of the transformation programme and on-going frontline service delivery.

 

7)    That the additional technical information provided on the feasibility of alternative models of service delivery be received and a move towards a ‘confederation approach’ (scenario 6) between Cherwell District and South Northamptonshire as founding councils be agreed. Any decisions to implement a confederation or alternative service delivery models will still be subject to specific business cases to be considered by Members. Development will be incremental and focused on business support services in the first instance.

 

8)    That a Joint Commissioning Committee and Joint Scrutiny Committee (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be established and the current Joint Personnel Committee be disestablished with effect from the annual council meeting on 19 May 2015 to enhance the governance arrangements associated with the implementation of scenarios 5 (two way joint working between CDC and SNC) and further development of scenario 6, including the opportunity for additional partners to join the governance arrangements if appropriate.

 

9)    That staff and trade union consultation be commenced on the proposal to establish a Joint Councils Employee Engagement Committee (annex to the Minutes as  ...  view the full decision text for item 76.

Minutes:

The Chief Executive submitted a report which presented the final business case for a shared service and/or confederated approach to joint working and the delivery of local authority services following consideration of the draft business case by Council on the 15 of December 2014 and a period of public consultation.

 

Councillor Woodcock proposed that a recorded vote be taken. Councillor Beere seconded the proposal. Members voted as follows:

 

Councillor Ken Atack – For

Councillor Andrew Beere – Against

Councillor Claire Bell - Against

Councillor Maurice Billington – For

Councillor Fred Blackwell – For

Councillor Norman Bolster – For

Councillor Mark Cherry – Against

Councillor Colin Clarke - For

Councillor Surinder Dhesi – Against

Councillor John Donaldson – For

Councillor Diana Edwards - For

Councillor Andrew Fulljames – For

Councillor Michael Gibbard – For

Councillor Carmen Griffiths - For

Councillor Tim Hallchurch MBE – For

Councillor Chris Heath - For

Councillor Simon Holland – For

Councillor David Hughes – For

Councillor Russell Hurle – For

Councillor Tony Ilott – For

Councillor Ray Jelf – For

Councillor Matt Johnstone - Against

Councillor James Macnamara – For

Councillor Melanie Magee – For

Councillor Kieron Mallon – For

Councillor Nicholas Mawer – For

Councillor Nigel Morris – For

Councillor D M Pickford – For

Councillor Lynn Pratt – For

Councillor Neil Prestidge - For

Councillor Nigel Randall – For

Councillor G A Reynolds – For

Councillor Barry Richards - Against

Councillor Daniel Sames – For

Councillor Les Sibley – For

Councillor Trevor Stevens - For

Councillor Lawrie Stratford – For

Councillor Rose Stratford – For

Councillor Lynda Thirzie Smart – For

Councillor Nicholas Turner – For

Councillor Douglas Webb – For

Councillor Bryn Williams - For

Councillor Barry Wood – For

Councillor Sean Woodcock – Against

 

Resolved

 

(1)          That following consideration by Council in December 2014 and a period of public consultation Members, subject to South Northamptonshire Council resolving in similar terms:

 

1)    That the responses received to the public consultation exercise as outlined in section 3.2 of the final business case (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be noted.

 

2)    That the implementation of scenario 5, moving towards shared services in all service areas between Cherwell District and South Northamptonshire Councils be agreed. This option should be underpinned by a planned programme of change which should commence as soon as practicable in order to contribute towards the savings required by the councils’ medium term financial strategies.

 

3)    That the establishment of shared service or joint working arrangements in any service area (subject to the approval of service specific business cases via the executive arrangements and the necessary employee consultation) be added to the Council’s adopted policy framework.

 

4)     That that the implementation costs associated with scenario 5 (as set out in part 3 of the appended business case) be funded by general fund or earmarked reserves to be determined at year end by the Director of Resources in consultation with the Lead Member of for Financial Management at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

77.

Proposed changes to the Scheme of Delegation to the Head of Development Management pdf icon PDF 138 KB

Report of Head of Development Management

 

Purpose of report

 

To seek the agreement of Council to proposed revisions to the current scheme of delegation to the Head of Development Management as set out in the council’s Constitution.

 

Recommendations

             

The meeting is recommended:

 

 1.1        To agree the revisions proposed in the Report.

 

1.2      To delegate authority to the Head of Law and Governance to produce a composite version of the scheme of delegation with the equivalent for South Northamptonshire Council so that there is one point of reference for both Councils, as at present.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)          That the proposed changes to the Scheme of Delegation to the Head of Development Management (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be agreed.

 

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Law and Governance to produce a composite version of the scheme of delegation with the equivalent for South Northamptonshire Council so that there is one point of reference for both Councils, as at present.

Minutes:

The Head of Development Management submitted a report to seek the agreement of Council to proposed revisions to the current scheme of delegation to the Head of Development Management as set out in the council’s Constitution.

 

Resolved

 

(1)          That the proposed changes to the Scheme of Delegation to the Head of Development Management (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be agreed.

 

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Law and Governance to produce a composite version of the scheme of delegation with the equivalent for South Northamptonshire Council so that there is one point of reference for both Councils, as at present.

78.

Public Speaking at Planning Committee and Members' Planning Code of Conduct pdf icon PDF 199 KB

** Please note that the report to Council for this item will follow as it is subject to the decision of the Planning Committee meeting to be held on Thursday 19 February 2015. The report to the Planning Committee is attached for information. **

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)          That the minor amendments to the procedure for requests by the public to address the Planning Committee (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

 

(2)          That the Members’ Planning Code of Conduct and Bias and Predetermination: A Guidance Note for Members (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be adopted.

 

(3)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Law and Governance, in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning and Chairman of Planning Committee, to make any necessary typographical amendments to the procedure for requests by the public to address the Planning Committee and the Members’ Planning Code of Conduct prior to publication.

 

Minutes:

The Head of Law and Governance submitted a report to agree the recommendations of the Planning Committee to approve minor amendments to the procedure for requests by the public to address the Planning and to consider a proposed Members’ Planning Code of Conduct to replace the current Good Practice Guidance on Planning Matters contained in Part 3 of the Constitution. 

 

Resolved

 

(1)          That the minor amendments to the procedure for requests by the public to address the Planning Committee (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

 

(2)          That the Members’ Planning Code of Conduct and Bias and Predetermination: A Guidance Note for Members (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be adopted.

 

(3)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Law and Governance, in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning and Chairman of Planning Committee, to make any necessary typographical amendments to the procedure for requests by the public to address the Planning Committee and the Members’ Planning Code of Conduct prior to publication.

 

79.

Calendar of Meetings 2015/16 and 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 173 KB

Report of Head of Law and Governance

 

Purpose of report

 

Council is asked to consider the calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2015/16 and the municipal year 2016/17.   

 

Recommendations

            

The meeting is recommended:

 

 1.1        To approve the calendar of meetings for Cherwell District Council (CDC) for the municipal years 2015/16 (Appendix 1) and 2016/17 (Appendix 2).

 

1.2      To delegate authority to the Head of Law and Governance to amend the calendars of meetings to take account of the Joint Commissioning Committee, Joint Scrutiny Committee and Joint Councils’ Employee Engagement Committee if their establishment is approved.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)          That the calendar of meetings for Cherwell District Council (CDC) for the municipal years 2015/16 and 2016/17 (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

 

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Law and Governance to amend the calendars of meetings to take account of the Joint Commissioning Committee, Joint Scrutiny Committee and Joint Councils’ Employee Engagement Committee following the approval of their establishment.

 

Minutes:

The Head of Law and Governance submitted a report to consider the calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2015/16 and the municipal year 2016/17.

 

Resolved

 

(1)          That the calendar of meetings for Cherwell District Council (CDC) for the municipal years 2015/16 and 2016/17 (Annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

 

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Law and Governance to amend the calendars of meetings to take account of the Joint Commissioning Committee, Joint Scrutiny Committee and Joint Councils’ Employee Engagement Committee following the approval of their establishment.

 

80.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The following report contains exempt information as defined in the following paragraphs of Part 1, Schedule 12A of Local Government Act 1972.

 

3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

 

Members are reminded that whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the meeting to decide whether or not to consider it in private or in public. In making the decision, members should balance the interests of individuals or the Council itself in having access to the information. In considering their discretion members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers.

 

Should Members decide not to make a decision in public, they are recommended to pass the following recommendation:

 

“That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the ground that, if the public and press were present, it would be likely that exempt information falling under the provisions of Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraph 3 would be disclosed to them, and that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.”

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

As there were no questions arising on the exempt appendices to agenda item 14, Developing the Approach to Joint Working and the Delivery of Local Authority Service Final Business Case, it was not necessary to resolve to exclude the press and public.

 

81.

Developing the approach to Joint Working and the Delivery of Local Authority Services Final Business Case - Exempt appendices

Minutes:

Resolved

 

(1)          That the exempt appendices to agenda item 14, Developing the approach to Joint Working and the Delivery of Local Authority Service Final Business Case, be noted.

 

82.

Questions on Exempt Minutes

Members of Council willask questions on exempt minutes, if any.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no questions on exempt minutes.