Decisions

Resolved

(1)          That Nick Graham be appointed as the Council’s Monitoring Officer with effect from 7 November 2018 and that he be requested to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Deputy Monitoring Officer with effect from the same date.

(2)          That Natasha Clark be appointed as Deputy Electoral Registration Officer.

Resolved

(1)          That the boundary between Bicester Town Council and Ambrosden being moved to incorporate Graven Hill into Bicester Town Council – Bicester South Ward (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute book) be approved.

(2)          That the boundary between Ambrosden and Chesterton being moved to include the orphan area into Chesterton (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute book) be approved.

(3)          That it be agreed that the number of councillors on Bicester Town Council (BTC) remain at 15 with the allocation of councillors amended to increase BTC – Bicester South Ward by one councillor and decrease BTC – Bicester East Ward by one councillor.

Resolved

(1)          That the proposed amendments to the officer scheme of delegation (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved and the Monitoring Officer be requested to update the constitution accordingly.

Resolved

(1)          That the following motion be adopted:

“This council deplores the Ministry of Justice decision to close the Banbury Magistrate’s and County Court.

This council notes that “The Banbury Court” is an integral part of the fabric of the Town, and is already a combined justice centre for hearing both civil and criminal cases. The Council therefore rejects any suggestion that it is underused and further observes that the Banbury Magistrates’ and County Court provides an important alternative venue for criminal and civil justice, both in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, given the high volume of cases now heard out of Oxford.

This council places the highest importance upon access to justice for all defendants, plaintiffs and for the families of those accused. The present proposals will hit the poorest especially hard, as the current rules will prevent local Solicitors in Banbury from representing legally aided clients, due to the archaic rules which require such firms to be located in close proximity to the court where the hearing is to take place.

This council further notes the additional pressure that the closure would place on the Oxford Combined Court Centre and considers that further centralisation of services to Oxford will put additional strain on Oxford City congestion. This proposed closure would also adversely impact on those people within the Banbury catchment area without independent means of transport or access to public transport.

Accordingly, this Council instructs the Leader to write to the Ministry of Justice to engage with local councils, particularly in light of the emerging partnership arrangements between Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, with a view to exploring the options of utilizing public buildings to continue supporting locally administered justice and the needs of the people of North Oxfordshire, and the Neighbouring counties.”

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Refused reasons to be set out in the minutes

Refused reasons to be set out in the minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

The Assistant Director for Planning Policy and Development submitted a report which informed Members on applications which had been determined by the Council, where new appeals have been lodged, public Inquiries/hearings scheduled or appeal results achieved.

Resolved

(1)          That the position statement be accepted.