Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

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

Addresses may be presented by:

·         A Local Government elector for the area,

·         A person who is wholly or mainly resident in the area,

·         A Council Taxpayer or National Non-Domestic Ratepayer for the area

Addresses must be on an item on the Agenda before the meeting and not exceed 5 minutes. No person may address more than one meeting on any particular issue.

Requests to address the meeting (including the agenda item and reason for the address) should be submitted to democracy@cherwell-dc.gov.uk  The deadline for requests to address this meeting is noon on Friday 15 December 2023.  

The deadline to present a petition to this meeting has passed.

Full details of public participation at meetings is available in the Constitution.

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

Chief Executive, Yvonne Rees

The Chairman advised that this was the last Council meeting the Chief Executive would be attending prior to leaving her role in early January.

On behalf of Council, the Chairman paid tribute to the Chief Executive for her dedication and hard work for the district over the six and half years, paying particular tribute to the leading role she took across Oxfordshire during the pandemic. The Chairman shared anecdotes and highlighted many of the Chief Executive’s achievements and wished her the very best for the futures.

The Leader of the Council (and Conservative Group Leader), Councillor Wood, the Progressive Leader, Councillor Hingley, and the Labour Group Leader. Councillor Woodcock, paid thanks and tribute to the Chief Executive both personally and on behalf of their respective Groups.

The Chairman presented the Chief Executive with gift as token of appreciation from Members.

Meeting Etiquette

The Chairman asked councillors to be respectful of each other when addressing the meeting and out of courtesy, to remain in their seat during items. If necessary, the Chairman would adjourn the meeting to allow for a comfort break at a suitable point.

Chairman’s Engagements

A copy of the events attended by the Chairman or the Vice-Chairman was published with the agenda.

The Chairman thanked Members who had attended and/or donated to his Annual Charity dinner which had taken place on 18 November. The Chairman paid particular thanks to Councillor Wood who had been Master of Ceremony and Senior Support Team Manager, Alex Robinson, for her excellent work selling raffle tickets.

The Chairman explained he would confirm the amount raised once final donations have been received and bills paid.

Cherwell Climate Change Network

The Chairman referred to the motion Council passed that committed the authority to presenting a community event regarding climate change and advised that the that the first Cherwell Climate Change Network would take place at Bodicote House on Wednesday 24 January. Further information would be circulated in due course.  

Attendance of Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable at Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable would be attending the Overview and Scrutiny meeting on Tuesday 30 January, to give their annual update on policing in Oxfordshire.

As on previous occasions, all elected Members were invited to attend the meeting, to hear the update and ask questions. Members were asked to submit questions to the Democratic and Elections Team by Wednesday 24 January.  

Members’ Pigeon Holes

Members were reminded to check their pigeon hole and take any post.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of Council held on 16 October 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 October 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

a)         Minutes of Executive, Portfolio Holder Decisions and Executive Decisions not included in the 28 day notice

The Leader of the Council to formally propose that the minutes of the meetings of the Executive and Portfolio Holder Decisions as set out in the Minute Book (circulated separately) be received and to report that since the last meeting of Council held on 16 October 2023, no key or exempt decisions have been taken by the Executive which were not included in the 28 day notice.

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.

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 on 16 October 2023, no decisions had been taken which were not included in the 28 day notice.

b)           Minutes of Committees

Resolved

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

a)         Written Questions

            Two written questions have been submitted with advance notice in accordance with the Constitution. These are attached to the agenda. 

A written response to the questions will be published on the working day before the meeting.

The Member who submitted the written question may ask a supplementary question provided it is relevant to the reply and does not introduce any new matter. The Member to whom the question was addressed may reply to such supplementary question or undertake to reply in writing.

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).

a) Written Questions

The Chairman advised that two written questions, addressed to the Leader, had been submitted with advance notice in accordance with the Constitution and had been published with the agenda. Responses to the questions had been published as a supplement to the agenda (and as an annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book).

The first question was from Councillor Middleton in relation to affordable housing levels within the Draft Local Plan 2024. By way of a supplementary question, Councillor Middleton reiterated the reference in his written question  to the motion adopted by Council for a 50% affordable housing requirement and yet the policy in the Local Plan consultation was for 30% affordable housing.

The Leader referred to his written response highlighting that the current draft of the Cherwell Local Plan Review was a consultation document. Respondents to the consultation could respond as they considered appropriate in relation to the affordable housing percentage requirement. Officers would give full consideration to the responses received to the Local Plan consultation and undertake further work before making their recommendations to Members, including on the future affordable housing. It was anticipated the ‘Proposed Submission’ Plan (reg. 19) would be presented to Members for consideration in Autumn 2024.

The second question was from Councillor Middleton in relation to long term empty homes. By way of a supplementary question, Councillor Middleton repeated his written question, as he did not consider the written response had provided sufficient answer.

The Leader advised that he considered the written response had answered Councillor Middleton’s written question. The written response had set out that the numbers of empty homes of all types and categories was consistent.

b) Questions to the Leader of the Council

Questions were asked and answers received on the following issues:

Councillor Okeke: Job losses at the JDE Factory, Banbury

Councillor Walker (on behalf of Councillor McLean): An holistic strategy for Kidlington’s Infrastructure

Councillor Pattenden: Wildlife and established trees at Bodicote House

Councillor Watkins: CCTV at Edmonds Road, Banbury

Councillor Cherry: Bottle and clothes banks at Prescott Avenue, Banbury

Councillor Parsons: Future scrutiny arrangements of Registered Providers used by CDC

c) Questions to Committee Chairmen on the Minutes

There were no questions to Committee Chairman on the minutes of meetings.

Report of Assistant Director Human Resources

Purpose of report

To seek Council approval of the recommendations of the Personnel Committee that Gordon Stewart be appointed to the posts of Chief Executive, Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer with effect 8 January 2024.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1          To agree the recommendation of the Personnel Committee that Gordon Stewart be appointed Chief Executive from 8 January 2024.

1.2          To agree the recommendation of the Personnel Committee that Gordon Stewart be appointed the Council’s Head of Paid Service for the purposes of Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 with effect from8 January 2024.

1.3          To agree that, in accordance with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 and all related legislation, Gordon Stewart be appointed as Electoral Registration Officer for Cherwell District Council from 8 January 2024.

1.4          To agree that, in accordance with Section 35 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 and all related legislation Gordon Stewart be appointed as Returning Officer for Cherwell District Council with authority to act in that capacity for elections to the District Council and all parish and town councils within the area of the Cherwell district from 8 January 2024.

1.5          To agree that Gordon Stewart also be appointed or authorised to act in respect of all related electoral, polling or referendum duties, including in relation to County Council elections, and for national and regional polls or referendums and be authorised to exercise all delegated powers of the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer as set out in the Constitution from 8 January 2024.

1.6          To agree that, in relation to the duties of Returning Officer or any other electoral, referendum or polling duties arising from such appointment, the Returning Officer shall be entitled to be remunerated in accordance with the scale of fees approved by Council for local elections, or the relevant scale of fees prescribed by a Fees Order in respect of national or regional elections, polls or referendums.

1.7          To agree that in all cases where it is a legal requirement or normal practice to do so, the Returning Officer may elect for such fees to be superannuable, and the Council shall pay the appropriate employer's contribution to the superannuation fund, recovering such employer's contributions from central government or other local authorities or agencies where this can be done.

1.8          To agree that, in relation to the conduct of local authority elections and polls, and elections to the United Kingdom Parliament, and all other electoral duties where the Councils are entitled by law to do so, they shall take out and maintain in force insurance indemnifying the Councils, the Electoral Registration Officer and the Returning Officer against legal expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the defence of any proceedings brought against the Council, Electoral Registration Officer or the Returning Officer and/or the cost of holding another election in the event of the original election being  ...  view the full agenda text for item 47.

Resolved

(1)          That the recommendation of the Personnel Committee that Gordon Stewart be appointed Chief Executive from 8 January 2024 be agreed.

(2)          That the recommendation of the Personnel Committee that Gordon Stewart be appointed the Council’s Head of Paid Service for the purposes of Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 with effect from8 January 2024 be agreed.

(3)          That, in accordance with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 and all related legislation, Gordon Stewart be appointed as Electoral Registration Officer for Cherwell District Council from 8 January 2024.

(4)          That, in accordance with Section 35 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 and all related legislation Gordon Stewart be appointed as Returning Officer for Cherwell District Council with authority to act in that capacity for elections to the District Council and all parish and town councils within the area of the Cherwell district from 8 January 2024.

(5)          That Gordon Stewart also be appointed or authorised to act in respect of all related electoral, polling or referendum duties, including in relation to County Council elections, and for national and regional polls or referendums and be authorised to exercise all delegated powers of the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer as set out in the Constitution from 8 January 2024.

(6)          That, in relation to the duties of Returning Officer or any other electoral, referendum or polling duties arising from such appointment, it be agreed that the Returning Officer shall be entitled to be remunerated in accordance with the scale of fees approved by Council for local elections, or the relevant scale of fees prescribed by a Fees Order in respect of national or regional elections, polls or referendums.

(7)          That it be agreed that in all cases where it is a legal requirement or normal practice to do so, the Returning Officer may elect for such fees to be superannuable, and the Council shall pay the appropriate employer's contribution to the superannuation fund, recovering such employer's contributions from central government or other local authorities or agencies where this can be done.

(8)          That, in relation to the conduct of local authority elections and polls, and elections to the United Kingdom Parliament, and all other electoral duties where the Council is entitled by law to do so, it be agreed that the Council shall take out and maintain in force insurance indemnifying the Council, the Electoral Registration Officer and the Returning Officer against legal expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the defence of any proceedings brought against the Council, Electoral Registration Officer or the Returning Officer and/or the cost of holding another election in the event of the original election being declared invalid (provided that such proceedings or invalidation are the result of the inadvertent contravention of the Representation of the People Acts or other legislation governing the electoral process, and provided that, in the case of the Electoral Registration Officer and the Returning Officer, such  ...  view the full decision text for item 47.

The Assistant Director Human Resources submitted a report to seek Council approval of the recommendations of the Personnel Committee that Gordon Stewart be appointed to the posts of Chief Executive, Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer with effect from 8 January 2024.

Resolved

(1)           That the recommendation of the Personnel Committee that Gordon Stewart be appointed Chief Executive from 8 January 2024 be agreed.

(2)           That the recommendation of the Personnel Committee that Gordon Stewart be appointed the Council’s Head of Paid Service for the purposes of Section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 with effect from8 January 2024 be agreed.

(3)           That, in accordance with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 and all related legislation, Gordon Stewart be appointed as Electoral Registration Officer for Cherwell District Council from 8 January 2024.

(4)           That, in accordance with Section 35 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 and all related legislation Gordon Stewart be appointed as Returning Officer for Cherwell District Council with authority to act in that capacity for elections to the District Council and all parish and town councils within the area of the Cherwell district from 8 January 2024.

(5)           That Gordon Stewart also be appointed or authorised to act in respect of all related electoral, polling or referendum duties, including in relation to County Council elections, and for national and regional polls or referendums and be authorised to exercise all delegated powers of the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer as set out in the Constitution from 8 January 2024.

(6)           That, in relation to the duties of Returning Officer or any other electoral, referendum or polling duties arising from such appointment, it be agreed that the Returning Officer shall be entitled to be remunerated in accordance with the scale of fees approved by Council for local elections, or the relevant scale of fees prescribed by a Fees Order in respect of national or regional elections, polls or referendums.

(7)           That it be agreed that in all cases where it is a legal requirement or normal practice to do so, the Returning Officer may elect for such fees to be superannuable, and the Council shall pay the appropriate employer's contribution to the superannuation fund, recovering such employer's contributions from central government or other local authorities or agencies where this can be done.

(8)           That, in relation to the conduct of local authority elections and polls, and elections to the United Kingdom Parliament, and all other electoral duties where the Council is entitled by law to do so, it be agreed that the Council shall take out and maintain in force insurance indemnifying the Council, the Electoral Registration Officer and the Returning Officer against legal expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the defence of any proceedings brought against the Council, Electoral Registration Officer or the Returning Officer and/or the cost of holding another election in the event of the original  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

Report of Assistant Director of Finance

Purpose of report

To enable members to consider the proposed banded scheme for Council Tax Reduction for 2024- 25 

The current scheme was introduced from April 2020 following a period of consultation and engagement. In general, it has been well received with limited contact from customers. It is proposed to continue with the current scheme, uprated for inflationary factors.

The scheme assesses the maximum level of Council Tax Reduction based on the net income of the applicant and household members, the main principles of the scheme remain unchanged .  Pensioners are protected and continue to be eligible to receive 100% Council Tax Reduction

If the applicant or partner is in receipt of a passported benefit such as Income Support Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) income based and income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or receiving War widows or War disablement pensions they will be placed into the highest band and will receive 100% Council Tax Reduction.

Working age households will receive a discount, depending on their level of income and the band that they fall into.

The current scheme is understood by customers and has enabled them to budget for their council tax payments, and this is reflected in the Council Tax collection rates with Cherwell being the highest performer across the county for 2022 -23.

The current scheme reduces the number of changes that the customer will experience with less bills and notification letters generated and enables better personal budgeting. There is still a lot of financial uncertainty for many customers and in the current financial climate with the ongoing cost of living crisis it is therefore recommended that the existing scheme should be retained for 2024.25.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1         To note the contents of this report and the financial implications for the council.

1.2         To approve

·         The option of no change to the Council Tax Reduction Income Banded Scheme for Working Age Customers for 2024-2025

·         To amend Working Age Regulations in line with annual uprating and to amend the Council Tax Regulations for pensioner in line with uprating announced by Department for Levelling Up  Housing and Communities

Resolved

(1)          That report and the financial implications for the council be noted.

(2)          That the option of no change to the Council Tax Reduction Income Banded Scheme for Working Age Customers for 2024-2025 be approved and it be agreed to amend Working Age Regulations in line with annual uprating and to amend the Council Tax Regulations for pensioners in line with uprating announced by Department for Levelling Up  Housing and Communities.

The Assistant Director of Finance submitted a report to enable Council to consider the proposed banded scheme for Council Tax Reduction for 2024- 25 

In introducing the report, the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Nell, explained that the current scheme was introduced from April 2020 following a period of consultation and engagement. In general, it had been well received with limited contact from customers and it was proposed to continue with the current scheme, uprated for inflationary factors.

The scheme assessed the maximum level of Council Tax Reduction based on the net income of the applicant and household members, the main principles of the scheme remain unchanged. It was understood by customers and had enabled them to budget for their council tax payments, which was reflected in the Council Tax collection rates in Cherwell being the highest performer across the county for 2022 -23.

The current scheme reduced the number of changes that the customer would experience with less bills and notification letters generated and enables better personal budgeting. There was still a lot of financial uncertainty for many customers and in the current financial climate with the ongoing cost of living crisis it was therefore recommended that the existing scheme should be retained for 2024/25.

Resolved

(1)          That report and the financial implications for the council be noted.

(2)          That the option of no change to the Council Tax Reduction Income Banded Scheme for Working Age Customers for 2024-2025 be approved and it be agreed to amend Working Age Regulations in line with annual uprating and to amend the Council Tax Regulations for pensioners in line with uprating announced by Department for Levelling Up  Housing and Communities.

Report of Assistant Director of Finance

Purpose of report

To receive information on treasury management performance and compliance with treasury management policy for 2023-24 as required by the Treasury Management Code of Practice.

All treasury management activities undertaken to date during the financial year 2023-24 complied with the CIPFA Code of Practice and the Council’s approved Treasury Management Strategy, and all Prudential Indicators were met during the reporting period.

Over the course of the year, there is an overall Treasury Management forecast underspend of £1.214m compared to the approved budget.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1         To note the contents of this Treasury Management Mid-Year Review Report.

Resolved

(1)           That the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review Report be noted.

The Assistant Director of Finance submitted a report to present information on treasury management performance and compliance with treasury management policy for 2023-24 as required by the Treasury Management Code of Practice.

In introducing the report, the Portfolio Holder for Finance advised that all treasury management activities undertaken to date during the financial year 2023-24 complied with the CIPFA Code of Practice and the Council’s approved Treasury Management Strategy, and all Prudential Indicators were met during the reporting period.

Over the course of the year, there was an overall Treasury Management forecast underspend of £1.214m compared to the approved budget.

Resolved

(1)           That the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review Report be noted.

Report of Monitoring Officer

Purpose of report

To seek Council approval for a dispensation from attending meetings to a Member who is currently unable to attend any Council meetings due to ill-health.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1         to approve a dispensation for Councillor Maurice Billington from the statutory requirement to attend a meeting of the Council within a six-month period from the last noted attendance.

1.2         to approve that the dispensation last up to and including 6 May 2024.

Resolved

(1)           That a dispensation for Councillor Maurice Billington from the statutory requirement to attend a meeting of the Council within a six-month period from the last noted attendance be approved.

(2)           That it be approved  that the dispensation last up to and including 6 May 2024.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report to seek Council approval for a dispensation from attending meetings to a Member who is currently unable to attend any Council meetings due to ill-health.

Resolved

(1)           That a dispensation for Councillor Maurice Billington from the statutory requirement to attend a meeting of the Council within a six-month period from the last noted attendance be approved.

(2)           That it be approved  that the dispensation last up to and including 6 May 2024.

The Progressive Oxfordshire Group Leader, Councillor Hingley, notified the Proper Officer of the following amendment to Progressive Oxfordshire Group committee membership. This was put into effect under the delegation to the Assistant Director Law and Governance and Council is being notified accordingly.

Appeals Panel

Remove – Councillor Rob Pattenden

Add – Seat remains vacant

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1         To note the Progressive Oxfordshire Group committee membership amendment.

Resolved

(1)          That the following Progressive Oxfordshire Group committee membership amendment be noted; 

Appeals Panel

Remove – Councillor Rob Pattenden

Add – Councillor Julian Nedelcu

The Chairman referred to the agenda which set out that the Progressive Oxfordshire Group Leader, Councillor Hingley, had notified the Proper Officer of a Progressive Oxfordshire Group committee membership change.

Resolved

(1)          That the following Progressive Oxfordshire Group committee membership amendment be noted; 

Appeals Panel

Remove – Councillor Rob Pattenden

Add – Councillor Julian Nedelcu

The following item of business contains exempt information as defined in the following paragraph 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, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that they could involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act and that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.”

Resolved

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that they could involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act and that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Exempt report of Corporate Director Resources

Recommendation agreed as set out in the exempt report

The Corporate Director of Resources submitted an exempt report which sought approval to an increase in the Capital Programme as set out in the exempt minutes for the gross costs of the delivery of the project to relocate CDC administrative headquarters from Bodicote House to Castle Quay.

Resolved

(1)          That an increase in the Capital Programme as set out in the exempt minute for the gross costs of the delivery of the relocation of CDC’s headquarters from Bodicote House to Castle Quay.

The meeting is recommended to resolved to readmit the press and public to the meeting.

Resolved

That the press and public be readmitted to the meeting.

To debate the following motions which have been submitted with advance notice, in accordance with the Constitution (to be debated in the order submitted).

Please note that the deadline to submit motions has passed. The deadline for Members to submit amendments to motions is noon on Thursday 14 December 2023. No amendments will be permitted after this deadline.

Any amendments submitted will be published as a supplement to the agenda on the afternoon of Friday 15 December 2023. Amendments for motions will be dealt with in the order submitted. 

Resolved

(1)          That the following motion be adopted:

“Increasing our renewable energy production by wind or solar is vital – yet there is an inconsistency of approach in Cherwell. While wind projects and their suitability for Cherwell’s environment and community needs was independently researched in 2019 for the Local Plan Review, no equivalent independent research was undertaken for solar projects. 

The pathway to the increase in solar generation is unclear.  Requirements for solar panels on new domestic and commercial buildings are limited and there is no programme for the widespread retrofitting of photovoltaics on public, commercial and domestic properties, nor is there a comprehensive solar power plan integrating all means of solar power generation, only an apparent reliance on the emergence of commercial solar farm proposals.  There has been a proliferation of solar farm projects in the district, and we currently  face the potential construction (mainly in West Oxfordshire and partially in Cherwell) of the largest solar farm in Europe - and one of the largest in the world.

We ask the Executive to consider commissioning a robust, research-based strategy for solar electricity production in Cherwell, in order to achieve the optimum balance of  power generation  by solar farms, by roof panels on new commercial and residential developments, and, crucially, their retrofitting on existing public, business and domestic buildings. Two key criteria underpinning this solar power strategy should be environmental impacts and domestic food production needs.”

(2)          That the following motion be adopted:

We have seen the cost of living crisis leave many of our residentswith unacceptable choices between heating or eating.

However, the cost of living crisis has caused highlighted another crucial issue: period poverty. Many women and girls do not have access to sanitary products due to the rising cost of other essentials such as food and energy, which are necessarily being prioritised.

A poll by Action Aid in May 2023 showed that more than 21% or 1 in 5 women and people who menstruate are experiencing period poverty. Furthermore, the percentage of those affected has risen from 12% to 21% in just one year.

Being unable to comfortably leave home for several days every month due to lack of sanitary products is unbearable for the individuals and missing work or school has further financial or educational implications.

There are also serious health risks: 41% of respondents used sanitary products for much longer than recommended and 8% resorted to re-using disposal products. In addition to the physical dangers, the impact of shame and anxiety on mental health is significant.

I hope members will agree this situation is unacceptable in society and in our district. 

To combat period poverty, this Council asks the Executive

a)    to investigate and report back on the number of accessible locations across the Council’s estate where free sanitary products can feasibly and sensitively be provided.

b)    to consider the report and the recommendations therein to make a decision on implementation.”

(3)          That the following motion be adopted:

"This council is experiencing  ...  view the full decision text for item 56.

The Chairman advised that five motions had been submitted, however as Councillor Middleton was attending virtually and therefore unable to propose he had submitted, consideration of this motion would be deferred to the 26 February Council meeting.,

No amendments to any of the motions had been submitted. In line with the Constitution, no amendments were now permitted.

Motion One: Solar Energy Strategy

It was proposed by Councillor Walker and seconded by Councillor Broad that the following motion be adopted:

“Increasing our renewable energy production by wind or solar is vital – yet there is an inconsistency of approach in Cherwell. While wind projects and their suitability for Cherwell’s environment and community needs was independently researched in 2019 for the Local Plan Review, no equivalent independent research was undertaken for solar projects. 

The pathway to the increase in solar generation is unclear.  Requirements for solar panels on new domestic and commercial buildings are limited and there is no programme for the widespread retrofitting of photovoltaics on public, commercial and domestic properties, nor is there a comprehensive solar power plan integrating all means of solar power generation, only an apparent reliance on the emergence of commercial solar farm proposals.  There has been a proliferation of solar farm projects in the district, and we currently  face the potential construction (mainly in West Oxfordshire and partially in Cherwell) of the largest solar farm in Europe - and one of the largest in the world.

We ask the Executive to consider commissioning a robust, research-based strategy for solar electricity production in Cherwell, in order to achieve the optimum balance of  power generation  by solar farms, by roof panels on new commercial and residential developments, and, crucially, their retrofitting on existing public, business and domestic buildings. Two key criteria underpinning this solar power strategy should be environmental impacts and domestic food production needs.”

No amendments to the motion having been proposed, the motion was debated as submitted. On being put to the vote the motion was carried unanimously.

Motion Two: Period Poverty

It was proposed by Councillor Biegel and seconded by Councillor Woodcock that the following motion be adopted:

“We have seen the cost of living crisis leave many of our residentswith unacceptable choices between heating or eating.

However, the cost of living crisis has caused highlighted another crucial issue: period poverty. Many women and girls do not have access to sanitary products due to the rising cost of other essentials such as food and energy, which are necessarily being prioritised.

A poll by Action Aid in May 2023 showed that more than 21% or 1 in 5 women and people who menstruate are experiencing period poverty. Furthermore, the percentage of those affected has risen from 12% to 21% in just one year.

Being unable to comfortably leave home for several days every month due to lack of sanitary products is unbearable for the individuals and missing work or school has further financial or educational implications.

There are also serious health risks: 41%  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.