Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed Members, officers and the press and public to the Council meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

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

Ukraine Crisis

The Chair referred to the current situation in Ukraine and made the following statement:

“I want to express as Chair how deeply saddened and shocked I we all are by the situation that is unfolding in Ukraine.

I know I am not alone in sending my thoughts and prayers to all the families and communities affected in the region by the events we see happening and I urge the international community to work together to find a diplomatic solution to restore peace.

I am sure I have support across the Chamber when I say we will work across the district to provide the necessary support and reassurance that may be needed by all our communities in the face of this terrible situation.”

Former Councillor Douglas Spencer

The Chair referred to the sad passing for former Councillor Douglas Spencer, who had been known to all councillor colleagues as Choppy Spencer.

Former Councillor Spencer had represented the Bicester West ward and been part of Cherwell District Council when it was first created in the 1970s. he remained a councillor until 1995, sitting on various committees and serving as Leader from the late 1980s to 1995. Former Councillor Spencer served a further term of office from 2002.

Former Councillor Spencer was also a county councillor and member of Bicester Town Council.

A number of Members paid tribute and shared anecdotes about former Councillor Spencer.

Council observed a minutes silence in honour of former Councillor Douglas Spencer.

Chairs Engagements

The Chair explained that due to the recent COVID restrictions, neither she nor the Vice-Chairman had attended any events as they had been cancelled or postponed.

Meeting procedures

The Chair advised Members that different speaking and voting rules would apply for the budget setting and council tax reports. Further information would be provided before Council considered those items

The Chair reminded Members of the rules in relation to length of speeches and the approach she would apply in relation to seconders speaking on reports and motions.

Meeting Length

The Chair referred to the length of the agenda and asked Members to be courteous to others and remain in their seat during items.

Members’ Pigeon Holes

The Chair reminded Members to check their pigeon hole and remove any post before you leave today.  

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

The deadline to present a petition has passed (14 February 2022)

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 reason for the address) should be submitted to democracy@cherwell-dc.gov.uk The deadline for petitions and requests to address this meeting is noon on Friday 25 February 2022.  

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

There were no petitions or requests to address the meeting.

There were no items of urgent business.

The minutes of the Extraordinary meeting held on 7 February 2022 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

a)         Minutes of Executive, Lead Member 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 Lead Member Decisions as set out in the Minute Book (circulated separately) be received and to report that since the last meeting of Council at which this was reported, 13 December 2021, no key 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 at which this was reported, 13 December 2021, no key decisions have been taken by the Executive 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

            One written question has been submitted with advance notice in accordance with the Constitution. This is 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(s) 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 Chair to invite questions to the Leader of the Council (including any matters arising from the minutes). In accordance with the Constitution, advance notice is not required.

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 Chair to invite questions to Chairmen of Committees on any matter arising from the minutes of their committee (if any). In accordance with the Constitution, advance notice of questions is not required.

a) Written Questions

The Chair advised Council that one written question, addressed to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Wood, had been submitted with advance notice in accordance with the Constitution and had been published with the agenda. A response to the question had been published as a supplement to the agenda (and are an annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book).

The question was from Councillor Beere and in relation to the council tax rebates of £150 for domestic properties bands A to D 2022/23.

Councillor Beere thanked the Leader for the response and by way of a supplementary question, sought assurance that there would be effective communication about how the rebate payment process would be applied. The Leader confirmed that he would liaise with officers and ensure effective communication was in place for residents and elected Members were aware. 

b) Questions to the Leader of the Council

Questions were asked and answers received on the following issues:

Councillor Middleton: Local Plan Partial Review and greenbelt development

Councillor Woodcock: Ukraine situation and local support to refugees        

Councillor Sames: Ukraine situation and support for refugees

Councillor Same: Greenbelt development

Councillor Hodgson: Castle Quay

Councillor Hodgson: Affordable Housing

Councillor Moon: Ukraine situation and UK support to refugees

Councillor Richards: May 2022 elections

Councillor Mallon: Castle Quay and changing place toilets

c) Questions to Committee Chairmen on the Minutes

Councillor Richards asked a question to the Chairman of the Budget Planning Committee, Councillor Mawer, regarding the 9 December 2021 Minutes and Committee discussion on CCTV. Councillor Mawer duly responded.

Report of Director of Law and Governance

Purpose of report

To determine the levels of the allowances to be paid to Members for the forthcoming 2022/2023 financial year and proposed changes to the Members Allowance Scheme following the consideration of the report of the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) attached at Appendix 1.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended to:

 1.1        Consider the levels of allowances to be included in the 2022/2023 Members’ Allowances Scheme, and whether the Panel’s recommendations (as set out at paragraphs 3.1 of this report and sections 7.3, 8.4, 9.1 and 10.3 of Appendix 1) should be adopted or modified in any way.

1.2       Consider the proposed amendments to the Members Allowance Scheme regarding the introduction of an IT allowance (as set out at paragraph 3.9 of this report and section 14.9 of the Panel’s Report, attached at Appendix 1) and whether the Panel’s recommendations should be adopted or modified in any way.

1.3       Authorise the Director of Law and Governance to prepare an amended Members’ Allowances Scheme, in accordance with the decisions of Council for implementation with effect from 1 April 2022.

1.4       Authorise the Director of Law and Governance to take all necessary action to revoke the current (2021/2022) Scheme and to publicise the revised Scheme pursuant to The Local Authorities (Member’s Allowances)(England) Regulations 2003 (as amended).

1.5       Thank the Independent Remuneration Panel for its report and set a fee of £300 for each Panel Member for the work carried out on this review and propose the same level of fee for any reviews carried out in 2022/2023 capped at a maximum of £1200 per person, which can be funded from existing budgets.

Resolved

(1)          That, having given due consideration to the levels of allowances to be included in the 2022/2023 Members’ Allowances Scheme, the Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendations, as set out below, be adopted:

·         The Basic Allowance to be increased in line with the  staff cost of living increase rounded up or down, whichever is closest, to give 12 equal payments, and payment of the increase backdated to the beginning of the financial year 2022/2023, 1 April 2022, should a settlement not be agreed before that date.

·         All Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) to be increased in line with the  staff cost of living increase rounded up or down, whichever is closest, to give 12 equal payments, and payment of the increase backdated to the beginning of the financial year 2022/2023, 1 April 2022, should a settlement not be agreed before that date.

·         All co-optee and Independent Persons Allowances to be increased in line with the  staff cost of living increase rounded up or down, whichever is closest, to give 12 equal payments, and payment of the increase backdated to the beginning of the financial year 2022/2023, 1 April 2022, should a settlement not be agreed before that date.

·         The Dependant Carers’ allowance be frozen and remain at the current level of £20 per hour and claims capped at 40 hours per month.

·         The Childcare allowance be frozen and remain at the current level of £10 per hour and claims capped at 40 hours per month.

·         There be no change to Travelling and Subsistence Allowances

o   Bicycles: 20p per mile

o   Motorcycles: 24p per mile

o   Motor vehicles including electric vehicles: 45p per mile

o   Breakfast allowance: £6.02 per meal

o   Lunch allowance: £8.31 per meal

o   Evening meal allowance: £10.29 per meal

·         The Democratic Services Team to book overnight accommodation.

·         Non-Executive Director allowances to be increased in line with the  staff cost of living increase rounded up or down, whichever is closest, to give 12 equal payments, and payment of the increase backdated to the beginning of the financial year 2022/2023, 1 April 2022, should a settlement not be agreed before that date and expenses paid at the same levels as district councillors and recharged to the relevant company

(2)          That, having given due consideration to the recommendation of the Independent Remuneration Panel regarding the introduction of an IT allowance, consideration of this proposed amendment to the Members’ Allowance Scheme be deferred and officers be requested to undertake further work to evaluate options, in light of the decision to terminate the s113 Agreement with Oxfordshire County Council and report back to Council for consideration.

(3)          That the Director of Law and Governance be authorised to prepare an amended Members’ Allowances Scheme, in accordance with the decisions of Council for implementation with effect from 1 April 2022.

(4)          That the Director of Law and Governance be authorised to take all necessary action to revoke the current (2021/2022) Scheme and to publicise the revised Scheme pursuant to The Local Authorities (Member’s Allowances)(England) Regulations  ...  view the full decision text for item 77.

The Director of Law and Governance submitted a report to determine the levels of the allowances to be paid to Members for the forthcoming 2022/2023 financial year and proposed changes to the Members Allowance Scheme following the consideration of the report of the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (the “Panel”).

In introducing the report, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Wood, thanked the Panel for their hard work and diligence reviewing the allowances and submitting their report.

With regards recommendation 1.2, regarding the introduction of an IT allowance, Councillor Wood proposed that consideration of this amendment to the Members’ Allowance Scheme be deferred and officers be requested to undertake further work to evaluate options, in light of the decision to terminate the s113 Agreement with Oxfordshire County Council and report back to Council for consideration. The amendment to recommendation 1.2 was seconded by Councillor Ilott and on being put to the vote was carried.

Resolved

(1)          That, having given due consideration to the levels of allowances to be included in the 2022/2023 Members’ Allowances Scheme, the Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendations, as set out below, be adopted:

·         The Basic Allowance to be increased in line with the  staff cost of living increase rounded up or down, whichever is closest, to give 12 equal payments, and payment of the increase backdated to the beginning of the financial year 2022/2023, 1 April 2022, should a settlement not be agreed before that date.

·         All Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) to be increased in line with the  staff cost of living increase rounded up or down, whichever is closest, to give 12 equal payments, and payment of the increase backdated to the beginning of the financial year 2022/2023, 1 April 2022, should a settlement not be agreed before that date.

·         All co-optee and Independent Persons Allowances to be increased in line with the  staff cost of living increase rounded up or down, whichever is closest, to give 12 equal payments, and payment of the increase backdated to the beginning of the financial year 2022/2023, 1 April 2022, should a settlement not be agreed before that date.

·         The Dependant Carers’ allowance be frozen and remain at the current level of £20 per hour and claims capped at 40 hours per month.

·         The Childcare allowance be frozen and remain at the current level of £10 per hour and claims capped at 40 hours per month.

·         There be no change to Travelling and Subsistence Allowances

o   Bicycles: 20p per mile

o   Motorcycles: 24p per mile

o   Motor vehicles including electric vehicles: 45p per mile

o   Breakfast allowance: £6.02 per meal

o   Lunch allowance: £8.31 per meal

o   Evening meal allowance: £10.29 per meal

·         The Democratic Services Team to book overnight accommodation.

·         Non-Executive Director allowances to be increased in line with the  staff cost of living increase rounded up or down, whichever is closest, to give 12 equal payments, and payment of the increase backdated to the beginning of the financial year 2022/2023, 1 April 2022, should a settlement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

Report of Assistant Director of Finance & Section 151 Officer

Purpose of report

This report is the culmination of the Budget and Business Planning process for 2022/23 to 2026/27 and sets out the Executive’s proposed Business Plan and related revenue budget for 2022/23, medium term financial strategy to 2026/27, capital programme to 2026/27 and all supporting policies, strategies and information.

Recommendations           

The Council is recommended:

1.1         In relation to the Business Plan (Section 3.1):

1.1.1     To approve the Business Plan set out in Appendix 1.

1.2         Have regard to the statutory report of the Chief Finance Officer (Section 25 report) at Appendix 2 in approving recommendations 1.3 – 1.6.

1.2.1       To delegate authority to the S151 Officer, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Governance, to agree the apportionment of settlement costs relating to the ending of the S113 Partnership Agreement with Oxfordshire County Council, in line with the Financial Principles agreed by Council 7 February 2022 for the termination of the Agreement.

1.3         In relation to the Revenue Budget (Section 3.3) and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) (Section 3.6).

1.3.1       To agree that the net revenue budget for the financial year commencing on 1 April 2022, as set out in Table 3.3.1, and further analysed in the Budget Book provided at Appendix 11, be approved.

1.3.2       To agree that the MTFS and Revenue Budget 2022/23 (Sections 3.6 and 3.3 respectively), including the Savings Proposals, and Pressures included at Appendices 3 and 4 respectively.

1.4         In relation to Council Tax:

1.4.1       To agree an increase in the Basic Amount of Council Tax for Cherwell District Council for the financial year beginning on 1 April 2022 of £5, resulting in a Band D charge of £143.50 per annum.

1.5         In relation to the Capital Programme and related strategies (Section 3.4):

1.5.1       To approve the Capital Bids and Capital Programme at Appendix 16 and 17 respectively.

1.5.2       To approve the Capital and Investment Strategy (Appendix 18).

1.5.3       To approve the Treasury Management Strategy, including the Prudential Indicators, Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy and Affordable Borrowing Limit for 2022/23 (Appendix 19)

1.5.4       To approve the Property Investment Strategy (Appendix 20).

1.6         In relation to reserves:

1.6.1       To approve a minimum level of General Balances of £6m.

Resolved

(1)          That the Business Plan (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(2)          That, having due regard, the statutory report of the Chief Finance Officer (Section 25 report) be noted.

(3)          That authority be delegated to the S151 Officer, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Governance, to agree the apportionment of settlement costs relating to the ending of the S113 Partnership Agreement with Oxfordshire County Council, in line with the Financial Principles agreed by Council 7 February 2022 for the termination of the Agreement.

(4)          That the net revenue budget for the financial year commencing on 1 April 2022 (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(5)          That the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and Revenue Budget 2022/23, including the Savings Proposals, and Pressures (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(6)          That an increase in the Basic Amount of Council Tax for Cherwell District Council for the financial year beginning on 1 April 2022 of £5, resulting in a Band D charge of £143.50 per annum be agreed.

(7)          That the Capital Bids and Capital Programme (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(8)          That the Capital and Investment Strategy (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(9)          That the Treasury Management Strategy, including the Prudential Indicators, Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy and Affordable Borrowing Limit for 2022/23 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(10)       That the Property Investment Strategy (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(11)       That a minimum level of General Balances of £6m be approved.

Prior to consideration of the item, the Chair sought the agreement of Members to suspend standing orders and allow 10 minutes for the speech by the proposer of the budget, and the speeches of the Group Leaders or their nominated representative. All other speakers would continue to have a three minute time limit. Members indicated agreement.

The Chair reminded Council that it was required in legislation that any motion or amendment to the budget and council tax setting be taken by recorded vote and this would be done at the appropriate time.

The Assistant Director of Finance & Section 151 Officer submitted a report which was the culmination of the Budget and Business Planning process for 2022/23 to 2026/27 and set out the Executive’s proposed Business Plan and related revenue budget for 2022/23, medium term financial strategy to 2026/27, capital programme to 2026/27 and all supporting policies, strategies and information.

Councillor Ilott thanked the Assistant Director of Finance, the finance team and the former Director of Finance who had worked hard on the budget process and submitted a balanced budget to Council. Councillor Ilott also thanked the Budget Planning Committee and Accounts, Audit and Risk Committee for their hard work supporting the budget setting and business plan process.

Having presented the report, Councillor Ilott proposed the adoption of the Business Plan and related revenue budget for 2022/23, medium term financial strategy to 2026/27, capital programme to 2026/27 and all supporting policies, strategies and information. Councillor Wood seconded the proposal.

Councillor Woodcock, on behalf of the Labour Group, addressed Council in response to the budget and confirmed that he would not be proposing no amendments.

Councillor Middleton, on behalf of the Progressive Oxfordshire Group, addressed Council in response to the budget and confirmed that she would not be proposing no amendments.

Councillor Sibley, on of behalf of the Independent Group, addressed Council in response to the budget and confirmed that he would not be proposing no amendments.

A recorded vote was taken, and Members voted as follows

Resolved

(1)          That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

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.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Wood, confirmed that he did not require Council to adjourn to allow Executive to meet discuss any issues arising from the budget.

Report of Assistant Director of Finance & Section 151 Officer

Purpose of report

To detail the Calculations for the amounts of Council Tax for 2022/23 and the setting of Council Tax for 2022/23.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the Council resolves: -

(1)          To note that the Council Tax Base 2022/23 was determined at the Executive meeting held on 10 January 2022:

a)            for the whole Council area as 56,801.60 [item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended by sections 72 to 79 of the Localism Act 2011 (“the 1992 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 2022/23 (excluding Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) is £8,151,030.

(3)          That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2022/23 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the 1992 Act:

a)            £116,132,464 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (2) of the 1992 Act, taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils and any additional special expenses.

b)            £102,218,905 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the 1992 Act.

c)            £13,913,559 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 1992 Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the 1992 Act).

d)            £244.95 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 1992 Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish Precepts and Special Expenses).

e)            £5,762,529 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) referred to in Section 34(1) of the 1992 Act as per the attached Appendix 2.

f)             £143.50 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 1992 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 2022/23 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 1992 Act, for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area as indicated below: -

Resolved

(1)          That it be noted that the Council Tax Base 2022/23 was determined at the Executive meeting held on 10 January 2022:

a)            for the whole Council area as 56,801.60 [item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended by sections 72 to 79 of the Localism Act 2011 (“the 1992 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 it be agreed that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2022/23 (excluding Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) be £8,151,030.

(3)          That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2022/23 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the 1992 Act:

a)            £116,132,464 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (2) of the 1992 Act, taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils and any additional special expenses.

b)            £102,218,905 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the 1992 Act.

c)            £13,913,559 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 1992 Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the 1992 Act).

d)            £244.95 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 1992 Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish Precepts and Special Expenses).

e)            £5,762,529 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) referred to in Section 34(1) of the 1992 Act as per the attached annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book).

f)             £143.50 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 1992 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 2022/23 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 1992 Act, for each category of dwellings in the Council’s area as indicated below: -

(5)       That the Council,  ...  view the full decision text for item 80.

The Chair reminded Members that standing orders were no longer suspended and the rules as set out in the Constitution with regards length of speeches applied for this, and all remaining items on the agenda.

The Assistant Director of Finance & Section 151 Officer submitted a report to detail the Calculations for the amounts of Council Tax for 2022/23 and the setting of Council Tax for 2022/23.

A recorded vote was taken, and members voted as follows

Resolved

(1)          That it be noted that the Council Tax Base 2022/23 was determined at the Executive meeting held on 10 January 2022:

a)            for the whole Council area as 56,801.60 [item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended by sections 72 to 79 of the Localism Act 2011 (“the 1992 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 it be agreed that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2022/23 (excluding Parish Precepts and Special Expenses) be £8,151,030.

(3)          That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2022/23 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the 1992 Act:

a)            £116,132,464 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (2) of the 1992 Act, taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils and any additional special expenses.

b)            £102,218,905 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the 1992 Act.

c)            £13,913,559 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 1992 Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the 1992 Act).

d)            £244.95 being the amount  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

Report of Director of Human Resources

Purpose of report

The Localism Act requires all councils to agree and publish a Pay Policy Statement every financial year. The Act lays down requirements on the content of the statement. This requirement is supplemented by detailed guidance from the Department for Communities and Local Government entitled ‘Openness and Accountability in Local Pay: Guidance under Section 40 of the Localism Act’.

The Act requires the Pay Policy Statement to be agreed by Full Council. As required by the Act and Code of Practice, once approved by Council the Pay Policy Statement will be published on the Council’s website and will be available on request.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1       To approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/2023.

1.2       To recommend that an updated Pay Policy Statement is sought in year to reflect any change to structural arrangements during 2022/2023 following the decision to formally end the s113 arrangements between Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

1.3       To note that that the cost of living pay award for 2021/2022 has not yet been agreed or implemented and is therefore not reflected in the figures.

Resolved

(1)          That the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/2023 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(2)          That the Director of Human Resources be requested to produce an updated Pay Policy Statement in year to reflect any change to structural arrangements during 2022/2023 following the decision to formally end the s113 arrangements between Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

(3)          That it be noted that the cost of living pay award for 2021/2022 has not yet been agreed or implemented and is therefore not reflected in the figures.

The Director of Human Resources submitted a report which sought Council agreement of the Pay Policy Statement 2022/23.

In introducing the report, the Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Customers and Transformation, Councillor Corkin, explained that the Localism Act required all councils to agree and publish a Pay Policy Statement every financial year. The Act laid down requirements on the content of the statement. This requirement was supplemented by detailed guidance from the Department for Communities and Local Government entitled ‘Openness and Accountability in Local Pay: Guidance under Section 40 of the Localism Act’.

The Act required the Pay Policy Statement to be agreed by Full Council. As required by the Act and Code of Practice, once approved by Council the Pay Policy Statement would be published on the Council’s website and will be available on request.

Resolved

(1)          That the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/2023 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(2)          That the Director of Human Resources be requested to produce an updated Pay Policy Statement in year to reflect any change to structural arrangements during 2022/2023 following the decision to formally end the s113 arrangements between Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

(3)          That it be noted that the cost of living pay award for 2021/2022 has not yet been agreed or implemented and is therefore not reflected in the figures.

Report of Assistant Director Regulatory Services & Community Safety

Purpose of report

To consider a revised Statement of Licensing Principles which is required to be published by the council under the Gambling Act 2005.

This report introduces a revised Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Principles (attached as Appendix 1). It explains the reason for the review, provides a summary of the main changes to the current statement of licensing principles, and outlines the consultation process followed in revising the current document. Council is requested to approve the revised statement of licensing principles.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1       To agree that the revised Statement of Licensing Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 be adopted by the Council.

Resolved

(1)          That the revised Statement of Licensing Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be adopted.

The Assistant Director Regulatory Services & Community Safety submitted a report for Council to consider a revised Statement of Licensing Principles which was required to be published by the council under the Gambling Act 2005.

Resolved

(1)          That the revised Statement of Licensing Principles under the Gambling Act 2005 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be adopted.

Report of Chief Executive

Purpose of report

To update Council on the next stages of the Parliamentary Boundary Review 2023

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1       To note the update on the Parliamentary Boundary Review 2023.

1.2       To note that the Parliamentary Boundary and Community Governance Review working group will consider and draft a submission to the second and any subsequent consultations.

1.3       To delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman (or Vice-Chairman in the Chairman’s absence) of the Parliamentary Boundary and Community Governance Review working group, to finalise the council’s submission and respond on behalf of Cherwell District Council to the second and any subsequent consultation periods held during the review, including via attendance at a public hearing if considered appropriate. 

Resolved

(1)          That the update on the Parliamentary Boundary Review 2023 be noted.

(2)          That it be noted that the Parliamentary Boundary and Community Governance Review working group will consider and draft a submission to the second and any subsequent consultations.

(3)          That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman (or Vice-Chairman in the Chairman’s absence) of the Parliamentary Boundary and Community Governance Review working group, to finalise the council’s submission and respond on behalf of Cherwell District Council to the second and any subsequent consultation periods held during the review, including via attendance at a public hearing if considered appropriate. 

The Chief Executive submitted a report to update Council on the next stages of the Parliamentary Boundary Review 2023.

Resolved

(1)          That the update on the Parliamentary Boundary Review 2023 be noted.

(2)          That it be noted that the Parliamentary Boundary and Community Governance Review working group will consider and draft a submission to the second and any subsequent consultations.

(3)          That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman (or Vice-Chairman in the Chairman’s absence) of the Parliamentary Boundary and Community Governance Review working group, to finalise the council’s submission and respond on behalf of Cherwell District Council to the second and any subsequent consultation periods held during the review, including via attendance at a public hearing if considered appropriate. 

Report of Interim Assistant Director, Housing and Social Care Commissioning

Purpose of report

To request a revision to the Resolution made by Council at its meeting on 26 February 2018, regarding the authority delegated to the Chief Executive to agree the Growth Deal Affordable Housing Delivery Plan, and to explain the reasons for the request.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1       To delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to agree the necessary changes and substitutions to the Cherwell District Council Growth Deal affordable housing delivery programme; and

1.2       Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the S.151 Officer and Lead Member for Finance and Governance, to agree Growth Deal grant agreements and Cherwell District Council Growth Deal ‘Top Up’ grant agreements subject to available funding.  

Resolved

(1)          That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to agree the necessary changes and substitutions to the Cherwell District Council Growth Deal affordable housing delivery programme; and

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the S.151 Officer and Lead Member for Finance and Governance, to agree Growth Deal grant agreements and Cherwell District Council Growth Deal ‘Top Up’ grant agreements subject to available funding.

The Interim Assistant Director, Housing and Social Care Commissioning submitted a report to request a revision to the Resolution made by Council at its meeting on 26 February 2018, regarding the authority delegated to the Chief Executive to agree the Growth Deal Affordable Housing Delivery Plan, and to explain the reasons for the request.

Resolved

(1)          That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to agree the necessary changes and substitutions to the Cherwell District Council Growth Deal affordable housing delivery programme; and

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the S.151 Officer and Lead Member for Finance and Governance, to agree Growth Deal grant agreements and Cherwell District Council Growth Deal ‘Top Up’ grant agreements subject to available funding.

The following items of business contain 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 items have been marked as exempt, it is for the meeting to decide whether or not to consider each of them 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 items 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 items 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 Head of Estates, Assets and Investments and Housing Development & Standards Manager

Resolved

(1)          That the update on the proposed community-led housing scheme be noted.

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Estates, Assets and Investments, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economy, Regeneration and Property, to negotiate and agree the revised terms and conditions necessary to complete the sale and transfer of Cherwell District Council owned land to Hook Norton Community Land Trust, to enable the development of affordable housing and community facilities. 

The Head of Estates, Assets and Investments and Housing Development & Standards Manager submitted an exempt report to provide an update on the proposed community-led housing scheme in Hook Norton and to seek delegated authority to negotiate and agree revised terms and conditions necessary to complete the sale of Cherwell District Council owned land in Hook Norton to Hook Norton Community Land Trust to enable the development of affordable housing and community facilities.  

Resolved

(1)          That the update on the proposed community-led housing scheme be noted.

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Estates, Assets and Investments, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economy, Regeneration and Property, to negotiate and agree the revised terms and conditions necessary to complete the sale and transfer of Cherwell District Council owned land to Hook Norton Community Land Trust, to enable the development of affordable housing and community facilities. 

Exempt report of Interim Assistant Director, Housing and Social Care Commissioning

Resolved

(1)          That the urgent decision taken by the Director of Finance, under delegated powers (Part 3, paragraph 1.13 (Officer Scheme of Delegation) of the Council’s Constitution) to increase the council’s Capital Programme by £1.875m in 2021/22, in order to include two affordable housing schemes that will be funded by Oxfordshire Growth Deal funding and Cherwell District Council’s Growth Deal Top Up funding (comprising S.106 Commuted Sums) be noted.

The Interim Assistant Director, Housing and Social Care Commissioning submitted an exempt report to notify Council of an urgent decision taken by the Director of Finance.

Resolved

(1)          That the urgent decision taken by the Director of Finance, under delegated powers (Part 3, paragraph 1.13 (Officer Scheme of Delegation) of the Council’s Constitution) to increase the council’s Capital Programme by £1.875m in 2021/22, in order to include two affordable housing schemes that will be funded by Oxfordshire Growth Deal funding and Cherwell District Council’s Growth Deal Top Up funding (comprising S.106 Commuted Sums) be noted.

Exempt report of Interim Assistant Director, Housing and Social Care Commissioning

Resolved

(1)          That the inclusion of a Growth Deal funded scheme of 18 affordable homes be included in the Capital Programme 2021/2022 at a total value of £0.761m.

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director, Housing and Social Care Commissioning in consultation with the s.151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to negotiate and agree the terms of the Oxfordshire Growth Deal grant(s) and Cherwell District Council Growth Deal Top Up grant(s) (comprising S.106 Commuted sums) which will enable the affordable housing scheme to be delivered.

(3)          That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the S.151 Officer and Lead Member for Finance and Governance, to approve and agree Growth Deal grant agreements and Cherwell District Council Growth Deal ‘Top Up’ grant agreements subject to available funding.  

The Interim Assistant Director, Housing and Social Care Commissioning submitted and exempt report to seek approval of the inclusion of additional Growth Deal Scheme in the Capital Programme 2021/2022.

Resolved

(1)          That the inclusion of a Growth Deal funded scheme of 18 affordable homes be included in the Capital Programme 2021/2022 at a total value of £0.761m.

(2)          That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director, Housing and Social Care Commissioning in consultation with the s.151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer to negotiate and agree the terms of the Oxfordshire Growth Deal grant(s) and Cherwell District Council Growth Deal Top Up grant(s) (comprising S.106 Commuted sums) which will enable the affordable housing scheme to be delivered.

(3)          That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the S.151 Officer and Lead Member for Finance and Governance, to approve and agree Growth Deal grant agreements and Cherwell District Council Growth Deal ‘Top Up’ grant agreements subject to available funding.  

Following consideration of the exempt items of business, Council to resolve to readmit the press and public to the meeting

Resolved

That the press and public be readmitted to the meeting.

To debate the following motion which has been submitted with advance notice, in accordance with the Constitution.

Please note that the deadline to submit motions has passed. The deadline for Members to submit amendments to the motion is noon on Thursday 24 February 2022. 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 25 February 2022. Amendments to the motion will be dealt with in the order submitted. 

For information, on being put to the vote the motion on the Oxfordshire Growth Needs Assessment was lost.

The Chair advised that one motion had been submitted. Not amendments to the motion had been submitted. In line with the Constitution, no amendments to the motion were now permitted.

Oxfordshire Growth Needs Assessment (OGNA)

It was proposed by Councillor Middleton and seconded by Councillor Cotter that the following motion be adopted:

“The recent Regulation 18 Part 2 consultation on the Oxfordshire 2050 Plan proposes three growth projections which could be used as the basis for assessing the scale of longer-term housing growth in Oxfordshire. These projections originate from the Oxfordshire Growth Needs Assessment (OGNA) which is a report prepared by consultants advising the Oxfordshire councils.

Major civic groups throughout the county have criticised the basis for the OGNA and have called for it to be peer reviewed before these figures are locked into future stages of the planning and consultation process.

This is now even more vital after a preliminary report on the Regulation 18 consultation response suggested that the highest (or transformational) level of growth was being favoured, although it seems that this was due in large part to responses from landowners and property developers.

This would represent a further significant level of predicted growth in the county which will need to be supported by this council as part of our local plan priorities. This in turn could have serious implications for our five year land supply commitments which are already under considerable strain in Cherwell.

This Council therefore supports calls for an urgent independent peer review of the OGNA to be carried out before we reach the next stage (regulation 19) of the consultation process for the Oxfordshire 2050 Plan. This should include an assessment of the methodology along with clear explanations of the effect of the choices that have been made in preparing the projections.”

No amendments to the motion having been proposed, the motion was debated as submitted. On being put to the vote the motion was lost and therefore fell.

At the discretion of the Chair, Councillor Hallchurch addressed Council and advised that he would be tendering his resignation as a district councillor due to ill health.

Members and the Chair paid tribute to Councillor Hallchurch for his service to the council and the residents of the district and wish him well for the future.

Resolved

(1)          That the following motion be adopted:

 “The commencement of hostilities in the Ukraine by President Putin is a direct threat to the peace and stability of Western Europe and by de facto the residents of this District. The potential for the conflict to escalate is a real and credible threat that we cannot afford to ignore and could draw in military personnel, both full time and reserve, based and living within this District. In a similar fashion to the impact of climate change, like it or not this District will start to feel the impact of either a prolonged or escalated conflict. Residents of the District will be impacted economically in the short term and perhaps to an even greater extent if the situation deteriorates.

This council resolves to denounce the naked aggression of President Putin against a peaceful sovereign nation and to ask the Executive to actively consider any request to provide assistance to any refugees displaced by this conflict.”

The Chair advised that in accordance with section 4.18 of the Constitution, she had agreed to allow an emergency motion be added to the agenda.

It was proposed by Councillor Sames and seconded by Councillor Woodcock that the following motion be adopted.

“The commencement of hostilities in the Ukraine by President Putin is a direct threat to the peace and stability of Western Europe and by de facto the residents of this District. The potential for the conflict to escalate is a real and credible threat that we cannot afford to ignore and could draw in military personnel, both full time and reserve, based and living within this District. In a similar fashion to the impact of climate change, like it or not this District will start to feel the impact of either a prolonged or escalated conflict. Residents of the District will be impacted economically in the short term and perhaps to an even greater extent if the situation deteriorates.

This council resolves to denounce the naked aggression of President Putin against a peaceful sovereign nation and to ask the Executive to actively consider any request to provide assistance to any refugees displaced by this conflict.”

In debating the motion, all Member speeches were in support of the motion and on being to the vote, the motion was unanimously agreed.

Resolved

(1)          That the following motion be adopted:

 “The commencement of hostilities in the Ukraine by President Putin is a direct threat to the peace and stability of Western Europe and by de facto the residents of this District. The potential for the conflict to escalate is a real and credible threat that we cannot afford to ignore and could draw in military personnel, both full time and reserve, based and living within this District. In a similar fashion to the impact of climate change, like it or not this District will start to feel the impact of either a prolonged or escalated conflict. Residents of the District will be impacted economically in the short term and perhaps to an even greater extent if the situation deteriorates.

This council resolves to denounce the naked aggression of President Putin against a peaceful sovereign nation and to ask the Executive to actively consider any request to provide assistance to any refugees displaced by this conflict.”