Agenda item

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

Former Councillors John Hunter, John Giddings MBE and Carole Mason

Since the last meeting of Council, former Councillors John Hunter, John Giddings MBE and Carole Mason had sadly passed away.

Former Councillor John Hunter passed away on 5 November 2022. He represented the Fringford ward from 1986 to 2002. Former Councillor Hunter was Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and served on numerous committees, notably Group spokesperson on Policy and Resources.

Former Councillor John Giddings MBE passed away in November 2022, aged 99 years. Former Councillor Giddings represented the Banbury Easington ward from 1992 to 1996. Former Councillor Giddings MBE was a Conservative member appointed to numerous committees, including Northern Area Planning Sub-Committee Banbury Sports Ground Management Company and was Vice-Chair/Deputy Group Spokesperson on the Finance Sub Committee. Mr Giddings MBE was also a Banbury Charter Trustee, serving as Mayor from 1994-95 and was Chairman of the Burma Star Association.

Former Councillor Carole Mason passed away on 21 October 2022. Former Councillor Mason represented to Bicester East ward between 1995 and 1999. A Labour Group member, for Councillor Mason served on numerous committees, notably chairing Resources and being Vice-Chair of Personnel Sub.  Former Councillor Mason was also a member of Bicester Town Council.

On behalf of Council, the Chairman extended condolences to the family and friends of former Councillors Giddings MBE, Hunter and Mason.

Council observed a minutes silence in honour of former Councillors Giddings MBE, Hunter and Mason.

Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police and Police & Crime Commissioner at Overview and Scrutiny

The Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley would be attending Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 24 January, to give their annual presentation. This had previously been an item at full Council but had moved to Overview & Scrutiny as the committee with responsibility for the crime and disorder panel functions of the council.

All non-Committee Members were welcome to attend the meeting. Members were asked to advise the Democratic and Elections Team if they planned to attend or wished to submit a question for either the Chief Constable or the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Chairman’s Engagements

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

Chairman’s Charity Dinner

The Chairman’s Charity Dinner was held on Saturday 19 November. The Chairman paid tribute to his PA, Liz Matthews, for her hard work arranging the event and Alex Robinson for her excellent efforts in raising £1400 from selling raffle tickets. The Chairman expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the event and for all donations. It was a very successful event with £4400 raised going to  Alexandra House of Joy, the charity the being supported during the term as Chairman.

Meeting Length

Due to the length of the agenda, out of courtesy to other Members, the Chairman asked Members to remain in your seat during items and advised, if needed, he  would adjourn the meeting to allow for a comfort break at a suitable point. The Chairman also reminded Member to be courteous to each other when addressing the meeting.

Members’ Pigeon Holes

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