Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Freeman.

Councillor Wells declared an interest in the item relating to the notice of motion by virtue of him being the Parliamentary Assistant to Brandon Lewis MP but indicated that his interest was such was that he could speak and vote on the matter.

The Mayor indicated that there was to be an urgent item of business relating to the Extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order no 1 (Alcohol Related Anti Social Behaviour).

Proposer : Councillor Plant

Seconder : Councillor Smith

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 23 April 2019 be confirmed.

CARRIED 

(a) The following question has been submitted to the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee from Mrs L Hewett of Scratby :

As I understand it the proposed budget (initially discussed March 2019), is going to be in the region of £26 million. Bearing in mind that building projects often run over budget, is there going to be written into the final contract with the builders that any delay or increase in budget will incur some kind of forfeit for the contractors and it is ensured that all the promised ramps / pods / poolside disability access are completed, before the final payment is made to the builders, as I am sure that these will be the first things to disappear when the budget is getting tight!

Response from Councillor Plant 

The cost of the new Centre has not yet been finalised, but an indicative range is between £20 - £26 million. Within this budget a healthy contingency has been set to ensure that any unforeseen matters that could arise during the project build can be fully and financially mitigated against.

In addition to this the procurement of the contractors will be fully compliant with European Union procurement rules with these contractors being fully managed through detailed contractual arrangements.

To further confirm that in the unlikely circumstance that there was pressure to undertake a value engineering (cost cutting exercise) during the build phase of the project, that any design features that ensure the Council meets its equalities and disability access requirements would not be removed from the scheme.

Supplementary Question from Mrs L Hewett

We originally had a meeting 2-3 years ago with Stuart Everett. We discussed at that time the refurbishments that could be done in the Marina Centre to make it more disabled friendly i.e. doors that open automatically so that wheelchairs could go through, handles placed  on walls in the showers and changing rooms and we were told that we would be kept informed of all changes.

There was no talk of the Marina Centre being demolished. This is totally out of the blue. We have never had contact from any member of Sentinel or the council. All we ask of the council is to have a fair and rational public debate.

Response from Councillor Plant 

The Norfolk County Council Disability Officer has had site visits with and taken disabled people to view  the access and he shall request that he write a letter confirming what access arrangements are available.

(b) The following question has been submitted to the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee from Gaynor Read, Director of Retroskate CIC and Secretary to RetroSkate Artistic Roller Skating Club :

RetroSkate CIC and Retroskate club has carried out extensive searches for suitable venues in which to relocate to, should the demolition of the Marina Centre happen. This unfortunately so far has been fruitless due to the open space required, planning restrictions, suitable locations, affordability and costs involved in making any premises fit for skating. Even if a venue did materialise in the next few months, any hope of it being ready to accommodate the sheer size and scale of the annual competition are non-existent. Whilst we have notified all clubs that the competition may not go ahead, many have already booked accommodation and made plans to attend in the hope that their optimism, support and inability to comprehend the closure of such a successful venue would go ahead.

Dates for any competition have to be submitted to the Federation of Artistic Roller Skating over a year in advance. The skating calendar is now full from September to November, so our scheduled date of 9th & 10th of November cannot be moved. We therefore ask that if the decision is taken to close and then demolish the existing Marina Centre, that the planning and timeline for this, allows for our 10th annual skating competition to go ahead. This would be in recognition of all the amazing achievements that RetroSkate and its skaters have proudly brought back to Great Yarmouth

  Response from Councillor Plant 

The Council has met directly with both Retroskate and the Artistic Roller Skating club on several occasions, to help support these clubs to find a suitable alternative location once the Marina Centre is closed. During these discussions the issue of the gala dates was raised and during initial conversations the clubs conceded that there was a possibility for their gala date to be moved to September.

However, the clubs have since confirmed that they are unable to move the gala to the September date and as such the Council has been able to review its project timeline and is pleased to be able to confirm that while the Marina Centre building will still need to be closed in October, that work on site can commence in such a way that the gala can still go ahead for the 9^th & 10^th November. After this date the whole site will then be fully closed.

Supplementary Question from Gaynor Read

The sport, play and leisure strategy that the Council committed to in 2015 not only highlighted the tired state of the current Marina Centre, but also that there was a significant under provision of sport for under 18’s and the over 60’s. The report from Kate Watts’ refers a lot to the increased tourism and well being benefit a new centre brings, but no mention of any increase to the sport provision that the strategy stated was needed. Whilst the new sports hall apparently will allow roller skating and short mat bowls, the current sports hall is 95% full during after school, evening and weekends. How an extra 40hours the roller skating club needs, ignoring the 20,000 recreational skaters needs, and the bowls clubs hours would be fitted in is impossible. By effectively booting out these 2 sports, the new centre goes against the sport, play and leisure strategy that instigated it as it would decrease the provision further of sport for under 18’s and those over 60. I’m sure that all the British roller skating champions past, present and future would appreciate knowing “ah don’t worry, you can always play badminton!” So I ask, is the £26m investment really serving the clearly identified sporting needs of the local residents?

Response from Councillor Plant 

Discussions have been held with Sport England who have confirmed that the  recommnedations contained in the report are acceptable.

(c) The following question has been submitted to the Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee from Mr J Cannell of the Great Yarmouth and District Trades Union Council and was asked by the Mayor of behalf of the Questioner

In view of the recent statements of Government Ministers concerning the detrimental effects in the introduction of Universal Credit . Does the Council agree that Great Yarmouth is entitled to compensation for the effects that the system has caused to the Local Economy, this coupled with the cuts in the rate support grant has been catastrophic for the citizens of the Borough. 

Response from Councillor Plant 

 No

Mr E Childs introduced the petition of around 1500 signatures to protest against the closure of the Marina Centre - they want the new Marina Centre built elsewhere to ensure continuity of facilities. 

Following the introduction Councillors debated the matter and noted that further investigation into the matter would be undertaken and that a report would be submitted to Council in due course. 

The Strategic Director (KW) submitted a report advising that in December 2018 Council agreed to allocate capital funding to progress the redevelopment of the Marina Centre to RIBA stage 3 and to authorise officers to further explore funding opportunities to support this project.

The report updates Members with the result of the public engagement exercise and to note the changes made to the project as a result of feedback.

Proposer : Councillor Smith

Seconder : Councillor Hacon 

(1) That the feedback from the public engagement exercise and to note direct changes made to the project as a result of feedback gained during this period.

(2) To note that a further report will be received at the next Council meeting regarding the funding of the overall project and interim arrangements for displaced users. 

Council considered the following notice of motion submitted by Councillors Smith- Clare ,  Cordiner-Achenbach, Borg, T Wright, B Walker, Waters-Bunn and Martin 

Just under three years ago Universal credit was introduced in Great Yarmouth. During this period claimants have descended into debt; relying on food banks and food kitchens - getting into rent arrears and in some cases getting evicted from their own homes. delays in the payment of Universal Credit has increased poverty and instances of anxiety and depression.

Council resolves to :

(1) agree that this Council has no confidence in Universal Credit

(2) call on the Leader of the Council to make representations to the Rt Hon Amber Rudd, Secretary of State at the Department for for Work and Pensions to urge her to scrap Universal Credit and to replace it with a social security system that supports people and ensures that nobody is worse off, rather than driving them into greater poverty

(3) continue to support residents unduly affected by Universal Credit 

That a recorded vote be taken on this issue as follows :-

For the motion : 

Councillor Borg, Cordiner- Achenbach, Fairhead, Jeal, Martin, Myers, Robinson-Payne, Scott-Greenard, Smith-Clare, Talbot, Wainwright, B Walker, C Walker, C M Walker, Waters-Bunn, Williamson, B Wright, T Wright.

Against the motion : 

Councillors Annison, Bensly, Bird, Cameron, Candon, G Carpenter, P Carpenter, Flaxman-Taylor, Galer, Grant, Hacon, D Hammond, P Hammond, Lawn, Mogford, Plant, Smith, Stenhouse, Wells

Abstentions : None 

LOST 

Proposer : Councillor Plant

Seconder : Councillor Grant

That Councillor Smith be appointed as Leader of the Council for 2019/20

CARRIED

Proposer : Councillor Smith

Seconder : Councillor Bensly 

That Councillor Plant be appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council for 2019/20.

Council gave consideration to the appointment of Members to the various Council Committees for the Municipal year 2019/20

Proposer : Councillor Plant

Seconder : Councillor Smith

That the following appointments be agreed :-

Policy and Resources - Councillors P Carpenter, Flaxman – Taylor, Grant, P Hammond, Myers, Plant, Smith, Wainwright, B Walker, C M Walker, Wells, Williamson, A Wright

Economic Development Committee - Candon, G Carpenter, Cordiner - Achenbach, Freeman , P Hammond, Lawn, Mogford, Myers, Plant, Wainwright, B Walker, C M Walker, A Wright

Environment Committee - Annison, Bensly, Bird, Borg, Cameron, P Carpenter, Fairhead, Hacon, D Hammond, Robinson - Payne, Talbot, Waters – Bunn, B Wright

Housing and Neighbourhoods Committee - Candon, Cameron, Flaxman – Taylor, Galer, Grant Hacon, D Hammond, Martin, Smith-Clare, Talbot, Wainwright, C Walker, Williamson 

Development Control Committee - Annison, Bird, Fairhead, Freeman, Flaxman-Taylor, P Hammond, Lawn, Mogford, Myers, Wainwright, Williamson, A Wright, B Wright

Licensing Committee - Bensly, Bird, Borg, G Carpenter, Cordiner-Achenbach, Galer, Mogford, Robinson – Payne, Stenhouse, Talbot, Wainwright, B Walker, Wells 

Standards Committee - Freeman, Lawn, Robinson - Payne, Smith-Clare, Thompson

Audit and Risk Committee - Flaxman – Taylor, Freeman, D Hammond, Wainwright, C Walker

Appeals Committee - Candon, P Hammond, Robinson - Payne, Scott-Greenard, Waters- Bunn  

Area Museums Committee - Cordiner - Achenbach, Freeman, Jeal, Lawn, Mogford, Robinson – Payne, Scott-Greenard, Thompson

 Employment Committee - Borg, P Carpenter, P Hammond, Plant, Smith, Wainwright, Waters - Bunn

Housing Appeals - Candon, Cameron, G Carpenter, Galer, P Hammond, Martin, Robinson – Payne, Scott-Greenard,  Smith-Clare, Stenhouse, Thompson, Wainwright, B Wright

CARRIED

Council gave consideration to the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Committees for 2019/20.

Proposer : Councillor Smith

Seconder : Councillor Plant

That the following appointments be made for Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Committees for 2019/20 :

Policy and Resources - Councillor Smith to be Chair and Councillor Plant to be Vice Chair.

Economic Development Committee - Councillor Plant to be Chair and Councillor P Hammond to be Vice Chair.

Environment Committee - Councillor P Carpenter to be Chair and Councillor Bensly to be Vice Chair.

Housing and Neighbourhoods Committee - Councillor Grant to be Chair and Councillor Flaxman-Taylor to be Vice Chair.

Development Control Committee - Councillor Annison to be Chair and Councillor Bird to be Vice Chair.

Licensing Committee - Councillor G Carpenter to be Chair and Councillor Wells to be Vice Chair.

Standards Committee - Councillor Lawn to be Chair and Councillor Freeman to be Vice Chair.

Audit and Risk Committee - Councillor Flaxman-Taylor to be Chair and Councillor D Hammond to be Vice Chair.

Appeals Committee - Councillor Candon to be Chair and Councillor P Hammond to be Vice Chair.

Area Museums Committee - Councillor Freeman to be Chair and Councillor Lawn to be Vice Chair.

Employment Committee - Councillor Smith to be Chair and Councillor Plant to be Vice Chair.

Housing Appeals Committee - Councillor P Hammond to be Chair and Councillor Candon to be Vice Chair.

CARRIED 

Council gave consideration to the appointment of Members to the various Working Groups for the Municipal year 2019/20

Proposer : Councillor Smith

Seconder : Councillor Grant

That the following appointments be agreed :-

Civic Working Group - Bird, Candon, Fairhead, Hacon, Martin

Constitution Working Party - Bensly, P Carpenter, Freeman, Myers, Plant, Smith, Wainwright, B Walker, C Walker, Williamson 

Joint Consultative Working group (formerly JCC) - P Carpenter, Lawn, Stenhouse, B Walker, Waters - Bunn

Local Plan Working Group - Annison, Bird, G Carpenter,  Fairhead, P Hammond, Lawn, Mogford, Talbot, Wainwright, Williamson, A Wright

CARRIED

Council gave consideration to the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Working Groups for 2019/20

Proposer : Councillor Smith

Seconder : Councillor Wells

That the following appointments be made for Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Working Groups for 2019/20

Local Plan Working Group - Councillor Annison to be Chair and Councillor Bird to be Vice Chair.

Joint Consultative Working Group - Councillor P Carpenter to be Chair and Councillor Lawn to be Vice Chair.

Civic Working Group - Councillor Bird to be Chair and Councillor Candon to be Vice Chair.

Constitution Working Party - Councillor Smith to be Chair and Councillor Plant to be Vice Chair.

CARRIED 

Council considered the appointment of representatives to outside bodies for the Municipal Year 2019/20.

Proposer : Councillor Smith

Seconder : Councillor Hacon

That the following appointments to Outside bodies for 2019/20 be agreed :-

A47 Alliance - Councillor Plant

Bowls Tournament Working Party - Councillors Fairhead and Lawn

Broads Authority - Councillor Mogford

Broads Internal Drainage Board - Councillors Bird, Fairhead, Freeman, Galer, Lawn and Mogford

Chamber of Commerce - Norfolk (Great Yarmouth Committee) Chamber Council - Councillors Plant and A Wright

Coastal Partnership East - Councillor Bensly and P Carpenter

Community Association Management Committee - South Yarmouth - Councillors Jeal and A Wright

Community Association Management Committee - Claydon Pavilion - Councillors Borg and Williamson

Community Rail Partnership - Councillor Mogford 

Community Safety (Great Yarmouth) Ltd (CCTV Co) - Councillor G Carpenter

East Anglia Port Welfare Committee - Councillor A Wright

East of England LGA - Councillor Smith

Economic Reference Group - Councillors Smith and Wainwright

EnterpriseGY Board - Councillor Plant

Gorleston Poor Land Trustees - Councillors Flaxman - Taylor and B Wright (one Vacancy)

Great Yarmouth and Rambouillet Twinning Association - Councillors Candon, Fairhead and Hacon

Great Yarmouth Development Company - Councillor Plant

Great Yarmouth in Bloom - Councillors Cameron and Stenhouse

Great Yarmouth Marketing Initiative - Councillor Plant

Great Yarmouth Municipal Charities ( 4 year term) - Councillors Cordiner-Achenbach, D Hammond, Jeal, and Robinson-Payne 

Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust - Councillors Fairhead, Freeman, Hacon Wells and Williamson.

Great Yarmouth Racecourse - Councillors Bensly and P Hammond 

Great Yarmouth Seafarers Centre - Councillor Borg

Great Yarmouth Sports Council - Councillors Cameron, Candon and C Walker. 

Great Yarmouth Sports Partnership - Councillors Cameron, Candon and C Walker.

Great Yarmouth Transport & Infrastructure Steering Group (formerly Car Parking Strategy Steering Group) - Councillors Plant, G Carpenter and Mogford

Greater Yarmouth Tourism & Business Improvement Area Ltd/ Interim Board of Directors - Councillors Bensly, Jeal, P Hammond and Plant

GY Norse Company Board - Councillor Grant

GY Norse Liaison Board - Councillors P Carpenter, Grant and Wainwright

GYB Services Company Board - Councillor P Carpenter

GYB Services Liaison Board - Councillors P Carpenter, Waters-Bunn

High School Foundation - Councillor Grant

James Paget Healthcare NHS Trust (Governors' Council) - Councillor Flaxman - Taylor

Local Government Association - Coastal Issues - Councillor Bensly

Local Government Association - General Assembly - Councillor Smith

Neighbourhood Management Board - MESH (Gorleston) - Councillors Flaxman - Taylor and B Walker.

Neighbourhood Management Boards - Make It Happen (Southtown, Cobholm and Halfway House) - Councillors Cordiner-Achenbach and Williamson.

Neighbourhood Management Boards - Yarmouth - Councillors Jeal and Robinson - Payne

Nelson Museum Management Board - Councillors Candon and Stenhouse

Norfolk Coast Partnership (Joint Advisory Panel) - Councillors Bensly

Norfolk Countywide Community Safety Partnership  - Councillor P Carpenter 

Norfolk County Joint Museums Committee - Councillor Freeman

Norfolk Health and Wellbeing Board - Councillor C Walker

Norfolk Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Councillor Flaxman-Taylor

Norfolk Parking Partnership Joint Committee - Councillor Plant

Norfolk Rail Group - Councillor Mogford

Norfolk Records Committee - Councillor Wainwright

Norfolk Strategic Planning Framework - Councillor Plant and Councillor Annison sub

Norfolk Waste Partnership - Councillor G Carpenter

Nplaw Board - Councillor G Carpenter

Older Peoples Partnership - Councillor D Hammond

Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London Adjudication Joint Committee (PATROL AJC) - Councillor Plant

Police and Crime Panel - Councillor M Smith-Clare and Councillor Martin (Sub)

SeaChange Board - Councillor Flaxman-Taylor

Sentinel Leisure Trust - Councillors  Flaxman-Taylor and Williamson

Sentinel Leisure Trust Partnership Board - Councillor Smith

Town Centre Company (Great Yarmouth) Ltd - Councillor Plant

Waveney, Lower Yare and Lothingland Internal Drainage Board - Councillors Annison, Cameron and Fairhead

Youth Advisory Board - Councillor Galer

CARRIED 

Council received for information the Deputy Returning Officer's report which detailed the results of the Local Elections held on Thursday 2 May 2019. 

The Council wished it be recorded the thanks to the Deputy Returning Officer and her team for the work undertaken during the election

The Chairman referred to the revised timetable of meetings for 2019/20 that was circulated at the meeting.

Proposer : Councillor Smith 

Seconder : Councillor Wainwright

That the revised timetable of meetings for 2019/20 as circulated at the meeting be approved.

CARRIED

The Community Protection Manager submitted a report advising that the current Great Yarmouth Borough Council PSPO NO 1 was introduced in 2016 to tackle anti-social behaviour associated with the consumption of alcohol in public places and is due to expire on 3 June 2019.

The Police have requested that the Order be extended for a further three years and the report outlines the actions taken by Environmental Services to date. 

Proposer : Councillor Plant 

Seconder : Councillor Wainwright

(1) That the current consultation exercise be endorsed.

(2) That the consultation response be received and considered at the next meeting of the Council.

CARRIED