Meetings

Meeting Details

Meeting Summary
Full Council
21 Jul 2015 - 19:00 to 22:05
Scheduled
Council Chamber
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  • Documents
  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests

Documents

Agenda

Standard Items
1 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

You have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in a matter to be discussed if it relates to something on your Register of Interests form. You must declare the interest and leave the room while the matter is dealt with.

You have a Personal Interest in a matter to be discussed if it affects
•    your well being or financial position
•    that of your family or close friends
•    that of a club or society in which you have a management role
•    that of another public body of which you are a member to a greater extent than others in your ward.
You must declare a personal interest but can speak and vote on the matter.

Whenever you declare an interest you must say why the interest arises, so that it can be included in the minutes. 

3

Councillor Sutton declared his personal interest in this item relating to the question from Great Yarmouth and District Trades Union Council in his capacity as Secretary of the Trades Council.

2 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive any apologies for absence. 


1

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cutting, Grey, Jermany and Williamson.

3 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

                              
a QUESTION FROM GREAT YARMOUTH AND DISTRICT TRADES UNION COUNCIL - MR J CANNELL
Writing on behalf of Great Yarmouth & District Trades Union Council I would like to press the issue of GYBC closing the cash point in Greyfriers House where the citizens of the Borough could by coin of the realm pay their community charge. There has been a failure to fully inform users of the cash point of the impending closure of the facility and for different plans to be in place for the alteration in the service. The Trades Council would also challenge the legal position of a citizen offering to pay by coin of the realm and this being refused. Please can you answer the concerns raised?

 
4

"Writing on behalf of Great Yarmouth & District Trades Union Council I would like to press the issue of GYBC closing the cash point in Greyfriers House where the citizens of the Borough could by coin of the realm pay their community charge. There has been a failure to fully inform users of the cash point of the impending closure of the facility and for different plans to be in place for the alteration in the service. The Trades Council would also challenge the legal position of a citizen offering to pay by coin of the realm and this being refused. Please can you answer the concerns raised?"

In response the Cabinet Member for Resources reported that after consultation and as part of the Transformation Programme within the Council, it was agreed that cash facilities within Greyfriars House be removed on a phased approach from April 2015.  With this in mind notification was placed on the cash office in January 2015, and from this point each customer using the service received written notification of the changes commencing in April 2015 and leading to the full closure in June 2015 identifying alternative locations and methods of payment .  There are a number of alternative locations for payment which already exist, these being pay point services which can be found in numerous facilities around the town and villages in addition to Post Office and banking services which are available to customers. Both the Town Hall and Greyfriars House still have the ability to take cheque and card payments if practical for customers.  A number of customers have transferred to direct debit payment as their preferred method.  The Cabinet Member also reported that following advice from the Borough Council's Solicitor who had stated that provided the Borough Council had made alternative arrangements and customers can pay by any method at a variety of locations, the fact that GYBC specifically does not directly accept coin of the realm is not discriminatory or illegal. In real terms there are more locations available to take various methods of payment which are open longer and weekends when normal Council facilities would be closed which enhances the service.

In accordance with the Constitution, Mr Cannell was then entitled to ask a supplementary question.  Mr Cannell claimed that following the recent public consultation at least 57% who had supported the proposal did not in fact live in the Borough.  Mr Cannell also claimed that the public had not been informed of the changes in the Greyfriars House Office.

In response the Cabinet Member reported that the public consultation had shown that the majority were in favour of the proposal.  

   
a QUESTION FROM GREAT YARMOUTH AND DISTRICT TRADES UNION COUNCIL - MR J CANNELL
Writing on behalf of Great Yarmouth & District Trades Union Council I would like to press the issue of GYBC closing the cash point in Greyfriers House where the citizens of the Borough could by coin of the realm pay their community charge. There has been a failure to fully inform users of the cash point of the impending closure of the facility and for different plans to be in place for the alteration in the service. The Trades Council would also challenge the legal position of a citizen offering to pay by coin of the realm and this being refused. Please can you answer the concerns raised?

 
4

"Writing on behalf of Great Yarmouth & District Trades Union Council I would like to press the issue of GYBC closing the cash point in Greyfriers House where the citizens of the Borough could by coin of the realm pay their community charge. There has been a failure to fully inform users of the cash point of the impending closure of the facility and for different plans to be in place for the alteration in the service. The Trades Council would also challenge the legal position of a citizen offering to pay by coin of the realm and this being refused. Please can you answer the concerns raised?"

In response the Cabinet Member for Resources reported that after consultation and as part of the Transformation Programme within the Council, it was agreed that cash facilities within Greyfriars House be removed on a phased approach from April 2015.  With this in mind notification was placed on the cash office in January 2015, and from this point each customer using the service received written notification of the changes commencing in April 2015 and leading to the full closure in June 2015 identifying alternative locations and methods of payment .  There are a number of alternative locations for payment which already exist, these being pay point services which can be found in numerous facilities around the town and villages in addition to Post Office and banking services which are available to customers. Both the Town Hall and Greyfriars House still have the ability to take cheque and card payments if practical for customers.  A number of customers have transferred to direct debit payment as their preferred method.  The Cabinet Member also reported that following advice from the Borough Council's Solicitor who had stated that provided the Borough Council had made alternative arrangements and customers can pay by any method at a variety of locations, the fact that GYBC specifically does not directly accept coin of the realm is not discriminatory or illegal. In real terms there are more locations available to take various methods of payment which are open longer and weekends when normal Council facilities would be closed which enhances the service.

In accordance with the Constitution, Mr Cannell was then entitled to ask a supplementary question.  Mr Cannell claimed that following the recent public consultation at least 57% who had supported the proposal did not in fact live in the Borough.  Mr Cannell also claimed that the public had not been informed of the changes in the Greyfriars House Office.

In response the Cabinet Member reported that the public consultation had shown that the majority were in favour of the proposal.  

   
b QUESTION FROM THE LICENSEE OF BACK TO BACK PUBLIC HOUSE
Lighting of Row 46

What action can the Borough Council take to provide lighting to Row 46?

6

In the absence of the licensee, a trader from Market Row, Mr Chris Walsh, asked: 

"What action can the Borough Council take to provide lighting to Row 46?"

In response the Cabinet Member for the Environment reported that electrical power was restored to the lights last Friday and the two lights are operating correctly.  It is GYB Service's intention over the next month to replace the existing lantern with lights which emit a white light source which will in turn improve the lighting quality.  With regard to increasing the number of lights, Row 46 is highway land and as such the Borough Council, as a footway lighting authority, is restricted in how many lights it can install.

In accordance with the Constitution, Mr Walsh was then entitled to ask a supplementary question.  Mr Walsh asked that in view of the number of meters of light covers and also the proximity of a fire escape, the alleyway lighting in this area is crucial and he asked if it was possible to put up another light?

In response the Cabinet Member reported that he would look into Mr Walsh's request and would personally visit the site in question.

 
4 REPORTS TO COUNCIL FOR DECISION

                                   
a pdf AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE - TERMS OF REFERENCE (95Kb)
Report Attached

7

The Monitoring Officer reported that the Audit and Risk Committee, at its meeting on the 7 July, had recommended changes to the terms of reference for the Audit and Risk Committee to confirm that Cabinet Members could not sit on the Committee, the formal recognition of the Committee's role in agreeing Internal Audit's plan of work for the forthcoming year, the confirmation of private discussions with the Internal and External Auditors, confirmation of the work already undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the Committee, and confirmation of the Committee's role in reviewing treasury management. 

Proposer: Councillor B Coleman Seconder: Councillor T Wainwright

That the proposed amendments to the Terms of Reference of the Audit and Risk Committee, as outlined above, be adopted.
CARRIED
b pdf CREMATORIUM (125Kb)
Report Attached

8

Council considered the Director of Customer Service's report which detailed the current position with regard to the Gorleston Crematorium and outlined proposals for change.  Members were asked to consider the replacement of the existing Crawford Cremators with new to comply with current legislation.

Proposer:   Councillor C Smith Councillor B Coleman

That approval be given to the following:- 

(i) To the allocation of a further £350,000 capital funding to replace existing Crawford Cremators with new to comply with legislation for both the operational permit and emissions.

(ii) To delay the introduction of a mercury abatement system until both the outcome of the product insurance claim and the long term requirement to abate are known and quantified.

c pdf ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOOD SAFETY SERVICE PLAN 2015-16 (189Kb)
Report Attached

9

Council considered the Commercial Team Manager's report with regards to the Environmental Services Food Safety Service Plan  2015/16.

Councillor Fox referred to the reference in the Service Plan with regard to issues of increasing workload.  Councillor Myers also raised the issue of staff who had been seconded to posts in the Environmental Services Department.  The Cabinet Member for Environment reported that the Environmental Services Team were now up to full strength. The Cabinet Member stated that he would reply direct to Councillor Myers on the issues he had raised with regard to seconded personnel.

Proposer: Councillor C Smith  Seconder:  Councillor Plant 

That the Environmental Services Food Safety Plan 2015/16 be approved.

CARRIED

d pdf SCHEME OF MEMBERS'S ALLOWANCES 2015-2016 (58Kb)
Report Attached

10

Council considered the proposed Scheme of Members Allowances for 2015/16.  The Leader reported that Cabinet, at its meeting on the 13 July, had recommended to Council the appointment of two Cabinet Support Members who would be entitled to a Special Responsibility Allowance of £894 per annum each.  The Leader reported that it was proposed that there would be a Cabinet Support Member for Tourism and one for Environment.  councillor T Wainwright commented on increasing financial pressure on the Borough Council and questioned whether it would be appropriate to appoint the proposed additional Cabinet Support Members.

Proposer: Councillor Plant Seconder: Councillor B Coleman

That the Scheme of Members Allowances for 2015/16 be approved, with addition of the appointment of two Cabinet Support Members to be paid Special Responsibility Allowances of £894 per annum each.

LOST

Proposer: Councillor T Wainwright  Seconder: Councillor Jeal

That the Scheme of Members Allowances for 2015/16 be approved, but that the appointment of the two Cabinet Support Members be not agreed.

CARRIED
 
e pdf CORPORATE PLAN 2015 - 2020 (1220Kb)
Report Attached

11

Council considered the Chief Executive Officer's report on the Corporate Plan 2015-2020.  The Chief Executive Officer reported that the Corporate Plan is a key organisational document which sets the overall strategy and direction for the Council in terms of its future work to benefit the Borough of Great Yarmouth.  The Corporate Plan provides a strategic framework for officers and members to work within, outlining key priorities and actions for the Council, helping to guide decisions around investment and resourcing for the organisation.

The Chief Executive Officer also confirmed that the contents of the plan had been discussed at staff  briefings, and also at meetings of the Transformation Board together with consideration being given at recent Transformation Members Briefings.

Councillor T Wainwright stated that whilst he was generally in favour of the plan, it was his understanding that the process for the plan should have been in the first instance that the political groups should have been consulted first with a view to the Corporate Plan then being considered at the September 2015 Council.

Councillor B Coleman stated that he felt that the Corporate Plan was a good document and should go ahead.Councillor Plant commented that the Plan was a starting point for a five year plan.  Councillor Sutton referred to the fact that there was no mention of the Market Place, Waterways and Boating Lake within the document.  He also referred to the sum of money that had been allocated on consultants who were looking at a plan for the Town Centre Initiative. He also referred to the comment of a clean and green campaign within the document and he asked for further details on this statement.  Councillor Walker commented that all Members should be given the opportunity to comment on the Corporate Plan and Councillor Jeal endorsed the comment that this plan should be presented to groups for discussion.

Proposer: Councillor T Wainwright  Seconder: Councillor Walker

That the Corporate Plan 2015-2020  be referred to the political groups for discussion, with a final document to be considered at the Council meeting on the 22 September 2015.

CARRIED
 
f pdf WARD BUDGETS (86Kb)
In accordance with Part 4 (Rules of Procedure) of the constitution paragraph 15.1

16 members have signed to request that the council at it meeting on the 21 July 2015 give further consideration to the re-introduction of ward budgets for the 2015/16 municipal year.

Report Attached

12

Council was advised that in accordance with Part 4 (Rules of Procedure) of the Constitution, Paragraph 15.1, 16 Members had signed to request that the Council at its meeting on the 21 July give further consideration to the reintroduction of Ward Budgets for the 2015/16 municipal year.

Accordingly Council considered the Chief Finance Officer's report on the proposed reintroduction of Ward Budgets, reflecting on the financial implications and criteria to be applied.

Councillor Fox stated his opposition to the reintroduction of Ward Budgets.  Councillor Walker referred to the medium term financial strategy which did not include provision for Ward Budgets and the fact that if now approved these would be met from the Council's reserves.  Councillor Plant expressed his support to the reintroduction of Ward Budgets as the funds were used for good causes and for the benefit of the community in the Borough.

Proposer: Councillor B Coleman     Seconder: Councillor Plant

That approval be given to the reintroduction of the Ward Budget Scheme, the process of engaging with local communities and identifying suitable beneficiaries, the Ward Budgets can begin in July, with payments being able to be made from the 1 September 2015, and that the cost of the Ward Budgets be met from the Council's reserves.

CARRIED

g pdf TOWN CENTRE BID RENEWAL (440Kb)
Report Attached

13

Council considered the Transformation Programme Manager's report on the Great Yarmouth Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) renewal.

Proposer: Councillor Plant     Seconder:  Councillor B Coleman

That approval be given to:-

(i) The Borough Council undertaking and supporting a formal Business Improvement District ballot in relation to Great Yarmouth town centre.
(ii) Officers be given delegated authority to undertake relevant duties and functions associated with the ballot.

CARRIED

h APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES 2015/16
- Audit and Risk - Councillor Myers to replace Councillor Rodwell.

14

Proposer: Councillor Myers    Seconder:  Councillor Jeal

That Councillor Myers replace Councillor Rodwell on the Audit and Risk Committee.

CARRIED

i APPOINTMENT TO OUTSIDE BODIES
- Sentinel Leisure Trust - Councillor Annison to replace Councillor Myers
- Police and Crime Panel - Councillor Grey to replace Councillor Walker
- Church Lane Community Association - Mr Haydn Turner to replace Councillor Rodwell
- Clayden Pavilion Community Association - Mr Philip Grimmer to replace Councillor Rodwell
- Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area Ltd. - Interim Board of Directors - Councillors B Coleman, Jeal, Grant and Stenhouse
- Broads Internal Drainage Board - Mr J Shrimplin.

   
15

Proposer: Councillor T Wainwright   Seconder: Councilor Jeal

That the following amendments be made to Outside Bodies:-

Sentinel Leisure Trust - Councillor Annison to replace Councillor Myers
Police and Crime Panel - Councillor Grey to replace Councillor Walker as substitute
Church Lane Community Association - Mr Haydn Turner to replace Councillor Rodwell
Clayden Pavilion Community Association - Mr Philip Grimmer to replace Councillor Rodwell
Greater Yarmouth Tourism and Business Improvement Area Ltd. - Interim Board of Directors - Councillors B Coleman, Jeal, Grant and Stenhouse 
Broads Internal Drainage Board - Mr J Shrimplin


5 MINUTES

16

(a) Council - 19 May 2015

The Mayor presented the minutes of the Council Meeting held on the 19 May 2015.

(b) Cabinet - 10 June and 13 July 2015 

The Leader presented the minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on the 10 June and 13 July 2015.

With regard to the item relating to Concurrent Functions Grants, Councillor T Wainwright stated that the ruling group had stated that they had no intention of amending the current scheme.  As a consequence, he stated that Parish Councils would have to find extra funding.

Councillor B Coleman reported that Cabinet had reviewed the Concurrent Function Grant scheme and had recommended proposals that would result in savings being effected by the Borough Council.

(c) Scrutiny Committee - 17 June and 15 July 2015

Council considered the minutes of the Scrutiny Committee's meetings held on the 17 June and 15 July 2015.

(d) Audit and Risk Committee - 

Council considered the minutes of the Audit and Risk Committee meeting held on the 7 July 2015.
a COUNCIL

pdf 19 May (91Kb)

b CABINET

pdf 10 June (90Kb)

13 July
To Follow

c SCRUTINY

pdf 17 June (100Kb)

15 July
To Follow

d AUDIT AND RISK

7 July
To Follow

6 MOTIONS ON NOTICE

                        
a pdf CEO's CONTRACT (42Kb)

17

Council considered the following motion from Councillors T Wainwright, Jeal, Walker, H Wainwright, Williamson and Wright:-

The Acting Chief Executive Officer's contract was extended until the 31 December 2015 with a termination of one month either way on the understanding that a permanent Chief Executive would be in place by that time.  As no progress has been made on that appointment, we call upon the Administration to give some indication as to what they propose for the future appointment of a Chief Executive Officer whether permanent or shared.

Councillor T Wainwright stated that it had been agreed to look at the process of appointing a permanent Chief Executive Officer after the Borough Council elections in May but to date no progress has been made.  He also referred to the issue of the Government's devolution proposal.

The Leader reported on the options currently being considered with regard to the Chief Executive Officer's position.  Councillor Myers commented that the issue of the Chief Executive post was a concern for his group.

Proposer: Councillor T Wainwright  Seconder: Councillor Walker

That a cross party working group comprising the three Leaders of the political groups, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee and one other Member from the ruling group be set up to consider the options with regard to the future arrangements for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

CARRIED

b pdf COMMITTEE SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE (44Kb)

18

Council considered the following motion from Councillors T Wainwright, Jeal, Walker, H Wainwright, Williamson and Wright:-

The Acting Chief Executive Officer's contract was extended until the 31 December 2015 with a termination of one month either way on the understanding that a permanent Chief Executive would be in place by that time.  As no progress has been made on that appointment, we call upon the Administration to give some indication as to what they propose for the future appointment of a Chief Executive Officer whether permanent or shared.  To implement  this cross party working group as a matter of urgency so that a committee system of governance could be in place for May 2016.

Councillor B Coleman expressed his concern with some of the comments expressed by the Shadow Leader. Councillor Plant's view was that this issue should be decided in an open debate by Full Council.  Councillor Myers stated that he would wish for a cross party working group to look at this issue within the agreed timescale.  Councillor Fox stated that he was in favour of a committee form of governance and also expressed his views for all out elections. Councillor Walker stated that the current Cabinet system is just as democratic as a proposed form of governance and he stated a need to look at what would be the est for the governance of the Borough Council.


Proposer: Councillor T Wainwright  Seconder: Councillor Walker 

As nearly six months have elapsed since this recommendation was agreed, we call upon the Council to implement this cross party working group as a mater of urgency so that a committee system of governance could be in place for May 2016, and that the cross party working group is appointed in the next seven days to meet as soon as possible and that a final report be taken to Council for decision at its meeting on the 22 September 2015.


CARRIED

c pdf LIVING WAGE ACCREDITATION (34Kb)

19

Council considered a motion from Councillors T Wainwright, Williamson, Jeal, Walker, H Wainwright and Wright reminding the Council that at its meeting on the 14 April 2015 it had been agreed that a cross party working group be formed to work with officers and a report be presented to the Council from the working group outlining the impact of contractors, the council and the rate payer of implementing the living wage on all Council contracts.  As three months have passed since this recommendation was agreed, we call on the Council to implement this cross party working group as a matter of urgency.

Councillor Reynolds stated that, in his opinion, and following the Government's recent budgetary announcements, there should be no further action taken on this matter.

Proposer: Councillor Walker   Seconder: Councillor Linden

That the cross party working group be formed as a matter of urgency to consider the impact to contractors, the Council and the rate payer of implementing the living wat on all Council contracts. 

CARRIED 

d pdf TOWN CENTRE INITIATIVE (23Kb)

20

Council considered a motion from Councillors Sutton, Linden, Pratt, Jeal, T Wainwright and H Wainwright stating that at the budget Council meeting held in February 2015 the Labour Administration proposed to use £1 million from reserves for a Town Centre Initiative, this was agreed cross party.  A start was made in April when a town centre clear up was initiated. Since then the project seems to have stalled, although we believe a meeting with traders has taken place.  As progress is slow, Members call upon the Council to form a working group as a matter of urgency of Cabinet Member, Ward Councillors, Group Leaders or their representatives and officers together with other stakeholders to move this project forward and to make recommendations as to how this £1 million is spent, these recommendations to be presented to residents before a decision is made.

Councillor Sutton expressed his disappointment at the lack of consultation on this issue.  Councillor Plant reported on the action currently being taken by the current administration in respect of the Town Centre Initiative.

Proposer: Councillor Sutton  Seconder: Councillor Linden

That the Council form a working group as a matter of urgency of Cabinet Member, Ward Councillors, Group Leaders or their representatives and officers together with other stakeholders to move this project forward and to make recommendations as to how this £1 million is spent.

LOST
 
7 FUTURE DATES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS
Council will be asked to agree the following date changes :-

22 September 2015 to be moved to 6 October 2015
24 November 2015 to be moved to 1 December 2015

21

On reference from Cabinet of the 13 July 2015, Council was recommended to agree the following amendments to future Council meetings:-
 
22 September 2015 to be moved to 6 October 2015
24 November 2015 to be moved to 1 December 2015

Proposer: Councillor Plant  Seconder: Councillor b Coleman

That the proposed changes to the dates of future Council meetings as detailed above be agreed.

LOST

8 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
To consider any other business as may be determined by the Chairman of the meeting as being of sufficient urgency to warrant consideration.
22

Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) - Consultation Papers

Council were asked to endorse the proposed response to the CCG's consultation papers as agreed by the Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 15 July.

Members were advised that this is a matter for Cabinet so Council, if responses are agreed, would need to recommend Cabinet to agree the responses.

Proposer: Councillor Myers    Seconder: Councillor T Wainwright

That Cabinet be recommended to approve the proposed responses to the CCG's consultation papers as agreed by the Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 15 July 2015.

CARRIED

FORMER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - MRS JANE RATCLIFFE
2

Following the recent death of the former Chief Executive, Mrs Jane Ratcliffe, Members stood in one minute's silence as a tribute.

Attendance

Attended - Other Members
Name
No other member attendance information has been recorded for the meeting.
Apologies
NameReason for Sending Apology
Jack Cutting 
Kay Grey 
George Jermany 
Bernard Williamson 
Absent
NameReason for Absence
No absentee information has been recorded for the meeting.

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
No declarations of interest have been entered for this meeting.

Visitors

Present:
Councillor Weymouth (in the Chair), Councillor Andrews, Annison, Bird, Blyth, Carpenter, B Coleman, M Coleman, Collins, Connell, Davis, Fairhead, Fox, Grant, Hanton, Jeal, Jones, Lawn, Linden, Mavroudis, Myers, Plant, Pratt, Reynolds, Robinson-Payne, Rodwell, C Smith, J Smith, Stenhouse, Sutton, Thirtle, H Wainwright, T Wainwright, Walker and Wright.

Also in attendance were Mr G Mitchell (Chief Executive Officer), Mr C Skinner (Monitoring Officer), Mrs J Beck (Director of Customer Services), Mr R Read (Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods), Mrs K Watts (Transformation Programme Manager), Mr A Radford (Chief Financial Officer) and Mr R Hodds (Cabinet Secretary).


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