Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Arun Civic Centre, Maltravers Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5LF. View directions

Contact: Jane Fulton (Ext 37611) 

Items
No. Item

284.

Welcome

Minutes:

            The Chairman welcomed Councillors, representatives of the public, press and officers to the Council Meeting.  A special welcome was extended to Honorary Mrs Stinchcombe.

 

285.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

            Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Mrs Daniells and Miss Needs and from Honorary Aldermen Dingemans, Mrs Goad, MBE, Mrs Morrish and Squires.

 

286.

Declarations of interest

Members and Officers are invited to make any declarations of pecuniary, personal and/or prejudicial interests that they may have in relation to items on this agenda, and are reminded that they should re-declare their interest before consideration of the item or as soon as the interest becomes apparent.

 

Members and Officers should make their declaration by stating:

 

a)  the item they have the interest in

b)  whether it is a pecuniary, personal and/or prejudicial interest

c)  the nature of the interest

d) if it is a pecuniary or prejudicial interest, whether they will be exercising their right to speak under Question Time

Minutes:

            Councillor Coster declared a Personal Interest in Agenda Item 12 [Development Control Committee – 9 October 2019] in relation to Planning Application AW/134/19/HH.  He stated that he needed to make this meeting aware that he may have made public statements as part of his election campaign and or in other circumstances that he had concerns about this particular application.  He emphasised that these were his views held at this time, however, he had held an open mind regarding this application.

           

            A Declaration of Interest Sheet had been circulated to the meeting setting out those Members who had made a declaration of their personal interest as a Member of a Town or Parish Councillor or a West Sussex County Councillor, as confirmed in their Register of Interest as these declarations could apply to any of the issues to be discussed at the meeting.  This table is set out below:

 

Name

Town or Parish Council or West Sussex County Council [WSCC]

Councillor Tracey Baker

Littlehampton

Councillor Kenton Batley

Bognor Regis

Councillor Jamie Bennett

Rustington

Councillor Paul Bicknell

Angmering

Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper

Littlehampton

Councillor Chris Blanchard-Cooper

Littlehampton

Councillor Jim Brooks

Bognor Regis

Councillor Ian Buckland

Littlehampton and WSCC

Councillor Mike Clayden

Rustington

Councillor Andy Cooper

Rustington

Councillor Alison Cooper

Rustington

Councillor David Edwards

WSCC

Councillor Roger Elkins

Ferring and WSCC

Councillor Paul English

Felpham

Councillor Inna Erskine

Bognor Regis

Councillor Steve Goodheart

Bognor Regis

Councillor Pauline Gregory

Rustington

Councillor June Hamilton

Pagham

Councillor Shirley Haywood

Middleton-on-Sea

Councillor David Huntley

Pagham

Councillor Henry Jones

Bognor Regis

Councillor Martin Lury

Bersted

Councillor Francis Oppler

WSCC

Councillor Jacky Pendleton

Middleton-on-Sea and WSCC

Councillor Vicky Rhodes

Littlehampton

Councillor Dan Purchese

WSCC

Councillor Emily Seex

Littlehampton

Councillor Martin Smith

Aldwick

Councillor Samantha Staniforth

Bognor Regis

Councillor Matt Stanley

Bognor Regis

Councillor Isabel Thurston

Barnham & Eastergate

Councillor James Walsh

Littlehampton and WSCC

Councillor Jeanette Warr

Bognor Regis

Councillor Amanda Worne

Yapton

Councillor Gillian Yeates

Bersted

 

 

287.

Public Question Time

To receive questions from the public (for a period of up to 15 minutes)

Minutes:

The Chairman invited questions from members of the public who had submitted their questions in advance of the meeting in accordance with the rules of the Council’s Constitution. 

 

The Chairman announced that one question had been received.  This asked the Cabinet Member for Technical Services, Councillor Stanley, if the Council could consider organising a national contest for a best designed shelter as there was a serious lack of proper shelters for rest and cover from inclement weather when walking along the river and seafront promenades at Littlehampton.

 

            The Cabinet Member for Technical Services, Councillor Stanley, responded stating that there were currently a number of opportunities to obtain shelter from the elements in this area.  In addition to the Coastguard Tower there was another shelter to the rear of the kiosks to the east and a shelter to the north.  There were also two structures known as the “Stage by the Sea” and the two shelters within the Longest Bench all providing opportunities to shelter if the weather unexpectedly turned inclement.

 

            Councillor Stanley also pointed out that there were a number of cafes in this area where shelter could be taken.  He confirmed that there were no plans to review or expand on the number of sheltering spaces in Littlehampton in the near future due to the fact that there were a number of opportunities where shelter could currently be taken.  However, as plans progressed for Littlehampton regeneration, the questioner’s suggestions would be something that he would keep in mind.

 

The Chairman then invited the questioner to ask a supplementary question.

 

The questioner recommended the Cabinet Member to visit the seafront at Littlehampton next time a south westerly gale was blowing and whilst it was raining as the result was that in these instances anyone walking along the promenade area would become soaked due to being open to the elements.  It was the questioner’s view that none of the suggestions made were any good as not everyone wanted to enter a café and have to purchase food or drink just to take shelter.  He referred to Worthing seafront that had many excellent shelters situated all along its promenade and asked again if the Council would look at this very strongly and bring this forward.

 

Councillor Stanley responded stating that he took the comments and observations on board.

 

The Chairman then drew Public Question Time to a close.

 

288.

Petitions

To consider any petitions received from the public.

Minutes:

            The Chairman confirmed that no petitions had been received.

289.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 374 KB

Since the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 18 September 2019 were agreed as a correct record at the Special Meeting of the Council held on 10 October 2019, a clerical error has been identified in Minute 221 [Motions] and the resolution on Motion 3 [Membership of the Development Control Committee].  The amended Motion carried by the Council was for the number of Members that can also be Cabinet Members to be increased from 2 to 4.  The decision is not reflected in Resolution (1).  Therefore, the Council is asked to agree that the final sentence of Resolution (1) at Minute 221 should read “ …. and increase this figure from 2 to 4” so this will read:

 

Having voted on the amendment, it was declared CARRIED.

 

The Council

 

                RESOLVED – That

 

(1)       the following section of the Council’s Constitution – Part 3 – Responsibility for Functions – Paragraph 4.2 – Development Control Committee be changed in terms of its stipulation that no more than 2 Members can also be Cabinet Members and increase this figure from 2 to 4”; and

 

(2)     this will enable Cabinet Member Substitutes to replace a relevant Group Member on the Development Control Committee should they not be able to attend. It will also ensure that this vitally important Committee has full representation at each meeting, which will help deliver the best possible service to the community of Arun District.

 

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Special Council Meeting held on 10 October 2019, which are attached. 

 

Minutes:

            The Chairman announced that since the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 18 September 2019 had been agreed as a correct record at the Special Meeting of the Council held on 10 October 2019, a clerical error had been identified in Minute 221 [Motions] and the resolution on Motion 3 [Membership of the Development Control Committee].  The amended Motion carried by the Council was for the number of Members that could also be Cabinet Members be increased from 2 to 4.  This decision had not been reflected in Resolution (1).

 

            The Council was therefore being asked to agree that the final sentence of Resolution (1) at Minute 221 should read as follows:-

 

            “I make a request to change the following section of the Council’s Constitution – Part 3 – Responsibility for Functions – Paragraph 4.2 – Development Control Committee in terms of the stipulation that no more than 2 Members can also be Cabinet Members and increase this figure from 2 to 4“.

 

            On putting this amendment to the vote, it was declared CARRIED.

 

            The Chairman then asked Council to approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council held on 10 October 2019.

 

            Councillor Coster confirmed that he felt that there was an inaccuracy at Minute 264 [A27 Trunk Road – Improvements at Arundel] on page 200 of the Minutes [Page 10 of the agenda] in terms of the comment summary provided in respect of the Crimson route.  The final paragraph at this section stated that this route would destroy 21 hectares of ancient woodland. 

 

            Councillor Coster referred to the consultation document provided by Highways England [Page 17] confirming that the correct figure was in fact 9.2 hectares not 21. Councillor Coster stated that this was also the figure outlined on Page 14 of the document.

 

            Following some debate, it was agreed that the statement highlighting 21 hectares of ancient woodland would be amended to read 9.20 hectares of ancient woodland, in line with the public consultation document.

 

            The Minutes were then approved as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman.

 

290.

Chairman's Announcements

To receive such announcements as the Chairman may desire to lay before the Council.

Minutes:

The Chairman alerted Members to the list of engagements and events that had been attended since the Special Meeting of the Council held on 10 October 2019 – these had been emailed to Councillors recently.

 

 

291.

Urgent Matters

To deal with business not otherwise specified in the Council summons which, in the opinion of the Chairman of the Council (in consultation with the Chief Executive), is business of such urgency as to require immediate attention by the Council.

Minutes:

There were no items for this meeting.

292.

Housing & Customer Services Working Group - 19 September 2019 pdf icon PDF 153 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Bennett, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Housing & Customer Services Working Group held on 19 September 2019.  There is a recommendation at:

 

o   Minute 8 [Work Programme – 2019/20] – to view the Work Programme, please click on this link: Work Programme

 

 

 

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Bennett, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Housing & Customer Services Working Group held on 19 September 2019.

 

            Councillor Bennett alerted Members to a recommendation at Minute 8 [Work Programme 2019/2020] in which the Council was being asked to approve the Working Group’s Work Programme for this Municipal Year 2019/2020.  Councillor Bennett then duly proposed the recommendation which was then seconded by Councillor Coster.

 

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED

 

That the Housing & Customer Services Working Group’s Work Programme for 2019/20 be approved.

 

 

293.

Licensing Committee - 20 September 2019 pdf icon PDF 109 KB

The Chairman, Councillor B Blanchard-Cooper, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 20 September 2019.  There are two recommendations at:

 

o   Minute 230 [Statement of Licensing Policy] – to view the Officer’s report and Appendices, please click on this link - Report and Appendix

 

 

 

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor B Blanchard-Cooper, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 20 September 2019. 

 

            Councillor B Blanchard-Cooper then alerted Members to two recommendations at Minute 230 [Statement of Licensing Policy – Revision] and in formally proposing the recommendations stated that he wished to thank Officers for providing such a succinct and easy to read report.  Councillor Clayden then duly seconded the recommendations.

 

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED – That

 

(1)          The Statement of Licensing Policy be approved for adoption to take effect from 1 January 2020; and

 

(2)          Authority be delegated to the Group Head of Technical Services to make minor changes to the Policy, in consultation with the Chairman.

 

294.

Cabinet - 7 October 2019 pdf icon PDF 142 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh, will present the Minutes from the meeting of Cabinet held on 7 October 2019.  There are no recommendations.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Dr Walsh, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Cabinet held on 7 October 2019.

 

295.

Development Control Committee - 9 October 2019 pdf icon PDF 321 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Bennett, will present the Minutes from the Development Control Committee held on 9 October 2019.  There are no recommendations.

Minutes:

(Councillor Coster redeclared his Personal Interest in this item in line with his Declaration made at the start of the meeting).

 

            The Chairman, Councillor Bennett, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Development Control Committee held on 9 October 2019.

 

296.

Planning Policy Sub-Committee - 15 October 2019 pdf icon PDF 180 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Yeates, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Planning Policy Sub-Committee held on 15 October 2019.  There are recommendations at:

 

o   Minute 12 [Planning Policy and Climate Change Emergency] – to view the Officer’s report – please click on this link – Report and Appendix

o   Minute 13 [Provision of Accommodation Suitable for Older People and People with Disabilities] – to view the Officer’s report – please click on this link – Report

o   Minute 16 – [Housing Delivery Test – Action Plan] – to view the Officer’s report and Appendix, please click on this link - Report and Appendix

           

 

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Mrs Yeates, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Planning Policy Sub-Committee held on 15 October 2019.

 

            Councillor Mrs Yeates firstly alerted Members to the first of a series of recommendations at Minute 12 [Planning Policy and Climate Change Emergency] which she duly proposed.  The three recommendations were then duly seconded by Councillor Jones.

 

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED – That

 

(1)          a climate change emergency be agreed by the Environment & Leisure Working Group and declared by the Council;

 

(2)          should a climate change emergency be declared, Officers investigate the scope of evidence necessary to test the feasibility and viability of achieving higher standards of sustainable design and adopting a zero-carbon target by 2030 where achievable; and

 

(3)          following consideration of this evidence and testing, Officers to prepare a review of the development management policies in the Local Plan or a Supplementary Planning Document.

 

            The Chairman then drew Members’ attention to the next set of recommendations at Minute 13 [Provision of Accommodation Suitable for Older People and People with Disabilities] which she duly proposed.  The recommendations were then seconded by Councillor Jones.

 

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED – That

 

(1)          the proposed guidance for the provision of Accommodation Suitable for Older Persons and People with Disabilities be treated as a guide (i.e. not as a Supplementary Planning Document) to provide a material consideration in respect of the determination of all relevant planning applications; and

 

(2)          the proposed guidance is clearly set out as a starting point to inform development management negotiations, does not impose rigid requirement and is subject to viability.

 

            The Chairman then referred Members to the final recommendation at Minute 16 [Housing Delivery Test] which she duly proposed.  This recommendation was then seconded by Councillor Jones.

 

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED

 

That, subject to any further minor changes made by the Group Head of Planning, in consultation with the Chairman and the Portfolio Holder for Planning, the Action Plan be approved as a technical document for publication on the Council’s web site.

 

            Councillor Bower raised a Point of Order in relation to Minute 14 [Open Space Playing Pitches and Built Sports Facilities] and Minute 15 [Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document] which had recommendations for Full Council to consider but for the meeting to be held on 15 January 2020.  He felt that this approach was confusing and asked how the recommendations could be considered later when the Minutes would be considered tonight.

 

            The Group Head of Council Advice & Monitoring Officer confirmed that the matters at Minutes 14 and 15 would need to be represented to the next meeting of the Planning Policy Sub-Committee on 17 December 2019 so that the recommendations could be debated on 15 January 2020. 

 

297.

Electoral Review Sub-Committee - 16 October 2019 pdf icon PDF 201 KB

                        The Vice-Chairman, Councillor Jones, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Electoral Review Sub-Committee held on 16 October 2019.  There are three recommendations at:

 

o   Minute 8 [Review of Polling District, Polling Places and Polling Stations] – to view the Officer’s report and three Appendices, please click on these links: Report and Appendix 1; Appendix 2 ; and Appendix 3

 

 

 

Minutes:

            The Vice-Chairman, Councillor Jones, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Electoral Review Sub-Committee held on 16 October 2019. 

 

            Councillor Jones alerted Members to three recommendations at Minute 8 [Review of Polling District, Polling Places and Polling Stations] which he formally proposed.  The recommendations were seconded by Councillor Oppler.

 

            The Council

 

                        RESOLVED – That

 

(1)          the location of polling stations/places as set out in Appendix 1 from 2020 onwards be accepted;

 

(2)          delegated authority be given to the Returning Officer to complete any outstanding work identified in Appendix 1; and

 

(3)          delegated authority be given to the Returning Officer to make changes to polling stations where these are required urgently.

 

298.

Governance Working Party - 21 October 2019 pdf icon PDF 139 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Oppler, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Governance Working Party held on 21 October 2019.  There are no recommendations.

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Oppler, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Governance Working Party held on 21 October 2019.

 

            Councillor Oppler outlined that he wished to take this opportunity to thank the Members of the Working Party for their constructive contribution made to this meeting and to the meeting held on 12 November 2019.  It was the Working Party’s plan to develop options for Full Council to consider at its next meeting to be held on 15 January 2019.  Finally, he thanked the Chief Executive, the Group Head of Council Advice & Monitoring Officer and the Group Head of Policy for all their hard work and assistance with this review to date.

 

299.

Overview Select Committee - 22 October 2019 pdf icon PDF 185 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Coster, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 22 October 2019.  There are no recommendations.

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Coster, presented the Minutes from the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 22 October 2019.

 

            Councillor Coster made reference to Minute 259 [Leisure Operating Contract – Year Three Report] and the presentation made by Freedom Leisure outlining their performance and activities over the last three years.  Some very interesting key points had been highlighted.  One had been the plans in place for addressing the issue of obesity in the District.  It was Councillor Coster’s view that more work needed to take place to address this vital issue.

 

            Councillor Lury stated that he had submitted his apologies yet they had not been recorded and so he asked if the minutes could be amended accordingly.

 

 

300.

Bognor Regis Regeneration Sub-Committee - 28 October 2019 pdf icon PDF 131 KB

The Chairman, Councillor Stanley, will present the Minutes from the meeting of the Bognor Regis Regeneration Sub-Committee held on 28 October 2019.

 

The Minutes from this meeting will be circulated separately and any recommendations will be reported to the meeting.

Minutes:

            The Chairman, Councillor Stanley, in presenting the Minutes from the meeting of the Bognor Regis Sub-Committee held on 28 October 2019 confirmed that a revised set of Minutes had been circulated to the meeting. 

 

            Although the agenda confirmed that there were no recommendations for the Council to consider, Councillor Stanley stated that this was not correct.  Since the Minutes had been circulated in Bundle 2 on 7 November 2019, a question had been raised about their accuracy as they had not included two proposals put forward at the meeting and voted upon.  Councillor Stanley outlined that he had raised this with the Council’s Monitoring Officer, and this had identified that the outcome of these proposals had not been clearly minuted as recommendations to come before the Council at this meeting.  Having reviewed the notes taken at the meeting, a clerical error had been identified and the minutes subsequently revised and reissued setting out the two recommendations that need to be considered tonight.

 

            Councillor Stanley confirmed that the first recommendation was at Minute 10 [The Arun Public Spaces Protection Order] where the Sub-Committee had been informed of the public consultation exercise underway.  At that meeting Members had raised serious concerns about the impact of reducing the Public Spaces Protection Order areas and wished to formally respond to the consultation exercise.  The revised minutes confirmed that it was proposed, second and voted upon “That the formal response of the Bognor Regis Sub-Committee was that the areas that had been removed from the existing Public Space Protection Order should be reinstated into the new Order”.

 

            Councillor Stanley stated that he was aware that Cabinet would be considering the outcome of this consultation exercise at its meeting to be held on 13 January 2020 and he gave Members of the Sub-Committee his assurance that he would present their formal response and the reasons for this at that meeting.  Councillor Stanley therefore proposed this recommendation and it was seconded by Councillor Brooks.

 

            In discussing the recommendation, concern was expressed as to why this recommendation had not been minuted accurately and especially since there had been a lengthy debate on the consultation and the PSPO. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            The Monitoring Officer reconfirmed the statement made by Councillor Stanley stating in that there had been no deliberate omission, it had been a misunderstanding from the notes taken at that meeting.  As soon as this had been brought to her attention, she had alerted Councillor Stanley of the issue.

 

            Further debate then focused on the PSPO.  It was highlighted by the Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Councillor Mrs Yeates, that the PSPO had been presented to the Sub-Committee to outline the public consultation process undertaken.  The existing PSPO, introduced by the Council in 2017, remained in place until March 2020 and so there was still time for further debate.  She was not sure that the wording in the recommendation from the Sub-Committee was completely correct, as nothing had yet, been removed from the PSPO.  There had been several responses from the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 300.

301.

Motions

To consider any Motions submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.

Minutes:

            The Chairman announced that one Motion had been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rules 14.1 and 14.2, this had been circulated in Bundle 2 on 7 November 2019.  The Motion is set out below:

 

            “That this Council supports the aspiration of increasing the proportion of homes which are designed to accommodate a person through all phases of their life, otherwise known as “Lifetime Homes”.  In doing so the Council would be acknowledging the diverse and ageing population in our area.

 

            In pursuit of this aspiration and pending a review of relevant Local Plan Policies, the Council requests the developers of all sites to improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of all homes.

 

            Simple changes should be considered for incorporation into designs to enable, not just the occupiers of the property, but their family and friends, to gain access within their capabilities.  As a result, this would create houses that could be visited by all irrespective of their ability.

 

            The Council agrees that after the adoption of its Design Guide. Future design guidance be prepared to implement these aspirations as part of the Council’s plan making”.

 

            The Chairman invited Councillor Mrs Worne, to propose and present her Motion.  

 

            In proposing her Motion, Councillor Mrs Warne highlighted that everyone present in the Council Chamber this evening could, in the future, find themselves in a situation where their personal circumstances changed.  Everyone took independence for granted until this was suddenly lost or changed in some way.  Councillor Mrs Worne stated that she had reflected upon how she had felt following her attendance at her local Remembrance Sunday service in remembering the soldiers and those who had fought and those who had died fighting for our today’s independence.  It was her view that we all had an obligation to continue in a passive way to fight for independence out of a sense of duty for all those who had served in this way.  Councillor Mrs Worne stated that it was unacceptable that there were people who had suffered an accident or illness and were still in hospital unable to leave as there was no-where suitable for them to live allowing them to cater for their new disability. Sadly, as a result of this, some ultimately ended up having to live in care homes which was costing the Country millions of pounds.

 

Councillor Mrs Worne stated had everyone had the right to independence and that it was impossible to know when this could be lost, or partly lost, she knew this from personal experience, this could be because of illness, an accident or old age.  She felt that everyone should be able to visit a friend for a cup of tea and it was vital to future proof homes to provide security and peace of mind.  This could be achieved with some simple adaptations that could save money and help in cases of flooding. 

 

            The Motion was then seconded by Councillor Chapman.

 

            The Chairman then invited Members to debate the Motion. All Councillors who  ...  view the full minutes text for item 301.

302.

Questions from Members pdf icon PDF 346 KB

To consider general questions from Members in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.3.

Minutes:

            The Chairman confirmed that the Questions from Members along with their responses had been circulated to the meeting and so this would be put without discussion, in line with the Constitution.

 

            The Chairman then invited each questioner to ask a supplementary question.

 

            Some of the questioners asked supplementary questions.  These questions and the supplementary responses can be found on the schedule attached to these Minutes.

 

303.

Strategic Council Targets for the Period 2019/2023 pdf icon PDF 315 KB

Following the May 2019 elections, the formation of a new Council and a new administration, this report requests agreement for the Council’s main strategic targets to try to achieve between 2019 and 2023.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

            The Leader of the Council, Councillor Dr Walsh, presented this report and stated that the Council currently had three main aims; to deliver the best services; to support those that needed help; and to plan in the future.  These aims would remain.  However, as a result of the new administration the Council needed to be clear what it wanted to achieve.  The strategic targets set out in the report had been worked up with the Council’s Senior Management Team.

 

The report set out the new proposed strategic targets which would take the Council through to 2023.  The targets had been set out in the Appendix to the report and had been divided into priority order.

 

Councillor Dr Walsh stated that by agreeing these additional targets, the Council’s Chief Executive would be able to allocate resources to try to achieve them, in an agreed way and within an agreed timetable.

 

In debating the report varying comments were made.

 

It was outlined that the six items listed as being of high priority should be considered with caution.  This was because when tasks were listed as a high priority and urgent, they were often not achieved – there was the potential for an element of overload in terms of available Officer time and the timescales confirmed, was this achievable? 

 

There were Councillors who were disappointed with the targets and they felt that they showed a lack of ambition.  There were no targets looking at the health and well-being of the District; or about the need for residents to be able to own their own home; and nothing about the seafront areas of either side of the District.  These Councillors asked how public engagement would be achieved.  Some questioned why there was such urgent pressure to change the governance arrangements of the Council as a high priority rather than focusing upon the care of the District’s residents.  Concern was also expressed over the financial impact of completing some of the targets, especially as some of these were unknown or to be confirmed.  Councillors asked for the financial gaps to be filled and wished to know how these areas would be funded.  There was concern that this would result in residents having to pay yet another increase in Council Tax next year. 

 

Another point of concern was that the Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Chapman, had not been fully involved in the work undertaken in progressing the targets to reach this final stage as suggested by the report.  The Chief Executive confirmed that Councillor Chapman had only been initially involved at the start of the process and not at later stages.

 

Debate then focused on those supporting the targets put forward.  The point was made that the Appendix was not a business plan but a confirmed route as to how, if accepted, the targets would be achieved.  The aim behind all targets was to improve the lives and quality of lives for Arun’s residents - tackling climate change was highlighted as a significant part  ...  view the full minutes text for item 303.

304.

Code of Conduct for Employees pdf icon PDF 48 KB

A revised Code of Conduct was approved at the formal Unison/Employer Consultation meeting on 25 September 2019.  The Code of Conduct needs formal approval by Full Council before it can be adopted.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Dr Walsh, presented this report explaining that the Code of Conduct originated from the premise that the public were entitled to expect the highest standard of conduct from all Local Government employees.  The Code provided guidance for employees which would help to maintain standards and protect employees from criticism or misunderstanding.  

 

The Code of Conduct attached to the report had been developed based on best practice and existing legislation and was in keeping with the seven principles of public life as stated by the Nolan Committee.  Unison had been consulted on the contents which had been agreed at a meeting of the Staff Consultation Panel held on 25 September 2019.  That meeting had recommended that the Code be brought to this meeting of Full Council for formal adoption.

 

Councillor Dr Walsh then formally proposed the recommendations set out within the report and these were seconded by Councillor Oppler.

 

The Council

 

            RESOLVED – That

 

(1)           The Code of Conduct for employees be approved and formally adopted; and

 

(2)          The Group Head of Corporate Support be authorised to make any further consequential changes to the Code of Conduct.

 

305.

Committee Memberships

The following changes to Committee Memberships need to be noted by the Council as set out below:

 

(1)  Councillor Bennett has replaced Councillor Dr Walsh on the Governance Working Party;

(2)  Councillor Mrs Erskine has replaced Councillor Stanley on the Governance Working Party;

(3)  Councillors Mrs Gregory has replaced Councillor Purchese as the Chairman of the Chief Executive (CEO) Remuneration Committee;

(4)  Councillor Miss Needs has filled the Liberal Democrat vacancy on the Overview Select Committee;

(5)  Councillor Mrs Worne has filled the Liberal Democrat vacancy on the Standards Committee;

(6)  Councillor Oppler has filled the Liberal Democrat vacancy on the Development Control Site Inspection Panel; and

(7)  Councillors B Blanchard-Cooper, Lury and Tilbrook have filled the three Liberal Democrat vacancies on the Housing Appeals Panel.

 

Minutes:

The Council received and noted the following changes in Committee Memberships:

 

(1)  Councillor Bennett had replaced Councillor Dr Walsh as a Member of the Governance Working Party;

(2)  Councillor Mrs Erskine had replaced Councillor Stanley as a Member of the Governance Working Party;

(3)  Councillor Mrs Gregory had replaced Councillor Purchese as Chairman of the Chief Executive’s (CEO) Remuneration Committee;

(4)  Councillor Miss Needs had filled the Liberal Democrat vacancy on the Overview Select Committee;

(5)  Councillor Mrs Worne had filled the Liberal Democrat vacancy on the Standards Committee;

(6)  Councillor Oppler had filled the Liberal Democrat vacancy on the Development Control Site Inspection Panel; and

(7)  Councillors B Blanchard-Cooper, Lury and Tilbrook had filled the three Liberal Democrat vacancies on the Housing Appeals Panel.

 

306.

Representation on Outside Bodies

The Council is asked to approve any changes to its representation on Outside Bodies.  Any changes can be reported verbally to the meeting by the Leader of the Council.  

 

The Council is also asked to note the report back itemised below in respect of the Council’s membership of Greater Brighton Economic Board:

 

(1)  Membership of Greater Brighton Economic Board

 

On 15 October 2019, it was confirmed that Arun District Council would formally join the Greater Brighton Economic Board.  Arun joins six other local authorities, two universities, Gatwick Airport and the South Downs National Park as part of a powerful partnership aimed at increasing investment in the region, bringing in funding for major projects and helping to create jobs and prosperity.

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes:

No changes to representation to Outside Bodies were reported to this meeting.