Agenda and minutes

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 22 May 2025.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 22 May 2025 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from Councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members.

Councillors Attewell, Boparai, Mooney, Sexton and Weerasinghe advised they were also Surrey County Councillors.

Councillor Nichols advised that he was on the Knowle Green Estates Board of Directors.

Councillor Dunn advised that as she was the Chair of the Licensing Committee, she would not be taking part in the debate nor voting on Agenda Item 15 (Motions).

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

Since taking office in May, it has been an incredibly busy and rewarding time. I’ve had the pleasure of attending numerous local events, each highlighting the vibrancy and spirit of our community.

Several significant anniversaries were celebrated, including the 25th anniversary of the Sunbury Millennium Embroidery, the 35th anniversary of our twinning with Melun, and the 50th anniversary of Squire’s Garden Centres. These milestones reflect the rich history and strong relationships within our Borough.

One of the highlights was the final of the Spelthorne Business Plan Competition in June. It was inspiring to see so many talented young entrepreneurs presenting innovative ideas. Congratulations to the winners, Natalie and Louise, who received £4,000 to help launch their ‘Your Song Storybook’ project.

I also had the pleasure of attending Halliford School’s speech day, Staines Prep’s leavers’ evening, and Thomas Knyvett’s summer musical performance. The enthusiasm and ambition shown by the students was truly uplifting, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

On 29 June, my Civic Service at St Mary’s Church in Stanwell was blessed with beautiful sunshine and a wonderful turnout. My sincere thanks to all who attended and to Father Stuart  for leading the service and prayers.

It was an honour to attend the Royal Navy Parade, a biennial event hosted by the Staines & Egham Sea Cadets showcasing their impressive skills and training. I also had the opportunity to attend an Armed Forces Briefing which offered valuable insight into current developments within the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

I am deeply grateful to all the event hosts for their warm hospitality and for making these occasions so memorable. I look forward to continuing to serve and support the community in the months ahead.

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

The Leader and the Deputy Leader made the following announcements:

Deputy Leader -

“We are consulting on the final draft of the Spelthorne Design Code which will give guidance to developers to ensure that new buildings are well designed and respect the character of our towns and open spaces. The consultation will last for 6 weeks and will close on Monday 04 August 2025.

I am pleased to announce that Sunbury Walled Garden, Staines Cemetery and Sunbury Park (including Orchard Meadow) have been awarded Breen Flat *Green Flag Awards. Quality Parks and green spaces like these make Spelthorne a happier and healthier place to live and I would like to thank the Neighbourhood Services Team who have worked so hard to make these spaces worthy of this prestigious award”.

The Leader –

The Local Government Reorganisation consultation is now live and it represents the most significant change to local government in Surrey in over 50 years. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for residents to shape how local decisions are made and how vital services are delivered across our communities. This Council is backing the three-unitary model, which we believe would deliver stronger public services, unlock new opportunities for economic growth, and ensure we stay closely connected to the people we serve.

To help raise awareness, we have also put up banners across the Borough promoting the consultation and encouraging participation. In addition, a leaflet will be delivered to your doorstep during the week commencing 21st July. We urge all residents to take part. Please do not miss your chance to have your say - this change will affect all of us, and it is essential that we protect and preserve the things that matter most to our communities.

In response to residents’ concerns about antisocial behaviour, a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been introduced across the Borough. This order specifically targets the misuse of catapults, face coverings such as masks, and the inappropriate use of personal transport like e-bikes and scooters. The PSPO gives both the Council and the Police greater powers to tackle behaviours that have increasingly become a problem in recent years.

To raise awareness and encourage action, banners have been placed across the Borough, along with signage in key locations. These support the “Report,  Report” message encouraging residents to speak up and help make a difference. It is vital that residents speak up and report problems to the Police so action can be taken where it’s needed most. This message is reinforced in the video I worked on with the Borough Commander, which is available on our website and social media channels. Only together can we improve our Borough. Let’s work as one community to keep our public spaces safe, respectful, and welcoming for all.

I had the pleasure of joining Cllr Med Buck and the Rotary Club of Staines for a Bastille Day celebration earlier this week. The event marked the enduring friendship and growing ties between Spelthorne and our twin town, Melun in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65/25

To receive any announcements from the Chief Executive.

The Deputy Chief Executive made the following announcements:

“On behalf of the Chief Executive, I am pleased to highlight the positive engagement of officers, since the Commissioners arrived in May, in the preparations for completing the Improvement and Recovery Plan for the Council. We look forwards to working with Commissioners and their team, and with Councillors to bring a full draft Improvement and Recovery Plan to Council in September for approval.

Echoing the Mayor’s earlier comments, I would like to welcome Cllr Neall as the newly elected councillor for Ashford Town ward. I would also like to thank all of the Council’s officers involved in running and staffing the by-election process over a long working day on the 19^th June and into the early hours of the 20^th June”.

The Leader, or their nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 13.

The Mayor reported that, under Standing Order 14, no question had been received from a member of the public.

Following the Ashford Town By-election, Council is asked to approve the revised:

1.    Representation of the different political groups on Committees (8a)

2.     Members to Committees (8b); and

3.    Chairs and Vice-chairs to Committees (8c)

a)    Allocation of Seats on Committees

Pursuant to Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, Council is asked to agree the representation of the different political groups on Committees.

To follow

b)    Appointments of Members to Committees

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, to appoint the members to serve on the Committees

To follow

c)    Appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, to appoint the Chairs and Vice-Chairs to serve on the Committees.

To follow

The Mayor advised Council that this item had been deferred to an Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held in September 2025.

Council is asked to approve the application of a Council Tax Premium of 100% in respect of second homes with effect from 01 April 2027.

Council resolved to approve the application of a Council Tax Premium of 100% in respect of second homes with effect from 01 April 2027.

Council is asked to:

1.    Acknowledge the annual review of the Council’s Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy; and

2.    Approve the update of the Council’s Constitution with the revised Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Stategy.

Council resolved to update the Council’s Constitution with the revised Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy.

To finalise the recommendation to Council for the appointment of a second Independent Member of the Audit Committee.

Report to follow.

Council resolved to appoint Mr Sati Sehra as the second Independent Member of the Audit Committee

Council is asked to approve the proposed changes to the Constitution as set out in the report.

Council resolved to approve the proposed changes to the Constitution as set out in the report.

Council is asked to adopt the protocol on relations between members as part of the Council’s Constitution.

Council resolved to agree that the Protocol On Relations Between Members be adopted into the Council’s Constitution.

To receive and agree the reports from the Committee Chairs.

Report of the Audit Committee on 10 July 2025 will follow.

The Chairs of the Committees presented reports which outlined the matters their Committees had considered since the last Council meeting.

Council resolved to note the Chair’s reports.

To receive any motions from Councillors in accordance with Standing Order 16.

One motion was received for this Council meeting (as attached).

In accordance with Standing Order 16 the Council received on written Notice of Motion.

Councillor Boparai moved and Councillor Rutherford seconded the following motion:

“This Council resolves to:

Support Brent Council's plan for Gambling Reform, which calls for government reforms to address gambling premises posing risks to local welfare and safety. The council will lobby the government to place all gambling premises in a single planning category, consider local social and health factors, introduce a statutory levy on gambling operators, and restrict gambling advertising and promotions.

This includes writing to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, promote campaigns, and work with local health and voluntary sector partners. Joining and promoting the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) and any similar national or local campaigns aimed at reducing gambling harm and reforming the law.

Working with local health and voluntary sector partners to signpost residents to gambling addiction support and education initiatives”.

A named vote was requested by Councillor Lee

The motion was carried.

Resolved that the Council would support Brent Council’s plan for gambling reform.

The Leader, or their nominee, to answer questions from Councillors on matters affecting the Borough, in accordance with Standing Order 14.

The Mayor reported that no general questions had been received.