Agenda and minutes

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 21 February 2019.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 21 February 2019 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.

There was one disclosure of interest from Councillor A.E. Friday in relation to Item 20 – Appointment of representative Trustees as he was nominated for appointment to the Sunbury Fuel Allotment Trust. He stated that he would leave the meeting for this item.

The Mayor advised that Michael Graham, Head of Corporate Governance had also declared an interest and would leave the meeting in relation to the same item.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor announced her final events before the end of her Mayoral year:

Mayor’s Charity Ball on Saturday, 27th April from 6.15pm.

Staines Brass and Staines Lammas Bands concert in aid of the Mayor’s Charities at St Hilda’s Church, Ashford on Sunday 12th May at 7pm

Charity giving event taking place at 6.30pm on Thursday 16th May at The Orangery in Shepperton.

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

The Leader made the following announcements:

“Firstly, as many will now be aware, our MP Kwasi Kwarteng has this morning announced his engagement to Harriet Edwards. I’m sure all Members will join me in wishing Kwasi and Harriet a long and happy marriage.

I cannot believe how quickly the last 4 years have gone by. They say time flies when you are having fun and I can certainly endorse that.

I would like to take this opportunity firstly to thank you Madam Mayor and your predecessors Vivienne, Alfred and Mark, during this Civic Cycle for all your collective hard work as our Ambassadors for Spelthorne.

I would also like to thank all our Officers and Staff, without whose hard work and dedication we simply could not function. In particular I would like to thank Daniel for how quickly he has picked up from where Roberto left off. Roberto was a hard act to follow but Daniel is excelling himself

Tonight is the last Full Council of this cycle and this time next Thursday the polls will be getting close to closing.

I would like to also thank Members for their support during my leadership over the last three and a bit years. This Council has been overwhelmingly constructive and our residents have benefitted hugely as a result of this. I think it is fair to say that Spelthorne is now in a very different position to how it was at the 2015 elections; we have a Borough to be proud of. It is a shame that more of the opposition are not present tonight.

Finally I would like to mention the following Councillors who are not, for various reasons, seeking re-election:

Cllr Alfred Friday

Cllr Tim Evans

Cllr Howard Thomson

Cllr John Kavanagh

Cllr Penny Edgington

Cllr Colin Davis

I am sure everyone will join me in thanking them for their service and wishing them well in the future.

For those of us seeking re-election I wish everyone the best – but obviously my Conservative colleagues slightly more best wishes.”

To receive any announcements from the Chief Executive.

On behalf of the Council staff, the Chief Executive, Daniel Mouawad, sincerely thanked all councillors for their contribution to the Council over the past four years.

The Leader, or his nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 14.

Note: the deadline for questions to be considered at this meeting is 12 noon on Tuesday 16 April 2019.

There were no questions from members of the public.

To receive any petitions from members of the public.

There were none.

The Council considered the recommendation of Cabinet from its meeting on 24 April 2019 to approve the changes to the Anti-fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy following its annual review.

The Strategy forms part of the Council’s Constitution and in line with best practice, the Strategy underpins the Council’s commitment to prevent all forms of fraud, bribery and corruption, demonstrating the important role it plays in the overall corporate governance framework.

Resolved to approve the amendments to the Anti-fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy.

To consider the report of the Monitoring Officer on the appointment of Independent Persons for four years from May 2019 until May 2023.

The Council considered the report of the Monitoring Officer on the Appointment of Independent Persons 2019-2023 under the Localism Act 2011.

Following a joint arrangements process with six other Surrey Borough and District Councils, a panel of participating councils’ monitoring officers interviewed new applicants. The current Independent Persons were invited to apply for re-appointment and submit updated CV’s, although it was agreed that they did not need to be interviewed.

The interview panel found that all new candidates demonstrated well-developed skills of independence, analysis, and fair dealing and commended all of them for appointment by the participating councils.

Resolved to approve:

(a)  the re-appointment of:

·         Vivienne Cameron

·         Roger Pett

(b)  the appointment of:

·         Bernard Quoroll

·         Bill Donnelly

·         Paul Eaves

·         Liz Lawrence

·         John Smith

as Independent Persons for a four year term of office expiring in May 2023.

It was noted that 21 councillors voted in favour of the appointments, in accordance with the requirement that the appointment of Independent Persons must be approved by a majority of the members of the authority.

To receive the reports from the Leader of the Council on the work of the Cabinet at its meetings held on 27 March 2019 (attached) and 24 April 2019 (to follow).

The Leader of the Council, Councillor I.T.E. Harvey, presented the reports of the Cabinet meetings held on 27 March 2019 and 24 April 2019, which outlined the matters the Cabinet had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Audit Committee on the work of her Committee.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee, Councillor M.J. Madams, presented her report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Licensing Committee on the work of his Committee.

The Chairman of the Licensing Committee, Councillor R.W. Sider BEM, presented his report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Members' Code of Conduct Committee on the work of his Committee.

The Chairman of the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee, Mr. Murray Litvak, presented his report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the work of her Committee.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor S.C. Mooney, presented her report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

Councillor Mooney agreed to write to County Councillor Goodman in relation to the effect on levels of fly tipping in the Borough following Surrey County Council’s decision to increase charges for waste disposal at Charlton tip.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Planning Committee on the work of his Committee.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor R.A. Smith-Ainsley, presented his report which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive any motions from Councillors in accordance with Standing Order 19.

Note: The deadline for motions to be considered at this meeting was Thursday 11 April 2019 and none were received.

There were no motions.

The Leader, or his nominee, to answer questions from Councillors on issues in their Wards, in accordance with Standing Order 15.

Note: the deadline for questions to be considered at this meeting is 12 noon on Tuesday 16 April 2019.

There were no questions on Ward issues.

The Leader, or his nominee, to answer questions from Councillors on matters affecting the Borough, in accordance with Standing Order 15.

Note: the deadline for questions to be considered at this meeting is 12 noon on Tuesday 16 April 2019.

One question has been received to date from Councillor R.W. Sider BEM.

“Is the Leader and members of this council aware that Surrey County Council has withdrawn the free travel bus pass for people with a range of disabilities, for travel before 9.30am with effect from 1 April 2019,  as a cost cutting exercise. And are members aware that the government is actively encouraging people with disabilities to go to work? Some of these people, for example those with a learning disability, may be  unable to manage money because of their disability  and thus will be confused  when requested for the relevant  fare  they will be asked to pay. And will the Leader and members agree with me that the foregoing imposition  has been made by persons of sound mind and body against people with disabilities who may not have the clout to defend themselves, and in doing so condemn this action.”

A further question was received by the deadline from Councillor V.J. Leighton:

“"Will the Leader and members of this council agree with me that considering the two large fires this week, any reduction in fire cover by Surrey County Council would cause grave concern for this borough? And would the Leader agree that this council should use every avenue to bring the Surrey consultation to the attention of residents and encourage them to respond with their views?"

The Mayor reported that two general questions had been received, in accordance with Standing Order 15 from Councillors Sider and Leighton.

1.    Question from Councillor R.W. Sider BEM:

“Is the Leader and members of this council aware that Surrey County Council has withdrawn the free travel bus pass for people with a range of disabilities, for travel before 9.30am with effect from 1 April 2019, as a cost cutting exercise. And are members aware that the government is actively encouraging people with disabilities to go to work? Some of these people, for example those with a learning disability, may be unable to manage money because of their disability and thus will be confused  when requested for the relevant fare they will be asked to pay. And will the Leader and members agree with me that the foregoing imposition has been made by persons of sound mind and body against people with disabilities who may not have the clout to defend themselves, and in doing so condemn this action.”

Response from the Leader, Councillor I.T.E. Harvey:

“Thank you Councillor Sider for your question and raising this matter. The Council is aware of Surrey County Council’s decision. Like you, I am sure we are all concerned at the possible consequences of these changes.

Spelthorne Council responded to the initial consultation in reference to the proposals, raising a number of concerns and questions. The response included the concern that the proposed cuts would discourage those who need to travel to work and who may be in low paid work.

We also highlighted that according to the Office of National Statistics, Spelthorne has the highest number of people with limited activity in Surrey (14.9%) so these changes could have a greater impact on Spelthorne residents in comparison with other Surrey Districts.

We note that Surrey County Council has made this decision in order to achieve savings of £400,000 across all 11 Districts and Boroughs in Surrey.”

2.    Question from Councillor V.J. Leighton

“Will the Leader and members of this council agree with me that considering the two large fires this week, any reduction in fire cover by Surrey County Council would cause grave concern for this borough? And would the Leader agree that this council should use every avenue to bring the Surrey consultation to the attention of residents and encourage them to respond with their views?"

Response from the Leader, Councillor I.T.E. Harvey:

 “Thank you for your question Cllr Leighton.

Like you, I was greatly concerned to hear of the two fires you refer to, which occurred on Sunday 14 April, one of which tragically resulted in a fatality.  I am also aware that another fire occurred last week at Squires Garden Centre in Shepperton. Such events demonstrate the difficult job firefighters face tackling such incidents.  I am sure you will all join me in expressing our gratitude for the dedication and bravery shown by all fire service personnel in protecting our community from harm. 

Such events also highlight how  ...  view the full minutes text for item 137/19

To consider the appointment of representative Trustees to the Sunbury Fuel Allotment Trust.

The Sunbury Fuel Allotment Trust has recently been resurrected following some years of being effectively dormant. It makes grants to assist with the costs of fuel (gas and electricity) to individuals who are in receipt of state retirement pension and/or people with disabilities, within the parish of St Mary’s Sunbury-on-Thames as existing on 16^th September 1921.

The governing document for the Charity requires the Council to appoint four representative trustees. The ex-officio trustee is the vicar of the Parish of St Mary’s, currently Father Andrew Downes.

It is proposed that:

·         Michael Graham

·         Alfred Friday

·         Kaye Friday

·         Paul Thompson

be appointed representative Trustees to the Sunbury Fuel Allotment Trust for a period of four years ending in April 2023.

It was proposed by Councillor I.T.E Harvey and seconded by Councillor A.C Harman and

Resolved that

·         Michael Graham

·         Alfred Friday

·         Kaye Friday

·         Paul Thompson

be appointed representative Trustees to the Sunbury Fuel Allotment Trust for a period of four years ending in April 2023.