Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for non-attendance.

24 February 2022: (Agenda items 1 to 18)

Apologies were received from Councillors R. Chandler, M. Madams and D. Saliagopoulos.

10 March 2022 continuation (Agenda items 19 to 31)

Apologies were received from Councillors Barnard, J. Doran, S. Doran, R. Dunn, S. Dunn, T. Fidler, M. Gibson, M. Madams and B. Spoor

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 9 December 2022.

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 09 December 2021 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.

Agenda item 19 (Referral of a decision of the Development Sub-Committee on 5 January 2022) – Members of the Planning Committee were entitled to take part in the debate on this item without making reference to the planning merits of the case.  They were required to keep an open mind when considering the matter if and when it came before the Planning Committee.

Councillor T. Fidler disclosed a conflict of interest on item 12 Pay Award as a family member worked for the Council, and would be impacted by the decisions.  He left the meeting during consideration of this matter.

Councillor S. Mooney declared that she was a Surrey County Councillor for Staines and Cabinet Member of Adult Social Care and Health.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

“I cannot start this meeting without referring to the horrendous events that started early this morning in Ukraine. Not only is the Russian invasion a blatant attack on the sovereignty of Ukraine and on its people, but of course, democracy itself. Ukraine has been a free democracy for over 30 years, and we must assume that this invasion signals the end of that, at least for the time being. This has a particular poignancy for the Mayoress and I as her father had to flee Hungary in 1956 under threat of imminent death, in the face of the Soviet invasion, which was again to put down democracy. I am sure you all join me in sending our best wishes to the Ukrainian nation and people.

Since our last, pre-Christmas Council meeting, my Mayoral year continues to be impacted by the enduring impacts of COVID. In particular, I had to make the difficult decision at very short notice to cancel my Christmas Mayors Church Service due to a spike. We have now been able to rearrange this.

The pre-Christmas spike did not stop the Mayoress and I enjoying Christmas lunch at both our Day Centres at Fordbridge and Greeno. Thank you to both staff and guests for their warm welcomes.

On the second of February the \chief Executive and I welcomed the High Sheriff of Surrey, Dr Julie LLywellyn here to Knowle Green for informal discussions.

Sunday sixth February saw the Mayoress and I attending Guildford Cathedral for a service to mark the seventieth anniversary of the accession of Her Majesty the Queen. This was a very real privilege. It was also sombre as of course it also marked the passing of her father King George Sixth.

I have several events coming up, to which you should have all received invitations.

In particular I encourage you to book to attend our ABBA tribute night on Saturday 5^th March at the Holiday Inn Shepperton. This should be a light-hearted and fun evening with a quiz and also “fancy dress” competition. Tickets are only £45 and all profits to my charities East to West and Ashford Youth Centre. You can also take advantage of a heavily discounted overnight stay for £85 for two, to include breakfast.

On the 18^{th of} March Sunbury Cricket Club are very kindly hosting a concert in aid of these charities and you can book vis the mayor’s office.

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and best wishes to our Monitoring Officer, Victoria Statham who is leaving Spelthorne at the end of March after over 21 years. She will be taking up a post at Elmbridge Borough Council and I would say that our loss is certainly their gain. Victoria has always been very supportive and she will be sorely missed.

It continues to be a great honour to serve the residents of Spelthorne.

Thank you”

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

The Leader made the following announcements:

“Today is a very sad and shocking day as we woke up to the news that Vladimir Putin has brought war back to Europe on what has been described as a catastrophe for our continent. At this time I would like to express my deepest empathy for the people of Ukraine. This Borough stands in solidarity with those who will be all impacted by this act of aggression.

Yesterday a by-election was held in Stanwell North and on behalf of this authority I would like to officially welcome Councillor Jon Button to Spelthorne Borough Council.

The Prime Minister announced earlier this week that all Covid restrictions will be lifted and from today, 24 February, you will not be legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. I ask that we all make sensible choices to minimise the risk to those most vulnerable in the community. As we emerge from the pandemic, I want to, once again, place on record my admiration for the many in of our community who volunteered to support others and Officers in this authority who have been serving Spelthorne diligently during the pandemic.

To reflect on the last 2 years Spelthorne will be creating a long-lasting memorial in the Borough and we are consulting with residents about how best to commemorate the difficulties our community has faced. We want the memorial to be resident-led and are keen to hear from anyone with ideas and suggestions on a fitting tribute. Please email news@spelthorne.gov.uk

If you are a business based in Spelthorne there are still a number of grant funded support services available – including website provision, free digital media training and free business coaching. If you would like to take advantage of these services please get in touch with our Economic Development Team.

The Borough will benefit from a multimillion-pound contract between Amazon Prime Video and Shepperton Studios for exclusive use of new production facilities. Shepperton Studios have launched a £500,000 community fund to support local individuals, non-profit and voluntary organisations. The fund will be distributed over ten years and will benefit the Shepperton area and wider borough of Spelthorne.

I would like to make Members and Residents aware of two consultations being undertaken by Surrey County Council.

Firstly the latest draft of their long-term vision for the county, known as the 2050 Place Ambition.

Secondly the County are also undertaking a consultation in relation to their preparation of a new Minerals and Waste Local Plan (MWLP) for Surrey. Details of both are on our consultation webpage.

Spelthorne Council continues to welcome applications for funding through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for local projects and improvements and the 31 March deadline is fast approaching. Examples of the types of projects Local CIL can be used for are community centre improvements, community notice boards, bike shelters and local signage.

And finally, 2022 is the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year and, as of 6 February 2022 Her Majesty the Queen became the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5/22

To receive any announcements from the Chief Executive.

The Chief Executive made the following announcements:

“The Monitoring Officer, Victoria Statham, after 21 years of loyal service has recently chosen to move to a neighbouring authority. Victoria’s last day of employment with Spelthorne will be the 18 March 2022. As Head of Paid Services, I should like to place on record our deep appreciation for Victoria’s professionalism, integrity and hard work in support of this Chamber and the democratic mandate that underpins our collective public service commitment. Victoria, Thank You and we wish you the very best in your future endeavours.

 Last Friday, a red weather warning was issued by the Met Office for Storm Eunice as very high winds battered Spelthorne and the rest of the South-East. Many colleagues worked and remained on stand-by over the weekend to cover essential services supporting our residents. As Chief Executive, I want to pay tribute to our Neighbourhood Services team. Despite the adverse weather conditions, all scheduled waste and cleansing work across the Borough was undertaken and completed without incident. The demands on the Parks Team have equally been significant, clearing fallen trees and debris from roads and footpaths. I also want to thank our Community Wellbeing Team and Meals on Wheels Staff who ensured vulnerable residents were prioritised and supported. All in all, another prime example of how this authority keeps our communities at the very heart of what we do.

Indeed, this authority goes to incredible lengths to serve our residents, particularly those most needy in pursuing our corporate priorities and values as elucidated in our corporate plan. As an authority, we remain a learning authority, keen to excel and adopt best practice. That is why, subject to support from the Corporate Policy and Resource Committee, we intent to initiate an LGA Corporate ‘whole-system’ Peer Review. Peer Reviews are a valuable ‘health-check’ for any authority and with our recently completed LGA Finance Peer Review firmly under our belt, it is now time to advance in securing a Corporate Peer Review, maximising the return on our annual c£10,000 LGA subscription.

Late last night, Mr Jon Button was duly announced as elected Councillor for the vacant seat of Stanwell North. Congratulations Councillor Button. As Returning Officer, I should like to thank our election team for their sterling endeavours in delivering yet another smooth election supporting our democratic mandate. Mr Mayor, may I also thank you for your Civic assistance at the count and ensuing result announcement.

Referencing the prospect of future elections, I ought to also inform this chamber that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England has decided to undertake an electoral review of Spelthorne Borough Council. The purpose of an electoral review is to consider the number of councillors elected to the council, the names, number and boundaries of the wards, and the number of councillors to be elected to each ward. The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 sets out the duty placed on the Commission to undertake an electoral review of every principal local authority  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6/22

The Leader, or his 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, 6 questions had been received from members of the public.

1.    Question from Nigel Rowe:

“Surrey 2050 has a long history. It seems clear from reading the documentation, the Surrey Interim Local Strategic Statement and Minutes of meetings of the EM3 Joint Leaders Board that decisions and commitments on the future development of Staines were made a very long time ago, based on proposals by or with the acquiescence of Spelthorne Borough Council to the Surrey Joint Leaders Board and Surrey Future Steering Board. The then Leader of SBC (Cllr Ian Harvey) was a member of the Surrey Joint Leaders board at the time. SBC’s Chief Executive was and still is a member of the Surrey Future Steering Board. The Council’s apparent long-standing commitment to EM3, to Staines as a ‘Step Up’ town, and to the Longcross-Staines-Heathrow corridor has major implications for how the town will develop and the need for a significant increase in its population. When does the Council plan to explain all of this to residents of Staines? Surrey County Council Leader Cllr Tim Oliver says it is important Surrey 2050 is something done “with” and not “to” the affected communities. Spelthorne Borough Council has a constitutional requirement “to work in partnership with residents to make Spelthorne a place where people are fully engaged, and to encourage the active involvement of the community in the decisions that affect them”. The community is surely entitled to know what ‘vision’ the Council has committed to for the future development of the town; how this vision will impact on the town’s amenity, townscape, skyline and character; and how the Council intends to deal with the high demands of its infrastructure requirements (schools, medical services, utility supply, road access to the town, etc)? Network Rail is mounting a drop-in exhibition and consultation on its plans to rebuild the Iron Bridge and has invited residents across Staines and on the other side of the Thames. Given such an exercise for such a comparatively minor undertaking, does the Council agree that it should mount a major drop-in exhibition and consultation over a few days to inform the residents of Staines on the planned dramatic transformation of the town and, if so, when can we expect it to happen?”

Response from Councillor Beardsmore, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee

“There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding in your question, so I am going to have to go into some detail and history in order to try and make sense of what you ask.

‘Step Up Staines’ was announced in a document issued by EM3 in March 2014. It is described on page ‘v’ of the executive summary of the document thus...

The following interventions have been assembled into integrated Growth Packages that

offer targeted solutions at three broad spatial levels:

Step Up Staines is one of the ‘interventions’ in spatial level 2.

In the previous year EM3 had already clarified the role of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7/22

To receive any petitions from members of the public.

There were none.

To delegate to the Chief Executive the appointment of an Interim Group Head of Corporate Governance.

To designate (or delegate the designation to the Appointments Panel) the Interim Group Head of Corporate Governance as Monitoring Officer.

To constitute the Appointments Panel.

To delegate authority to the Appointments Committee to designate the next Group Head of Corporate Governance as Monitoring Officer.

Report to follow.

Council considered a report that sought to ensure that an interim Monitoring Officer is designated in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and that there is a clear and efficient process for the recruitment to the permanent role.

It was proposed by Councillor L Nichols and seconded by Councillor J Sexton and resolved to:

1.    Delegate authority to the Chief Executive to make an interim appointment as Group Head of Corporate Governance,

2.    Designate Jayne La Grua as Monitoring Officer (on an interim basis) from 21 March 2022,

3.    Constitute the Appointments Committee as set out in the report, and

4.    Delegate authority to the Appointments Committee to designate the next Group Head of Corporate Governance

To consider granting a dispensation for non-attendance in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Council considered a report that sought approval for Councillor Madams’s absence from attendance of meetings from 14 October 2021 until the Annual Meeting of the Council on 26 May 2022.

It was proposed by Councillor J Boughtflower and seconded by Councillor M Attewell and resolved to grant a dispensation for Councillor M Madams for non-attendance in accordance with Section 85 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider an additional pay uplift for 2021/22, as recommended by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

Council considered a report that sought approval for an additional pay uplift of 1% to all scale points including personal salaries and apprentices.

It was proposed by Councillor L Nichols and seconded by Councillor J Sexton and resolved to agree an additional pay uplift of 1% for 2021/22, as recommended by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

To consider the staff pay award for 2022/23, as recommended by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

Council considered a report that sought approval of the 2022/23 pay award.

It was proposed by Councillor L Nichols and seconded by Councillor J Sexton and resolved to agree the staff pay award for 2022/23, as follows:

2% to all scale points including personal salaries and apprentices and an additional 0.5% for scales 1 to 5 inclusive, as recommended by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

To consider the Pay Policy Statement, as recommended by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

Council considered a report that sought approval of the Pay Policy Statement.

It was proposed by Councillor L Nichols and seconded by Councillor J Sexton and resolved to agree the Pay Policy Statement.

To consider the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, as recommended by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

Council considered a report that outlined the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2022/23.

It was proposed by Councillor L Nichols and seconded by Councillor J Sexton and resolved to approve:

1.    The Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23; and

2.    To note the updated Treasury Management Practices (TMP) and Schedules.

To consider the detailed Revenue Budget for 2022/23, as recommended by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

An addendum to this item was published on 18 February 2022.

The Council considered the recommendation of Corporate Policy and Resources Committee on the detailed Revenue Budget for 2022-23 (including the precepts being levied by Surrey County Council and Surrey Police) and the proposed Council Tax for 2022-23.

It was moved, seconded and 

Resolved to agree that in accordance with Standing Order 17(f), the respective Budget speeches of the Group Leaders may each exceed 10 minutes in length if necessary.

Resolved that:

1.    A 2.4% increase on Band D for the Spelthorne Borough Council element of the Council Tax for 2022/23 be approved. Moreover:

a)    The revenue estimates as set out in Appendix 1 be approved.

b)    No money, as set out in this report be appropriated from General Reserves in support of Spelthorne’s local Council tax for 2022/23.

c)    The Council Tax base for the year 2022/23 be 40,703 Band D equivalent dwellings calculated in accordance with regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council tax base) Regulations 1992, as amended, made under Section 35(5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

2.    The Council’s Local Council Tax Support Scheme with the current rules and regulations be continued.

3.    The complete disregard of war pension / armed forces pension income from benefit calculations be continued.

4.    The growth and savings items as set out in the report’s appendices 2 and 3 be agreed.

5.    The Chief Finance Officer’s commentary in section 4 of the report on the robustness of budget estimates and levels of reserves under sections 25 and 26 of the Local Government Act 2003 be noted.

6.    The Council Tax Base for the whole council area for 2021/22. [Item T in the formula in Section 31b (3) of the local government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “act”)] be 40,703 band D equivalent dwellings and calculate that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purpose for 2022/23 is £210.05 Per Band D equivalent dwelling.

That the following sums be now calculated by the Council for the year 2022/23 in accordance with Section 31 to 36 of the Local Government Act 1992.

To agree the Capital Strategy for 2022 to 2027, as recommended by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

Council considered the Capital Strategy 2021/22 to 2025/26 Report that sought approval of the following:

1.    The Capital Strategy as set out in the report,

2.    That all development and investment projects, along with all significant projects follow the previously approved business case governance process as set in in Section 11 of the report,

3.    That no financing resources, unless stipulated in regulations or necessary agreements, are ring fenced,

4.    The Council plans to continue its use of capital receipts to fund the revenue costs of eligible proposals (subject to full business cases for each project),

5.    The financing of the Capital Programme and revenue implications as st out in Section 14 of the report and;

6.    The financing of the Capital Programme being delegated to the Corporate Policy & Resources Committee to provide sufficient flexibility to allow for the most effective use of Council resources.

It was proposed by Councillor L Nichols and seconded by Councillor J Sexton and resolved to agree the Capital Strategy for 2021/22 to 2025/26.

To agree the Capital Programme for 2022/23, as recommended by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

Council considered the Estimated 2022/23 to 2025/26 Capital Programme report.

It was proposed by Councillor L Nichols and seconded by Councillor J Sexton and resolved to agree the Estimated 2022/23 to 2025/26 Capital Programme.

To consider an amendment to the Capital Programme for 2022/23, as recommended by the Development Sub-Committee.

Council considered an addendum to the Estimated 2022/23 to 2025/26 Capital Programme report.

It was proposed by Councillor L Nichols and seconded by Councillor J Sexton and resolved to agree the Estimated 2022/23 to 2025/26 Capital Programme,

To consider a recommendation from the Development Sub-Committee on the appointment of a contractor for construction works at Victory Place in Ashford.

This report contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in the bidding process for the services by allowing other bidders to know the position of the Council. This in turn prejudices the Council by (i) distorting the bids process and (ii) prejudicing the opportunity for the Council to acquire services in order to enable regeneration in the Borough.

It was proposed by Councillor J Boughtflower, Seconded by Councillor T Fidler and resolved that the public and press be excluded during consideration of this item, in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) because it was likely to disclose information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in being able to undertake even-handed negotiations and finalising acceptable contract terms.

Council considered a report on Ashford Victory Place.

It was proposed by Councillor T Mitchell and seconded by Councillor J Boughtflower that this item be discussed at the Council meeting on 10 March 2022 when the remaining items on the agenda would be considered.

This motion fell.

It was proposed by Councillor R Noble and seconded by Councillor L Nichols and resolved to agree the recommendations as set out in the report.

The meeting was adjourned until 7.00pm on 10 March 2022.

Council reconvened at 7.00pm on 10 March 2022 to consider the remaining items.. 

A minute’s silence was observed as a symbol of unity with the people of Ukraine following the invasion by Russia.

To consider the referral made by Councillors M Beecher, S Mooney, D Saliagopoulos, J Sexton, C Bateson and V Siva in accordance with the Council’s Reservation Scheme, in relation to the following item:

Development Sub-Committee – 5 January 2022 - Oast House/Kingston Road Car Park and Health & Wellbeing Centre - Pre-application Consultation.

A procedure note for this item is attached. The documents, as considered by the Development Sub-Committee on 5 January 2022 are attached.

Appendices A, D, E and F contain exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in undertaking negotiations concerning the head lease of the property.

Councillors M Beecher, S Mooney, D Saliagopoulos, J Sexton, C Bateson and V Siva had referred the following decision for consideration by the Council, in accordance with the Council’s Reservation Scheme. 

Decision made by the Development Sub-Committee on 5 January 2022 in relation to the Oast House/Kingston Road Car Park and Health and Wellbeing Centre – Pre application consultation.

The Sub-Committee resolved to:

1.    Agree the key objectives which the Council is looking to achieve from the wider site as set out in paragraph 2.4 of the report, and

2.    Agree the preferred option for the residential element of the Oast House/Kingston Road site (Option 1).

Councillor M. Beecher spoke on behalf of the councillors who had requested the referral. Councillor R. Noble, Chair of the Development Sub-Committee, responded for the Development Sub-Committee.

Councillors H. Harvey and Buttar joined the meeting during the debate. 

Council voted on the following options:

1.    Note the decision of the Development Sub-Committee (Note)

2.  Refer the decision back to the Development Sub-Committee (Refer)

3.  Withdraw the decision of the Development Sub-Committee (Withdraw)

4.  Abstain

A recorded vote was requested by the Mayor.

Council resolved to withdraw the decision of the Development Sub-Committee made on 5 January 2022.

To receive the report from the Leader of the Council on the work of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee at its meetings on 19 January 2022 and 7 February 2022.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor L. Nichols, presented the report of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committees held on 19 January and 07 February 2022, which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

The Administrative Committee has not met since the last Council.

The Administrative Committee had not met formally since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chair of the Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee on its work at the meeting on 1 February 2022.

In the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee, the Mayor presented the report of the Community Housing and Wellbeing Committee meeting held on 01 February 2022 which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Environment and Sustainability Committee on its work at the meeting on 18 January 2022.

The Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, Councillor I. Beardsmore, presented the report of the Environment and Sustainability Committee meeting held on 18 January 2022, which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting. 

He advised that he had spoken to Mr Gbangbola to update him on Counsel’s advice that the Council did not have the jurisdiction to continue any further investigative work and the Committee’s acceptance of that.  

To receive the report from the Chair of the Economic Development Committee on its work at the meeting on 25 January 2022.

The Vice Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Councillor V. Leighton, presented the report of the Economic Development Committee meeting held on 25 January 2022 which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

To receive the report from the Chair of the Neighbourhood Services Committee on its work at the meeting on 13 January 2022.

The Chairman of the Neighbourhood Services Committee, Councillor A. Brar, presented the report of the Neighbourhood Services Committee meeting held on 13 January 2022 which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

The Audit Committee has not met since the last Council.

The Audit Committee had not met since the last Council meeting so there was no report to present.

To receive the report from the Chair of the Planning Committee on its work at the meetings on 5 January 2022 and 2 February 2022.

The Vice Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor R. Smith-Ainsley, presented the report of the Planning Committee meetings held on 05 January and 02 February 2022, which outlined the matters the Committee had decided since the last Council meeting.

The Standards Committee has not met since the last Council.

The Standards Committee had not met since the last Council meeting so there was no report to present.

To receive the report from the Chair of the Licensing Committee on the work of the Licensing Sub-Committee at its meeting on 8 February 2022.

The Licensing Committee has not met since the last Council.

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 any motions from Councillors in accordance with Standing Order 16.

Motion 1

Proposed by Councillor Richard Smith-Ainsley

Seconded by Councillor Christopher Bateson

“That consultation be undertaken into the possibility of the Council making a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) under Section 59 of the Anti- Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 in respect of the areas and activities in Spelthorne determined by the borough Commander.”

This motion is accompanied by an explanatory note (see attached).

Motion 2

Proposed by Councillor Veena Siva

Seconded by Councillor Joanne Sexton

“This Council notes that one Committee seat has been vacant on the Community, Well-being and Housing Committee since 10th June 2021 and hence, for over seven months this Committee has had 12 Councillors sitting on it instead of 13 which is the number designated to sit on it.

This Council agrees that Cllr Malcolm Beecher be allocated a seat on the Community, Well-being and Housing Committee."

In accordance with Standing Order 16 the Council received two written Notices of Motions.

Motion 1

The Mayor informed the Council that Councillor R. Smith-Ainsley had requested an alteration to his motion and that a copy of the altered motion had been laid around the Chamber. In accordance with Standing Order 18.7 the Mayor sought the consent of the Council and it was resolved that the altered motion be accepted.

Councillor C. Bateson moved and Councillor J. Sexton moved the following motion:

“That Officers consider options which would include the possibility of the Council making a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 in respect of areas within the Borough that have seen a marked and sustained increase in street drinking associated with Anti-Social Behaviour.  Officers to report back to the Neighbourhood Services Committee on proposed next steps by the end of April.”

The motion was carried.

It was resolved that:

“That Officers consider options which would include the possibility of the Council making a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 in respect of areas within the Borough that have seen a marked and sustained increase in street drinking associated with Anti-Social Behaviour.  Officers to report back to the Neighbourhood Services Committee on proposed next steps by the end of April.”

Motion 2

Councillor V. Siva withdrew her motion in accordance with Standing Order 16.4.

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

The Mayor reported that four general questions had been received, in accordance with Standing Order 15, from Councillors M. Beecher, H. Harvey and O. Rybinski.

1.            Question from Councillor Malcolm Beecher

"Could the Leader or Chair of the Audit Committee, advise what is the current market value of Spelthorne's commercial property portfolio?"

Response from the Leader

“The Council’s investment assets are revalued every year in line with proper accounting practice. The assets are currently being revalued by independent valuers to confirm a valuation as at 31 March 2022 for the 2021-22 Accounts. This process has not yet been completed. So, the latest valuation is as per the Statement of Accounts for the Council published for 2020-21, which totals £939.75 million”

2.            Question from Councillor Helen Harvey

“Broken down by ward and out of ward/borough, please can you identify the amount of staff time, and cost of that time (appreciating this might be an estimate), which has been dedicated to answering questions from members of the public about the Council’s developments across the borough and is this impacting on service delivery in any areas?”

Response from the Leader

“Without having a time recording system in place it is difficult to arrive at a definitive figure, therefore officers have reviewed a number of options and using established standard costing methodology has arrived at an estimate cost of £600 per question submitted to Council. Shown below are the number of questions by ward multiplied by the standard costs per question.”

Taking into account the above caveat about estimation, and having reviewed all 83 questions from members of the public received at Council meetings in the current and the last municipal year, we have identified 13 questions directly relating to the Council’s developments. With a total cost of responding of £7,900. This is broken down as follows:

Therefore the total for all questions is £66,640.

In accordance with Standing Order 14.3, Councillor H. Harvey asked the following supplementary question:

“Considering the disappointing and challenged budget projected deficit gaps for the next few years, I find it shocking as I am sure many of our residents will be, to learn of the level of officers’ time estimated at £58,000, and over £66,000 in total, which has been spent in answering questions raised by persons or person residing outside our borough. Indeed in the first part of this meeting, which we held a couple of weeks ago, we dedicated 17 minutes in answering questions from a person not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32/22