Agenda and minutes

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

There were no disclosures of interest.

To receive any motions from Councillors in accordance with Standing Order 17.

Four motions in relation to the proposal by Surrey County Council to form a Unitary Authority were received by the deadline of Monday 14 September 2020 for consideration at this meeting.

The motions are as follows:

Motion 1

In response to SCCs recently publicised proposal, this Council strongly opposes a single Surrey-wide Unitary Authority.

Proposed – Cllr John Boughtflower

Seconded – Cllr Jim Mcllroy

Motion 2

This Council is concerned by the prospect of a Government White paper as an attack on Local Government. While the Council is open to taking part in discussions about Unitary Authorities it does not support Centralisation by National Government and recognises the value and contribution made already by this authority. In doing so it will only endorse change that actively improves the quality and provision of services available to residents.

Proposer - Cllr John Boughtflower

Seconder - Cllr Jim Mcllroy

Motion 3

This Council directs that all Local Government Structures be fully explored to influence the most advantageous future prospect for Spelthorne and its residents. As part of this exploration, this Council expects to engage in active dialogue with neighbouring authorities about partnerships and opportunities thereof in producing a report. This should be considered by Full Council.

Proposer - Cllr John Boughtflower

Seconder - Cllr Tom Fidler

Motion 4

This Council recognises the importance of residents’ interests in the future of its local government and will commit to informing residents about progress in relation to opportunities for the future structure of Local Government in Spelthorne.  The Council should consider methods of measuring public opinion, along with the cost effectiveness of such options, including the use of a referendum as outlined in the Local Government Act 2000 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011).

Proposer - Cllr Tom Fidler

Seconder - Cllr Sandra Dunn

In accordance with Standing Order 17 the Council received four written Notices of Motions.

Motion 1

In accordance with Standing Order 20.13, Councillor J.R. Boughtflower proposed an alteration to the first motion after receiving amendments from Councillor R.A. Smith-Ainsley:

“In response to SCCs recently publicised proposal, this Council strongly opposes a single Surrey-wide Unitary Authority and will write to Tim Oliver and SCC accordingly.”

The Council gave its consent to the alteration.

The motion was seconded by Councillor J. McIlroy.

The motion was debated and unanimously carried.

Resolved that in response to SCCs recently publicised proposal, this Council strongly opposes a single Surrey-wide Unitary Authority and will write to Tim Oliver and Surrey County Council accordingly.

Motion 2

In accordance with Standing Order 20.13, Councillor J.R. Boughtflower proposed an alteration to the second motion after receiving amendments from Councillor R.A. Smith-Ainsley:

“This Council is concerned by the prospect of a Government White paper

as an attack on Local Government and local democracy. While the Council is open to taking part in discussions about Unitary Authorities it does not support

Centralisation by National Government and recognises the value and

contribution made already by this authority. In doing so it will only

endorse change that actively improves the quality and provision of

services available to residents and that demonstrably increases local democracy and accountability.

The Council will write to Mr Tim Oliver to this effect and express our concerns over the manner the proposals were published in particular the lack of prior consultation of and dialog with existing borough, town and parish councils in Surrey, specifically Spelthorne Borough Council.” 

The Council gave its consent to the alteration.

The motion was seconded by Councillor J. McIlroy.

The motion was debated and unanimously carried.

Resolved that:

This Council is concerned by the prospect of a Government White paper

as an attack on Local Government and local democracy. While the Council is open to taking part in discussions about Unitary Authorities it does not support

Centralisation by National Government and recognises the value and

contribution made already by this authority. In doing so it will only

endorse change that actively improves the quality and provision of

services available to residents and that demonstrably increases local democracy and accountability.

The Council will write to Mr Tim Oliver to this effect and express our concerns over the manner the proposals were published in particular the lack of prior consultation of and dialog with existing borough, town and parish councils in Surrey, specifically Spelthorne Borough Council.

Motion 3

In accordance with Standing Order 20.13, Councillor J.R. Boughtflower proposed an alteration to the third motion after receiving amendments from Councillor I.J. Beardsmore:

“This Council directs that all Local Government Structures be fully explored to ascertain the best options for Spelthorne and its residents. As part of this exploration, the Council expects to engage in active dialogue with neighbouring authorities about partnerships and other opportunities.  A report on this would then be considered by Full Council.”

The Council gave its  ...  view the full minutes text for item 203/20