Agenda item

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 Thursday 19 April 2018.

Two questions were received by 18 April 2018:

Question from Councillor Q.R. Edgington:

“A week’s notice is required to submit a general question to Full Council but the reply is only provided to the Councillor who asked the question at the Meeting. So that a considered supplementary question can be asked (if the Councillor considers that the response to his/her question is inadequate), does the Leader agree with me that the reply should be given to the Councillor concerned at least 24 hours before the Meeting?”

Question from Councillor H.R. Williams:

"Those in the chamber may not be aware that the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee has no authority over Spelthorne councillors who insult or attack other Spelthorne councillors. It is toothless and can do nothing when councillors act in ways to other councillors that would not be tolerated if those offenders were targeting members of the public with their aggressive, offensive emails, and social media messages.

In the light of recent physical attacks and threats to councillors, the council introduced extra security measure for councillors.

What is the council doing to protect councillors from email and social media bullying by other councillors and when is the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee going to be given the remit to investigate and punish attacks by councillors on other councillors?"

The Mayor reported that three general questions had been received, in accordance with Standing Order 15, from Councillors Quentin Edgington, Howard Williams and Alfred Friday.

1.    Question from Councillor Q.R. Edgington:

“A week’s notice is required to submit a general question to Full Council but the reply is only provided to the Councillor who asked the question at the Meeting. So that a considered supplementary question can be asked (if the Councillor considers that the response to his/her question is inadequate). Does the Leader agree with me that the reply should be given to the Councillor concerned at least 24 hours before the Meeting?”

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

“No I do not agree.”

In accordance with Council Standing Order 15.2, CouncillorQ.R. Edgington asked the following supplementary question:

“I would say is the Leader aware of Surrey County Council’s procedure where the ruling is four days’ notice for all questions asked and replies to be provided 24 hours before the meeting?”

The Leader, Councillor I.T.E. Harvey, gave the following response to the supplementary question during the meeting:

“Thank you for your supplementary question, however this is Spelthorne Borough Council and not Surrey County Council.  What someone else does is not our concern.  We will follow our own constitution.”

2.    Question from Councillor H.R. Williams:

"Those in the chamber may not be aware that the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee has no authority over Spelthorne councillors who insult or attack other Spelthorne councillors. It is toothless and can do nothing when councillors act in ways to other councillors that would not be tolerated if those offenders were targeting members of the public with their aggressive, offensive emails and social media messages.

In the light of recent physical attacks and threats to councillors, the Council introduced extra security measure for councillors.

What is the Council doing to protect councillors from email and social media bullying by other councillors and when is the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee going to be given the remit to investigate and punish attacks by councillors on other councillors?"

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

“Sadly there have been several instances recently of online abuse of Spelthorne councillors including from other councillors. I am sure you and indeed all members will join me in condemning this.

As regards councillors complaining about other councillors, the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee procedure is that such complaints are directed to the relevant Group Leaders to resolve in the first instance. Clearly there is a particular problem where the Member being complained about is indeed a Group Leader.

If Group Leaders cannot resolve matters or if there is a bigger issue affecting the reputation of the Council generally then the matter can still be referred to the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee. 

The Members’ Code of Conduct has recently been reviewed but in the light of some recent abuses in social media we may well need to revisit this. The ruling Conservative Group will consider this again in the near future if further abuse occurs.

I hold a very clear view that members of my group should behave themselves in accordance with accepted standards of civility and professionalism and I have liaised with the opposition Group Leader about such an instance recently and taken action to ensure that the offending conduct is addressed.

I am now delighted to announce that all Members of the Conservative Group have signed up to an “online conduct pledge” of conducting ourselves in a civil and professional manner.

I will shortly be passing details of this pledge to all other Group Leaders and Independent Members inviting them and their Group to join us in this pledge.

There is no room for abuse of any kind within Spelthorne Council, and with Council’s support I will do my best to eradicate it.”

There was no supplementary question.

3.    Question from Councillor A.E. Friday:

“As both my wife and I have Jewish grandparents who came to this country in order to avoid persecution in Europe we fully understand the growing concern about the anti-Semitism that has been expressed by sections of the Labour Party and the ambivalent attitude of the Leader of that party. I would ask the Leader of the Council to re-assure the Jewish community in Spelthorne that we believe there is no place for such attitudes in our Borough and that we will make sure that Spelthorne is a place where all faiths are able to enjoy freedom from harassment and can expect a peaceful and secure future.”

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

“Thank you for your Question Cllr Friday.

I am delighted to assure the Jewish community in Spelthorne that there is no place for anti-Semitism here. The Staines Synagogue which Madam Mayor, Cllr Friday, I and other councillors visited a few months ago, enjoys our full support and we will do all we can to support and protect them and the wider Jewish community in Spelthorne. Let me be very clear, I believe that all peaceful faith groups should be able to practice their faith in Spelthorne without any fear or concerns.

I find it particularly disappointing, given recently emerging information on the perceived anti-Semitic view of the Leader of the Labour Party and senior members, that despite me twice inviting Spelthorne Labour Party to join us in condemning anti-Semitism, they have failed to do so. We can draw our own conclusions from this.

Please let me clarify, I do not for one moment believe Cllr Sue Doran, the only Labour member of this Council personally holds those views.

Cllr Friday I hope this clarifies our position but I will be happy to respond should you have a follow on question.”

In accordance with Council Standing Order 15.2, CouncillorA.E. Fridayasked the following supplementary question:

“I appreciate the Leader has a very busy diary but members of the local Jewish synagogue are frightened to publicise their own events and activities.  I hope he can find time to visit the local Rabbi with me and help put his fears to rest.”

The Leader, Councillor I.T.E. Harvey, gave the following response to the supplementary question during the meeting:

“I would be delighted to do so.”

Councillor Doran advised Council that Spelthorne Labour Party passed a motion that it is totally against anti-Semitism in any form.  That motion was passed by everyone who attended the meeting.