Meeting Details

Council
6 Dec 2018 - 18:00 to 00:00
Occurred
Council Chamber
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  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests

Documents

Agenda

Part A
1 Welcome and Announcements (Council)
The Mayor will welcome members of the public and Councillors and will ask the Chaplain to say a prayer. The Mayor will also remind everyone to use microphones at all times when they are speaking, explain action required in the event of an emergency, mobile phones switched to silent and audio-recording of the meeting.
2 Have Your Say! (Council)
The Mayor will invite members of the public to indicate if they wish to speak or present a petition on any item included on the agenda or any other matter relating to the business of the Council.  Please indicate if you wish to speak at this point if your name has not been noted by Council staff.

291
Rosalind Scott addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5).  She called on Council to represent residents of the borough and protect libraries from closure and downgrading.  Essex County Council had a statutory duty to provide an adequate library service.  There was a pattern of the County Council reducing funding for a service, which led to fewer users, which was then used as a reason to justify a further downgrade.  Librarians were skilled professionals and could not be replaced by volunteers.  A named vote should be taken on the motions relating to library services. The saving that would be achieved by downgrading 74 libraries was a comparatively small amount, given the social value they provided.

Trevor Orton addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5) to express his concern about the language used by the Leader of the Council in an article about littering in the town centre, and called on the Leader of the Council to apologise.  Concerns were also raised about a number of issues in the town centre such as the condition of the Vineyard Gate lift, the pavement on the High Street and the signage at St Nicholas Walk.

Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy responded, and explained that he would not apologise.    His comments were designed to highlight that it was the responsibility of everyone to ensure that the town centre was kept clean and tidy.  Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, responded on the issues in the town centre.  Discussions with Essex County Council on the High Street pavement were underway and the Vineyard Gate lift was due to be repaired in January 2019.

Ali Wilkin addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5). She highlighted issues of discrimination in the workplace faced by those with mental health issues, and the devastating impact this caused. If employers followed their legal duties and good practice and gave employees suffering from poor mental health appropriate support, people who were absent from work due to mental health could keep working or be encouraged back into the workplace after periods of ill health at a much earlier point.  She encouraged Council to support the Great Jobs motion as it was the Council that bore the cost when local employees did not meet their legal duties.

Councillor Bourne, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, thanked Ali for sharing her experiences.  Essex County Council in partnership with the district councils was undertaking a lot of work to address health and well-being in the work place.  In particular they were looking to help businesses manage these issues through engagement and training and were demonstrating how stress and anxiety could be alleviated in the work place.

Steven Moseley addressed the Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5).  In respect of the recommendation from the Licensing Committee on Pavement Permits, he asked how many premises street furniture layouts were currently unsafe.  The consultation on library services should go ahead and give residents the opportunity to give their view on the proposals.  There was scope for libraries to move towards a more digital based offer, and the solution to the issues facing libraries was not to provide further tax-payer funding.

Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, indicated that  a written response would be sent in response to the query on the Pavement Permits.  

Melina Spantidaki addressed the Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5) on behalf of residents of Old Heath and Monkwick. There had a number of incidents of animals and wildlife being killed  This was a difficult issues for Zones Teams and Park Rangers to deal with and the police did not want to get involved.    More resources needed to be put into rural areas and in particular the Team 10 initiative needed to have a dedicated resources for rural areas.  In addition wildlife, in particular ducks and swans, should be relocated until the matter was resolved.

Councillor Bourne, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, explained that the Council was aware of these distressing incidents. Resources had been directed to address the issue and apprehend the culprit.  She would see if patrols of the area could be increased.

Jackie White addressed the Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5) on behalf of EAG UK. The Council’s support for a Disability Charter was welcomed.  The introduction of pavement permits for street furniture was supported, although the need to leave a wide space was stressed.  The Council should encourage all retailers to make shops accessible for users with disabilities.  In addition, all taxis should be required to be accessible for users with disabilities.  The example of Birmingham City Council, whose Local Council Tax Support Scheme ensured that those with disabilities paid no Council Tax, was highlighted. 

Councillor T. Young, Portfolio Holder for Business and Culture, responded and explained that he understood that the legislation required that everyone had to pay some level of Council Tax, but he would check the position.   The Council was working with town centre businesses through the BID and would push the message on accessibility.
 
3 Minutes of the Previous Meeting (Council)
A...  Motion that the minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2018 be confirmed as a correct record.
290
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2018 be confirmed as a correct record.
pdf 31-10-18 minutes (242Kb)
4 Declarations of Interest
Councillors will be asked to say if there are any items on the agenda about which they have a disclosable pecuniary interest which would prevent them from participating in any discussion of the item or participating in any vote upon the item, or any other pecuniary interest or non-pecuniary interest.
5 Mayor's Announcements
The Mayor to make announcements.
292
The Mayor thanked all Councillors who had supported the events held to mark the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day and announced the following events:-

• A Carol Service at St Peters Church on 9th December 2018, which was being organised jointly by the Garrison and the Council, and which would be broadcast by BBC Essex.
• A retelling of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” on 11 December 2018 at the Town Hall;
• The Mayor’s Quiz on 14 January 2019 in the Moot Hall.

The Mayor also announced that the Council had received a silver award under the Armed Forces Covenant Employee Recognition Scheme.  This scheme was launched by the Prime Minister in 2014 to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces covenant and recognises employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support for the Armed Forces Community.  The award was a recognition of the Council’s policies to support the Armed Forces which included:-

• Employing veterans and reservists;
• Supportive Human Resources policies;
• Two weeks extra paid leave for Reserve training;
• Offering discounts through the Defence Discount Service;
• An internal military network;
• Support for Armed Forces Week

The Mayor offered his congratulations and presented the award to Samantha Goodman, Armed Forces Development Officer, and Gary Reid, Programme and Performance Manager and a veteran.
 
6 Items (if any) referred under the Call-in Procedure (Council)
The Council consider any items referred by the Scrutiny Panel under the Call-in Procedure because they are considered to be contrary to the policy framework of the Council or contrary to, or not wholly in accordance with, the budget.
7 Recommendations of the Cabinet, Panels and Committees
Council will consider the following recommendations:-
7(i) Colchester Northern Gateway Sports Park - Appointment of Contractor
B... Motion that the recommendation contained in minute 308 of the Cabinet meeting of 21 November 2018 be approved and adopted.
293
Council resolved to exclude the public including the press, in accordance with section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 for part of the discussion on this item, as it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (financial/business affairs of a particular person, including the authority holding the information).
 
RESOLVED that the recommendation contained in draft minute 308 of the Cabinet meeting of 21 November 2018 be approved and adopted.
 
7(ii) Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2019-20
C... Motion that the recommendation contained in draft minute 306 of the Cabinet meeting of 21 November 2018 be approved and adopted.
294
RESOLVED that the recommendation contained in draft minute 306 of the Cabinet meeting of 21 November 2018 be approved and adopted (Unanimous).
7(iii) Officer Pay Policy Statement 2019-20
D... Motion that the recommendation contained in minute 307 of the draft minutes of the Cabinet meeting of 21 November 2018 be approved and adopted.
295
RESOLVED that the recommendation contained in draft minute 307 of the Cabinet meeting of 21 November 2018 be approved and adopted.
7(iv) Taxi Policy
E... Motion that the recommendation contained in draft minute 72 of the Licensing Committee meeting of 14 November 2018 be approved and adopted.
296
RESOLVED that the recommendation contained in draft minute 72 of the Licensing Committee meeting of 14 November 2018 be approved and adopted. 
7(v) Gambling Policy
F.. Motion that the recommendation contained in draft minute 73 of of the Licensing Committee meeting  of 14 November 2018 be approved and adopted.
297
RESOLVED that the recommendation contained in draft minute 73 of the Licensing Committee meeting of 14 November 2018 be approved and adopted. 
7(vi) Pavement Permits (Street Restaurant, Cafe and Bar Furniture)
G.... Motion that the recommendation contained in draft minute 74 of the Licensing Committee meeting of 14 November 2018 be approved and adopted. 
298
RESOLVED that the recommendation contained in draft minute 74 of the Licensing Committee meeting of 14 November 2018 be approved and adopted. 
7(vii) Review of the Council's Ethical Governance Policies
H... Motion that the recommendation contained in draft minute 134 of the Governance and Audit Committee meeting of 13 November 2018 be approved and adopted.
299
RESOLVED that the recommendation contained in draft minute 134 of the Governance and Audit Committee meeting of 13 November 2018 be approved and adopted.
7(viii) Review of the Local Code of Corporate Governance
I.... Motion that the recommendation contained in draft minute 136 of the Governance and Audit Committee meeting of 13 November 2018 be approved and adopted. 
300
RESOLVED that the recommendation contained in draft minute 136 of the Governance and Audit Committee meeting of 13 November 2018 be approved and adopted.
8 Notices of Motion pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 11

Council will consider the following Motions:-

(Note: The maximum length of time for the consideration of all such motions shall be 80 minutes. In the event that a motion is still being debated when the 80 minutes have elapsed the Mayor shall invite the proposer of the motion to respond to the debate and the move straight to the vote. )

8(i) Great Jobs

Proposer: Cllr T. Young

J... This Council believes that:

Every job should be a great job. For us that means workers in our Borough should be paid fairly; work in a safe and healthy workplace; be treated decently and with respect; have regular hours; have the chance to be represented by trade unions and be consulted on what matters at work; and get the chance to learn and progress at work and get on in life.

This Council resolves to:

1. Support the TUC’s Great Jobs Agenda which sets out the actions employers and the government must take for every job to be a great job;

2. Ensure, as an employer, we continue providing great jobs for our own employees as well as support and opportunities for personal development;

3. Continue to value meaningful workforce engagement and representation through our recognised trade unions;

4. Continue our work with employers in the Borough to influence their employment practices and to ensure that business growth is sustainable and ethical. This includes our proactive work with the digital and creative industries in Colchester as a good example;

5. Make increasing job quality a key part of the conversation when pursuing local economic development opportunities in the Borough;

6. Use our commissioning and procurement processes, where possible, to raise employment standards amongst those suppliers and providers we work with;

7. Where appropriate engage with government and other bodies who hold regulatory powers to tackle issues which local authorities do not have statutory powers to address directly;

8. Write to our Borough’s MPs informing them of our position and encouraging them to support the Great Jobs Agenda too.

As the motion relates to an executive function, it stands referred direct to Cabinet, unless the suspension of Council Procedure Rule 11(2) is approved.

 
301
It was proposed by Councillor T. Young that:-

This Council believes that:

Every job should be a great job. For us that means workers in our Borough should be paid fairly; work in a safe and healthy workplace; be treated decently and with respect; have regular hours; have the chance to be represented by trade unions and be consulted on what matters at work; and get the chance to learn and progress at work and get on in life.

This Council resolves to:

1. Support the TUC’s Great Jobs Agenda which sets out the actions employers and the government must take for every job to be a great job;

2. Ensure, as an employer, we continue providing great jobs for our own employees as well as support and opportunities for personal development;

3. Continue to value meaningful workforce engagement and representation through our recognised trade unions;

4. Continue our work with employers in the Borough to influence their employment practices and to ensure that business growth is sustainable and ethical. This includes our proactive work with the digital and creative industries in Colchester as a good example;

5. Make increasing job quality a key part of the conversation when pursuing local economic development opportunities in the Borough;

6. Use our commissioning and procurement processes, where possible, to raise employment standards amongst those suppliers and providers we work with;

7. Where appropriate engage with government and other bodies who hold regulatory powers to tackle issues which local authorities do not have statutory powers to address directly;

8. Write to our Borough’s MPs informing them of our position and encouraging them to support the Great Jobs Agenda too.

As the motion related to an executive function, it stood referred direct to Cabinet. 
 
8(ii) Library Services
Proposer: Councillor Laws

K... Motion that:-

This Council notes the review and public consultation that has been launched by Essex County Council in regards to library provision across the county, including within the borough of Colchester to meet the modern day demands of our residents. We recognise and agree that the current library buildings are outdated and need modernising.

Therefore, Colchester Borough Council pledges to work with our County Council partners to consider options around location, service access and opening hours as part of this review. We will support efforts to involve the local community in both shaping and delivering future library service provision within the borough.

As the motion relates to a non-executive matter it will be debated and determined at the meeting.
 
302
Councillors Bentley and Lissimore (as members of the Cabinet of Essex County Council) declared a non-pecuniary interest in the following item pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 9(5) and left the meeting for its consideration and determination.

(a) Have Your Say!

Mark Goacher addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5).  Since 2010, 478 libraries had closed, with the loss of 40 million books and 8,000 jobs. Libraries were not an outdated relic, but were made to appear that way by cuts in funding, which leads to falls in usage which were then used to justify further cuts.  He called on Council to support Councillor Cory’s motion.  Education was the key to social mobility, and the free access to books for all that libraries provided was key to this. In addition they provided other valuable functions such as access to the internet and as a place for community groups to meet. 

Sarah Shehadeh addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5).  She highlighted that the Council relied on residents having access to the internet in order to access services, and that libraries provided access to those who were unable to access the internet at home.  The library in Mersea was vital to the community and she believed that it should be regraded from tier three to tier two and therefore remain open. The value of the excellent inter-library lending service was also stressed. 

Victoria Weaver addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5).  Libraries provided a centre for the local community and provided free access to knowledge and books.  They were particularly valuable to the elderly and the young.    Whilst libraries did need to evolve, the modernisation argument was being used to justify continued austerity driven cuts.  She urged councillors to lobby against the cuts and highlighted that were other others ways to make savings, such as moving towards a unitary authority.

(b) Library Services

It was proposed by Councillor Laws that:-

"This Council notes the review and public consultation that has been launched by Essex County Council in regards to library provision across the county, including within the borough of Colchester to meet the modern day demands of our residents. We recognise and agree that the current library buildings are outdated and need modernising.

Therefore, Colchester Borough Council pledges to work with our County Council partners to consider options around location, service access and opening hours as part of this review. We will support efforts to involve the local community in both shaping and delivering future library service provision within the borough."


Councillor J. Young proposed a main amendment as follows:-

"That the motion on Library Services be approved and adopted subject to the following amendments:

In the first paragraph:- 

• In the first sentence, the insertion of the words “with sadness,” after the word “notes”;
• In the second sentence the deletion of the words “the current” and their replacement with the word “some” and the deletion of the words “need modernising” and their replacement with the words “should be modernised.” 

In the second paragraph:-

• In the first sentence the deletion of the words “to consider options around location, service access and opening hours as part of this review.”
• In the second sentence the deletion of the words “We will support efforts to involve the local community in shaping and delivering” and their replacement with the words “We will ensure the local community is involved in shaping, improving and enhancing”, and the deletion of the words “within the” and their replacement with the words “across our|”."

Councillor Laws indicated that the main amendment was accepted and the motion was deemed amended accordingly.  The revised wording of the motion was as follows:-

“This Council notes with sadness, the review and public consultation that has been launched by Essex County Council in regards to library provision across the county, including within the borough of Colchester to meet the modern day demands of our residents. We recognise and agree that some library buildings are outdated and should be modernised.

Therefore, Colchester Borough Council pledges to work with our County Council partners. We will ensure the local community is involved in shaping, improving and enhancing future library service provision across our borough.”


(c) Stop Essex County Council Library Closures 

It was proposed by Councillor Cory that:-

"This Council notes with sadness the public consultation launched by Essex County Council to close libraries across the county, including within the borough of Colchester. Whether complete closure or transition to volunteer run services, this Council cannot accept the irreversible impact such plans have upon the social mobility and educational opportunities of our residents. 

This Council believes that education and information are fundamental for individuals to be socially mobile. For centuries, Libraries have provided people with available and accessible books, information and educational resources. This historic principle is now under threat in our borough. 

Colchester Borough residents access many services provided at our libraries, not just books, but free Internet, DVDs, audio texts, a range of Council Services, CAB support and much more. Libraries form a bedrock of our communities and their social fabric. 

This Council believes that Essex County Council should focus on greater sharing of services with Borough, Town and Parish Councils, and other community groups interested in keeping vital libraries services available to all. 

Therefore, we call upon the Leader of the Council to write directly to the County Council Cabinet Member (for Customer Services) to stop the consultation and closure plans. Furthermore, this Council calls upon Essex County Council to pursue alternative arrangements of greater service sharing with appropriate partners.
In support of Essex County Council, this Council calls upon the Leader of the Council to also write to the Secretary of State for Education and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to offer the needed resources to support the continued funding of vital library services across this County and many others."

Councillor Scordis proposed a main amendment as follows:-

"That the motion Stop Essex County Council Library Closures be approved and adopted subject to the following amendments:-

• The deletion of paragraph 4;
• The deletion of paragraph 5 and its replacement with the following words:-
Therefore we call upon the Leader of the Council to write directly to the Leader of Essex County Council to suspend the consultation and halt the closure plans and enter into a meaningful dialogue to shape, improve and enhance library services in our Borough.
• The deletion of paragraph 6 and its replacement with the following words:- 

The Council calls upon the Leader of the Council to also write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Education and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to truly end austerity and provide local government with the resources it needs to fund vital services in the future."

Councillor Cory indicated that the main amendment was accepted and the motion was deemed amended accordingly.  The revised wording of the motion was as follows:- 

"This Council notes with sadness the public consultation launched by Essex County Council to close libraries across the county, including within the borough of Colchester. Whether complete closure or transition to volunteer run services, this Council cannot accept the irreversible impact such plans have upon the social mobility and educational opportunities of our residents.
 
This Council believes that education and information are fundamental for individuals to be socially mobile. For centuries, Libraries have provided people with available and accessible books, information and educational resources. This historic principle is now under threat in our borough. 

Colchester Borough residents access many services provided at our libraries, not just books, but free Internet, DVDs, audio texts, a range of Council Services, CAB support and much more. Libraries form a bedrock of our communities and their social fabric. 

Therefore, we call upon the Leader of the Council to write directly to the Leader of Essex County Council to suspend the consultation and halt the closure plans and enter into a meaningful dialogue to shape, improve and enhance library services in our Borough. 

The Council calls upon the Leader of the Council to also write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Education and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to truly end austerity and provide local government with the resources it needs to fund vital services in the future."
(d) Debate and Voting

In view of the similar subject matter of the two motions, a single debate was conducted covering both motions.  At the conclusion of the debate, the voting was as follows:-

The motion on Library Services was approved and adopted unanimously.

A named vote having been requested pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 15(2) the voting was as follows:-

FOR: Councillors Arnold, Barber, Barton, Bourne, Buston, Chapman, Cory, Crow, Davidson, Davies, Dundas, Elliott, Ellis, Flores, Goss, Harris, Hayter, Hazell, Higgins, Jarvis, Jowers, King, Laws, Liddy, Loveland, Luxford Vaughan, J. Maclean, Moore, B. Oxford, G. Oxford, P. Oxford, Pearson, Scordis, Scott-Boutell, Warnes, Whitehead, Willetts, J. Young, T. Young, the Deputy Mayor (Cope) and the Mayor (Chillingworth).

AGAINST: None

ABSTAINED FROM VOTING: None

The motion on Stop Essex County Council Library Closures was approved and adopted (40 noted for and one abstained from voting).

A named vote having been requested pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 15(2) the voting was as follows:-

FOR: Councillors Arnold, Barber, Barton, Bourne, Buston, Chapman, Cory, Crow, Davidson, Davies, Dundas, Elliott, Ellis, Flores, Goss, Harris, Hayter, Hazell, Higgins, Jarvis, King, Laws, Liddy, Loveland, Luxford Vaughan, J. Maclean, Moore, B. Oxford, G. Oxford, P. Oxford, Pearson, Scordis, Scott-Boutell, Warnes, Whitehead, Willetts, J. Young, T. Young, the Deputy Mayor (Cope) and the Mayor (Chillingworth).

AGAINST: None

ABSTAINED FROM VOTING: Councillor Jowers
 
8(iii) Stop Essex County Coucil Library Closures

Proposer: Councillor Cory
 
M... Motion that:-
 
This Council notes with sadness the public consultation launched by Essex County Council to close libraries across the county, including within the borough of Colchester. Whether complete closure or transition to volunteer run services, this Council cannot accept the irreversible impact such plans have upon the social mobility and educational opportunities of our residents. 

This Council believes that education and information are fundamental for individuals to be socially mobile. For centuries, Libraries have provided people with available and accessible books, information and educational resources. This historic principle is now under threat in our borough. 

Colchester Borough residents access many services provided at our libraries, not just books, but free Internet, DVDs, audio texts, a range of Council Services, CAB support and much more. Libraries form a bedrock of our communities and their social fabric. 

This Council believes that Essex County Council should focus on greater sharing of services with Borough, Town and Parish Councils, and other community groups interested in keeping vital libraries services available to all. 

Therefore, we call upon the Leader of the Council to write directly to the County Council Cabinet Member (for Customer Services) to stop the consultation and closure plans. Furthermore, this Council calls upon Essex County Council to pursue alternative arrangements of greater service sharing with appropriate partners.

In support of Essex County Council, this Council calls upon the Leader of the Council to also write to the Secretary of State for Education and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to offer the needed resources to support the continued funding of vital library services across this County and many others. 

 

As the motion relates to a non executive function it will be debated and determined at the meeting.

 
9 Questions to Cabinet Members and Chairmen pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 10

Cabinet members and Chairmen will receive and answer pre-notified questions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10(1) followed by any oral questions (not submitted in advance) in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10(3).

(Note: a period of up to 60 minutes is available for pre-notified questions and oral questions by Members of the Council to Cabinet Members and Chairmen (or in their absence Deputy Chairmen)).

(i) Councillor Liddy to Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy

At this time of year, all of our staff on CBC and CBH, from the most senior to the most junior, deserve our gratitude for their hard work during the year.  However, this year, it is our outdoor staff, particularly the recycling operatives, who deserve a special mention.  In this year of climatic extremes their service to our Borough can only be described as magnificent.  

As the year draws to a close, will the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, along with all group leaders join me in expressing our collective gratitude to all our outside workers who have worked so hard this year to keep our Borough’s services operating to their usual high standard?

(ii) Councillor Chapman to Councillor Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Public Safety and Licensing

Could the Portfolio Holder expand on his plans, outlined in ‘Centurion’, the Council’s newspaper, to recruit a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO )for rural areas. Also, can he tell us about the further plans for a PC and PCSO, plus Special Constables to be match funded by Parish Councils.

303

Questioner

Subject

Response

Pre-notified questions

Councillor Liddy

At this time of year, all of our staff on CBC and CBH, from the most senior to the most junior, deserve our gratitude for their hard work during the year. However, this year, it is our outdoor staff, particularly the recycling operatives, who deserve a special mention. In this year of climatic extremes their service to our Borough can only be described as magnificent.

 

As the year draws to a close, will the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, along with all group leaders join me in expressing our collective gratitude to all our outside workers who have worked so hard this year to keep our Borough’s services operating to their usual high standard?

 

Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy agreed and expressed his thanks to all Council staff, but especially the waste and recycling teams and all those who worked outside.

Councillor Chapman

Could the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Public Safety and Licensing expand on his plans, outlined in ‘Centurion’, the Council’s newspaper, to recruit a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for rural areas? Also, can he tell us about the further plans for a PC and PCSO, plus Special Constables to be match funded by Parish Councils?

Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, indicated that the administration wanted to see more police in rural areas and that he had raised the issue with parish councils. He was looking for some parish council funding to help support the provision of extra resources for rural areas. He was looking into the possibility of undertaking a pilot scheme. A full written response would be sent by Councillor Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Community Safety and Licensing.

Councillor Laws

Can the Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation kindly consider ways in which officers can assist the Roman Circus site in their desire to improve signage and wayfinding to this important heritage destination?

Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, explained that improvements to the town centre signage, particularly the black town centre signs, were being looked at as some were in poor condition and others were out of date. Discussions were also being held with the Civic Society.

Councillor Laws

Can the Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation kindly consider supporting my request that a Cycling Infrastructure masterplan be explored through the Local Plan Committee?

Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, indicated that he would support the request.

Councillor Laws

The Leader of the Council will be interested to note that a reason why the Heritage Lottery Fund bid for Jumbo failed was because the Borough Council wasn't making a financial contribution to the scheme, in light of this will he meet with Colchester and North Essex Building Preservation Trust and interested parties to explore the options to take a future funding bid forward?

Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, explained that he did not fully accept the criticism and the Heritage Lottery Fund bid failed for a number of reasons. The administration had provided support through funding the initial feasibility study and it was very supportive of improvements to Jumbo. He was happy to set up and facilitate a meeting to see what lessons had been learnt from the application and see how matters could be taken forward.

Councillor Dundas

Can the Portfolio Holder confirm that the £484,000 of section 106 monies allocated from the Wyvern Farm, Stanway development to the Northern Sports Park will not impact or delay in any way the long promised Community Centre planned for the Western by-pass site in Stanway? Furthermore, whilst recognising that the Northern Sports Park is a facility which is intended to benefit all of Colchester and 35% of Wyvern Farm proceeds were always allocated for Borough wide use, why is Stanway the only area not immediately adjacent to the site in the whole Borough contributing section 106 funds? The detail and quality of the section 106 reports given to members should be reviewed.

Councillor King, Portfolio Holder for Resources, indicated that he believed officers had provided a written response. He had raised the matter with officers and was reassured that policies and agreements had been followed and the Stanway ward interests had not been affected. He would look into the issue of section 106 reports provided to members.

Oral questions

Councillor Warnes

To ask the Portfolio Holder for Resources if the Cabinet will look at tackling disparities between the lowest and highest paid in the Council by following best practice laid down by the Equality Trust and going forward undertake to publish as part of the Officer Pay Policy the ratio between highest paid and median average of the lowest paid in the Council and make this information easily accessible via the Council’s website.

Councillor King, Portfolio Holder for Resources, explained that some of this information was contained in the Officer Pay Policy Statement approved earlier in the meeting. The Council already complied with three of the four tests laid down by the Equality Trust. The outstanding test related to the publication of a plan to reduce the ratio between the Chief Executive Officer and lowest paid employee. This ratio had already reduced from 5.62 to 4.54 between 2011 and 2018. Benchmarking showed Colchester’s policies and pay scales on the issue compared well to other local authorities. The Council was transparent on these issues and he was willing to highlight where the information could be found on the Council’s website.

Councillor Barber

How could Councillors put forward schools in their ward under the 3PR parking scheme?

Written answer to be provided by the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Community Safety and Licensing

Councillor Barber

Could the Members Enquiries System used by Colchester Borough Homes be introduced into Colchester Borough Council?

Councillor B. Oxford, Portfolio Holder for Customers, indicated she would look into the matter and respond.

Councillor Barber

Could members be notified when decisions were made on planning applications within their ward to ensure they were kept properly informed?

Written answer to be provided by the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Community Safety and Licensing

Councillor Davies

When new recycling bins were installed in the town centre could the bins that were removed be installed in Prettygate? Could the unofficial bins near the shops in Prettygate be removed?

Councillor Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, explained that the only recycling bin to be located outside of the town centre would be in Mersea. The spare litter bins that were available would be installed in Spring Lane and Mile End. He would look to see if further bins could be made available for Prettygate and, if further details were provided, would look into the “rogue” bins in Prettygate.

Councillor J. Maclean

In view of the contribution made by Stanway to the Northern Gateway, what incentives would residents be given to attend, given the difficulties in travelling across the borough? Would a bus service be provided?

Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, explained that as the Council would operate the Northern Gateway sports park, it would be able to ensure ease of access. Careful consideration was being given to encouraging visitors from south and west of the ward to Northern Gateway. Through the Transport for Colchester initiative, the Council was encouraging sustainable transport, such as the introduction of cycleways and a DR bus service.

Councillor Harris

Would the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities help Community 360 with their search for volunteer drivers for the Hopper Bus to the Abbeyfield Medical Centre, by giving them access to the resources and expertise of the Council’s Communications team?

Councillor Bourne, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, indicated that she was happy for the Council’s social media accounts to be used to support this excellent resource, and for advice to be provided on press releases.

Councillor Liddy

Could the Leader of the Council and Portfolio for Strategy comment on the relationship between Wivenhoe Football Club, Wivenhoe Sporting Facilities Trust and Colchester Borough Council?

Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, explained that he had worked on this for a number of years, in the interests of the users of the site. The Council did receive rent from the site but not enough had been done to improve the services at the site. He was therefore looking to improve the governance arrangements and draw up interim separate legal agreements with the sports clubs and users of the site direct. The Trust would therefore relinquish control of the site. This would enable better access to Football Association grants which would enable improvements to be made to the site. It would protect the current users and enable a wider use of the site.

Councillor Arnold

Allegations had been made on social media that heritage buildings on the garrison redevelopment site were being neglected and one had been knocked down. Could these allegations be investigated and be reported to members?

Councillor T. Young, Portfolio Holder for Business and Culture, indicated that he would look into the allegations and let members know.

Councillor Arnold

Could a report be provided showing all the funding for Northern Gateway by ward?

Councillor Cory, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, indicated that this information was available in the report submitted to Cabinet and he would circulate a link to members.

10 Schedule of Portfolio Holder decisions
To note the Schedule of Portfolio Holder decisions covering the period 20 October 2018 - 21 November 2018.
304
RESOLVED that the schedule of Portfolio Holder decisions covering the period 20 October 2018 - 21 November 2018 be noted.
11 Urgent Items (Council)
Council will consider any business not specified in the Summons which by reason of special circumstances the Mayor determines should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.
12 Reports Referred to in Recommendations
The reports specified below are submitted for information and referred to in the recommendations specified in item 7of the agenda:
pdf Northern Gateway Appointment of Contractor - Report to Cabinet 21 November 2018 (192Kb)
pdf LCTS report to Cabinet 21 November 2018 (73Kb)
pdf Officer Pay Policy report to Cabinet 21 November 2018 (500Kb)
pdf Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy report to Licensing Committee, 14 November 2018 (662Kb)
pdf Gambling Policy - Report to Licensing Committee, 14 November 2018 (765Kb)
pdf Pavement Permits - Report to Licensing Committee, 14 November 2018 (402Kb)
pdf Local Code of Corporate Governance report to Governance and Audit Committee, 13 November 2018 (287Kb)
pdf Review of Ethical Governance Policies report to Governance and Audit Committee, 13 November 2018 (2053Kb)
13 Exclusion of the Public (not Scrutiny or Executive)
In accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public, including the press, from the meeting so that any items containing exempt information (for example confidential personal, financial or legal advice), in Part B of this agenda (printed on yellow paper) can be decided. (Exempt information is defined in Section 100I and Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972).
Prayers
288
The meeting commenced with prayers by the Mayor's Chaplain, the Reverend John Richardson.
Apologies
289
Apologies were received from Councillors Barlow, Chuah, Coleman, Fox, Hogg, Lilley, F. Maclean and Wood
Part B
14 Reports referred to in recommendations
The not for publication reports specified below are submitted for information and referred to in the recommendations specified in item 7 of the agenda:
Colchester Northern Gateway Appointment of Contractor Part B report to Cabinet, 13 November 2018
  • This report is not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (financial / business affairs of a particular person, including the authority holding information).

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
No declarations of interest have been entered for this meeting.

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