Agenda and minutes

Venue: New Council Chamber - Town Hall, Reigate. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services (01737 276182)  Email: Democratic@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

Note

Before the start of the meeting the Mayor reminded all present that this meeting of the Council would be webcast live on the Council’s website.

Additional documents:

67.

Minutes

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 13 December 2018.  

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED that, subject to replacing the word “Sunday” with “Saturday” in the fifth bullet point of Minute 66 (Mayor’s Announcements), the Minutes of the meeting of Council held on 13 December 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed.

68.

Apologies for absence

To receive any apologies for absence.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M.S. Blacker, Mrs J.S. Bray, V.W. Broad, D.T. Powell and S.T. Walsh. Apologies for lateness were received from Councillor Mrs A.F. Tarrant.

69.

Declarations of interest

To receive any declarations of interest.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

None.

70.

Urgent business

To consider any urgent business.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

None.

71.

Public questions

To consider any questions received from members of the public under Council Procedure Rule 2.14.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

One question was received and answered in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.14 and the Order Paper circulated at the meeting. The details were as follows: 

Question by

Answered by

Subject

Mr A. Lehodey

Cllr K. Foreman, Executive Member for Planning Policy

The Green Belt

Note: For more information on responses to Council questions please see this page on the Council’s website:

https://reigate-banstead.moderngov.co.uk/ecCatDisplay.aspx?sch=doc&cat=13260

72.

Questions by Members

To consider any questions received from members of the public under Council Procedure Rule 2.15.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Six questions were asked and responses given in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.15 and the Order Paper circulated at the meeting. The details were as follows:

Question by

Answered by

Subject

Cllr H. Brown

Cllr M.A. Brunt, Leader of the Council

Children’s Centres

Cllr S. McKenna

Cllr K. Foreman, Executive Member for Planning Policy

Development Management Plan

Cllr J.C.S. Essex

Cllr G.J. Knight, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Housing and Benefits

Affordable Housing

Cllr H. Brown

Cllr A.C.J. Horwood, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services

Redhill and Reigate Gold Club

(Written Response)

Cllr Ms B.J. Thomson

Cllr A.C.J. Horwood, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services

Redhill and Reigate Gold Club

 

Cllr N.D. Harrison

Cllr J.E. Durrant, Executive Member for Community Safety

CCTV

Note: For more information on responses to Council questions please see this page on the Council’s website:

https://reigate-banstead.moderngov.co.uk/ecCatDisplay.aspx?sch=doc&cat=13260

73.

Recommendations

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Council’s Executive.

Report to Follow  

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Council received three Recommendations arising from the Executive meeting on 24 January 2019.

Consideration of Minute 89 (Budget 2019/20 and Capital Programme 2019 to 2024) and Minute 90 (Council Tax Setting 2019/20) were dealt with in accordance with a procedure note that had been prepared and circulated to all Members (prior to the meeting) in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.8.4.

For Recommendation (i) to Minute 89 (Budget 2019/20 and Capital Programme 2019 to 2024) voting was recorded in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.21.3 as follows:

For (36): Councillors Mrs R. Absalom, D. Allcard, T. Archer, R.H. Ashford, R. Biggs, Mrs N.J. Bramhall, M.A. Brunt, R.W. Coad, G.P. Crome, G.R. Curry, J.E. Durrant, J.M. Ellacott, K. Foreman, Dr L.R. Hack, R. Harper, N.D. Harrison, A.C.J. Horwood, E. Humphreys, F. Kelly, J.P. King, G.J. Knight, V.H. Lewanski, A.M. Lynch, R. Michalowski, R.C. Newstead, G. Owen, S. Parnall, J. Paul, Mrs D.A. Ross-Tomlin, T. Schofield, M.J. Selby, B.A. Stead, C. Stevens, Ms B.J. Thomson, Mrs R.S. Turner and C.T.H. Whinney.  

Against (4): Councillors H. Brown, J.C.S. Essex, S. McKenna and Mrs A. F. Tarrant. 

Abstained (0): None.

On Minute 90 (Council Tax Setting 2019/20) the Mayor drew attention to revised Annexes to support the recommendations from the Executive that were circulated to all Members in the Addendum at the meeting.

For Recommendations (i) to (vii) to Minute 90 (Council Tax Setting 2019/20) voting was recorded in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.21.3 as follows:

For (40): Councillors: Mrs R. Absalom, D. Allcard, T. Archer, R.H. Ashford, R. Biggs, Mrs N.J. Bramhall, H. Brown, M.A. Brunt, R.W. Coad, G.P. Crome, G.R. Curry, J.E. Durrant, J.M. Ellacott, J.C.S. Essex, K. Foreman, Dr L.R. Hack, R. Harper, N.D. Harrison, A.C.J. Horwood, E. Humphreys, F. Kelly, J.P. King, G.J. Knight, V.H. Lewanski, A.M. Lynch, S. McKenna, R. Michalowski, R.C. Newstead, G. Owen, S. Parnall, J. Paul, Mrs D.A. Ross-Tomlin, T. Schofield, M.J. Selby, B.A. Stead, C. Stevens, Mrs A.F. Tarrant, Ms B.J. Thomson, Mrs R.S. Turner and C.T.H. Whinney.

Against (0): None. 

Abstained (0): None.

RESOLVED that the Recommendations of the Executive, from its meeting on 24 January 2019, under:

(a)  Minute 89 (Budget 2019/20 and Capital Programme 2019 to 2024 be adopted;

(b)  Minute 90 (Council Tax Setting 2019/20) be adopted; and

(c)  Minute 92 (Schedule of Meetings 2019/20) be adopted.

Clerk’s Note: Councillor J.F. White left the meeting before the recoded votes in relation to Minute 89 (Budget 2019/20 and Capital Programme 2019 to 2024) and Minute 90 (Council Tax Setting 2019/20).

74.

Statements

To receive any statement from the Leader of the Council, Members of the Executive, Chairmen of Committees or the Head of Paid Service.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Executive Member for Business and Economy: Councillor E. Humphreys

Councillor E. Humphreys, Executive Member for Business and Economy, provided an update on the Heathrow Airspace and Future Operations Consultation. It was noted that local communities were being asked to help shape the airports plans for its future airspace – both for the existing runways and as part of the proposed expansion. The Executive Member explained that the Council would engage with and provide feedback to Heathrow on several matters, including changes to airspace and future operations, before the consultation closed on 4 March 2019.

 

75.

Motion: Climate Change

Councillor J.C.S. Essex will move and Councillor H. Brown will second the following Motion:

The IPCC Special Report on Global Warming published in October 2018 states that we have just 12 years to act on climate change if global temperature rises are to be kept within the recommended 1.5 degrees Celsius.

All governments (national, regional and local) have a duty to limit the negative impacts of climate change, and local authorities that recognise this should not wait for their national governments to change their policies. UK cities, boroughs and districts need to commit to ambitious reduction targets and carbon neutrality as quickly as possible

Carbon emissions from the Council’s estate and operations totalled 4,939 tonnes of CO2 in 2012/13. In 2016, the residents and businesses in Reigate and Banstead Borough spent a total of £246 million on energy and fuel bills. If we invested in all of the profitable energy efficiency and low carbon options available now our total energy bills would be cut by £64 million a year (including £18m for households and a further £18m in schools, hospitals, offices, shops and restaurants in the area). Source:  http://www.candocities.org/sites/default/files/Reigate%20and%20Banstead.pdf

Reigate and Banstead Council has already shown foresight and leadership when it comes to addressing the issue of climate breakdown: (a) Reigate and Banstead previously committed to a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions from its estate and services between March 2009 and March 2014; (b) This had resulted in a 19.5% reduction was achieved as of March 2012, saving £260,000 per year.  (Source: latest Council energy performance data on Council website).

Our current plans and actions will not be enough, given that the world is on track to overshoot the Paris Agreement’s 1.5?C limit before 2050. Other Local Authorities are currently responding to the IPCC report and Reigate and Banstead Council should continue to be at the forefront, working with other Councils in taking a leadership role.

In light of the above, I request that the Council approves the following: 

1.    Update its 2010 Carbon Management Plan in light of the recent IPCC report. This should include the setting of a carbon neutral target for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and a governance structure to ensure close monitoring of the Plan;

2.    Integrate this (1 above) into the Council’s commitment and leadership to businesses and strategic partners, to deliver widespread carbon reductions across the borough; and

3.    Call on the Government to provide the necessary powers and resources to make local action on climate change easier.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor J.C.S. Essex moved and Councillor H. Brown seconded a Motion, concerning Climate Change, set out on the front sheet of the agenda.

The Council was informed that in the opinion of the Mayor the Motion was convenient and conducive to the conduct of business. It was noted that: 

-       The Motion would be dealt with in accordance with a procedure note that had been prepared and circulated to all Members (prior to the meeting) in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.17.3. 

-       On conclusion of the discussion the Motion would be referred to the Executive for consideration.

During the discussion a wide range of issues were considered, including

-       The IPCC Special Report on Global Change published in October 2018. A key message was that the consequences of 1°C of global warming through more extreme weather, rising sea levels and diminishing Arctic sea ice, among other changes, was already being seen across the world.

-       The need for all governments (national, regional and local) to do more to limit the negative impacts of climate change.

-       Research from the Centre for Low Carbon Futures, at Leeds University, highlighting UK cities could cut their energy bills significantly by exploiting commercially attractive opportunities in energy and carbon management.

-       Carbon emissions from the Council’s own estate and operations.

-       The need to review and update the Council’s Carbon Management Plan.

-       Recent Council initiatives, including action taken in relation to eliminating the use of single use plastics, from its buildings, assets and facilities (seeking alternative, reusable, compostable or recyclable solutions instead).

-       The need to provide all Members with appropriate learning and development opportunities to ensure a better understanding of the subject.

-       The importance of addressing Climate Change as part of the upcoming review of the Council’s Corporate Plan and ensuring appropriate funding was in place to support this.

On conclusion of the debate, Councillor M.A. Brunt moved, and Councillor A.C.J. Horwood seconded, a procedural amendment to replace the wording set out in bullet point 2 of the original Motion. The mover of the Motion, Councillor J.C.S. Essex confirmed his support for this amendment and it was:  

RESOLVED that the amended Motion on Climate Change, outlined below, be referred to the Executive for consideration:

1.    That the council be requested to update its Carbon Management Plan in light of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming published in October 2018. This should include the setting of a carbon neutral target for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and a governance structure to ensure close monitoring of the Plan;

2.    That the Executive be requested to take full account of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming published in October 2018 as part of its upcoming review of the Corporate Plan for the 2020-2025 period and to consider integrating this Motion into the draft Corporate Plan to be considered by the council later in the year; and       

3.    That the council be requested to call on Government to provide the necessary powers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

76.

Pay Policy Statement 2019/20

To receive a report on the adoption of the Council’s Pay Policy Statement.

 

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

The Chief Executive introduced a report on the need for the Council to adopt a pay policy statement for 2019/20 in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011. The report set out relevant statutory powers, issues for the Council to consider and legal and financial implications. It was noted that the format and content of the statement was in line with the statement approved for 2018/19. However, the following changes were highlighted: 

-       All figures and pay ratios had been updated to reflect in year changes.

-       The statement for 2019/20 reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to paying a fair and real living way to all employees and workers (above national minimum wage levels). 

-       The Council would seek formal recognition of being a Living Wage Employer from the Living Wage Foundation.

The recommendation set out in the report was moved by Councillor M.A. Brunt and seconded by Councillor T. Schofield.

RESOLVED: that the Pay Policy Statement for the year 2019/20 be approved.

77.

Membership of Committees

The resignation of Councillor J.C. White in December 2018 resulted in a vacancy on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Surrey County Council Local Committee.

Following consultation with the Party Group Leaders Councillor N. Harrison has been appointed as a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Councillor C.T.H. Whinney as a member of the Surrey County Council Local Committee for the remainder of the 2018/19 Municipal Year by the Head of Legal and Governance utilising the delegation introduced by Council in November 2016.

Council is requested to note the report.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council noted that following the resignation of Councillor J.C. White in December 2018 a vacancy had arisen on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Surrey County Council Local Committee. Following consultation with the Party Group Leaders, Councillor N. Harrison had been appointed as a Member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Councillor C.T.H. Whinney as a Member of the Surrey County Council Local Committee for the remainder of the 2018/19 municipal year by the (Interim) Head of Legal and Governance utilising the delegation introduced by Council in November 2016.

RESOLVED: that:

(i)            The appointment of Councillor N. Harrison as a Member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the 2018/19 municipal year be noted.

 

(ii)          The appointment of Councillor C.T.H. Whinney as a Member of the Surrey County Council Local Committee for the remainder of the 2018/19 municipal year be noted. 

78.

Leader's announcements

To receive any announcements by the Leader of the Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor M.A. Brunt, reported that the Deputy Mayor Elect for 2019/20 would be Councillor Mrs R. Absalom.

79.

Mayor's announcements

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor reported on the following: 

-       The success of the Ghost Walk and supper event held on 11 January 2019. It was highlighted that nearly £2,000 had been raised for charity.

-       The success of the Holocaust Memorial Day held at the Town Hall on 30 January 2019.

-       Upcoming events for Members diaries including:

o   The Mayor’s Charity Film Festival (15 – 17 February 2019) in partnership with The Harlequin Cinema.

o   The Mayor’s Charity Cabaret Night (27 April 2019). This would be held at the Harlequin Theatre and Cinema and the creative director for the event was Simon Bashford.

The Mayor concluded by providing an update on work that had taken place to allow for a street name to be provided at Redstone Cemetery, Redhill, in recognition of former resident of the Borough Guardsman James Hill, killed in the Afghanistan conflict in 2009. The street name would be unveiled by the Mayor at a ceremony in March 2019. It was noted that further information would be provided to all Members in due course.