Agenda and minutes

To approve for signature the Minutes of the meeting of Council held on 28 July 2022.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of Council held on 28 July 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Booton, Buttironi, Harper, Tary and Thompson.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider any urgent business.

There was no urgent business.

For Council to express its deepest regret and grief at the death of Her Majesty The Queen; to convey its sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and other members of the Royal Family in their bereavement; to affirm the great affection and esteem in which Her Majesty was held, and express gratitude for her life of exceptional public service.

The Mayor detailed the civic duties that he had undertaken since the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. These included attending the Surrey County Council proclamation and leading the Reigate & Banstead proclamation. Floral tributes had been laid at the Town Hall and prayers said by the Mayor, the Leader, the Managing Director and representatives from Unison. A letter of condolence had been sent by the Mayor to the Palace which had recalled a visit to the Borough by the Queen to re-open East Surrey College in 2011. A Minute of Silence for Reflection had been held on the eve of the Queen’s funeral at the Town Hall. This had been illuminated to reflect the Queen’s lifetime of service. The Mayor had also supported residents to contribute to the Books of Condolence by taking these into care homes across the Borough.

Council considered a motion of condolence. The motion was proposed by Councillor Brunt and seconded by Councillor Parnall.

The Mayor invited all Group Leaders to speak to the motion:

·       The Leader of the Council, Councillor Brunt, noted that for most if not all of those attending the meeting, Her Majesty The Queen was the only serving monarch they had known. It was noted that The Queen’s image had always been on money and stamps. It would therefore take a long time to get used to the change in sovereign. The meeting had already reflected on The Queen’s long service. The magnitude of The Queen’s passing was demonstrated by people recalling where they were when they had heard the news. It was explained by the Leader that he had been conducting the business of the Council. This was fitting given it was done in the name of the sovereign. The Leader gave his thanks to staff at the Council for all they have done to support residents in expressing their condolences.

·       Councillor Essex, the Leader of the Green Group, noted the intention to join in the mourning of The Queen’s wider family and close friends. It was highlighted that Jesus had said a blessing for those who mourned and that they will be comforted. The Queen’s integrity, faith and life of service were recognised.  It was thought that the new King would fill The Queen’s footprints well.

·       Councillor Harrison, the Leader of the Residents’ Association Group, noted the importance of adding to the accolades expressed about The Queen and speaking on behalf of residents, many of whom had paid their respects to The Queen during her Lying-in-State. The grainy footage of George VI’s Lying-in-State and The Queen’s own Coronation showed how much the country had changed during the 70 years of The Queen’s reign. Not just in the style of dress but in terms of science, technology and economic development. Diversity had increased with changes in social attitudes, less deference and a more secular society. However, the one thing that had not changed was the affection, admiration and respect felt for The Queen. Rather, the esteem for Her Majesty had grown  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

For Council to express its allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III on his accession.

Council considered a motion of allegiance to King Charles III.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Bray and seconded by Councillor Torra.

The Mayor invited all Group Leaders to speak to the motion:

·       The Leader of the Council, Councillor Brunt, provided a reminder that the actions of Councillors were undertaken as part of a delegated authority from the Head of State. Therefore, it was appropriate that all reaffirmed their allegiance to the new Head of State, King Charles III. The Leader expressed that it was his honour in representing the Conservative Group which was offering its allegiance to the new King.

·       Councillor Essex, the Leader of the Green Group, noted that he had always respected Prince Charles as the new Monarch had formerly been known. His concern for issues of importance for the whole country was highlight including farming standards, climate change and challenging the plight of the poorest children in society. His role as King was anticipated with him continuing to stand for these issues and bring his private thoughts into his public role. Councillor Essex looked forward to the King leading the nation, by both respecting the past, honouring the present and taking the nation forward.

·       Councillor Harrison, the Leader of the Residents’ Association Group, highlighted that the way in which the new King had taken over from his mother had been impressive. He had served a long apprenticeship as Prince of Wales with Councillor Harrison being sure he would provide the leadership and continuity that was needed.

·       Councillor Kulka, the Leader of the Liberal Democratic Group, described how King Charles III had always shown what he could become. Allegiance to the new King was stated.

RESOLVED for Council to express its allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III on his accession.

For Council to approve the date for an ordinary Council meeting for the quarter. This is in lieu of the cancellation of the ordinary Council meeting scheduled for 22 September 2022.

RESOLVED for an Ordinary Council meeting to be convened from 7:30pm on Thursday 27 October 2022.

To receive any announcements by the Leader of the Council.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Brunt, had no announcements to make.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor.

The Mayor thanked the Brunoy and Eschweiler Twinning Association for the condolences provided following the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Specific teams and members of staff were thanked for ensuring the smooth implementation of the Civic Protocol. These included George Potter, the Security Team, the Borough’s Community Centres, Duane Kirkland, the team at the Harlequin Theatre, the Communication Team and the Mayor’s Office.  Maggie Judd, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress were thanked for supporting the Mayor in his visits to care homes to make the Books of Condolence available to their residents. Frank Etheridge was specifically thanked for his leadership of the Civic Protocol team.

Congratulations were expressed to Councillor Booton and his family on the birth of their child.