Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were submitted from Prue Bray, Pauline Helliar-Symons, David Lee and Stuart Munro.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 May 2017.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 18 May 2017 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

Councillor Beth Rowland referred to Minute 9: Election of the Leader of the Council, in relation to the wording about the previous Leader’s decision to step down from the role.

To receive any declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest.

To answer any public questions

A period of 30 minutes will be allowed for members of the public to ask questions submitted under notice.

The Council welcomes questions from members of the public about the work of the Council

Subject to meeting certain timescales, questions can relate to general issues concerned with the work of the Council or an item which is on the Agenda for this meeting.  For full details of the procedure for submitting questions please contact the Democratic Services Section on the numbers given below or go to www.wokingham.gov.uk/publicquestions

In accordance with the agreed procedure, the Mayor invited members of the public to submit questions to the appropriate Members.

Question

A number of residents have complained to me that very few roads in Hawkedon ward, Earley, seem to have been resurfaced recently, despite many roads needing to be done.  Can you tell me how much money has been spent, and where resurfacing has occurred, in Hawkedon ward over each of the last two financial years (2015/16 & 2016/17)?

A number of residents have complained to me that very few roads in Hawkedon ward, Earley, seem to have been resurfaced recently, despite many roads needing to be done. Can you tell me how much money has been spent, and where resurfacing has occurred, in Hawkedon ward over each of the last two financial years (2015/16 and 2016/17)?

Answer

The annual road resurfacing budget for the whole of the Borough is £2.4m per annum. Regarding road schemes in Hawkedon ward in Earley; in 2015/16 £32,000 was spent resurfacing the Rushey Way/Gipsy Lane junction, and in 2016/17 £16,600 was spent resurfacing Meldreth Way.

Supplementary Question

Could you tell me how it is decided which roads are to be resurfaced and also more than just Meldreth Way has been done this year?

Supplementary Answer

We do not divide up the roads programme on a ward by ward basis as that would be contrary to effective repairs. We follow the Highways Asset Management system promoted by Government, and adopted by Wokingham’s Executive in 2016. The roads treated are the ones in most need, so it does not relate to a particular ward. We aim to provide a consistent level of resurfacing for our roads across the entire Borough.

Question:

With the continuing house building programme, congestion seems to be worsening, affecting residents of the Town Wards and visitors to Wokingham Town.  In the period prior to completion of both Northern and Southern Distributor roads, what peak flows and delays are anticipated, in particular on London Road, Peach Street, Denmark Street, Langborough Road, Finchampstead Road and Reading Road and what steps can the Council take to mitigate the impact of development on traffic and the potential damage to the prospects of the Regeneration programme in the period up to these 2 major road improvement projects becoming effective?

With the continuing house building programme, congestion seems to be worsening, affecting residents of the Town Wards and visitors to Wokingham Town. In the period prior to completion of both Northern and Southern Distributor roads, what peak flows and delays are anticipated, in particular on London Road, Peach Street, Denmark Street, Langborough Road, Finchampstead Road and Reading Road and what steps can the Council take to mitigate the impact of development on traffic and the potential damage to the prospects of the Regeneration programme in the period up to these 2 major road improvement projects becoming effective?

Answer

Whilst housing delivery is progressing in both North and South Wokingham Strategic Development Locations, housing occupations currently stand at 28% for the North Wokingham SDL and 15% for the South Wokingham SDL. The Town Centre Regeneration is in its very early stages, with some applications still awaiting submission. Therefore, at the moment there has not been significant additional pressure applied to the network as a result of those developments.

The Council owns and operates a Wokingham Strategic Transport Model (WSTM) which has been validated in accordance with the Department for Transport’s guidance. This allows us to assess aspects of the highway for chosen forecast years, which include 2019 and 2026. For each forecast year they can be reviewed against, ‘no development’ (which is base year plus growth) and ‘development with infrastructure’ (which is base year plus growth, plus planned infrastructure). This assists us in understanding what the network background growth is and what the development related growth is. It separates the two. It should be noted that the Core Strategy includes Transport Interventions (triggers linking house completions to new highways investment) assessed through the use of the WSTM, which were secured and found to be sound through an Examination in Public. 

During the delivery of the Core Strategy it is inevitable that there will be some pain prior to the infrastructure gain. The Council, as you will remember, is focused on Infrastructure Delivery and is progressing on time with the current programme which, when completed, will provide network improvements and resilience. There is not always an option for an interim scheme to be considered prior to the delivery of strategic infrastructure (which ends in 2026) and where an interim scheme may be considered (i.e. the Holt Lane junction with Reading Road, Rances Lane, Binfield Road and Priest Avenue junctions with London Road) an option is not always possible or advisable due to negative associated effects.  Interim junction improvements in these locations would encourage increased traffic movements in areas where this should not be encouraged (residential and school areas). It would also divert significant s106 funds from the infrastructure projects and result in abortive works (often requiring the removal of trees and landscaping), which would not be required once the strategic infrastructure is delivered.

Rather than try to provide a lengthy range of data within this fairly short response, I would be happy to discuss this and the specific areas you mention in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.2

Question:

It is welcoming to hear that the Leader of the Council is committed to standing up for victims of domestic abuse in our community.  My question is on behalf of those who have suffered historic abuse, those who are currently in abusive and controlling relationships and for the perpetrators of the abuse.  For the many who have experienced abuse there will be a range of strong emotions attached to it.  They may also feel isolated and that they have no voice.  What will the Lead be implementing to encourage those who are afraid, who feel shame and who carry guilt, to step forward and seek the help they so desperately need?

It is welcoming to hear that the Leader of the Council is committed to standing up for victims of domestic abuse in our community. My question is on behalf of those who have suffered historic abuse, those who are currently in abusive and controlling relationships and for the perpetrators of the abuse. For the many who have experienced abuse there will be a range of strong emotions attached to it. They may also feel isolated and that they have no voice. What will the Leader be implementing to encourage those who are afraid, who feel shame and who carry guilt, to step forward and seek the help they so desperately need?

Answer

By publicly championing this agenda, I am tackling the very notion that any victim should feel isolated, shame or guilt. By talking publicly about this priority I am encouraging anyone who needs support to be brave and ask for it.

Earlier this year the Community Safety Partnership approved the refreshed Domestic Violence and Abuse Strategy that sets the strategic aims and objectives for the next three years.

This strategy has three main areas of focus; prevention, provision, and risk reduction.

The focus on prevention has the following aims:

1.     Increased understanding of coercive control and ‘hidden abuse’ across the workforce in order to help early identification, so that support can be offered;

2.     Empower the community to seek support  - to know where to ask for help and to demystify what the process for asking for help is; and

3.     Work with schools and early education settings to support young people in developing an understanding of healthy and safe relationships to prevent future domestic abuse.

There are a range of services that the Council commissions and intends to commission to support residents who are or have experienced domestic abuse and to support and enable perpetrators of abuse to change their abusive behaviours.

In addition, I aim to make sure that every elected Member and Officer of this Council recognises the serious implications of domestic abuse and recognises their responsibility to tackle this blight on our community.

To receive any petitions which Members or members of the public wish to present.

Kenneth Lowe and Councillor Keith Baker presented petitions in relation to the matters indicated below.

The Mayor’s decision on the action to be taken is set out against each petition.

To receive any announcements by the Mayor

The Mayor informed Members of the following:

·           This was the final Council meeting for Andy Couldrick, Chief Executive, before he departed to take up a new role as Chief Executive of the Birmingham Children’s Trust. Mr Couldrick had been appointed in 2009 as Director of Children’s Services before taking up the role of Chief Executive in 2012. On behalf of the Council, the Mayor wished Mr Couldrick success in his new role.

·           The book of condolence opened following the terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017 had now been closed and would be delivered to the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham. Mr Burnham had confirmed that the book would be displayed publicly with gratitude from the residents of the city.

·           The Mayor’s main charities for the year were Cancer Care and a new charity, Cancer Champions. Any funds raised would be used to support the work carried out by the Royal Berkshire Hospital to treat and care for local residents.

·           The Mayor and Deputy Mayor had carried out a number of recent engagements including a number of summer fetes. They were impressed by the efforts of local residents and the vibrant community spirit on display across the Borough.

To consider a proposed Pay Policy Statement for 2017/18 in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the Policy Pay Statement for 2017/18 for publication on the Council’s website in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

The Council considered a report, set out at Agenda pages 27 to 35, which gave details of the Pay Policy Statement for 2017/18. Under the Localism Act 2011 the Council was required to publish details of its pay policy. However, the statement did not include data about staff based in schools, as this was outside the scope of the legislation.

The statement gave details of pay levels at the Council ranging from the highest to lowest paid. It also gave details of mean and median pay rates. The report indicated that, whilst there had been no change to senior management pay, the gap between the highest and lowest paid was narrowing.

Councillor Oliver Whittle reported that the Pay Policy Statement was submitted to Council on an annual basis and that the 2017/18 statement had been supported by the Council’s Personnel Board.

Members commented on recent national discussions about public sector pay and the impact of ongoing Government austerity measures. Councillor Charlotte Haitham Taylor confirmed that any changes in the Government’s position on public sector pay would be the subject of local negotiations and would also be the subject of a further update to Council.

It was proposed by Oliver Whittle and seconded by Charlotte Haitham Taylor that the recommendation in the report be agreed.

Upon being put to the vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the Pay Policy Statement for 2017/18 be approved for publication on the Council’s website in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

To receive a report regarding a Complaint - Local Government Ombudsman’s Report.

RECOMMENDATION:  That the content of the Ombudsman’s report and the learning from this complaint be given consideration by Full Council, as is required by section s31 (2) of the Local Government Act 1974.

The Council considered a report, set out at Agenda pages 37 to 55, which gave details of the findings of an Ombudsman investigation into a complaint made on behalf of a resident of Murdoch House care home between 2010 and 2013. The complaint had been brought by the resident’s daughter.

The report stated that the placement was arranged and funded by the Council and, at the time, the care home was managed by Four Seasons Healthcare (FSHC) Ltd. It was alleged that, as a result of poor care planning, delivery and monitoring by both FSHC and the Council, the resident suffered severe malnourishment.

The Ombudsman had found that:

·           The resident’s nutritional care was inadequate and not in line with the relevant regulations and guidance;

·           There were not enough activities arranged to stimulate the resident;

·           Care planning and risk assessments around falls and mobility were inadequate.

In light of the findings the Ombudsman had recommended that the Council make payments of £3,500 and £500 to the resident and her daughter respectively. The Ombudsman had also recommended that the Council review its contract monitoring process.

The report gave details of subsequent changes made to the Council’s information gathering systems, risk assessments, quality assurance procedures and training and development for front line staff. The Council had also established a register to facilitate monitoring of safety standards in agencies causing concern. The Ombudsman had been informed of these changes and had indicated that they were reasonable.

The report was submitted to the Council for consideration as required by S 31 of the Local Government Act 1974.

Councillor Julian McGhee-Sumner gave details of the Ombudsman’s findings and, on behalf of the Council, apologised to the resident and her family for the Council’s failings.

Members noted the details of the case with concern and sought assurance that the changes made to the Council’s systems and monitoring procedures would ensure that there was no possibility of further cases of this nature. Councillor McGhee Sumner confirmed that the new systems had been thoroughly checked and that other checks and balances were now in place. The Ombudsman was satisfied that the Council had taken appropriate action.

It was proposed by Julian McGhee-Sumner and seconded by Richard Dolinski that the report of the Local Government Ombudsman and the subsequent actions taken by the Council be noted.

Upon being put to the vote it was:

RESOLVED: That the report of the Local Government Ombudsman and subsequent actions taken by the Council be noted.

To consider a report containing revisions regarding the Independent Remuneration Panel, the Health and Wellbeing Board terms of reference, the Planning Committee terms of reference and the process for considering Code of Conduct Complaints; as agreed by members of the Constitution Review Working Group. 

RECOMMENDATION: That the following changes to the Constitution, as recommended by the Constitution Review Working Group, be agreed:

1)         Chapter 2.2.3 Independent Remuneration Panel

that Rule 2.2.3 be amended as follows:

2.2.3 Independent Remuneration Panel

The Council commissions an Independent Remuneration Panel to review the Scheme of Members Allowances annually. Should there have been little or no change during the year, the Independent Remuneration Panel may decide not to undertake a full review or any review of the Scheme of Members Allowances. In such instances, the Panel will report their decision and the reason for it to Full Council.

2)         that Rule 4.4.35 Quorum be amended as follows:

“4.4.35. The quorum of the Health and Wellbeing Board shall be four. Representatives from Wokingham Borough Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group must be in attendance at each meeting.

If neither the Chairman nor Vice Chairman is present a Chairman will be elected for that meeting.  Substitute voting members for the Chairman and Vice Chairman, for that meeting will be identified prior to the meeting.”

3)        that the following be added to Rule 8.1.1 Planning Committee’s Terms of Reference and the Procedure for Appeals added as an appendix to the Constitution (Appendix A to the report):

“m)  Applications by any person in respect of a decision to designate/de-designate a building as a Building of Traditional Local Character.  This is conditional in that the application must be made within eight weeks beginning with the day on which written confirmation of the decision was issued to the relevant parties (unless a longer period is agreed by either the Chairman of the Planning Committee or the Director Customer and Localities Services.)

4)         Chapter 9.1 Process for Considering Code of Conduct Complaints

Guidelines to support the Monitoring Officer’s initial decision regarding a complaint to be added to Rule 9.1.13.4 Initial Decision of the Monitoring Officer (Appendix B to report). 

The Council considered a report, set out at Agenda pages 57 to 62, which gave details of proposed changes to the Constitution, as recommended by the Constitution Review Working Group. The proposed changes related to:

·           the annual review undertaken by the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel;

·           the quorum for the Health and Wellbeing Board;

·           the Planning Committee’s Terms of Reference;

·           the process for considering Code of Conduct complaints.

Councillor Lindsay Ferris stated that the Liberal Democrat Group had concerns about the current operation of the Member Code of Conduct procedure and the role of the Standards Committee. Councillor Charlotte Haitham Taylor commented that the Standards Committee was properly constituted and would continue its important role in promoting high standards of behaviour with or without support from the Liberal Democrats.

Councillor Keith Baker referred to the recent handling of Code of Conduct complaints and suggested that further guidance be provided on the process for making complaint details public, specifically who “owned” the complaint.

It was proposed by Paul Swaddle and seconded Pauline Jorgensen that the proposed changes to the Constitution, set out in the report, be agreed.

On being put to the vote it was:

RESOLVED: That the following changes to the Constitution be agreed:

1)         Chapter 2.2.3 Independent Remuneration Panel

            that Rule 2.2.3 be amended as follows:

2.2.3 Independent Remuneration Panel

The Council commissions an Independent Remuneration Panel to review the Scheme of Members Allowances annually. Should there have been little or no change during the year, the Independent Remuneration Panel may decide not to undertake a full review or any review of the Scheme of Members Allowances. In such instances, the Panel will report their decision and the reason for it to Full Council.

2)         that Rule 4.4.35 Quorum be amended as follows:

“4.4.35. The quorum of the Health and Wellbeing Board shall be four. Representatives from Wokingham Borough Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group must be in attendance at each meeting.

              If neither the Chairman nor Vice Chairman is present a Chairman will be elected for that meeting.  Substitute voting members for the Chairman and Vice Chairman, for that meeting will be identified prior to the meeting.”

3)         that the following be added to Rule 8.1.1 Planning Committee’s Terms of Reference and the Procedure for Appeals added as an appendix to the Constitution (Appendix A to the report):

“m) Applications by any person in respect of a decision to designate/de-designate a building as a Building of Traditional Local Character. This is conditional in that the application must be made within eight weeks beginning with the day on which written confirmation of the decision was issued to the relevant parties (unless a longer period is agreed by either the Chairman of the Planning Committee or the Director Customer and Localities Services).

4)         Chapter 9.1 Process for Considering Code of Conduct Complaints

Guidelines to support the Monitoring Officer’s initial decision regarding a complaint to be added to Rule 9.1.13.4 Initial Decision of the Monitoring Officer (Appendix B to report).  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To receive any statements by the Leader of the Council, Executive Members, and Deputy Executive Members.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 4.2.23 the total time allocated to this item shall not exceed 20 minutes, and no Member shall speak for more than 5 minutes

Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Leader of the Council

Before going on to the main topic of my speech this evening, I need to inform Council that Councillor Alison Swaddle decided to step down as Deputy Executive Member for Children’s Services in June. I want to thank her for her work since she accepted the appointment when I became Leader. I can announce that Councillor Clark has accepted the position as the new Deputy Executive Member for Children’s Services.

I spoke at some length at the last full Council meeting about Andy Couldrick, but I would also like to give my thanks to him for all the work he has done for this authority and wish him the very best of luck in his new role at Birmingham.

In May, I talked about engaging better with local businesses and finding more ways to generate income. We have made clear also that the Council needs to change, using technology and early intervention to provide services that respond to the needs of our residents. Phase 1 of the 21st Century Council programme, dealing with internal services staff, is now complete. We have taken on board important lessons for the implementation of Phase 2.

However, we completely disagree with Unison’s conclusions in last week’s press. Affected staff have been consulted throughout, and the programme was raised with residents at last year’s Budget Engagement sessions. Unison’s comments about the impact on vulnerable people simply do not match the changes being implemented: improved availability and access to our services, whilst ensuring those who need or want to speak to someone still can. Councillor Whittle will speak a bit more about the implementation of this programme later.

It is disappointing that Councillor Croy used the Unison article to say “The Council is struggling to provide services residents expect”. Our proud record of making this Council more efficient whilst protecting frontline services has seen other Councils visit Wokingham to learn about our innovation.

We have maintained weekly waste collection, unlike Labour in neighbouring Reading. We continue to invest in infrastructure, providing houses, roads, new schools, new car parks, community centres and leisure centres.

Only two weeks ago, Members visited the finished Bohunt School and were there to witness the handing over of the keys to the school. I think that this is a real accomplishment.

Optalis leads in providing adult social care, and our housing companies go from strength to strength in providing more affordable homes. Indeed, last year we built more affordable homes than any year since the financial crash, and this year we are set to double that number.

We are implementing Civil Parking Enforcement this autumn, making parking in the Borough fairer whilst stopping illegal and anti-social parking. We have built a new car park in Wokingham, we are regenerating the town centre at pace and we are renovating and building new leisure centres.

Our library service is seeing an increase in usage, against the national trend. And our Borough continues to be one of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To receive any statements from Directors of Council Owned Companies.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 4.2.24 the total time allocated to this item shall not exceed 10 minutes, and no Director, except with the consent of Council, shall speak for more than 3 minutes.

Anthony Pollock – Chairman of Optalis Ltd

I would remind Members that on 3rd April 2017 the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead became a shareholder in our local authority trading company, Optalis, when it transferred its adult social care services into the company. This is the result of much work by our Council Officers, Directors and managers of Optalis and Members of this Council over the last 12-15 months.

It is a vote of confidence in the vision we had for Optalis when we set it up 6 or 7 years ago. We have successfully transformed the company from being a local authority department to a partner of choice for a neighbouring Local Authority. Consequently the company is now jointly owned by Wokingham Borough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead with an operating budget of about £40m, which I expect to increase further by the end of the municipal year. 

As colleagues will remember, since its inception Optalis has been delivering provider services to residents in Wokingham Borough and more recently sought and won contracts with other local authorities: Bracknell, Oxfordshire and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for specific provider services and the company has sought to establish a foothold in the private sector. 

The new partnership has resulted in Optalis, providing the full array of adult social care services for the Royal Borough, as well as provider services for Wokingham, contracted work in Slough, Bracknell and Oxfordshire and a limited level of private work. This array of service provision places Optalis in a unique position as the only local authority trading company providing statutory adult social care services.

The company has revised its vision to accommodate this new development and set three strategic objectives. All of which align with both Councils’ ambitions for delivering services which meet residents’ needs. The strategic vision is that Optalis will be a bigger and more resilient Social Care Company, which has the flexibility to deliver a wider range of high quality services to residents, with the capacity to cope with increasing local demand, the efficiency to cope with diminishing resources and to be capable of further significant growth.

Over the next three years the focus will be on:

•      Providing high quality adult social care services to residents of the two Boroughs;

•      Delivering adult social care services that provide greater value for money but without compromising the quality of care;

•      Growing the business by looking for other local authority partners.

As Councillor McGhee-Sumner stated, the company is currently recruiting a permanent Chief Executive, who will work with the two Councils to deliver our shared Vision, whilst seeking to draw more local authorities into the partnership. 

Current financial results are on target for the first quarter with planned extra care projects which are coming on line in October within the agreed timelines. These projects are Birches and Fosters which are brand new Extra Care facilities in Wokingham and Woodley. 

Alistair Auty – Wokingham Housing Ltd (WHL)

Mr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

To answer any member questions

A period of 20 minutes will be allowed for Members to ask questions submitted under Notice

Any questions not dealt with within the allotted time will be dealt with in a written reply

In accordance with the agreed procedure the Mayor invited Members to submit questions to the appropriate Executive Members.

Question

The Meeting TV Screen at Shute End is not working.  This is causing considerable confusion and some annoyance.  When will this facility become available again?

The Meeting TV Screen at Shute End is not working. This is causing considerable confusion and some annoyance. When will this facility become available again?

Answer

This has been rectified and a solution has been implemented that displays key meeting rooms on one screen display negating the need to wait for the screens to scroll through. The booking of meeting rooms is now integrated with the Council’s email system so Councillors can also view meeting room locations directly in their meeting invites.

Supplementary Question

Most of us will have seen the new screens and I don’t think that they are fit for purpose. I am concerned, if this is part of an integration of computer systems, that we don’t have any more hiccups relating to something that looks fairly simple to transfer across. So, can I ask will there be any other issues associated with dealing with this type of change?

Supplementary Answer

The short answer is, I hope, no.

Question

Given recent tragic events around the country, our thoughts have moved to what would we do in these situations. I understand that Wokingham Borough Council has an Emergency plan, but I have not seen any information on it.  Isn't it time to have a Members’ briefing on it?

Given recent tragic events around the country, our thoughts have moved to what would we do in these situations.  I understand that Wokingham Borough Council has an Emergency Plan, but I have not seen any information on it.  Isn’t it time to have a Members’ briefing on it?

Answer:

Wokingham Borough Council has in place a suite of Emergency Response Plans to meet the requirements of Emergency Risk Assessments carried out as part of the Council’s Duties under the Civil Contingencies Act. 

Emergency Risk Assessments are undertaken at the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum by the multi-agency partners.  The Thames Valley Community Risk Register is available as a public document at:

www.thamesvalleylrf.org.uk

The Council’s Emergency Plans are underpinned by an Emergency Response Team comprised of the Council’s Emergency Planning Officers and supported by Officers at Gold (Strategic), Silver (Tactical) and Bronze (Operational) levels.  The 21^st Century Council project has allowed us to strengthen this arrangement by inserting Silver emergency team roles into Job Descriptions.

A robust training package ensures that Officers required to respond to emergencies are fully trained and competent in their role, and now the high level management structure is in place for 21^st Century Council, a series of Silver level courses have been scheduled to ensure that our managers our fully trained.

We have an Emergency Operations Centre from which to manage such emergencies and a backup Emergency Operations Centre in case our primary venue is unavailable.

Our Out of Hours emergency call handler processes all of the Council’s out of hours calls and has access to our Out of Hours manual and emergency rotas, so that they are able to activate them at any time. 

In advance of recent terror attacks around the UK, the Council had developed a plan for a move to the Critical threat level and this included development of a Lockdown/Shelter Plan for the Shute End building.  This plan is in the early stages of development though it is planned to complete the rollout by the end of autumn 2017.

An E-learning training package for elected Members is being developed by the Emergency Planning Officers of the six Berkshire councils with a view to providing a consistent training package for all elected Members across Berkshire.  It is planned that this will be available towards the end of 2017.

Supplementary Question:

This is good information, but when are we likely to receive a briefing on it?

Supplementary Answer:

Two points.  One, the information is available on the website.  Two, specific training for Members is planned for later this year.

Question:

There are many examples where Members do not comment one way or another on planning applications and/or consultations in their own wards so what message does that send to residents and should they be encouraged to do so?

There are many examples where Members do not comment one way or another on planning applications and/or consultations in their own wards so what message does that send to residents and should they be encouraged to do so?

Answer

The Council receives over 3,000 planning applications each year and the relevant local ward Members are informed about each of these individually via an email that asks them to contact the allocated planning case officer if they have any concerns. As the majority of applications are for residential extensions and other minor proposals that have a limited impact, most do not generate resident and hence local Member concern, so in line with the consultation email, Members do not need to respond.

If, however, Members are concerned or are contacted by concerned residents, they are encouraged to contact the planning case officer to discuss the proposal, or if appropriate, to submit a listing request to trigger consideration and determination of more contentious applications by the full Planning Committee, rather than by delegated authority.

A Member response to every application would not necessarily be proportionate and I am content that Members use their own judgement when commenting on applications. They know their wards best and understand the planning proposals that will have the greatest potential impact on their communities.  

Supplementary Question

The question did make reference to planning applications and/or consultations in Members’ own wards. One of the advantages of being an independent Councillor is that one is not tied to a ruling party and the pressures that may come with that. This also, perhaps, explains why disgruntled residents contact me when they feel that they have been let down by their elected Councillors. For example, Shinfield, where many of the residents have contacted me over Bridge Farm gravel extraction and the cement factory, 2,000 houses in Grazeley and continued problems with the Shinfield Bypass. Their biggest concerns relate to the fact that their elected Councillors did not reply or even acknowledge their concerns. Is there a message that Shinfield Councillors would like me to pass on to their residents when they get in touch with me?

Supplementary Answer provided by Councillor Charlotte Haitham Taylor

There are some very rare instances when Council Members may have declared an interest in a planning application, not on a consultation, in which instance it is appropriate within a ward, sometimes with one ward Member, for another Member to make comments or represent those residents. They can do that at a Planning Committee or at different dates through a consultation period. You are talking about gravel extraction so I will make a reference to that. I have consulted with Andrew Moulton (Monitoring Officer) about this particular issue and I have declared a non-prejudicial personal interest in it.

Question:

Many residents have for some long time complained about the often near misses that have occurred when walking on shared pavement areas with cyclists.

Indeed, in walking myself, along only a short stretch of Smiths Walk at Woosehill with my dog, l often encounter speeding cyclists who give the impression of owning that entire walkway and who cycle at high speeds with a total disregard for any unfortunate resident, young or old that is also trying to share that space.  These are mostly adult male cyclists but can also be school boys.

Usually if it is suggested that they should respect other users and slow down you simply get a profanity in reply!

Despite all l have said, l am a big supporter of shared pedestrian cycle ways and this Council has invested millions in developing a network of them across our Borough for the enjoyment of all.  This is being spoilt and l would add lives are being put at risk from the rogue cycle users who bring shame on all cyclists, disrespect those walking and cycle at high speeds to and from work or school.

Indeed, despite there being a legal requirement that bikes should be sold with a bell or horn, few seem either to have them or at the very least wish to alert pedestrians of their presence.

So, what can the Council do to slow these cyclists down, educate them and ensure the safety of young and old pedestrians?

Many residents have for some long time complained about the, often, near misses that have occurred when walking on shared pavement areas with cyclists.

Indeed, in walking myself, along only a short stretch of Smiths Walk at Woosehill with my dog, l often encounter speeding cyclists who give the impression of owning that entire walkway and who cycle at high speeds with a total disregard for any unfortunate resident, young or old, that is also trying to share that space. These are mostly adult male cyclists but can also be school boys. Usually if it is suggested that they should respect other users and slow down you simply get a profanity in reply!

Despite all l have said, l am a big supporter of shared pedestrian cycle ways and this Council has invested millions in developing a network of them across our Borough for the enjoyment of all. This is being spoilt and l would add lives are being put at risk from the rogue cycle users who bring shame on all cyclists, disrespect those walking and cycle at high speeds to and from work or school.

Indeed, despite there being a legal requirement that bikes should be sold with a bell or horn, few seem either to have them or at the very least wish to alert pedestrians of their presence.

So, what can the Council do to slow these cyclists down, educate them and ensure the safety of young and old pedestrians?

Answer

The Council carries out significant work to educate cyclists including the “Bikeability” training programme which is aimed at 10 to 11 year olds.  Around 1,500 children are trained each year, before they go to secondary school. We aim to educate local cyclists to do the right thing from a young age. In the last 9 years we have educated over 11,300 children in Wokingham Borough.

Wokingham’s Bikeability Team are recognised by DfT as being high achievers and are regularly cited as examples of best practice and asked to speak at national events on the effectiveness of the programme.

Cycling safety is also built into Wokingham’s “My Journey” sustainable transport initiative, including travel planning advice given to new home owners in the Borough.Maps of cycle routes are provided as part of this initiative, which indicate the designated cycle routes across the Borough as we want our new residents to feel safe and to encourage transport behaviour change to include increased walking, cycling and use of public transport.

To compliment road safety education the Council has made best use of government grant and developer funding to deliver new cycle infrastructure, which is designed to encourage good transport behaviour, a recent example being the A329 cycle scheme.

The Council is also developing stronger partnership with Sustrans and, locally, the Reading Cycle Campaign. Both organisations do excellent work in promoting cycling and how to be safe while doing it. This includes being courteous to other road users.

A bell is not a legal requirement for cyclists.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.4

Question

In light of survivors of the Grenfell tragedy saying that they did not receive enough support directly after the disaster, are we confident that our Council has a robust emergency plan to provide a significant number of residents with immediate shelter and support if needed?

In light of survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy saying that they did not receive enough support directly after the disaster, how confident are we that our Council has a robust emergency plan to provide a significant number of residents with immediate shelter and support if needed?

Answer

Yes, we do have a plan. However, an emergency of that scale would test any single Local Authority, which is why Wokingham Borough Council has for over a decade annually reviewed and entered into formal and robust Mutual aid arrangements with the other five Berkshire Unitary Authorities.

I will give an overview of our arrangements for responding to a similar incident.

Wokingham Borough Council has an Emergency Response Team structured in such a way as to allow it to work alongside Emergency Service partners and a suite of emergency plans to cater for incidents such as Grenfell.

Our Rest Centre Plan is the plan we would activate to allow us to receive evacuees that have been made unintentionally homeless. Our largest single Rest Centre is Loddon Valley Sport Centre and this can cater for approximately 320 people (sleeping – seated capacity is nearer 1000).  We have stocks of Evacuation equipment (airbeds, sleeping bags, pillows, toiletry kits) available to us sufficient to cater for approximately 100 in Wokingham, over 600 when combined with Reading Council’s stocks and over 800 when combined with all the Council stocks across Berkshire.

The Council has robust numbers of trained staff at all levels. Further training in respect of Silver level is due to be delivered in September 2017 following the recent 21^st Century Council appointments. 

Wider ongoing support and aftercare for those affected by such an incident is the responsibility of individual Council services.

A reminder of the importance of planning to proactively support victims of such incidents is picked up regularly through the Council’s Business Continuity Planning process.

Supplementary Question

Can you tell me how the emergency teams practice for the possibility of such events?

Supplementary Answer

This is done in a number of ways, such as table top exercises, live exercises and feedback/learning from real incidents. All of these are undertaken by single agencies and multi-agency working. A range of exercises and specific training programmes are arranged across these areas. The next table top exercise, for example, is to be held with the Fire and Rescue service hosting. That will provide an opportunity to address some of the issues relating to evacuees. The next major training exercise relevant to the Grenfell incident will be a multi-agency mass fatality training session, scheduled for September 2017.

Question

The Council has been running the pilot car parking charges scheme in Woodley for nearly a year.  Can the Executive Member provide an update on when the results of the comparison against the Borough-wide system will be available?

The Council has been running the pilot car parking charges scheme in Woodley for nearly a year. Can the Executive Member provide an update on when the results of the comparison against the Borough-wide system will be available?

Answer

The “Woodley Car Parking trial” has been running from September 2016 and is due to expire at the end of September 2017, when it would revert to the Sunday and Evening charging that operates elsewhere in the Borough.

Before making a permeant decision on car parking in Woodley it is essential the data from the trial has been available for a full year, to show seasonal variations. The data collection and analysis has a 2-3 month lag period.  Therefore, this takes us to the end of 2017 before an informed decision could be made.

As you are aware Civil Parking Enforcement is programmed to “go live” across the borough from October 2017. The associated improved parking enforcement will reduce congestion, improve road safety, and is likely to have an impact on the parking behaviour of Wokingham Borough’s residents, commuters and shoppers. The impact of Civil Parking Enforcement is unlikely to be available until the end of 2018.

Due to the timescales above it is likely that the Council will look to extend the current Woodley car parking trial at the Executive committee in September until the end of 2018. That is a decision for the Executive, but I hope that my colleagues will agree with that assessment.

Supplementary Question

Can you assure me that the impact on Woodley car park revenues of the Traveller incursions, referred to by Councillor Baker when presenting the petition, will be taken into consideration?

Supplementary Answer

Yes, of course it will be. It would be an invalid comparison if we did not do that.

Due to time constraints, the following questions were not put and received written answers as set out below.

Question

Can the Executive Member provide an update on the regeneration works on Peach Street?

Can the Executive Member provide an update on the regeneration works on Peach Street?

Answer

January 9^th this year saw Dawnus Construction Limited start work on delivering Peach Place for the Council in line with the programme.

Since then work has continued to progress well and over the last six months we’ve complete the following

·           Strip out the buildings across the site including the removal of asbestos and disconnection of utility services;

·           Demolish the existing Peach Street buildings and undertake party wall works to the adjacent buildings, the Redan and Costa;

·           Work closely with utility companies to achieve the re-routing and connection of power, water and telecoms services;

·           Pour the foundations for the new Peach Street buildings;

·           And, just last week, we’ve started erecting the steelwork of the buildings fronting Peach Street.

This has all been managed with minimum disruption to the town centre. We continue to set ourselves ambitious targets, such as getting the Peach Street lane restriction removed within 15 weeks and continuing to keep Rose Street open for two way traffic whilst works are carried out to services, and we continue to achieve them successfully.

We fully expect to achieve our target of Peach Place being completed ready for Christmas next year.

As can be seen from the hoardings around the site, Peach Place will be a great new destination for Wokingham.

We will be bringing great new retailers and restaurants to the town centre, improving the offer for local residents and visitors, with better variety and choice of shops and new places to relax with friends and family, away from traffic and benefitting from outdoor seating. We’re in negotiations with some great companies which I know local residents will be excited to see come to Wokingham and I’m looking forward to sharing more in the coming months.

We’re also creating the kind of outdoor space which will be perfect for expanding existing events like local markets and specialist markets along with the Fayres and Carnivals that bring so many people to town.

But it’s not just about what we’re doing to improve the experience of people coming to Wokingham. It’s also about the other benefits the Peach Place scheme brings such as

·         the creation of new jobs, with over 50 new construction jobs and over 100 new permanent jobs in the retail and restaurants at Peach Place alone

·         New homes that will bring around £700k per year additional spend into the local economy and help create a safer and more vibrant location, as well as helping deliver the regeneration at no cost to the tax payer

·         £358k in contributions towards local infrastructure such as schools and leisure

·         Circa £1.5m a year in rental income which can be used to help fund projects and services for residents across the Borough for years to come

Benefits like these, and more, are echoed across our regeneration proposals. At Elms Field and Carnival too.

Personally, I can’t wait for the scheme to be finished and am pleased to see  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.7

Question

Does the Executive Member support the Government’s proposals to ban landlords and letting agents from forcing tenants to pay letting fees as a condition of their tenancy?

Does the Executive Member support the Government’s proposals to ban landlords and letting agents from forcing tenants to pay letting fees as a condition of their tenancy?

Answer

The Council welcomes the proposals to remove fees and cap the deposit payable by prospective tenants. Private rental accommodation in Wokingham Borough is limited in supply and expensive for tenants, so these measures should improve affordability. As a Council, we often have to assist our more vulnerable residents (for example, those facing homelessness) access private rented accommodation through the provision of interest-free loans to cover these upfront costs.

As with any new policy, we will monitor its impact locally when the measures take effect to see if there are any unintended consequences. For example, where supply is so constrained, it is possible that landlords will try to pass the additional costs on through higher rents. With lower deposits, landlords may also become more risk adverse when selecting tenants, which could further restrict the supply of private rented homes available to those on benefits. We hope that this will not be the case in Wokingham Borough and these new measures will help residents access the private rented sector.

Question

Can the Executive Member explain what training, including use of the IT systems, will be available on 21^st Century Council for Members and staff?

Can the Executive Member explain what training, including use of the IT systems, will be available on 21^st Century Council for Members and staff?

Answer

Staff within Phase One went through an extensive 6 week transition programme  this included attending training (where relevant) on a number of new IT systems, a launch event and several meetings with their line manager.

In addition to this all budget managers are currently being trained on the new budget management software over the coming weeks

Floorwalkers were present during the first week of go live and a network of staff (Super users) have been given extra support and training to help people over the coming weeks/months. This approach will be replicated during Phase 2 of the programme.

Training for Councillors is being developed in conjunction with the relevant officer/councillor groups and will be ongoing over the life of the programme. Initially there is a round of briefing sessions for Councillors to better understand the programme and there will be a number of drop in sessions focussing on accessing Office365 (email, calendar and contacts) and the resident self-service portal on  20^th and 26^th July.

Question

What is the process used to decide which roads in the Borough are resurfaced, including how the work is scheduled, how these decisions are recorded and reported, and when this process was last updated?

What is the process used to decide which roads in the Borough are resurfaced, including how the work is scheduled, how these decisions are recorded and reported, and when this process was last updated?

Answer

As promoted by Government, and following the adoption at Executive of Wokingham’s Highways Asset Management Policy and Strategy in 2016, roads for treatment are determined from technical highway assessment surveys and analysis, which produce an annual programme of roads for treatment on an annual basis.

The annual programme is designed to undertake sensitive roadworks during school holiday periods when there is reduced traffic; the remaining roads are programmed over the remainder of the year and agreed in advance with the Council’s contractors to ensure resources are available.

As Executive Member for Highways and Transport I have sight of this programme before it is published; and support this technical approach which ensures the roads that are most in need are given the appropriate treatment; ensuring value for money for Wokingham’s residents and businesses.

A period of 20 minutes will be allowed for Members to ask questions in relation to the latest circulated volume of Minutes of Meetings and Ward Matters

Question

My residents are asking about Bulmershe Pool. They would like to know what is happening?

Answer

The project is currently in the planned development stage.

Question

Earlier this year I asked several questions of the then Executive Member for Environment about Re3’s charges for DIY waste. A resident in my ward has recently asked if these charges are still in operation. Two junior Ministers and a Cabinet Minister have stated that there should not be charges for DIY waste. Just before the previous Leader of the Council resigned he indicated in the press that he was willing to ask Officers to suspend these charges. Nothing has happened since the General Election. When will the charges be suspended?

Answer

A large number of people have expressed opinions on this issue including some members of the Government and MPs. The advice we are getting is that the situation is not clear. We are expecting the Government to publish a policy statement. Once we have that policy statement we will review our charging position. In the meantime the charges will continue.

Question

In my ward, Hawkedon, most of the roads were built in the early 1980s and are now in need of repair. I read in the newspapers that there is a sum of £1bn to be handed over to Councils to upgrade crumbling roads. Unfortunately, I understand that this money will not be available until 2020. Would the Executive Member for Highways and Transport agree with me that an appropriate amount of this money be used to repair the roads in my ward?

Answer

Dividing up the roads programme on a ward by ward basis would be contrary to effective highways asset management, promoted by the Government and adopted by the Council’s Executive in 2016. Not targeting investment where it is most needed across the Borough would not deliver value for money for Wokingham’s residents and businesses.

Technical assessments, including road scanning machines combined with visual assessments by qualified engineers ensures parity in relation to the best use of the Council’s overall maintenance resources. Any additional funding made available for road maintenance from Central Government would be gratefully received by Wokingham Borough Council.

In the meantime, I am happy to accompany Councillor Firmager and the other ward Members in looking at the roads in Hawkedon that are causing concern.

Question

Reading University borrowed £28m from Central Government, as an advance against Section 106 contributions in the Shinfield SDL, in order to build the Eastern Relief Road for Shinfield village. The project is now over 12 months late and there has been a recent discovery of flooding in the new road, near the University bridge. Have the technical issues causing this flooding been resolved and when will remedial works start?

Answer

A solution to the groundwater problem has been agreed between the works promoter, Reading University, their agents, Hochtief, and the Council. The Council will take over the new road once it is finally completed. Works commenced at the beginning of June 2017.

Reading University have since communicated that the works will be completed in August 2017. Based on past performance, the Council lacks confidence that Reading University will deliver on this timeline. Only when the Council is satisfied with the condition of the entire relief road will an opening date be communicated by the University. Only then will the route be open and fit for purpose.

Question

A cycle lane is being constructed on the Reading Road in Emmbrook. This is currently dangerous for cyclists and is causing concern amongst residents due to the ongoing building works which affect traffic going into and out of town. Can you update us on the date when the works will be finished?

Answer

The Reading Road Cycle Way scheme commenced on time as per the initial communication to Members, local businesses and residents. The scheme has fallen behind schedule. The bus shelter which had to be relocated had a Scottish and Southern Electric (SSE) board connection rather than a Council connection which would normally be expected to power a bus shelter. This unforeseen issue caused a three week delay while the Council waited for SSE to disconnect the shelter to enable its relocation. SSE were unwilling to attend the site earlier. This led to some modification of the programme to enable progress. However, the contractor fell behind the programme slightly. As the project proceeds the contractor is endeavouring to catch up with the original programme.

Affected businesses were informed well in advance of the works. Regrettably, to implement a large improvement scheme on the network, funded by Central Government in this case, local residents, businesses and motorists will have to deal with some disruption while the works are under way. I can confirm that the Council intends to keep disruption to a minimum as it does on all highways projects.

Yesterday, I had an update which is that the project is now on track and progressing as per the programme. There are still some parts of the scheme that require attention. The bus stop at Emmbrook is not finished due to a broken kerb stone. This is a large “Kessel” kerb used to bring the levels up to meet the entrance of a bus. We hope that these works can take place next week. After that Queensbury will install the shelter. I am not sure about your comments on safety so I would be grateful if you could let me have more details.

Question

For some time now the grant of £15k to Woodley Town Centre Management Initiative (TCMI) has been built into the base budget. Recently, the Town Centre Manager has been called in to explain how this money is invested and what return the town receives. Whilst he has done this before, and will do so again, he has not been required to do this for several years. In the last few months several additional millions have been committed through the Wokingham regeneration project at the same time as the grant to the TCMI appears to be questioned.

Can I ask the Executive Member to provide reassurance that this is merely a new process and that the £15k grant to the TCMI is not at risk?

Answer

The Woodley TCMI has been supported by Wokingham Borough Council to help maintain a successful town centre in Woodley, making it attractive for retailers, businesses, residents and the general public. The aspirations of the Woodley TCMI complement Wokingham Borough Council’s Economic Development Strategy which aims to create a place where businesses thrive.

Wokingham Borough Council contributes £15k, as Councillor Baker has said, towards the cost of employing the Woodley Town Centre Manager. This is paid as part of the Economic Development budget. Wokingham Borough Council is a member of the Management Committee responsible for the policy and direction of the Woodley TCMI plan. The Committee oversees the expenditure of funds and the annual budgets. The Borough’s Economic Development Officer also supports the Woodley Town Centre Manager in relation to various projects and initiatives. The Woodley TCMI and Town Centre Manager create a more dynamic town centre through various activities, events and markets. The Town Centre Manager ensures effective communication between traders, residents and other official bodies in the town centre.

The Woodley TCMI grant is reviewed annually, in line with other grants, and has to demonstrate value for money for Council Taxpayers. The Woodley grant will be reviewed in line with other grants. We do not foresee it changing at the present time, but it does need to deliver value for money and a return on our investment. That is why the Town Centre Manager was called in.

Question

Residents on the Cala Homes development are deeply disappointed that a marketing suite has been built by Cala without planning permission where they had promised to build a play park. Please can you explain what the Council is doing to ensure that the planning procedure is followed and the play park does get built?

Answer

Once the issue of the construction of the marketing and sales suite by Cala Homes, without the benefit of planning permission, was brought to the Council’s attention, Officers acted quickly to prevent further development and prevented it from being brought into use. A planning application was submitted and is currently under consideration. In view of the earlier questions, I would encourage ward Members to comment on that application if they so wish. The marketing suite is to be located in an open area not intended for the play park equipment and it is to be landscaped as open space.

The Council has been advised that the play equipment was ordered at the beginning of July as requested by Council Officers. Cala will push for it to be delivered at the earliest possible time, hopefully before the eight week lead in time, but they are in the hands of the manufacturers. They will remove the unsightly hoarding between the open space and the proposed marketing suite and will also commence the preparation works for the play area prior to the delivery of the play equipment so that it can be installed as soon as it is delivered to the site.

Question

Many of my residents eagerly await the installation of a safe route to Bohunt School. Improvements under way to the footway down the Nine Mile Ride are welcomed by the wider community. Likewise the cycle route using the greenway under construction between my ward and Barkham is also welcome for a variety of purposes. However, many residents will not recognise this as a safe route to school given that it is a country route and increasingly looks like it will not be lit in the winter months.

Many children will cycle down the improved Nine Mile Ride footway rather than walk it. Will the Council address the issue of land illegally acquired by residents so that the improved Nine Mile Ride footway can be upgraded further to incorporate cycle usage? It will take a couple of years to be completed but, to date, it is a process that the Executive have been too frightened to start. For how long will the Executive put the assumed Tory votes along the Nine Mile Ride before the safety of the wider community’s children?

Answer

The route down the Nine Mile Ride to the Bohunt School is a safe walking route to school. I appreciate the desire of some residents in Finchampstead to have a cycle route. That is still under consideration and, as you point out, there have been difficulties caused by residents’ encroachment onto Nine Mile Ride.

Question

My question relates to the remodelling of the bus gate at Tabby Drive and Basingstoke Road in Three Mile Cross. Nothing seems to have started on this. It was scheduled to have been completed 15 months ago. Please can I have an update?

Answer

I am pleased to report that both the initial feasibility and detailed design work for this scheme have recently been completed by Officers. We are in discussion with our highways contractors, their traffic signal suppliers and the network management team to find a three week window to carry out the work. Due to the level of activity already booked on the highway network over coming months this is proving difficult. However, it is a priority and we hope to complete the scheme this calendar year.

Question

In relation to Simons Lane which runs from Winnersh into Emmbrook, when is it going to be paved?

Answer

I will look into that and provide an answer outside the meeting.

Question

In the storms earlier this week one and a half inches of rain fell on Maiden Erlegh in under an hour. This caused major problems on local roads. Can you advise on the expenditure on the roads in Earley over the last five years and can you specify how much has been spent in Maiden Erlegh in that time?

Answer

In the last five years £2.1m has been spent in Earley town (the three wards) and £1.2m in Maiden Erlegh ward.

To consider any motions

In accordance with Procedure Rule 4.2.11.2 a maximum period of 30 minutes will be allowed for each Motion to be moved, seconded and debated, including dealing with any amendments.  At the expiry of the 30-minute period debate will cease immediately, the mover of the Motion or amendment will have the right of reply before the Motion or amendment is put to the vote

‘This Council expresses its thanks to the Police, Ambulance and Fire Services for their professional and dedicated actions arising from the recent terrorist attacks and the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington.

This Council will lobby the Government to ensure these vital emergency services receive the necessary funding and resources to meet their increased obligations arising from such events.’

In accordance with Section 4.2.13.8 of the Constitution (Alteration of Motion) Lindsay Ferris requested that the Motion set out in the Agenda be altered to add the words highlighted below:

“This Council expresses its thanks to the Police, Ambulance and Fire Services for their professional and dedicated actions arising from the recent terrorist attacks and the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington.

The Council will lobby the Government, where appropriate, and in consultation with the Fire Authority and other relevant Bodies, to ensure these vital emergency services receive the necessary funding and resources, and take on board any necessary changes to practice, to meet their increased obligations arising from such events”.

Upon being put to the vote, the altered Motion was accepted and became the substantive Motion for debate.

The Motion was proposed by Councillor Ferris and seconded by Councillor Haitham Taylor.

During the debate Members commented on the outstanding bravery and professionalism demonstrated by the emergency services in a number of recent high profile incidents. The impact of public sector pay restraint, as discussed earlier in the meeting, was also highlighted in relation to recruitment and retention issues for key services.

Members noted that the specific areas for lobbying activity would become clearer once the initial findings of the Grenfell Inquiry were made public.

Following debate and upon being put to the vote, the substantive Motion was declared by the Mayor to be carried.

RESOLVED: This Council expresses its thanks to the Police, Ambulance and Fire Services for their professional and dedicated actions arising from the recent terrorist attacks and the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington.

The Council will lobby the Government, where appropriate, and in consultation with the Fire Authority and other relevant Bodies, to ensure these vital emergency services receive the necessary funding and resources, and take on board any necessary changes to practice, to meet their increased obligations arising from such events.