Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN

Contact: Priya Patel  Head of Democratic and Electoral Services

Media

Items
No. Item

42.

Minutes' Silence

Minutes:

A minutes’ silence was observed to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

43.

Apologies

To receive any apologies for absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were submitted from Councillors Pauline Helliar Symons, Rebecca Margetts and Jackie Rance.

44.

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 156 KB

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 July 2022.

 

Minutes:

The Minutes of the Council meeting held on 21 July 2022 were confirmed as a correct record, subject to the following amendments and signed by the Chair.

 

Page 25, Item 39 – substitute ‘Local Policing Commander’ for ‘Police and Crime Commissioner’.

 

The inclusion of Keith Baker’s apologies for absence.

45.

Declarations of Interest

To receive any declarations of interest

Minutes:

The following Members made a personal declaration of interest in relation to items on the Agenda:

 

·        Prue Bray as a Director of Berry Brook Homes and WBC Holdings Ltd.

·        Stephen Conway as a Director of Loddon Homes and WBC Holdings Ltd and a Trustee of the Polehampton .

·        David Hare as a Director of Optalis Ltd.

·        Clive Jones as a Director of Loddon Homes and WBC Holdings Ltd.

 

46.

Mayor's Announcements

Following the sad passing of our monarch, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the Mayor will be inviting the Council to pay tribute to the Queen.

 

Minutes:

The Mayor invited Members to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

 

It was agreed that the time allocation for this item be extended to enable all tributes from Members to be heard.

 

Caroline Smith:

It is exactly a fortnight that we heard the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  In this period so many words have been said by literally millions of people in condolences, thanks, memories, and tributes, that whatever I say will probably have been said already.

 

It is my great honour to begin tonight by leading the Council’s own tributes to her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. This great lady has been part of this nation’s shared consciousness for so many years.  Many of us here tonight, have only ever known this one great monarch.  I am sure we have all shared our grief with the nation during the recent time of mourning. King Charles described his mother’s life as ‘a life well lived.’  This is a fitting tribute to a woman who lived her life to the full, keeping her promise to the nation far beyond the expectations of one so young, before taking on the role of our Queen.  We must also bear in mind that not only have we lost our Queen, but that her children have lost a beloved mother, their families have lost their wonderful grandmother and a great grandmother.  It is terrible to lose one so loved.

 

One memory that really helps me remember our wonderful Queen, was a picture of her walking past Prince Philip who was dressed in the uniform of the Grenadier Guards, when a swarm of bees disrupted the smooth running of the ceremony at Windsor.  The photographer captured the Queen perfectly in a fit of giggles.  We will never forget how central our Queen was to all our lives, across Wokingham, the nation, the Commonwealth, and the world.  We must remember and celebrate her life of service and devotion as we struggle with our loss.  Thank you Ma’am.

 

Clive Jones:

The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will have touched many people throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and indeed the whole world.  Queen Elizabeth II was a towering global personality and an outstanding leader.  She dedicated her life to making the nation, the Commonwealth, and the entire world, a better place.  As a 21 year old she dedicated her life to one of service to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth – a promise she wonderfully kept.  This is an example to so many people and a huge example to anyone in, or aspiring to public service.  She reminded us of important underrated qualities; duty, dedication, stability, an aim for unity, dignity, calm, unfaltering, a lengthy 70 years of a lifetime of service.  Everyone will have special memories of her reign.  Many will remember her parachuting in, to open the Olympic Games in 2012 with James Bond, and the celebration of her 70 years  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

47.

Public Question Time

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

Minutes:

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

47.1

Tony Johnson asked the Leader of the Council the following question:

 

Question

In Wokingham Borough Council’s Constitution of 21st July 2022, the "Timing and Order of Business" for Annual Council and Full Council both say 

"Except as provided by Rule 4.2.2.1, the order of business at the Annual Meeting will be:” - before going on to define the order for the respective meeting.

 

As Rule 4.2.2.1 is itself the "Timing and Order of Business" for Full Council, should that reference really be to Rule 4.2.2.2 "Change to Order of Business” and has this reference been incorrect as far back as Wokingham Borough Council’s Constitution of November 2015?

 

Minutes:

In Wokingham Borough Council’s Constitution of 21st July 2022, the "Timing and Order of Business" for Annual Council and Full Council both say 

"Except as provided by Rule 4.2.2.1, the order of business at the Annual Meeting will be :” - before going on to define the order for the respective meeting.

 

As Rule 4.2.2.1 is itself the "Timing and Order of Business" for Full Council, should that reference really be to Rule 4.2.2.2 "Change to Order of Business” and has this reference been incorrect as far back as Wokingham Borough Council’s Constitution of November 2015 ?

 

Answer:

Mr Johnson thank you very much for bringing this typographical error to our attention. 

 

As you rightly state, in the extract included in your question, “Rule 4.2.2.1” should actually state “Rule 4.2.2.2” in both instances and yes, the error has appeared in the Constitution since 2015.

 

We are intending to address this typographical error at our next Council meeting in October.

 

Thank you again for bringing it to our attention.

 

Supplementary Question:

It would appear that except for this meeting and the last one, this Council has been acting beyond the powers granted in its own Constitution in changing the order of past meetings.

 

Although addressed to the Leader, this supplementary is as much for all of you as Members.  Would this Council prefer to behave and conduct itself in accordance with the existing Constitution or should you citizen Councillors find a tennis court somewhere and work out a more equitable Constitution which is not subject to the diktat of whichever autocrat or bureaucrat believes they are in charge? Vox Pop Vox Dei as one Member remarked recently, although in English.

 

Supplementary Answer:

Thank you very much Tony.  I am sure I speak for everyone in the Chamber when I say that we would prefer to conduct ourselves in accordance with the Constitution.  The substantive part of your question I will come back to you with a written answer.

47.2

Alan Davis asked the Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways the following question:

 

Question

In implementing its current policies and processes for road maintenance, which result in priority given to roads with high traffic density, how does the Council actively manage the risk of injury to pedestrians and other road users (including consequent compensation claims) in poorly maintained roads with low traffic density, like South Close?

 

Minutes:

In implementing its current policies and processes for road maintenance, which result in priority given to roads with high traffic density, how does the Council actively manage the risk of injury to pedestrians and other road users (including consequent compensation claims) in poorly maintained roads with low traffic density, like South Close?

 

Answer:

The selection of roads to be included in the annual planned structural maintenance programme is based upon UK Pavement Management System (UKPMS) which includes annual Network Condition Surveys and our own internal design process (including site visits to check the condition survey scores and where required core sampling to establish the scale of intervention to be recommended).  This is recognised by central government and the wider industry through its code of practice as the national standard for a well-managed highway infrastructure.  Wokingham Borough Council structural maintenance programme is based on the condition score of each road. Schemes with the highest condition score are being prioritised first.

 

This approach ensures that the annual structural maintenance programme is based on meeting the highest priority needs on the WBC network within the funding available.

 

In addition to the annual UKPMS described earlier, the network is also subject to safety inspections as defined by the Wokingham’s Highways Inspection Policy.  These inspections are carried out by trained and competent inspectors at defined frequencies to ensure it is safe for public use.  In between inspections defects can be reported to the Borough Council, and these will be inspected and repaired if they meet the required criteria.

 

Supplementary Question;

I understand that roads like South Close are subject to this annual inspection to assess their condition, and it is those assessments which inform the Council’s decisions on road maintenance priorities.  They are therefore very important.  Would Councillor Fishwick please be prepared to share the current inspection report for South Close with me, and then come and assess for himself with me, how closely that inspection report matches the reality?

 

Supplementary Answer:

I would be happy to meet you on site.

47.3

Andy Bailey asked the Executive Member for Planning and Local Plan the following question:

Minutes:

Can the Executive Member for Planning please update me on the next phases of the Local Plan Update (LPU) including approximate dates?

 

Answer:

A new cross party Member Working Group has been established to consider options on how we might best plan for development going forward. 

 

The Working Group has recently been briefed on the main issues raised by respondents to previous consultations and continues to be briefed on any new technical evidence as it emerges.  The new group is currently in the process of familiarising themselves with larger scale promotions across the Borough.  This will involve visiting each area and receiving a presentation from the promoters as to their vision.  Work will then continue to review the options.

 

The programme for submitting a new Local Plan will be highly influenced by whether a further consultation is required before proceeding to confirm the strategy we wish to submit for examination.  A further consultation is most likely should the decision be to vary significantly from the strategy previously consulted on.

 

I do not however expect to be in a position to confirm the detailed programme until early next year.

 

Supplementary Question;

Does this Administration support building houses beyond the planned period?

 

Supplementary Answer:

This is a very controversial question.  I think there is a very important announcement from one of the interim Secretary of State’s for Levelling Up.  He raised the issue about flood resilience, and in particular flood resilience needed to be taken account of during the whole duration of a planning development.  I find it very difficult to be able to consider the planning and flooding arrangements for a site close to a river, or any river for that matter, which takes us 20 years into the future.

48.

Petitions

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

Minutes:

The following members of the public presented a petition in relation to the matters indicated.

 

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

 

Heather Murray

Heather Murray presented a petition with over 538 signatures regarding road safety on William Heelas Way.

 

To be forwarded to the Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways.

 

Alan Davis

Alan Davis presented a petition of all the residents of South Close regarding road and pavement repair, resurfacing and maintenance on South Close.

 

To be forwarded to the Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways.

 

 

49.

Presentation by the Chief Fire Officer, Wayne Bowcock, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service

To receive a presentation from Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer,  Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

 

The presentation is expected to be approximately 20 minutes in duration after which there will be an opportunity for Member questions of no more than 10 minutes in duration

Minutes:

Council received a presentation from Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

 

The presentation covered the following points:

 

·       RBFRS performance – the response standard had increased from 68.9% in Q1 2021 to 70.1% in Q1 2022, but was still below the 75% target.  Safe and well checks had increased significantly.

·       Prevention – prevention proposals for 2020-2023 were outlined including –

o   Focus activities in support of children and young people through road and water safety education programmes, Fire Cadets and Fire Safe;

o   Within the Road Safety Programme targeted activity for motorcyclists based on risk;

o   Enhance the quality and quantity of referrals received through the Adults Referral Programme (ARP).

·       Response – response proposals for 2020-2023 were outlined including

Ø  Undertake a review of our specialist water rescue capability to ensure it continues to be aligned to local risk and national best practice

Ø  In 2022/23, we propose to undertake a review of our incident support capability to ensure it continues to be aligned to local risk and reflects national best practice

 

·       Protection –

Ø  Develop Risk-Based Inspection Programme methodology to look at both risk to property and risk of compliance.

Ø  Actively promote the use of sprinklers and suppression systems as part of the overall fire safety solution to improve fire safety in both new and existing buildings.

·       Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) – Members were informed of a forthcoming public consultation on the Corporate Risk Management Plan.

·       Financial Position –

Ø  (2022/2023 Budget - £38.446 million)

Ø  Between April 2016 – March 2022 we have delivered the final efficiency plan target savings of £2.401 million

Ø  2022/23 deficit forecast is £650k (1.7% of budget)

Ø  We are looking at unfunded pay awards where each 1% = £200k to base revenue

Ø  4th lowest level of reserves as % of budget in England

Ø  In 8th lowest precepting Fire Authorities in England

 

·       Sector wide challenges – e.g., climate challenge had seen an increase in wildfires and flooding incidents.  Also the challenge of ‘greening’ the organisation such as its infrastructure.

 

Following the presentation, Members asked the questions set out below:

 

Question from Imogen Shepherd-DuBey

What plans are being made to make the Fire Service more environmentally friendly – solar panels on buildings, electric vehicles will make the fire service more energy efficient, but are you also using biodegradable foam and other materials?

 

Answer:

We are funding buildings, electric vehicles etc. that is probably slower than I would like, particularly on the estates side of the situation.  I am very pleased to say that we have invested a lot of the capital side of the organisation in the development of three fire stations that all have photovoltaic cells, some have grey water recovery etc.  Where we can in new builds, we are developing the buildings to be more sustainable, and that has a significant impact on the revenue budget because we reduce our overheads as well.  Unfortunately, the remainder of the estate, another 14 buildings,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

50.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2021-22 pdf icon PDF 203 KB

To receive the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2021-22.

 

RECOMMENDATION:  That Council note:

 

1)    that the Treasury Management Mid-Year report was considered and agreed by the Audit Committee at their meeting on Wednesday 27 July 2022; The Audit Committee approved recommendation 1) (“that all approved indicators set out in the treasury management strategy have been adhered to”) but wanted it noted that in fact the indicator for % of internal borrowing to CFR (29%) had not been met, with the outturn indicator at 44%.  It was agreed this was in fact a positive reflecting a reduction in required external borrowing (reprofiling of the capital programme) and increase in cashflow of grants received.

 

2)    that all approved indicators set out in the Treasury Management Strategy have been adhered to;

 

3)    the contents of “Table A”, as set out in the report, which shows the net benefit per council tax band D equivalent, from the income generated less the financing costs on all borrowing to date equates to £22.25 per band D for 2021/22. This credit provides income to the Council to invest in its priority services.

 

4)    as at the end of March 2022, the total external general fund debt was £196m, which reduces to £72m after taking into account cash balances (net indebtedness).

 

5)    the Council’s realisable asset value of approximately £443m, of which its commercial assets are estimated at approximately £249m.

 

Minutes:

Council considered the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2021-22, set out at Agenda pages 33 to 44.

 

It was proposed by Imogen Shepherd-Dubey and seconded by Clive Jones that the recommendations contained within the report be agreed, subject to the deletion of recommendation 2 and renumbering of the subsequent recommendations. 

 

Imogen Shepherd-DuBey commented it was a good news story as it showed that the amount of external borrowing that the Council was predicted to need, had declined, reducing some of the potential impact on the General Fund.  The report showed that the investments that the Council had were of benefit to it.  However, the internal borrowing to capital financial requirement was outside of the target meaning that the Council had used more of its own internal money to finance its needs.

 

David Davies objected to the amendment of the recommendations.

 

John Kaiser thanked officers for the work that they had undertaken.  He believed that the Conservatives had left the Council in the very best place possible to deal with the issues.

 

RESOLVED:  That:

 

1)              It be noted the Treasury Management Mid-Year report was considered and agreed by the Audit Committee at their meeting on Wednesday 27 July 2022; The Audit Committee approved recommendation 1) (“that all approved indicators set out in the treasury management strategy have been adhered to”) but wanted it noted that in fact the indicator for % of internal borrowing to CFR (29%) had not been met, with the outturn indicator at 44%. It was agreed this was in fact a positive reflecting a 33 - 44 reduction in required external borrowing (reprofiling of the capital programme) and increase in cashflow of grants received;

 

2)       the contents of “Table A”, as set out in the report, which shows the net benefit per council tax band D equivalent, from the income generated less the financing costs on all borrowing to date equates to £22.25 per band D for 2021/22, be noted. This credit provides income to the Council to invest in its priority services;

 

3)       it be noted that as at the end of March 2022, the total external general fund debt was £196m, which reduces to £72m after taking into account cash balances (net indebtedness);

 

4)       it be noted that the Council’s realisable asset value of approximately £443m, of which its commercial assets are estimated at approximately £249m.

51.

Climate Emergency Action Plan Annual Progress Report 2022 July pdf icon PDF 102 KB

To consider the Climate Emergency Action Plan Annual Progress Report 2022 July.

 

RECOMMENDATION: That Council notes

 

1)    The progress made in the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) third progress report;

 

2)    The updates made from previous reports to demonstrate the expected trajectory that we calculate existing projects will deliver;

 

3)    That a more ambitious approach will be required going forward to enable WBC to play as full a role as possible in achieving a net-zero carbon borough by 2030;

 

4)    That this remains a live document and will continue to be updated as more details become available to support decision making. 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered the Climate Emergency Action Plan Annual Progress Report 2022 July, as set out on Agenda pages 45 to 178.

 

It was proposed by Sarah Kerr and seconded by Andrew Mickleburgh, that the recommendations set out within the report be approved.

 

Sarah Kerr thanked Members and those who had been Members in 2019 when a climate emergency had been unanimously declared, and Gregor Murray, the previous Executive Member, and the officer team for their hard work.  She also thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and Andy Croy for their involvement.

 

Sarah Kerr reported that there was still work to do including the incorporation of a roadmap but that the comments from scrutiny and previous Task and Finish Groups had been taken on board and SMART targets developed with a clear review of what the projected carbon savings would be, with actions within the plan. There was a significant gap which still needed to be addressed. There were three ways in which this could be done - do more as a local authority directly; work in partnership to form a one Wokingham approach; and lobby government to remove the existing barriers.  Business cases were being put together for new initiatives.

 

Andrew Mickleburgh commented that there was much to be pleased about.  The Action Plan would not currently achieve net zero by the target date and meaningful action was required.  He supported the call to lobby for greater government support and referred to the Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee which had been proposed.  Andrew Mickleburgh emphasised that Overview and Scrutiny’s concerns were being addressed and a road map was under consideration for future iterations of the Plan.

 

Gregor Murray commented that there were very few dedicated Climate Officers within the Council.  He indicated that recently Climate Emergency UK had undertaken an independent 6 month review of the Climate Action Plans of every authority in the UK.  Initially the Council had been rated 8th out of 400, an excellent achievement.  However, this had been downgraded to 22nd following consideration of information provided by an unknown individual.  He felt that this had undermined the officers’ hard work.

 

Prue Bray commented that last year Members had not been satisfied with the content of the Plan as it had not covered all it had needed to. She stressed that it was time to act as a Council and a Borough and the Plan needed to be taken to the next level.  It was still a work in progress.

 

Andy Croy commented that he appreciated the openness and transparency.  He felt that a key recommendation was that a more ambitious approach be taken as measures still fell short.  It would be vital to persuade more people to use public transport.  He emphasised the need for a Citizen’s Assembly.

 

Stephen Conway stated that it was fundamental to all residents and less progress would be made, the more the issue was politicised. 

 

Keith Baker sought clarification around the funding of the Local Cycling, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

52.

Single Use Plastics and Food Waste pdf icon PDF 87 KB

To receive a report regarding Single Use Plastics and Food Waste.

 

RECOMMENDATION: That Council notes:

 

a)    The reasons for the call-in request by the seven Councillors made on 20 July;

 

b)    The withdrawal of the original officer decision that ceased the provision of single use plastics for food waste caddies; and

 

c)     The key decision report that will be considered by Executive at its meeting of the 29September 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered a report regarding a decision taken in relation to Single Use Plastics and Food Waste, as set out on Agenda pages 179 to 184.

 

It was proposed by Prue Bray and seconded by Maria Gee, that the recommendations set out within the report be approved.

 

Prue Bray reminded Members that the report related to the process followed for a decision and not about whether they agreed or disagreed with the decision itself.   A request had been submitted for a report to Council, which argued that a key decision had been made without being properly advertised.  Officers had made the decision believing it not to be a key decision.  It had not been possible to state with clarity as to whether it was a key decision and the Officer had withdrawn the decision.  A decision would be made at the next Executive.

 

Pauline Jorgensen commented that the removal of free caddy liners was likely to damage the level of food recycling within the Borough, and the removal would cost more than it saved.

 

Keith Baker questioned where the business case for the removal was.  He felt that a call in was inevitable to a due a lack of transparency.

 

Norman Jorgensen expressed concerns about the process adopted and the decision itself.  He felt it likely that food recycling would decrease.  He highlighted that the budget papers were first considered by Overview and Scrutiny, and suggested that had there been a saving to be made it would have been identified at this stage.

 

Gregor Murray commented that residents had been told that the decision had been made to tackle the climate emergency, reducing the Borough’s use of single use plastics, and saving money.  He felt that the solution was not to remove caddy bin liners but to find an alternative source for them.

 

Stephen Conway reemphasised that the report referred to process.

 

Maria Gee highlighted that voting against the recommendations would not mean that the report would not be considered by the Executive.

53.

Continuation of the meeting

Minutes:

At this point in the meeting, 10.06pm, in accordance with Procedure Rule 4.2.12 (m), the Council considered a Motion to continue the meeting beyond 10.30pm for a maximum of 30 minutes to enable further business on the Agenda to be transacted.  The Motion was proposed by Prue Bray and seconded by Stephen Conway.

 

Upon being put to the vote, the Motion was declared by the Mayor to be carried.

 

54.

Single Use Plastics and Food Waste

Minutes:

Upon being put to the vote it was:

 

RESOLVED:  That the recommendations contained within the report not be approved.

 

55.

Member Question Time

To answer any member questions

 

A period of 30 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


Minutes:

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

55.1

Michael Firmager asked the Executive Member for Climate Emergency and Resident Services the following question:

 

Question

When he was Executive Member for Climate Emergency Councillor Murray following my introduction was working to provide Freely Fruity with land at the Barkham Solar Farm site to use as a permanent base for their fruit tree and vegetable growing charity. What will the new Executive Member do to ensure that Councillor Murray’s commitment to this amazing charity is delivered on?

 

Minutes:

When he was Executive Member for Climate Emergency Councillor Murray following my introduction was working to provide Freely Fruity with land at the Barkham Solar Farm site to use as a permanent base for their fruit tree and vegetable growing charity. What will the new Executive Member do to ensure that Councillor Murray’s commitment to this amazing charity is delivered on?

 

Answer

Thank you for your question, Michael and introducing Freely Fruity to the Council.  Establishing and maintaining strong partnerships is a priority for this Administration.  Sometimes as a local authority we have done things to our community rather than with them, and we must recognise that partnership working allows us to collectively achieve a lot more for the benefit of our community. 

 

I have been meeting and talking regularly with Freely Fruity about their work and aspirations and I have been really impressed with the work that they do. I am pleased that the Council is working with a vibrant ambitious charity which shares our objectives and commitments to addressing the climate emergency and our social values.

 

Our discussions with the charity are ongoing.  We are currently reviewing the business case to plant a community orchard, whilst considering the legal requirements for the use of the land, as well as being able to meet all the operational requirements that Freely Fruity require.  We need to ensure that we are being diligent with Council assets to secure best value for our residents.  In short, we are supporting their request in principle subject to the agreement of technical details.

 

Supplementary Question:

Freely Fruity recently won an award for their mission to plant more fruit trees in our community.  As Wokingham looks to plant hundreds of thousands more trees in the coming years, what proportion will be native fruit trees?

 

Supplementary Answer:

I cannot answer that at this moment in time and I will have to get you a written answer, but it is a good question so I will provide it in writing.

55.2

Gary Cowan asked the Leader of the Council the following question:

 

Question

Can Wokingham Borough Council use a confidentiality clause or ‘gagging clause’ if an elected councillor is the whistleblower and if so can they legally stop the elected councillor from making a protected disclosure even if the Councils own constitution suggests it can?

 

Minutes:

Can Wokingham Borough Council use a confidentiality clause or ‘gagging clause’ if an elected councillor is the whistleblower and if so can they legally stop the elected councillor from making a protected disclosure even if the Councils own constitution suggests it can?

 

Answer

Thank you for your question, Gary.

The Whistleblowing policy and guidance arrangements in the Constitution applies only to Council employees, former employees, agency staff and contractors engaged by the Council.  The policy protects their employment if they raise a concern about perceived danger or illegality by the Council that affects others.  It does not apply to elected Members, and therefore the protected disclosure rules will not apply to them as a Member has no employment to 'protect'. 

Any person including a Member should bring notice to the Council if they perceive any wrongdoing by the Council.

The Council must be seen to support whistle blowers, this is an important part of the democratic process.

 

Supplementary Question:

Section 9 of the Code of Conduct which covers Whistleblowing and Ethics, appears to be, if you read it, biased to the Council and its officers, not elected Councillors.  The examples are an officer can report an elected Councillor to the Standards Board and the Monitoring Officer, but an elected Councillor does not have the same rights.  Also, a senior officer can withdraw an elected Member’s rights to access junior officers.  There is a reference as well to ‘has the elected Councillor apologised to the officer?’, but there is no reference to ‘has the officer apologised to the elected Councillor?’  This would imply that wrongdoing is one sided.  Officers can use the word confidential on any document, but an elected Councillor cannot do so, at risk of disciplinary action, if they breach the confidentiality applied to a document.  Finally, if a critical comment is made by an elected councillor and the Council considers that it is not in the public interest… Very simply should this matter be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as on the surface it would appear to be not fit for purpose?

 

Supplementary Answer:

Thank you very much for your supplementary Gary.  I think you make some good points.  If its ok with you, I will get back to you in writing.

55.3

Laura Blumenthal asked the Executive Member for Housing the following question:

 

Question

When Councillor John Kaiser held the housing portfolio, he was exploring with officers to increase the percentage of social and affordable housing to 50% on all new sites. He was working towards including this as a policy amendment to the emerging Local Plan. This was to reflect the shortage of affordable homes in the Borough. Please can you share if you agree that this is a good idea to help tackle the housing crisis for those on lower income and will you be supporting this target yourself?

 

Minutes:

When Councillor John Kaiser held the housing portfolio, he was exploring with officers to increase the percentage of social and affordable housing to 50% on all new sites. He was working towards including this as a policy amendment to the emerging Local Plan. This was to reflect the shortage of affordable homes in the Borough. Please can you share if you agree that this is a good idea to help tackle the housing crisis for those on lower income and will you be supporting this target yourself?

 

Answer

Thank you for your question, Laura.  I greatly admired John Kaiser's work when he held the housing portfolio and I have spoken with him on housing matters since I succeeded him.

 

On the specific point about the 50% target for social and affordable housing on new sites, I too have been exploring this with officers.

 

A 50% target makes sense given that about half of new housing would need to be affordable if it were to meet local demand, as revealed in our own housing needs assessment, and of course in light of the number of residents waiting for suitable accommodation on the Council’s housing register.

 

Whether we can achieve 50%, or some percentage higher than the current 35% on major strategic developments locations, will depend on whether the viability of development at such a percentage can be demonstrated to the Local Plan Inspector.  It is important to remember that he or she is the final decision maker on this.  We have to balance, obviously, our requirement and desire for more affordable housing with other infrastructure requirements that we want developers to provide to mitigate the impact of new dwellings, such as highways improvements and new schools, as well as improving environmental performance.

 

Currently on most sites we do try and achieve a balance of affordable housing between primarily social rented housing which is about 70% of all affordable housing provision) and shared ownership which is around 30% of all affordable housing provision).  First Homes will soon come into play on some sites (as an affordable housing tenure), providing discounted market housing for first time buyers.  In an area such as ours however much of the discounted market housing will not be truly affordable to many of those who need accommodation.  Much of my effort, therefore, is directed to trying to maximize the social rented component of the affordable housing that we secure through the planning process.

 

Supplementary Question:

The previous Conservative Administration made a commitment to deliver an additional 1,000 affordable homes in the next 5 years using Council resources and the Council was on target to achieve this.  Is it your intention to maintain momentum and fulfil this commitment?

 

Supplementary Answer:

It most certainly is my intention to maintain momentum and in fact if it is possible, I would like to increase the pace.

55.4

Graham Howe asked the Executive Member for Children's Services the following question:

 

Question

In 2019 the Conservative administration started the Solar on Schools project. The economic rationale is that schools typically spend 84% of their budget on labour costs, 5% on standing costs and as at 2019, 5% on energy leaving only 6% for discretionary educational spend. By installing solar on schools the installations to date have shown savings which reduce energy to 3% of budget, therefore increase discretionary educational spend from 6% to 8%. Thanks to President Putin the world has changed. We must address ourselves to those things we can do something about. It is obvious the tripling in energy prices and no cap for schools, puts all schools into deficit. The council can do something about this by catalysing the solar on schools programme by adding batteries and monitoring systems to make greater utility energy savings. 

 

On the premise of addressing our energies to things we can do something about, will the Lead Member for Children's Services make sure the current Solar on Schools programme is accelerated to a full programme on all our 66 schools for the benefit of our 22,000 children, with immediate effect and inform Ward members of the scheduling progress within their wards?

 

Minutes:

In 2019 the Conservative Administration started the Solar on Schools project. The economic rationale is that schools typically spend 84% of their budget on labour costs, 5% on standing costs and as at 2019, 5% on energy leaving only 6% for discretionary educational spend. By installing solar on schools the installations to date have shown savings which reduce energy to 3% of budget, therefore increase discretionary educational spend from 6% to 8%. Thanks to President Putin the world has changed. We must address ourselves to those things we can do something about. It is obvious the tripling in energy prices and no cap for schools, puts all schools into deficit. The council can do something about this by catalysing the solar on schools programme by adding batteries and monitoring systems to make greater utility energy savings. 

 

On the premise of addressing our energies to things we can do something about, will the Lead Member for Children's Services make sure the current Solar on Schools programme is accelerated to a full programme on all our 66 schools for the benefit of our 22,000 children, with immediate effect and inform Ward members of the scheduling progress within their wards?

 

Answer

I thank Councillor Howe for this question, and I share his interest and concern for ensuring that schools and other settings are able to make the most of renewable energies, especially at a time of significant fuel price rises nationally.

 

As the Councillor will know, school governing bodies and trustees make decisions as they relate to the utilisation of their school resources rather than we as the council directing such measures, and as such we shall continue to encourage schools to explore the use of Solar Power as potential solutions to the issues you have rightly highlighted.

 

Supplementary Question:

Thank you for that answer and I know that we would be aligned in our objectives.  You are absolutely right that it is the governors that do make those decisions, and with all of our secondary schools and three quarters of our primary schools being academies, then that is even more applicable, but there are things that we could do with Salix Finance for example, and financial packaging, to create encouragement for this to happen.  In light of the Green Agenda, we all want to follow then I ask you please to do that, and make it a key part of the strategy within Children’s Services.

 

Supplementary Answer:

I would be very happy to work with Sarah Kerr, who is the lead on Climate Emergency, to do what we can to progress this programme because it is important.  We have just had that debate on the CEAP, and we do need to do all we can to encourage movement in that direction.

55.5

Shahid Younis asked the Executive Member for Finance the following question which was answered by the Executive Member for Housing:

 

Question:

With inflation rocketing, will the administration commit to freezing or below inflation rent rises for the Council's social housing tenants?

Minutes:

With inflation rocketing, will the Administration commit to freezing or below inflation rent rises for the Council's social housing tenants?

 

Answer

As you know, the ringfenced Housing Revenue Account relies on rent and social housing tenants to provide the money to repair and maintain existing rental properties.  The HRA also supports business plans to expand our social housing stock, such as the Gorse Ride project.  As an Executive Member I have to be mindful of the need to ensure the long term viability of the HRA which is not immune from the serious challenges we are experiencing across the Council; high inflation, rising demand for services, and shortfalls in anticipated income.  Even so, this Administration, is committed to focusing what support it can give on those who are least well off in our community.  I am very aware of the hardship faced by many of our tenants who are not supported by housing benefit or other state payments.  That constitutes about a third of the total of our HRA tenants, and therefore working with our officers to produce the lowest level of rent rise for existing tenants in a way that will protect the long term viability of the HRA.

 

Supplementary Question:

I think these are the most vulnerable people in our community.  I was expecting maybe a more firm commitment.  I understand the financial pressures as well, but hopefully you can give us some more of a firm commitment that definitely we will take some action, and the burden is reduced.  They are having to choose between putting food on the table or actually paying the rent.

 

Supplementary Answer:

I can assure you I am taking this very seriously indeed.  It is my ambition to ensure that we have the lowest level rise that we can possibly get.  I am very well aware of all of those issues that you talked about in terms of the human impact of all this, on vulnerable people in our community.

 

Of course, I will do everything I can to ensure that any rent increase is a minimal one.  I cannot say much more than that at the moment.  I am going through a period of proper consultation, including with our tenants, with TLIP.  We have a process we have to go through.  There is a government consultation on proposed caps coming up soon which we have to submit a formal response to.  You will perhaps see a little bit more of the thinking of the Administration in that response, and we have to of course wait for a final decision towards the end of the year.  That is when we will be able to firm this up, but I am very much in sympathy with what you are saying, and I will be doing my very best to ensure that we protect our tenants.

55.6

Stuart Munro asked the Leader of the Council the following question:

Question:

At a recent meeting of the overview and scrutiny management committee you stated that the town centre regeneration programme did not make money and therefore did not benefit the whole Borough. Can you please clarify this as this statement is very clearly incorrect?

 

Minutes:

At a recent meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee you stated that the town centre regeneration programme did not make money and therefore did not benefit the whole Borough. Can you please clarify this as this statement is very clearly incorrect?

 

Answer

My comments made at Overview and Scrutiny Management were made in relation to a question about opportunities to regenerate other areas of the Borough now, on the back of the Wokingham Town Centre regeneration programme. To clarify, the Wokingham Town Centre regeneration programme was a large investment for the authority and the income generated by this scheme is currently paying off the costs of the investment including debt repayment.  The income envisaged at the creation of the scheme is currently not being realised. 

 

Supplementary Question:

I do not think that it is the case.  I think you will find that the debt is now being paid faster.  My question is are you sure that is correct because I do not think that, that is true?

 

Supplementary Answer

I think it is true Stuart, but I will check and I will get back to you.

55.7

Keith Baker asked the Executive Member for Climate Emergency and Resident Services, the following question:

Question:

In January, this Council unanimously passed the Anti Abuse Charter. The Motion said progress updates would go to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny panel twice a year. When will it go to Overview and Scrutiny?

 

Minutes:

In January, this Council unanimously passed the Anti Abuse Charter. The motion said progress updates would go to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny panel twice a year. When will it go to Overview and Scrutiny?

 

Answer

It has been recommended to Council’s Corporate and Community Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review the work on the Anti-Abuse Charter as part of a Violence Against Women and Girls update at the November 2022 meeting and a further update on progress has been recommended as part of the March 2023 committee meeting.

 

55.8

Jackie Rance asked the Leader of the Council the following question. Due to her inability to attend the meeting the following written answer was provided:

 

Question:

At the elections of 2022, the Leader of the Council campaigned vigorously against housing at Halls Farm, and the electorate believed him. Please could Mr. Jones assure everyone that there will indeed be no development ever at Halls Farm?

Minutes:

At the elections of 2022, the Leader of the Council campaigned vigorously against housing at Halls Farm, and the electorate believed him. Please could Mr. Jones assure everyone that there will indeed be no development ever at Halls Farm.

 

Answer

As I and the Executive Member, Councillor Ferris have previously explained in answers to similar questions in May, June and July, our Administration is working closely with officers to look carefully at options for how we can best plan for our housing and development needs going forward in ways that ensure that our new local plan will pass as ‘sound’ at public examination.

 

I cannot pre-determine this process. 

 

This is a similar answer to a similar question given by your former leader on 23rd September 2021, when he said,"  I don’t believe that I am capable of answering that because it would be predetermination".

 

55.9

Peter Harper asked the Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways the following question:

 

Question:

Since the last consultation with the people of Finchampstead, the plans for the changes to California Crossroads have been changed and hence the results of that consultation are no longer valid.

 

Considering the length of time that has passed since the last consultation, will the Executive Member for Highways commit to carrying out a consultation on the proposed changes to the junction at California Crossroads?

 

Minutes:

Since the last consultation with the people of Finchampstead, the plans for the changes to California Crossroads have been changed and hence the results of that consultation are no longer valid.

 

Considering the length of time that has passed since the last consultation, will the Executive Member for Highways commit to carrying out a consultation on the proposed changes to the junction at California Crossroads?

 

Answer

The scheme is funded by S106 developer contributions tied to legal agreements from the Arborfield SDL and it can only be allocated to that project.

 

The scheme has been delayed for the last two years due to a combination of Covid and the Ridges being shut, otherwise it would have already been constructed.

 

The consultation that happened in late 2018/early 2019 is still valid as the designs have been based on that feedback.  The design has considered the feedback from the consultation and are shown in the latest plans.  We have been working closely with the Parish Council, Members and other stakeholders on the design and hope to begin construction next year.

 

56.

Minutes of Committee Meetings and Ward Matters

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

56.1

Alison Swaddle asked the Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways the following question:

Minutes:

Residents of Woodley are concerned by the dangerous cyclists in the pedestrianised town centre, and it does feel as if it is only a matter of time until someone is seriously injured.  I would like to ask what the Executive Member for Highways can do to deter cycling through the shopping area to improve safety for my residents?

 

Answer:

I have actually seen cyclists going through Woodley town centre.  It is something I will certainly look into for you, and I will get back to you.

56.2

Shirley Boyt asked the Executive Member for Evironment, Sport and Leisure the following question:

Minutes:

I am speaking about Bulmershe Leisure Centre which is in my ward.  I have had reports about increases in the cost of swimming which are huge.  I would like to ask the Executive Member, Ian Shenton if he could speak to Places Leisure to find out why the cost of a family swim has increased in certain age groups by 42%, which seems to be an extraordinary amount of money, and also in this climate people will just think ‘oh we can’t afford to teach our children to swim’, and I find that very worrying, particularly in light of what the Fire Officer said earlier about the dangers of water.  So could we just look into why we have these draconian increases for swimming at Bulmershe Leisure Centre?

 

Answer:

I am already looking into that following some exchanges of emails in the last week or so.  I am just waiting for answers at the moment, but I will get back to you and to Councillor Baker who was also involved.

56.3

Peter Dennis asked the Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways the following question:

Minutes:

Bearing in mind the petition we had earlier about Floreat School and the dangers there, I will note that there are issues with the crossing, traffic and pupil safety, so I would like to ask the Executive Member to do a site visit with me and an appropriate officer during a school drop off to actually observe and see the issues that we are aware of?

 

Answer:

I would be happy to meet you on site with an officer at school drop off time.

56.4

Laura Blumenthal asked the Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways the following question:

Minutes:

Parents are calling for pedestrian crossings to be installed along Fairwater Drive near Highgate Road.  This is a dangerous place for children to cross to get to school.  Will you support the parents’ call for a crossing?  There has already been a site visit with an officer.

 

Answer:

I will look to see if it is actually listed at the moment on the Integrated Transport Schedule, and then see where that is, and if any surveys have been done.  I will come back to you on that.

56.5

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey asked the Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways the following question:

Minutes:

The residents of Lenham Close have been looking for some double yellow lines on their road, between Old Forest Road and the flats.  I just wanted to know why it is not in the present roll up Traffic Regulation Order that was just put out please?

 

Answer:

Amendment 5 which is currently being consulted on, was set up under the previous Administration, so I am not sure why it has not been included, but I will find out where it is on the list, an whether it is going to be in Amendment 6.

56.6

Rachel Burgess asked the Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways the following question:

Minutes:

On the new Keep Hatch Gardens development in Norreys, there is a fenced off balancing pond on the corner of Oak Avenue and Binfield Road which includes much needed footpaths around that pond, which allow pedestrians to walk away from the busy road where there is no pavement.  This pond has been fenced off for months and months with weeds growing between the new paths around the pond and lots of fresh planting has died.  More importantly because the footpaths remain fenced off, there is no safe pedestrian route for those walking along Binfield Road.  They end up walking in the road because there is no pavement or footpath.  I receive frequent pleas from residents to resolve this, so can the Executive Member follow this up with the relevant Officer and Developer to get these paths finally open, and to protect the safety of pedestrians walking through this area of Norreys?

 

Answer:

I will certainly follow that up.  It sounds like it has not been adopted yet, so I will come back to you on that.

56.7

Pauline Jorgensen asked the Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure the following question:

Minutes:

I would like an update please on the progress on the Laurel Park car park gates.  The securing of the gates has been managed by residents for more than ten years.  It is a long-standing issue.  We have had a series of email conversations on it, and I did email you on 12 September following your promise to give me an update on it.  I was just wondering if you could tell me how it is progressing as I do not seem to have had an answer?

 

Answer:

I did update you in early August on that very subject.  We have been in the holiday silly season, so it has been difficult to get a further update, but I have requested a further update on where we currently stand.  As soon as I get it I will pass it on.

56.8

Andrew Mickleburgh asked the Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure the following question:

Minutes:

In January 2021, the very large membership of the Earley Environmental Group presented a wonderful proposal to WBC that could extend the existing protection of the much valued green corridor along Lower Earley Way, by its designation as a local nature reserve.  Strengthened environmental designation would massively benefit the flora and fauna, our own Borough, and residents, and protect against attempts to build on this vital green space.  Could you please provide an update on WBC’s response to this important proposal?

 

Answer:

We very much appreciate the proposal from the Earley Environmental Group.  I assure you we are keen to improve the protection of biodiversity in Earley, and the other points that you mentioned.  We will undertake a detailed assessment of the proposal and consider how best to take it forwards in the coming months.

 

I must acknowledge that progress on this request has been slow, and I would like to thank the EEG for patience, but the Council has recently bought in an additional Ecology Officer which should enable us to progress this type of request in a much more timely manner going forward.

56.9

Shahid Younis asked the Executive Member for Children's Services the following question:

Minutes:

I have a number of cases in my ward where a number of children have been unable to find places in their preferred schools.  Some of them literally live 100 yards from the school but instead they have got places which are right the other side of the Borough.  As a result, children are travelling to schools which are allocated far away, and some parents have actually decided to home school them because they would rather not send them to the schools.  This is obviously detrimental to the environment and also for the children concerned as well.  This situation seems to be worse this year.  I have not seen the situation so bad for a number of years.  What steps are being taken to find school places near to where the children are living?  This is obviously not a short term, this is a permanent solution that we need to find.

 

Answer:

You are right.  It is not a short term solution.  One of the reasons why it is getting worse is that there are more and more children coming into the Borough from outside, particularly from Hong Kong.  Wokingham seems to be a very attractive place for Hong Kong people to come to live, which is fine, but it is putting unprecedented pressure on our school places.  We also have something like 150 Ukrainian children, who we have had to put in our schools, which is slightly more than we were anticipating.  The rate of applications is not letting up. 

 

We have a situation where the schools are not necessarily where the pupils are.  We also have a situation where we have a lower birth rate so the bottom end of schools coming into Reception, we do not have pressure on school places.  That makes it difficult to open some of the new schools without unbalancing and destabilising the schools that already exist because they would be taking the Reception and Year 1 pupils and so on, away from other schools rather than filling up naturally from the populations.   It is a very complicated dance that the Officers are trying to do. 

 

We have got some money in place to expand secondary schools but that is not going to solve it completely.  Of course there is parental preference also comes into play and where people live, so it is really complicated and it would be really helpful if you could give me the names of the schools so I can give you an answer that applies to those particular residents in your ward and not just a general principle because it is going to be hard to solve.  We are actually running our of school places even with the Fair Access Protocol under which we move the additional children into schools.  I think I will leave it there.

56.10

Stephen Conway asked the Executive Member for Climate Emergency and Resident Services the following question:

Minutes:

I have asked so many ward questions on the new Twyford library over the years that it is going to come as no surprise I expect that I am asking another one tonight on the same subject.  This time however I am rather more confident of a positive response than I have in the past.

 

Will the Executive Member for Climate Change and Residents Services accept my thanks and that of a great many people in the community that I represent for her help in securing the long awaited new library in Twyford?

 

Answer:

I actually really think that, that thanks goes elsewhere though.  The ward councillors that have campaigned for this for 20 odd years.  Obviously, thanks need to go to the Officers as well that have got it to this stage.  Most importantly thanks needs to go to the Polehampton Trust charitees particularly the late Dave Turner, and of course the community who have petitioned and backed this from the start, so that is where the thanks should go so thank you.

56.11

Keith Baker asked the Leader of the Council the following question:

Minutes:

During the month of August, I contacted a variety of officers and asked a number of questions prompted by residents in my ward.  I am sure we all have.  They included planning, listing of a planning application, leisure, holiday camps and Bulmershe Leisure Centre, parking to do with verge parking, parking again, status of submissions for two yellow lines, streetlights, streetlights enveloped by vegetation (I have reported it twice), trees; request for an examination of a tree of maybe coppicing.  We are now approaching the end of September and I have not had a reply on any of them, not even an acknowledgement of receipt of my emails.  This experience is not new and has been repeated many times in the past, and I believe my experience has been experienced by many others in this Chamber.  This lack of response is not limited to one department, as my examples above clearly illustrate.  It is beginning to evolve into an institutionalised contempt for elected councillors.  Does Councillor Jones agree with me that elected councillors deserve better than this, and what steps will he take to make sure all officers respond to all councillors in a timely fashion?

 

Answer:

You say that you have asked these questions since August but that the lack of response has actually been going on for quite some time.  Has it been going on for one month? Two months?  Three months?  Four? Five? Six? Seven? Any indication?  Years ok. 

 

If you would like to copy me with all of those, I will chase them up with officers because I think you are absolutely100% right that we should get timely answers to questions from all councillors.

 

Sarah Kerr added the following:

I have got the Customer Excellence programme and we are very conscious, obviously councillors as well are customers as well as the public, and the public get timely responses.  We are developing the Customer Excellence programme at the moment that puts the customer front and centre.  We recognise that there is a problem across a number of departments and not getting these timely responses.  This also includes updating the CRM system as well to make sure we do not lose things in the process.  There is a huge amount of work being done on that, and I am more than happy to have a chat with you offline about this Keith.  I totally agree with you but we are addressing it.

 

Under Rule 4.2.13.16, Alison Swaddle sought a response from a senior officer, the Chief Executive, on the matter.  The Chief Executive asked for the examples that Keith Baker had referred to in his question.  She appreciated that councillors may not always receive the answers that they wanted in the time that they wanted them.  She pointed out that there were often reasons why answers could not be provided in a timely fashion.  Many officers did respond in a timely fashion and an improvement programme was being put in place to further improve matters.

57.

Statements by the Leader of the Council, Executive Members, and Deputy Executive Members

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

Minutes:

Clive Jones, Leader of the Council,:

This Council finds itself in the most difficult period of the last 40 years.  There is raging inflation, energy costs are rising, as are food costs.  Fuel prices and the cost of other goods in our shops have also been rising for months.  We have a cost of living crisis.  The value of the pound has plummeted making our imports very expensive, therefore increasing costs everywhere.  Only today interest rates have risen to their highest level in 14 years at 2.25%, adding further pressure to the budgets of residents and the Council. 

 

These are unprecedented times, where we as an Administration of the Council have to make many difficult decisions.  We will not shy away from those decisions.  Our first priority has to be to balance the Budget.  Councillor John Halsall, the former Conservative leader only a few months ago said that reserves were for a rainy day, and it is now raining.  Inflation was then around 5%.  How things have moved on.  Inflation has nearly doubled and is forecast by many to reach 18% next year.  Things were so bad the previous Administration used £2million of reserves to plug the gap in the Budget.  This is the equivalent of a nearly 2% increase in Council Tax.

 

It is no longer raining.  We are in the storm and there is thunder and lightening everywhere.  There is massive uncertainty in the economy, and the Council is not immune to these difficulties, but we will rise to the challenge of balancing our Budget and maintaining vital services and helping the vulnerable in the Borough the best we can.  Along with Councillor Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, the Executive Member for Finance, I and the rest of the Executive and senior Officers are working very hard to maintain services.  A number of services were not properly budgeted for by the previous Administration.  This included the 18 bus service.  We were advised of this budget shortfall 10 minutes after taking over the running of the Council.  The Winnersh Triangle extension was not properly budgeted for, and there was no provision for food caddy liners. 

 

In addition to this there are serious shortfalls in revenue targets set by the previous Administration.  There will be shortfall in the Revenue Budget in Leisure Services, and as massive shortfall from car park charges.  This could be up to £800,000.  This year’s budget for the provision of blue waste bags was the same as last year’s. Why did anyone think that there would not be a rise in the cost of blue bags?

 

There are also pressures from rising demands for Council services across the board, including many statutory services that we must support.  We have decided to support Free School Meals during school holidays for families who usually receive them.  This helps over 2,100 families within the Borough.  Over the coming months the Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be looking at the Budget for the next 3 years. Councillors of all parties  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

58.

Statement from Council Owned Companies

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.

Minutes:

Due to time constraints this item was not considered.

 

59.

Motions

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


59.1

Motion 486 submitted by Norman Jorgensen

‘Wokingham Borough Council congratulates the England Lionesses on their incredible achievement of becoming European Champions. Many of these women were not offered the opportunity as children to play football at school and the only reason for their success was they were prepared and able to travel great distances to pursue their dream. Wokingham Borough Council believes all children should be offered the opportunity at school to play football and calls on all primary schools in Wokingham Borough to ensure that football is offered to every child who wishes to play.’

Minutes:

Due to time constraints this item was not considered.

59.2

Motion 487 submitted by Charles Margetts

‘Residents who live of William Heelas Way in Wokingham have raised significant concerns with me about the speed of traffic outside Floreat Montague Park Primary School.  The link road between London Road and the future Southern Relief Road has a 30mph speed limit and traffic levels which will only get busier when the Southern Relief Road opens.  Wokingham Borough Council believes it is of vital importance that young children can travel to school on foot or by bicycle in complete safety.  To ensure children can walk and cycle safely to school Wokingham Borough Council will change the speed limit outside all primary schools to 20 mph.’

Minutes:

Due to time constraints this item was not considered.

 

59.3

Motion 488 submitted by Laura Blumenthal

At present, a Member taking parental leave in accordance with the policy could find themselves in breach of s85(1), Local Government Act 1972 (“if a member of a Local Authority fails, throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of their last attendance, to attend any meeting of the Authority they will, unless the failure was due to some good reason approved by the Authority before the expiry of that period, cease to be a member of the Authority”). 

It is therefore proposed that this Council agrees the following Motion with the intention of introducing a Parental Leave Policy for Members in due course. 

 It is recommended that this Council resolves that:

The Inclusion Cross-Party Working Group be commissioned to draft a Parental Leave Policy for Members for approval by Council at the earliest opportunity.

Minutes:

Due to time constraints this item was not considered.