Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors: K I Busch, D J Knowles and Mrs J Roach.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of Council on 29 June 2016 and the Extraordinary meeting of Council of the same day

The Council is reminded that only those Members present at the previous meeting should vote and, in doing so, should be influenced only by seeking to ensure that the minutes are an accurate record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 June 2016 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on 29 June 2016 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any announcements which the Chairman of the Council may wish to make.

The Chairman informed the meeting that Cllr D J Knowles was unwell and on behalf of the Council he wished him well.

To receive any questions relating to items on the agenda from members of the public and replies thereto.

Ann Varker referring to Motion 527 asked whether Councillors were aware that in 3 months 200 people had signed a petition with regard to this issue.

Carol Bray representing the Devon WASPI Supporters Group and referring to Motion 526:

I would like to thank the Chair and Councillors Roach and Woollatt for proposing the Motion for fair transitional state pensions for women born in the 1950’s

Will Mid Devon District Council help to bring justice to the women of Mid Devon and throughout the rest of the country who have disproportionately born the financial burden of equalisation of the state pension age? WASPI (Woman against state pension’s inequality) has been campaigning for fair transitional arrangements for woman born in the 1950’s who have been affected by the rapid rise in state pension age with little or no notice. WASPI is not affiliated with any political party but is working with all parties to see redress for this injustice.  We are not against the equalisation of the pension age but the unfair way that it has been implemented. The 1995 Pensions Act increased the state pension age for women to 65, gradually equalising with the state pension age for men by 2020. The 2011 act accelerated and further increased the age to 66 for both men and women by 2020. But, they forgot to tell us. Some women received just one year’s notice or never received a letter at all. Had we been told sooner we could have made different arrangements along the way; many have taken redundancy or early retirement packages, given up paid employment to care for family members and grandchildren, expecting our pensions at 60? Why wouldn’t we, it’s been that way for 70 years or so.  The consequence is a significant loss of pension income, £40,000 or more for those waiting an extra 6 years for state pensions. Finding work at 60+ is difficult, many women are in ill health and others are suffering the humiliation of applying for benefits. Many women are facing dire financial hardship, some having to sell their homes, particularly hard hit are single and widowed women but for those with a supporting partner even it is humiliating to be asking for handouts and some partners are having to work longer to maintain the household income. So you will see that it affects the whole family, husbands, children, grandchildren and parents even. This generation of woman have not had the opportunity to build up private pensions or savings as men have, no equal pay, barred from joining private pensions schemes until the 1990’s, no free childcare like women have today. Now at what should be the end of our working life we are being treated unfairly yet again.  Will the Council please support the motion for fair transitional state pension arrangements for 1950’s women?

The Chairman stated that, the pension issue would be discussed a little later in the meeting and that the Syrian Refugee issue would be addressed by the Decent and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To receive any petitions from members of the public.

There were no petitions from members of the public.

(1)           Motion 526 ( Councillors Mrs J Roach and Mrs N Woollatt – 13 July 2016)

The Council has before it a MOTION submitted for the first time.

The Council calls upon the Government to make fair transitional state pension arrangements for all women born on or after 6th April 1951, who have unfairly borne the burden of the increase to the State Pension Age (SPA) with lack of appropriate notification.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 14.4, the Chairman of the Council has decided to allow this Motion (if moved and seconded) to be dealt with at this meeting.

(2)          Motion 527 (Councillors Mrs J B Binks, Mrs J Roach, Mrs N Woollatt and R Wright  21 July 2016)

The Council has before it a MOTION submitted for the first time.

“That this Council supports the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Scheme as detailed below and commits to working with the private sector to achieve placements.”

The Scheme has been developed since September 2015 having evolved from a number of earlier Gateway Scheme. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will refer people to the scheme, based on a criteria set by the UK. This currently prioritises those who cannot be supported effectively in their region of origin: women, children and young people at risk, people in severe need of medical care and survivors of torture and violence, refugees with legal and/or physical protection needs; refuges with medical needs or disabilities; persons at risk due to their sexual orientation or gender identity; and refugees with family links in resettlement countries. Most beneficiaries of the scheme will currently be living in Turkey, Jordan and Syria, though not all in designated refugee camps.

The UNHCR conducts a series of checks including a robust identification process prior to referring a refugee to the UK Scheme. Referrals are then further screened and considered by the Home Office for suitability for entry to the UK. The Home Office checks that they meet eligibility criteria and carries out medical and security checks.

By the time a UNHCR referred refugee arrives in the UK they have been through a thorough two stage vetting process to ensure government knows who is entering the country. This includes the taking of biometrics, documentary evidence and interviews.

What this means in practice – Local authorities can choose whether to participate in the scheme. Participating Local Authorities pass offers of suitable accommodation to the Home Office who then match available accommodation to a refugee family. Case information is exchanged including details of family make up, age and specific needs. The Local Authority is asked to confirm whether it can accommodate and support those specific cases, having consulted key local agencies.

On accepting to arrange resettlement, local authorities then need to co-ordinate activity to ensure that provision and support needed under the terms of the scheme is available and ready to access. Refugees will be granted a five year humanitarian protection visa. Refugees will have a National Insurance number, access to UK benefits and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 38.

(1)          Motion 526 (Councillors Mrs J Roach and Mrs N Woollatt – 13 July 2016)

The Council had before it a MOTION submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.1:

The Council calls upon the Government to make fair transitional state pension arrangements for all women born on or after 6th April 1951, who have unfairly borne the burden of the increase to the State Pension Age (SPA) with lack of appropriate notification.

The MOTION was MOVED by Councillor Mrs N Woollatt and seconded by Councillor Mrs J B Binks.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 14.4, the Chairman of the Council had ruled that the Motion be dealt with at this meeting.

Following debate and upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

(2)          Motion 527 (Councillors Mrs J B Binks, Mrs J Roach, Mrs N Woollatt and R Wright  21 July 2016)

The Council had before it a MOTION submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.1:

“That this Council supports the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Scheme as detailed below and commits to working with the private sector to achieve placements.”

The Scheme has been developed since September 2015 having evolved from a number of earlier Gateway Scheme. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will refer people to the scheme, based on a criteria set by the UK. This currently prioritises those who cannot be supported effectively in their region of origin: women, children and young people at risk, people in severe need of medical care and survivors of torture and violence, refugees with legal and/or physical protection needs; refuges with medical needs or disabilities; persons at risk due to their sexual orientation or gender identity; and refugees with family links in resettlement countries. Most beneficiaries of the scheme will currently be living in Turkey, Jordan and Syria, though not all in designated refugee camps.

The UNHCR conducts a series of checks including a robust identification process prior to referring a refugee to the UK Scheme. Referrals are then further screened and considered by the Home Office for suitability for entry to the UK. The Home Office checks that they meet eligibility criteria and carries out medical and security checks.

By the time a UNHCR referred refugee arrives in the UK they have been through a thorough two stage vetting process to ensure government knows who is entering the country. This includes the taking of biometrics, documentary evidence and interviews.

What this means in practice – Local authorities can choose whether to participate in the scheme. Participating Local Authorities pass offers of suitable accommodation to the Home Office who then match available accommodation to a refugee family. Case information is exchanged including details of family make up, age and specific needs. The Local Authority is asked to confirm whether it can accommodate and support those specific cases, having consulted key local agencies.

On accepting to arrange resettlement, local authorities then need to co-ordinate activity to ensure that provision and support needed under the terms  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

To receive and consider the reports, minutes and recommendations of the recent meetings as follows:

(1)          Cabinet

-       7 July 2016

-       4 August 2016

(2)        Scrutiny Committee

-       18 July

-       19 August 2016 (to follow)

(3)        Audit Committee

-       28 June 2016

-       15 July 2016

(4)        Managing the Environment Policy Development Group

-       12 July 2016

(5)        Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group

-       19 July 2016

(6)        Economy Policy Development Group

-       21 July 2016

(7)        Community Well-Being Policy Development Group

-       8 July 2016

-       2 August 2016

(8)        Planning Committee

-       6 July 2016

-       3 August 2016

(9)        Standards Committee

-       20 July 2016

(10)      Licensing Committee

-       18 July 2016

(11)   Regulatory Committee

-       18 July 2016

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 7 July 2016.

Arising thereon:-

(1)           Proposed Greater Exeter Strategic Plan  (Min 38)

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor R J Chesterton:-

“THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 38 be ADOPTED”.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

Note:  Councillor Mrs E M Andrews requested that her abstention from voting be recorded.

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 4 August 2016.

Arising thereon:-

(1)          Public Health Enforcement Policy  (Min 45)

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor C R Slade:-

“THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 45 be ADOPTED”.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

The Council had before it a question* with regard to Minute 47, submitted by Councillor T W Snow in accordance with Procedure Rule 13.2(1) together with a response from the Cabinet Member for Housing.

Councillor T W Snow asked a supplementary question in accordance with Procedure Rule 13.2(6)a  - the garden is in a terrible state and we don’t seem to be taking any action. How many fixed penalty notices had been sent over the last few years.

The Cabinet Member for Housing stated that fixed penalty notices had been issued to the residents in question.  With regard to the number of fixed penalty notices that had been issued generally over the last few years, he was not sure but knew that 2 had been issued in the current year.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 18 July 2016.

Arising thereon:-

(1) Corporate Strap Line (Min 26)

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor Mrs A R Berry:-

“THAT the recommendation of the Scrutiny Committee as set out in Minute 26 be ADOPTED”.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

Note: Councillors R M Deed, Mrs M E Squires, R L Stanley and Mrs N Woollatt requested that their abstention from voting be recorded.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 19 August 2016.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 28 June 2016.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 15 July 2016.

The Chairman of the Managing the Environment Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 12 July 2016.

The Chairman of the Decent and Affordable Homes Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 19 July 2016.

The Chairman of the Economy Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held on 21 July 2016.

The Chairman of the Community Well Being Policy Development Group presented the report of the joint meeting of the Groups held on 8 July 2016.

The Chairman of the Community Well Being Policy Development Group presented the report of the meeting of the Group held 2 August 2016.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 6 July 2016.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 3 August 2016.

The Chairman of the Standards Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 20 July 2016

Arising thereon

(1)          Planning Procedures (Min 8)

(a)          The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor Mrs F J Colthorpe THAT recommendation (a) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED

(b)          The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor F J Colthorpe THAT recommendation (b) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

(c)          The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor Mrs F J Colthorpe THAT recommendation (c) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

(d)          The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor R M Deed THAT recommendation (d) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED

(e)          The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor Mrs F J Colthorpe THAT recommendation (e) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

(f)           The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor R M Deed THAT recommendation (f) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

(g)          The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor Mrs F J Colthorpe THAT recommendation (g) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

(h)          The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor R M Deed THAT recommendation (h) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

(i)            The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor F J Rosamond THAT recommendation (i) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

(j)            The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor B A Moore THAT recommendation (j) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

(k)          The Chairman of the Standards Committee MOVED, seconded by Councillor Miss C E L Slade THAT recommendation (k) as set out in Minute 8 be ADOPTED

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

Councillor Mrs F J Colthorpe MOVED an AMENDMENT seconded by Councillor  C R Slade that an additional item (l) be added stating that Ward Members whether or not Members of the Planning Committee are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

The Chairman of the Licensing Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 18 July 2016.

The Chairman of the Regulatory Committee presented the report of the meeting of the Committee held on 18 July 2016.

To deal with any questions raised pursuant to Procedure Rule 13 not already dealt with during the relevant Committee report.

There were no questions submitted under Procedure Rule 13.2.

To receive a report of the Head of Communities and Governance informing Members of recommendations from the review undertaken by the Independent Remuneration Panel.

The Council had before it a *report of the Head of Communities and Governance informing Members of recommendation from the review undertaken by the Independent Remuneration Panel.

The Chairman MOVED, THAT:

a)            The Basic Allowance to be paid to all Councillors remain at the current level of £4691 with any increases being linked to the staff pay award.

Councillor C J Eginton MOVED and AMENDMENT seconded by Councillor C R Slade that the basic allowance to be paid to all Councillorsbe increased by £174 to £4865 with any further increases being linked to the staff pay award.

Following discussion and upon a vote being taken, the AMENDMENT was declared to have been CARRIED.

Notes: 

(i)        Councillors Mrs E M Andrews, R J Dolley, J L Smith and L Taylor requested that their vote against the decision be recorded;

(ii)       Councillors D R Coren and Mrs N Woollatt requested that their abstention from voting be recorded.

The Chairman MOVED, THAT:

b)            There be a reduction in the weighting applied to the Licensing and Regulatory Committee Chairman’s SRA from 0.5 to 0.25.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED

The Chairman MOVED, THAT:

c)            All other Special Responsibility Allowances be paid to the following Members at the levels indicated:

Councillor C J Eginton MOVED an AMENDMENT seconded by Councillor C R Slade that: all other Special Responsibility Allowances be paid to the following Members at the levels indicated:

Upon a vote being taken, the AMENDMENT was declared to have been CARRIED.

Note:  Councillors: F J Rosamond and N Woollatt requested that their abstention from voting be recorded.

The Chairman MOVED, THAT:

d)           To confirm that no Member should be entitled to claim more than one Special Responsibility Allowance.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED

The Chairman MOVED, THAT:

e)           The Leader and Cabinet Members be requested to keep a record of the additional workload experiences as a result of the Greater Exeter proposal and Devolution.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED

The Chairman MOVED, THAT:

f)             Having received evidence from the Cabinet, a meeting of the Panel be organised to recommend a new scheme of allowances from 1 April 2017.

Upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED

The Chairman  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

Cabinet Members will answer questions from members on their Portfolios.

There were no questions to Cabinet Members.

To receive any statements made and notice of future questions by Members

Note:  the time allowed for this item is limited to 15 minutes.

Councillor J L Smith referring to the Heathcoats 200 Party held in Tiverton on Monday 29 August stated that the party had been a wonderful way to thank the residents of Tiverton and requested that the Council write to Heathcoats personally.  He would also like to thank the Tree Officer and the Operations Manager for their work with regard to the fallen tree in the park that had to be cleared away prior to the party taking place.

Councillor Mrs N Woollatt referring to Motion 526 stated that the WASPI Local Action Day would be taking place in Princesshay , Exeter on 16 September.