Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Fourth Floor, Easthampstead House, Bracknell. View directions

Contact: Kirsty Hunt  01344 353108

Items
No. Item

45.

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 155 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 17 January and 1 February 2018.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meetings held on 17 January and 1 February 2018 be approved, and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

46.

Declarations of Interest

Members are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary or affected interests in respect of any matter to be considered at this meeting.

 

Any Member with a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in a matter should withdraw from the meeting when the matter is under consideration and should notify the Democratic Services Officer in attendance that they are withdrawing as they have such an interest. If the Disclosable Pecuniary Interest is not entered on the register of Members interests the Monitoring Officer must be notified of the interest within 28 days.

 

Any Member with an affected Interest in a matter must disclose the interest to the meeting.  There is no requirement to withdraw from the meeting when the interest is only an affected interest, but the Monitoring Officer should be notified of the interest, if not previously notified of it, within 28 days of the meeting.

Minutes:

Councillor Dr Barnard declared an affected interest in item 7, Financial Plans and Revenue Budgets, by virtue of being on the Keep Mobile Management Committee.

 

Councillor Virgo declared an affected interest in item 7, Financial Plans and Revenue Budgets, by virtue of being a Trustee at South Hill Park Trust.

 

Councillor Mrs McKenzie-Boyle declared an affected interest in item 7, Financial Plans and Revenue Budgets, by virtue of her spouse being a Trustee at South Hill Park Trust.

47.

Mayor's Announcements pdf icon PDF 836 KB

Including a presentation from the Mayor’s Chaplain on the role of chaplaincy.

Minutes:

History of Chaplaincy

 

The Mayor welcomed her Chaplain Reverend Roy to the meeting to explain about the history of chaplaincy.

 

Updates from the Mayor

 

·         The Mayor was pleased to announce that  the two waste trucks had been named.

 

·         The Mayor thanked everyone who had supported her Business Forum on Apprenticeships which was held on 23 February 2018. Over a hundred people had attended the event with businesses represented such as Fujitsu; Dell; Honda; JLP; Waitrose; Berkely Homes and Legal and General. Among the presenters had been Steve Nicholson of the National Apprenticeship Service and MP Dr Philip Lee. The event had been organised to focus on how the borough’s schools and businesses work together to give students an alternative to university and have a long and rewarding career. She also thanked Councillor Dr Barnard for his role on the Q&A Board.

 

·         Due to the adverse weather conditions the Charity Quiz Night had been rescheduled from Friday 2 March to Friday 23 March at Easthampstead Park Conference Centre.

 

·         The Mayor  reminded colleagues of upcoming charity events e.g. Sky Dive on 22 April, Golf event on 27 April and Shoot on 29 April.

 

·         The Mayor  asked everyone to save the date for her end of year celebration which was being held on Friday 11 May at Coppid Beech.

 

Mayor’s Business Forum

 

Councillor Dr Barnard reiterated that he was pleased to see school leaders and the Bracknell and Wokingham College represented at the Business Forum as he considered it was key to offer students an alternative to University.

 

The Mayor presented him with a certificate in recognition of his contribution to the event.

 

Recycling Incentive Scheme

 

Councillor Mrs Hayes OBE advised the members present that the Council’s waste partner, Suez, gave the Council £1k per quarter to give to local organisations and initiatives. The names of 45 organisations which had received such funding over the past three years were shown on the chamber’s screens. She encouraged Councillors to nominate recipients in their Wards and explained that it was donated blue bin points which allocated funds. She handed cheques to Councillor Mrs Birch on behalf of Birch Hill Pre School and Councillor Peacey on behalf of 1st Warfield Girl Guides.

 

Dogs for Good Charity

 

Councillor D Birch reported to the meeting that the first charity of its kind, which used dogs to assist vulnerable people and people with autism to lead fuller lives, would be showcased at Crufts on 9 March 2018. 

48.

Executive Report pdf icon PDF 301 KB

To receive the Leader’s report on the work of the Executive since the Council meeting held on 17 January 2018.

 

Council is asked to note the Executive decisions detailed in the report.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Bettison OBE, presented his report on the work of the Executive since that reported at the Council meeting on 17 January 2018. The Executive had met twice on 23 January and 13 February 2018.

 

The Council noted the Executive decisions detailed in the report. The Leader highlighted the following matters that had been considered:

 

·         It was noted that the Executive’s recommendations relating to the Council’s revenue budget and capital programme would be considered separately on the Council’s agenda.

 

·         The Council had already considered the consultation on the Draft Local Plan at its Extraordinary meeting on 1 February 2018.

 

·         The creation of the proposed Bracknell Forest lottery had been supported in principle and a Working Group would be established to consider the detail with supplier, Gatherwell and local voluntary sector. A further viability report would be considered in the summer.

 

·         The Executive had agreed to the creation of a new post, Director of Public Health to increase local focus. Bracknell Forest would continue to participate in pan Berkshire arrangements for health protection and some cross boundary contracts. Interviews for the post would be in late March.

 

·         School Places Plan and Capacity Strategy: There had been a significant increase in pupil numbers since 2009. This was being addressed by £125m of investment of additional capacity across borough. Further growth was expected until 2023 when they are expected to be 1,441 Primary pupils (14% increase) and 1,523 Secondary pupils (22%). However it was noted that the timing of the arrival of children was largely dictated by developers and the plan set out the Council’s planned response to these changes.

 

·         The Procurement plan for Internal Audit had been agreed.

 

In relation to the Bracknell Forest Lottery Councillor Mrs Temperton queried whether the raised funds by the lottery would be used as a supplement for the voluntary sector organisations or replace the current revenue stream. Councillor Bettison OBE confirmed that funds available would be in addition to existing funding provided.

49.

Independent Remuneration Panel Report pdf icon PDF 310 KB

To determine what action the Council wishes to take in response to the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Independent Remuneration Panel appointed by the Council met in February and September 2017 at the Council’s invitation. The Council considered what action it wished to take in response to their recommendations which included advice on its Members’ Allowances scheme and the amounts to be paid.

 

On the proposition of Councillor Bettison OBE, Leader of the Council, and seconded by Councillor D Birch it was:

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(i)            the IRP’s recommendations as set out in the agenda report with the exception of recommendation 5.1 (iii)  which was amended so that the proposed indexing did not apply to Basic Allowances or Special Responsibility Allowances;

 

(ii)           the list of approved conferences, set out in Annex A of the agenda report, be approved for insertion in the Scheme; and

 

(iii)          the Council note that Neil McGregor had resigned from the Panel and thanked him for the contribution he had made.

50.

Financial Plans and Revenue Budgets pdf icon PDF 272 KB

To resolve recommendations in respect of:

·         Capital Programme 2018/19 - 2020/21

·         Revenue Budget 2018/19 (including Fees and Charges)

·         Council Tax 2018/19

 

The supporting information has been circulated separately to this agenda and is available with the agenda at http://democratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered the report by the Borough Treasurer which set out the financial plans and revenue budgets for the financial year 2018/19 and the supporting information which presented the Council’s spending plans for 2018/19 and detailed

budgets for the General Fund and Capital Programme.

 

Councillors Dr Barnard, Mrs McKenzie-Boyle and Virgo had declared an affected interest in this item but this did not preclude them from taking part in the discussion or the vote.

 

Councillor Heydon gave a comprehensive presentation placing a particular focus on:

 

  • He thanked the Chief Executive, the Treasurer, the Director of Resources and their senior teams for all their efforts and support.
  • 2018/19 would be the third year of the Government’s four year settlement with no further funding changes in the Provisional Finance Settlement issued on 19 December 2017. 
  • Bracknell Forest had experienced £4m of increasing cost pressures from adult and children’s social care areas over the previous 12 months. Councils with social care responsibilities had been given additional flexibility to raise council tax by an additional 1% to help fund these additional costs. 
  • The Council had received confirmation that the joint bid to form a business rates pool as a pilot area had been approved and as a result at least £35m of additional funding would come into Berkshire next year, of which £25m was for major transport infrastructure investment, to be managed by the Local Enterprise Partnership. The remainder would be retained by the individual local authorities in proportion to the increase they had achieved in business rates income since the current 50% rates retention system was introduced in 2013. Although Bracknell Forest would be the biggest beneficiary in Berkshire he reported that it was not proposed to use the additional money to help balance the 2018/19 budget as this was a one-off benefit but would be helpful to manage the budget position in future years.
  • The initial budget plans for 2018/19 were approved by the Executive for consultation on 19 December 2017 but unfortunately there had not been many responses.  He thanked those who have taken the time to do so including Councillor Mrs Temperton on behalf of Labour. 
  • In developing the final budget proposals the Council considered:
    • there were increased cost pressures in children’s social care, balanced by reductions in the cost of adult social care; 
    • inflationary pressures were much higher than originally planned for, a result of unexpectedly high cost indices; and
    • a request from the Trustees of South Hill Park to delay the reduction of its grant by a further £100k in order to allow more time for their income generating proposals to be implemented. South Hill Park was recognised as a highly valued facility but the Council looked forward it becoming more self sufficient.
  • The capital budget proposals for 2018/19 were relatively modest. The Council would continue to maintain its existing facilities to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and make enhancements to College Town and Wooden Hill schools, as well as the complete projects such as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

51.

Contract Standing Orders pdf icon PDF 206 KB

To approve the recommendation of the Governance & Audit Committee to amend the Contract Standing Orders to transform procurement processes in line with the approach taken to the Council Wide Support Services review e.g. make procurement practices and processes more streamlined and more commercial as well as make other minor changes.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report regarding the Governance & Audit Committee’s recommendation to amend the Contract Standing Orders to transform procurement processes in line with the approach taken to the Council Wide Support Services review. The intention was to make procurement practices and processes more streamlined and more commercial as well as make other minor changes.

 

On the proposition of Councillor Allen, Chairman of Governance and Audit Committee and seconded by Councillor Heydon it was:

 

RESOLVED that the changes to the Constitution Part 4 Section 11 – Contract Standing Orders as set out in Appendices A and B to the agenda report be adopted.

52.

Establishment of Appointment Committee: Director of Public Health pdf icon PDF 326 KB

To inform Members of plans agreed by the Executive to create a Director of Public Health post and seek to establish a Committee to undertake an appointment to the post in conjunction with Public Health England and the Faculty of Public Health.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered the report which informed Members of plans agreed by the Executive to create a Director of Public Health post and sought to establish a Committee to undertake an appointment to the post in conjunction with Public Health England and the Faculty of Public Health.

 

On the proposition of Councillor McLean, Chairman of Employment Committee and seconded by Councillor Mrs Hayes MBE it was:

 

RESOLVED that

 

(i)            a Committee of the Council of four members (3:1), (plus up to four substitute members) be appointed, augmented by representatives of Public Health England and the Faculty of Public Health with the following terms of reference:

 

“To interview and appoint on behalf of the Council and Public Health England to the Director of Public Health post”.

 

(ii)           That Councillors D Birch, Mrs McCracken, McLean and Mrs Temperton be confirmed as the nominated members; and

 

(iii)          That Councillors Dr Barnard, Thompson, Peacey and Virgo be confirmed as the substitute members.

53.

Question Submitted Under Council Procedure Rule 10

By Councillor Harrison to Councillor Turrell, Executive Member for Planning and Transport

 

This Council has recently decided to consult on a Local Plan Draft which contains significant housing allocations in the Parish of Winkfield whose nearest railway station is Martins Heron. In light of this, will the Executive Member ensure that South Western Rail is engaged in the Local Plan consultation process to ensure that their passenger number projections and service plans for Martins Heron and Bracknell stations take full account of the new evidence in the form of the  emerging Local Plan.

 

Additionally will the Executive Member stress to the Department of Transport that Bracknell Forest's growth plans, including the already delivered £250m regeneration of Bracknell Town Centre and commitment to clean air goals justify further investment in public transport links to Heathrow, the Elizabeth Line and Sandhurst and Crowthorne to Gatwick via Wokingham and Guildford?

Minutes:

Councillor Harrison asked Councillor Turrell, Executive Member for Planning and Transport the following question:

 

This Council is consulting on a Local Plan Draft which contains significant housing allocations in the Parish of Winkfield whose nearest railway station is Martins Heron. In light of this, will the Executive Member ensure that South Western Rail is fully engaged in the Local Plan consultation process to ensure that their passenger number projections and service plans for Martins Heron and Bracknell stations take full account of the new evidence in the form of the  emerging Local Plan.

 

Additionally will the Executive Member stress to the Department of Transport that Bracknell Forest's growth plans, including the already delivered £250m regeneration of Bracknell Town Centre and commitment to clean air goals justify further investment in public transport links to Heathrow, the Elizabeth Line and Sandhurst and Crowthorne to Gatwick via Wokingham and Guildford?

 

In response Councillor Turrell stated that residents need to be able to get to and from the borough for a variety of reasons by various modes of transport. He stated that for some years, the Council had had regular communication with transport providers and would continue to engage with the current train operating companies on both the Windsor Lines and North Downs Lines.

 

He added that it was important that the borough's Local Transport Plan objectives for Rail were progressed and the current operators on both lines had consulted on plans for creating greater capacity and improved frequency. He stated that as a result the Council had highlighted the need for a high level of service across all Bracknell stations including the importance of Martins Heron which had seen a 15% increase in patronage over the last 5 years. He reported that Network Rail had formed an alliance with South Western Rail which would include any rail infrastructure issues.

 

Councillor Turrell stated that the Council had also developed positive and productive relations with bus operators with new and augmented commercial services beginning before the opening of the Lexicon.

 

He agreed with Councillor Harrison that it was very important to give out timely information and the Council would continue communication on likely future movements as the Local Plan progressed towards submission, examination and adoption.

 

He added that the Council continued to push for Southern Rail Access to Heathrow which was likely to be delivered as part of any expansion plans at Heathrow, that they were monitoring the remaining stages of the Elizabeth Line project which was due to reach Maidenhead in the next year, and Reading in 2020. The Council was also watching announcements on Crossrail 2 which could benefit users of the Windsor Lines.

 

Councillor Turrell concluded his response by stating that air quality was monitored regularly, especially in the Council’s two Air Quality Management Areas. He reported that the situation had remained stable since 2012, despite increases in traffic on roads.

 

No supplementary question was asked.

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk