Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 1 March 2017.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 1 March 2017 be approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

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 and must not participate in discussion of the matter or vote on the matter unless granted a dispensation by the Monitoring officer or by the Governance and Audit Committee.  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.

To include a presentation from representatives of Honda UK.

Honda

The Mayor welcomed Ian Howells, Senior Vice President Honda Motor Europe to speak about Honda’s decision to move its Headquarters to Bracknell and the anticipated impact of Brexit. Patrick Keating, European Government Affairs manager and Dev Mistry, Internal Communications Executive also attended the meeting.

Ian Howells advised the meeting that Bracknell was the European HQ for Cars, Motorcycle, Power Products and Finance. The Headquarters site had 440 associates with 30% from Europe. He profiled Honda’s sales in Europe across cars, motorcycles and power equipment. He explained the spread of its operations across Europe including manufacture and transport of parts to the Swindon factory.

By 2030 Honda anticipated that two-thirds of Honda sales will be low or zero emission vehicles. As a Japanese company, Honda had global operations and interests. By increasing exports to non-EU destinations, such as the US, they hoped to mitigate some of the impacts of Brexit. Honda was working to develop the pool of UK talent and had increased the number of apprentices by 100% over the last year.

He explained that Honda benefited from the simplicity of complying with a single regulatory and approvals regime across Europe, for the manufacture and sale of cars, as well as motorcycles and power products. He explained the impact of modifying specifications to meet different requirements. He emphasised that Honda was a pragmatic company who would make Brexit work.  

In response to Members’ queries, Ian Howells made the following points:

·         Honda were keen to see the new Town Centre include infrastructure such as recharging points in car parks to encourage the use of alternative fuel cars

·         As a Japanese company in relation to haulage they had some prexisting Japanese contracts but also used local companies and UK ports

·         Most of the research and design work was undertaken in japan

·         The environment around the Cane Road was attractive to Honda’s associates which helped with staff retention as it was easy to access and was close to the town centre

The Mayor thanked them for attending and providing an insight into their business.

50 years service

The Mayor welcomed Bert Appleford to the meeting to celebrate his fifty years working for the authority. The Members present at the meeting joined him in congratulating the Fleet Supervisor on his loyalty and long service.

Celebration of Life

The Mayor reflected that the Celebration of Life service, which had been held in memory of John Nike OBE on 22 April 2017 at St. John’s Church, was a fitting way to remember such a significant figure in the community. Nearly £600 was raised during the returning collection which would be shared between Berkshire Community Foundation and Sebastian’s Action Trust.

Charity Gala Dinner

The Mayor thanked everyone who had supported his James Bond themed Gala Dinner on 22 April 2017 at the Coppid Beech Hotel. The Mayor was pleased to have showcased the talents of two students from Garth Hill College at the event. The event had been a fund raising opportunity for Sebastian’s Action Trust  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

Petition against Residents’ Parking Permit Charges Zone D

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 (Public Participation), a petition has been submitted by Mr S Chubb resident of Fielden Place, Bullbrook on behalf of residents of Zone D with regard to their concern about the Residents’ parking permit charges. The petition will be presented by Mr J Cochrane of Fielden Place, Bullbrook.

The full text of the petition is set out below:

Parking permit charges to be implemented on 1^st April 2017 deemed unfair to residents. Penalising residents living in Deepfield Road, Fielden Place, Smith Square, Forest Green and North Green – Bracknell, Berkshire RG12.

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge Bracknell Forest Council to act now to abolish all parking charges planned for the above roads. To increase the Residents Permit Parking Only restrictions on these roads and parking bays to be increased to 24 hours a day seven days a week.

The procedure for dealing with submissions is explained in the Council's scheme for public participation which is viewable as part of the Constitution. The overall time allowed at a meeting to deal with all submissions by the public will not normally exceed 30 minutes. 

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 (Public Participation), a petition was submitted by Mr S Chubb resident of Fielden Place, Bullbrook on behalf of residents of Zone D with regard to their concern about the Residents’ parking permit charges:

Parking permit charges to be implemented on 1^st  April 2017 deemed unfair to residents. Penalising residents living in Deepfield Road, Fielden Place, Smith Square, Forest Green and North Green – Bracknell, Berkshire RG12.

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge Bracknell Forest Council to act now to abolish all parking charges planned for the above roads. To increase the Residents Permit Parking Only restrictions on these roads and parking bays to be increased to 24 hours a day seven days a week.

The Mayor invited Mr J Cochrane to present the petition and to make his submission to the meeting.

Councillor Turrell formally received the petition and in so doing stated that the Council would consider the points raised relating to the Residents Parking Scheme, that parking was an emotive subject and that the Council would respond to issues raised in due course.

The Mayor thanked Mr Chubb and Mr and Mrs Cochrane for attending the meeting.

To receive the Leader’s report on the work of the Executive since the Council meeting held on 1 March 2017.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Bettison, presented his report on the work of the Executive since that reported at the Council meeting on 1 March 2017. The Executive had met twice on 14 March 2017 and 11 April 2017.

The Leader highlighted the following matters that had been considered:

•          Customer Contact Strategy had been agreed with a strong focus on delivering digitally and common approach to contact with quick access to specialists when needed

•          Council Support Services implementation plan had been agreed and the new model was based upon strategic and support hubs with departmental business partners which should deliver around £800,000 in initial savings

•          Time Square refurbishment procurement plan had been agreed with consolidation of the sites expected mid 2018

•          Library IT Procurement plan had been agreed which underpinned the transformation project to enable increased opening and self-service

•          ICT & Digital Strategy 2017 – 2020 was agreed which set out strategic direction and would be a key enabler of transformation of the organisation:

–        greater emphasis on digital technology for customers and internal support

–        more flexible working

–        more productive office systems

–        appropriate security

•          Successful outcome of an innovation bid led by Hertfordshire County Council focussing on new ways of supporting vulnerable families in partnership with  Bracknell Forest, Luton, Peterborough and West Berkshire. Bracknell Forest would receive £1.9m over 2 years to develop the Family Safeguarding Model with a key focus on keeping people out of care.

•          Review of 2015/16 examination & test performance in schools. Outcomes were generally in line or above national averages but gap for disadvantaged pupils was a concern. The school improvement team had been restructured to enhance focus on ensuring that schools are assisted with their improvement journeys.

•          Design Supplementary Planning Document had been adopted which set out design principles for future development.

•          The integrated Transport & Highway maintenance capital programmes had been agreed which included £2.9m of funding secured from Local Growth Fund.

•          Emergency Planning proposals for pan-Berkshire (except Reading) service had been agreed and would be hosted by West Berkshire.

•          Equality Scheme 2017-2020 had been agreed.

•          The Executive noted the Local Government Ombudsman complaint report and agreed that no further action was required.

In response to a query about when the library volunteer recruitment would start Councillor McCracken advised that a co-ordinator had been recently been appointed and Councillor Mrs Birch added that information was on the Council’s website for volunteers to contact the team and advise them of their skills.

To receive the Borough Solicitors’ report regarding proposed changes to the Constitution.

The Council considered the report recommending changes to the Council’s constitution.

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

RESOLVED that:

i)              the changes to the Delegations of Chief Officer: Property as set out in Appendices A and B to the agenda report be adopted;

ii)             the changes to the Protocol for Members in Dealing with Planning Matters set out in the Appendix C to agenda report be adopted; and

iii)                that authority be delegated to the Borough Solicitor to make minor consequential changes to the Constitution from time to time to reflect legislative amendments, minor alterations in post titles and such amendments as may be required to clarify the meaning and/or effect of constitutional provisions. Such authority to be exercised following consultation with, and prior approval of, the Chair of Governance & Audit Committee in each instance.

To appoint an Appointment Committee for the position of Chief Officer: ICT

The Council considered a report regarding the establishment of an Appointment

Committee to appoint to the position of Chief Officer: ICT.

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

RESOLVED that:

i)              a Committee of the Council of five members (4:1), including at least one Member of the Executive (plus up to three substitute members per group) be appointed, with the following terms of reference:

“To interview and appoint on behalf of the Council to the post of Chief Officer: ICT.”

ii)             Councillors D Birch, Leake, McCracken, McLean and Mrs Temperton be confirmed as the nominated members.

iii)                Councillors Angell, Heydon and Virgo be confirmed as the substitute members.

To appoint an Appointment Committee for the position of Head of Overview and Scrutiny.

The Council considered a report regarding the establishment of an Appointment

Committee to appoint to the position of Head of Overview and Scrutiny.

On the proposition of Councillor Leake, Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny Commission and seconded by Councillor Angell it was:

RESOLVED that:

i)              a Committee of the Council of five members (4:1), including at least one Member of the Executive (plus up to three substitute members per group) be appointed, with the following terms of reference:

“To interview and appoint on behalf of the Council to the post of Head of Overview and Scrutiny.”

ii)             Councillors Ms Gaw, Leake, McCracken, McLean and Mrs Temperton be confirmed as the nominated members.

iii)            Councillors Angell, Mrs Birch and Virgo be confirmed as the substitute members.

To consider and adopt the 2016/17 Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission.

The Council considered the Annual Report of Overview and Scrutiny which informed Members of progress made in respect of the operation and development of Overview and Scrutiny in Bracknell Forest during 2016/17 and outlined proposed future activities.

Councillor Leake thanked the members of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission as well as the Panels for the work they have done. He highlighted in particular their contributions to the work of the Gateway Reviews and the core groups supporting the transformation programme. He referred to the tribute in his forward to Mr R Beaumont who had now left the Council and added that the support and contributions he had made to the Overview and Scrutiny process had been outstanding.

On the proposition of Councillor Leake, Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny Commission, seconded by Councillor Angell, it was

RESOLVED that:

i)              the 2016/17 Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission be adopted; and

ii)             the commitment, role and value of the Overview and Scrutiny function be acknowledged and that non-executive Members continue to be supported in their role.

To approve the Member Development Strategy 2016 – 2020, and to note the Member Development Annual Report 2016-17.

The Council considered the Member Development Annual Report which appraised all Members of the Member Development activities and their outcomes during 2016-

17 and sought approval of the updated Member Development Strategy 2016-2020.

On the proposition of Councillor Allen, Chairman of the Member Development Charter Steering Group, seconded by Councillor McCracken, it was

RESOLVED that:

i)              the updated Member Development Strategy 2016 – 2020 be approved; and

ii)             the Member Development Annual Report 2016 - 17 be noted.

To receive and note the Champions’ Annual Report 2016/17.

The Council considered the Annual Report which appraised Members of the work undertaken by the Council’s four Champions during the year 2016-17. The report informed Members of activities and their outcomes.

Councillor Harrison was pleased to report that the new ticket office was open and thanked members of Bracknell Forest Council who had co-ordinated with Network Rail on the improvements such as the extended platform. He reported that the Government had awarded the next franchise to First MTR South Western Trains Limited which was a joint venture between First Group and Japanese company MTR. He understood that they would be introducing new delay repay compensation which meant that when delays of more than 15 minutes occur then automatic refunds would be given for smart card season tickets and advance purchased tickets bought in advance through their digital channels.

In response to question about reducing travel times to London Councillor Harrison advised that the new franchise promised to reduce the travel time from Reading to Waterloo by ten minutes but acknowledged that he believed improvements from Bracknell Station would require infrastructure improvement and Government investments.

In response to a query regarding the lift and bridge Councillor Harrison confirmed that the refurbishment facilities were open.

Councillor Finnie reiterated form his report that without volunteers then the country would fall apart and requested that Councillors advise him of any issues in their area.

On the proposition of Councillor Finnie, Voluntary Sector Champion seconded by Councillor Harrison it was

RESOLVED that the Champions’ Annual Report 2016/17 be noted.

To receive and note the Annual Standards Report for 2016/17.

The Council considered the Annual Report which advised Members of the activity within its Standards framework during the 12 months to 31 March 2017.

On the proposition of Councillor Finnie seconded by Councillor Allen it was

RESOLVED that the Standards output in 2016/17 as set out in the report be noted.

To receive a report from the Monitoring Officer appraising the Council of a finding of maladministration with no injustice by the Local Government Ombudsman.

The Council considered the Monitoring Officer’s report which appraised the Council of a finding of maladministration with no injustice by the Local Government Ombudsman in response to a parking complaint.

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

RESOLVED that:

i)              the Ombudsman’s report findings be noted;

ii)             no further action be taken in relation to the matter;

iii)            it be noted that a copy of the report had been circulated to all members of the Council; and

iv)           the draft report of the Council (at restricted Appendix B of the agenda report) be approved, to comply with requirements of Section 5 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

(i)            By Councillor Mrs Temperton to Councillor Turrell, Executive Member for Planning and Transport

Does the Council support the expansion of Heathrow airport and what is its response to the current consultation on the third runway?

Councillor Mrs Temperton asked the following published question to Councillor Turrell, Executive Member for Planning and Transport:

Does the Council support the expansion of Heathrow airport and what is its response to the current consultation on the third runway?

In response Councillor Turrell thanked Mrs Temperton for the topical question and stated that the Council’s first responsibility was to represent all residents and that the Council would prepare a response to the consultation on the draft national policy statement. He stated that the announcement of a general election meant that some business was being delayed and it was not currently clear if the current deadline of 25 May 2017 would be altered. The Council was seeking clarification on this and a number of other issues before responding such as service access, infrastructure, noise from aircraft, employment strategy, housing health, school needs and dealing with waste. The Council would contribute to all stages of the consultation.

In response to a supplementary question on how other Councillors could get involved in the response and whether there would ever be a debate on the topic Councillor Turrell acknowledged that there was more than one view on this issue within the Council due to more than just geography. He agreed that this would need to be discussed in appropriate areas of the Council and noted there would be other opportunities to make a submission as the proposal is developed.