Agenda and minutes

Venue: Online only - via Teams

Contact: Kirsty Hunt  01344 353108

Media

Items
No. Item

37.

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 392 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 24 November 2021.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Advisory Council meeting held on 24 November 2021 be approved, and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

38.

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:

There were no declarations of interest.

39.

Mayor's Announcements

Minutes:

Support over the festive period

 

The Mayor opened her announcements by recognising and saying ‘thank you’ to everyone who worked over the festive period to look after others and provide vital services including the Emergency Services, Armed Forces, the NHS, the voluntary sector and staff in the retail sector as well as those in local churches and many other residents who continue to help families, friends and neighbours. She concluded with a special mention to the Council’s own social care and health staff providing crucial support services around the clock and each and every day of the year to residents.                    

 

Christmas Card Competition

 

The winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition was 6-year-old Alana Perez Fischer. The theme for Christmas 2021 was Plant a Tree for the Queen’s Jubilee to resonate with her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The Mayor thanked everyone who took part.

 

Tree planting at Westmorland Park

 

The Mayor had joined Councillors Dr Barnard and Ms Ingham to plant 15 saplings at Westmorland Park as part of the Plant a Tree scheme for the Queen’s Jubilee.

 

Christmas Lights at The Lexicon

 

The Mayor thanked everyone involved in the festive display at the Lexicon with its biggest tree to date. She had joined Councillor Brunel-Walker at the event turning on the lights.

 

Opening of Information Centre at Buckler’s Lodge

 

The Mayor was pleased to report the opening of Buckler’s Lodge which is an 80-bed care home in Crowthorne run by Greensleeves Care. The facility will not only provide residential and dementia care but would also be a new local employer.  

 

Art Exhibition

 

The Mayor had met with the Mayor of High Wycombe and the South Hill Park team to view an art exhibition by Jan Gaska at South Hill Park.

 

Opening of Gail’s Bakery

 

The Mayor celebrated the opening of Gail’s Bakery in the Lexicon and highlighted Gail’s commitment to helping combat food waste and provide good food to those who need it the most with unsold food being donated to worthy causes.

 

Crowthorne Late Night Shopping and Lights On

 

The Mayor attended the late-night shopping event with carols being sung in Finnie Square. The event which was organised by Churches Together, the local Crowthorne Traders and Crowthorne Parish Council was well supported and enjoyed by the community.

 

Commandant’s Parade, Sandhurst

 

The Mayor had celebrated her birthday by attending the Commandant’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The event is the final rehearsal before the Sovereign’s Parade where the successful military cadets become army officers after 44 weeks of intensive training. Congratulations to all the new Officers with 35 of the 200 candidates coming from 26 different countries. 

 

Christmas Star Extravaganza, Princess Square

 

Princess Square was lit up to host a Christmas Star Extravaganza hosted by Artemis College, Thames Valley Police DJ, Thames Valley vibes and Bracknell Town Council. The Mayor reported the event successfully raised funds for a number of charities, MS Trust Duchenne UK and the Alzheimer’s Society. The Mayor particularly mentioned Police Community Support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

40.

Executive Report pdf icon PDF 245 KB

To receive the Leader’s report on the work of the Executive since the Council meeting held on 24 November 2021.

 

Council is asked to resolve a recommendation in respect of:

·       Recommendations of the Members’ Equalities Working Group

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 24 November 2021. The Executive had met once on 14 December 2021.

 

The Leader highlighted the following matters that had been considered:

 

·       Draft Revenue Budget & Capital Programme 2022/23 proposals were published for six week consultation including Overview & Scrutiny Commission. Detailed consideration at quorate “in person” Council meeting on 23 February. £140K had been added to the Time Square community hub budget for hybrid meeting technology.

 

·       The Equalities Working Group recommendations were supported including the Mayor’s Charter which was being considered as a separate motion on the agenda.

 

·       An updated Housing Assistance Policy was agreed with a focus on enabling independent living by supporting at risk people.

 

·       Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy 2021 – 2024 agreed as a legal requirement under Domestic Abuse Act 2021. There were four broad priority areas:

o   Raise awareness and information about available options

o   Improve access pathways to safe accommodation

o   Effective multi-agency working and specialist support

o   Improved support and providing an effective voice for survivors

 

·       A strategic procurement plan was agreed for the Sensory Needs Service to support people with visual and/or hearing loss.

 

·       All seven Overview & Scrutiny review of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) recommendations were agreed. The review looked to maximise effective use of CIL and increase close coordination between Bracknell Forest Council and Town & Parish Councils.

 

The report contained recommendations that the Council was asked to resolve in respect of the following matter:

 

·       Equalities Working Group recommendations

 

On the proposition of Councillor Bettison OBE, Leader of the Council, seconded by Councillor Kirke it was

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE that the recommendations of the Members’ Equalities Working Group at Annex A of the report be adopted.

41.

Proportionality and membership pdf icon PDF 231 KB

To consider the position regarding the overall allocation of seats on committees as a result of the by-election held on 9 December 2021.

Minutes:

Council considered the report setting out the position regarding the overall allocation of seats on committees as a result of the by-election held on 9 December 2021.

 

Appendix A to the report set out the changes to committees affected:

·       Councillor Bidwell to be added as a member of the Licensing & Safety and Planning Committees as well as being added as a substitute Labour Group member wherever applicable

·       Councillor Parker to move from the Planning Committee to the Governance and Audit Committee

·       No further changes were tabled

 

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

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE that

 

i)      the revised proportionality calculations be agreed; and

 

ii)     changes to the membership of overview and scrutiny, committees and other groups be agreed.

42.

Questions Submitted Under Council Procedure Rule 10

(i)         Councillor Temperton to Councillor Bettison OBE, Leader of the Council

 

Can we have an update on what the Council is doing to welcome and support our refugees to Bracknell Forest?

 

(ii)        Councillor Bidwell to Councillor Heydon, Executive Member for Transformation and Finance

 

Energy prices are increasing adding to a steady increase in inflation, currently 5.1%. Commentators suggest that family costs are going to increase by £1200 per annum and that the lowest income families will once again suffer:

 

What is the Strategy for supporting those that are most vulnerable? Is there sufficient money in any existing hardship fund to support those in need and if not, can more be added to this year’s budget?

Minutes:

1.     Councillor Temperton asked Councillor Bettison OBE, Leader of the Council the following published question:

 

Can we have an update on what the Council is doing to welcome and support our refugees to Bracknell Forest?

 

In response Councillor Bettison reflected that local authorities across the United Kingdom had played a vital role in the success of the resettlement efforts following the events in Afghanistan. The Locally Employed Staff Relocation Scheme supports people who had served the United Kingdom in Afghanistan to relocate and rebuild their lives safely. He advised that Bracknell Forest Council had welcomed three such Afghan refugee families to Bracknell over recent months. The Council had worked to secure three privately rented properties which were affordable for the families. The homes were fully furnished and equipped by the Council, ready for occupation, including white goods and soft furnishings.

 

He added that the Council had used Government allocated funding to employ an additional officer in the Early Help service to be able to offer dedicated support to these families. Support workers were making daily contact with the families to help them to get to know the area, adjust to their new location and settle in safely. 

 

He advised that Education, Health, Early Help services, Housing, engagement and equalities teams had all worked together with charitable/faith organisations to ensure that the refugee families have been able to quickly settle into their new homes. This support had included helping them to register with a GP surgery; finding school and early years places for their children; accessing English language courses if needed; setting up bank accounts and direct debits for utilities; help with registering for benefits initially and then support in accessing the Job Centre and finding work. 

 

He concluded that he had been humbled by the local response and kind offers of help and donations by local organisations and residents. Involve community services had worked with the Council and other charitable organisations to bring together a community support offer for Afghan refugees who had recently been welcomed to Bracknell Forest - this has included providing toys for the children and televisions for the families.  Bracknell Islamic Cultural Society had offered to greet families and offer cultural support and information as required. 

 

Councillor Temperton was pleased to hear about the range of support on offer and enquired whether this extended into the schools welcoming the children due to any language or mental health issues which may arise.

 

Councillor Dr Barnard was invited to respond. He responded that support was given to schools from before the places were allocated starting with ensuring that the schools were fully briefed on the needs of the children. He understood that the children were doing well, were making friends and were supporting their families with developing English language both formally and informally.

 

As with other children requiring additional support their progress was being tracked by the relevant teams. He concluded that there would be a proactive approach to following their progress and he would be happy to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

43.

Motions Submitted Under Council Procedure Rule 11

Motion 06/2021 moved by Councillor Merry seconded by Councillor Temperton

 

This Council adopts a Mayor’s Charter as set out below:

 

BFC Mayor’s Charter

 

Statement of minimum standards of behaviour expected from all Councillors at all times.

The Seven Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principles) -selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership -have long been the basis for ensuring high standards in public life. These are the basis for the behaviours this Council and all its Councillors will adopt.

Our Councillors will:

                encourage and foster constructive democratic debate and tolerance of other points of view

                promote and defend the dignity of others, treating all with courtesy and respect

                not engage in bullying, harassment, or victimisation, nor unlawfully discriminate against another member or group

                challenge unacceptable behaviour whenever it occurs.

Any behaviour that falls short of that included in the above statement will be dealt with under the Council’s Standards and Code of Conduct processes. If any breach appears to break the criminal law, it will be referred to the police.

Minutes:

Motion 06/2021 was moved and seconded by Councillors Merry and Temperton respectively as follows:

 

This Council adopts a Mayor’s Charter as set out below:

 

BFC Mayor’s Charter

 

Statement of minimum standards of behaviour expected from all Councillors at all times.

 

The Seven Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principles) -selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership -have long been the basis for ensuring high standards in public life. These are the basis for the behaviours this Council and all its Councillors will adopt.

 

Our Councillors will:

 

             encourage and foster constructive democratic debate and tolerance of other points of view

 

             promote and defend the dignity of others, treating all with courtesy and respect

 

             not engage in bullying, harassment, or victimisation, nor unlawfully discriminate against another member or group

 

             challenge unacceptable behaviour whenever it occurs.

 

Any behaviour that falls short of that included in the above statement will be dealt with under the Council’s Standards and Code of Conduct processes. If any breach appears to break the criminal law, it will be referred to the police.

 

A recorded vote was requested and taken on the motion and the voting was as follows:

 

FOR (41): Councillors Allen, Angell, Atkinson, Dr Barnard, Bettison OBE, Bhandari, Bidwell, Birch, Mrs Birch, Brossard, Brown, Brunel-Walker, Dudley, Finch, Ms Gaw, Gbadebo, L Gibson, M J Gibson, Green, Mrs Hamilton, Harrison, Mrs Hayes MBE, Ms Hayes, Heydon, Mrs Ingham, Mrs Kennedy, Kirke, Leake, Mrs Mattick, Mrs McKenzie-Boyle, McLean, Ms Merry, Mossom, Neil, Parker, Porter, Skinner, Temperton, Turrell, Virgo and Wade

 

The motion was therefore carried.

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk