Agenda and minutes
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Contact: Marcus Prouse Email: m.prouse@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk and Clare Rendell Email: c.rendell@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk
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Apologies
To receive any apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillors H Davies, C Morgan, A Trollope-Bellew and T Venner. |
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Minutes of the previous meeting of Full Council
To approve the minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee. Additional documents: Minutes: (Minutes of the meetings of Full Council held on 27 April 2020 and 26 May 2020 circulated with the agenda)
Resolved that the minutes of Full Council held on 27 April 2020 and 26 May 2020 be confirmed as a correct record. |
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Declarations of Interest
To receive and note any declarations of disclosable pecuniary or prejudicial or personal interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.
(The personal interests of Councillors and Clerks of Somerset County Council, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes.) Additional documents: Minutes: Members present at the meeting declared the following personal interests in their capacity as a Councillor or Clerk of a County, Town or Parish Council or any other Local Authority:-
Councillors M Blaker, A Hadley, D Perry and S Pugsley further declared a pecuniary interest on agenda item 8, Discretionary Business Grants Fund and would leave the meeting during the debate. Councillor M Kravis further declared a pecuniary interest on agenda item 11, Coastal Improvement Works and would leave the meeting during the debate. The following Councillors further declared a personal interest on agenda item 8, Discretionary Business Grants Fund:- Councillors R Habgood, L Lisgo, M Lithgow, F Smith, R ... view the full minutes text for item 3. |
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Public Participation
The Chair to advise the Committee of any items on which members of the public have requested to speak and advise those members of the public present of the details of the Council’s public participation scheme.
For those members of the public who have submitted any questions or statements, please note, a three minute time limit applies to each speaker and you will be asked to speak before Councillors debate the issue.
Temporary measures during the Coronavirus Pandemic Due to the Government guidance on measures to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), we will holding meetings in a virtual manner which will be live webcast on our website. Members of the public will still be able to register to speak and ask questions, which will then be read out by the Governance and Democracy Case Manager during Public Question Time and will either be answered by the Chair of the Committee, or the relevant Portfolio Holder, or be followed up with a written response. Additional documents: Minutes: Mr Heath spoke on Community Gardening in the Borough. Along with a small team of fellow volunteers, for the last two years I have been running a community garden at Somerset Square, Taunton, which was previously run by Taunton Transition Town, under an initiative for this instigated by Councillor Jefferson Horsley nearly ten years ago. Given that this project has shown itself to be enjoyed and valued by very many users of Somerset Square, by people passing through, and by visitors to Taunton too, would the Council please say whether they are willing to endorse a promotion of this kind of a community engagement model into other parts of the district of Somerset West and Taunton? If so, would the Council also indicate how they would see such projects fitting within the Garden Town agenda for Taunton? Would the Council also please indicate what kinds of support, by way of commitment to community gardening, they would like to actually provide? Brian Heath The Riverside Community Garden
The Portfolio Holder for Parks and Leisure gave the following response:- We have recently reviewed the management of Somerset Square and taken the decision to manage this site through the DLO going forwards and thank The Riverside Community Garden for their work in this area in the past. We are currently reviewing how the Council can support communities and community projects across Somerset West and Taunton and this will cover a wide range of possible projects and interests, which may include community gardening schemes. We have over many years supported a range of schemes including allotments, the Transition Towns ‘Incredible Edibles’ project and the Link Power scheme which supports volunteers undertaking gardening work on our housing estates. At this time we are unable to specifically make a statement quantifying how much support we can bring to this in the future. However, generally we will try to support community projects where it is appropriate to do so.
Carhampton and Old Cleeve Parish Councils spoke on agenda item 11, Costal Improvement Works. Members have before them at this meeting a report of the Assistant Director, Climate Change and Assets, proposing certain measures to assist in the protection of the coastline at Blue Anchor. The works proposed are within the Parish of Old Cleeve but the border with Carhampton Parish is less than half a mile from the site. The effect of doing nothing at this site will have a significant impact on those living in and passing through Carhampton Parish. Some members of Somerset West and Taunton Council will be aware that Somerset County Council has been consulting with a number of agencies including both Carhampton and Old Cleeve Parish Councils about a “Watchet and Blue Anchor Options Study” in relation to the B3191 details of which are readily available on the County Council’s website. The involvement of both Parish Councils in that consultation was only obtained after much badgering of officers of the County Council and County Councillors. On behalf of Carhampton Parish Council and ... view the full minutes text for item 4. |
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To receive any communications or announcements from the Chair of the Council
Additional documents: Minutes: The Chair of the Council made the following announcements:- · The Chair sent her best wishes to Councillor H Davies for a speedy recovery. · She clarified the process for Councillors to follow during the debate on Portfolio Holder reports. · The Chair advised Councillors that agenda item 10, Charter for Compassion, had been withdrawn from the agenda. |
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To receive any communications or announcements from the Leader of the Council
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader of the Council made the following announcement:- · The Leader sent her continued thanks to the following groups for their hard work and support within the community during the covid pandemic: community organisations, partner organisations, residents of Somerset West and Taunton (SWT), SWT Council Officers and fellow SWT Councillors. |
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To receive any questions from Councillors in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13
Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor M Blaker asked the following question under procedure rule 13:- This Council has many significant projects either underway of planned in Taunton. Can the Leader please set out when residents in the rest of the District will expect to see equivalent levels of investment in their communities?
The Leader of the Council gave the following response:- The Leader agreed that the current administration had invested in the Taunton area as the county town. However, not all investment had been within the Taunton area. Investment had been made in the following: Watchet, Onion Collective, Watchet Harbour Wall Repair, East Quay, Seaward Way Minehead, Wellington Railway Station, along with heritage projects protecting landmarks in the area. |
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This matter is the responsibility of Executive Councillor for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Marcus Kravis.
This report details decisions taken on 26 May 2020 and 8 June 2020 by the Chief Executive under the urgency rules contained within paragraph 5 of the Budget and Policy Framework within the Council’s Constitution. Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · Councillors thanked the officers for their appropriate use of the emergency powers. · Councillors queried how much the total funding equalled. The Assistant Director for Customer advised that the initial funding estimate was £48,000,000. The revised figure was £42,000,000 and to date, the authority had paid out £40,000,000 to businesses in the area. · Councillors queried when the priority three application phase would start. The Assistant Director advised that he hoped the next phase would be ready by Friday 10 July 2020. · Councillors queried who could apply for the priority four funds, was it any business or was there certain criteria. The Assistant Director confirmed that any business could apply for the priority four funds as long as there were funds available. · Councillors requested clarification on the criteria for market stall holders. The Assistant Director pointed Councillors to the priority three section of the report.
Resolved that Full Council noted the decisions made. |
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This matter is the responsibility of the Executive Councillor for Planning and Transportation, Councillor Mike Rigby.
The purpose of this report is to update Members on the impact of Covid-19 on Car Parking charging and for Members to make a decision as to how to proceed in terms of charging for parking. Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · Councillors suggested that parking charges should resume in the town centre car parks and that the park and ride should be free of charge to encourage the use of that service. · Councillors supported the proposal because it would support businesses across the whole of the district. · Concern was raised on section 3.2 of the report and the financial implications and that it had highlighted areas that could be impacted by the loss of income. Councillors advised that the income created by the parking charges should not be relied upon to balance the budget. · Councillors queried why previous data could not have been used to assist in calculating the potential income lost through lockdown. · Councillors thanked residents and volunteers for their cooperation and work in the area.
Resolved that Full Council suspended parking charges until 30 August 2020. |
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Charter for Compassion
This matter is the responsibility of Executive Councillor for Community, Councillor Chris Booth.
The Charter for Compassion is a document, linked to a world-wide movement, through which community groups, public bodies, faith organisations and individuals can commit to work together to find solutions to local issues, doing so in a way that is underpinned by values of compassion, fairness and respect, in order to alleviate suffering. Additional documents: Minutes: This item was withdrawn from the agenda. |
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Coastal Improvement Works Report
This matter is the responsibility of Executive Councillor for Environmental Services, Councillor Sarah Wakefield.
This report seeks Council approval to allow officers, with the support of other agencies, to work on a coastal protection scheme for Blue Anchor. This decision is necessary as Council previously directed on a legacy Environment Agency bid proposal. Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · Councillors were pleased to see that powers had been acted upon to rectify the situation. · Councillors pointed out some corrections to some of the wording used within the report. · Councillors requested a member briefing on the topic. · Concern was raised on the engineering schemes and Councillors wanted to ensure the works were carried out correctly. The Assistant Director for Climate Change and Assets felt sorry that concern had been raised but due to the location by the B3191, action was necessary. · Councillors queried who would be responsible for the maintenance of the area in the future. · Councillors requested to see the project costs and works programme as soon as they were available. · Concern was raised on section 5.5 of the report on liability and Councillors requested assurance and that the report returned to Full Council once further details had been collated. The Assistant Director gave assurance that the questions on liability would be answered and only then, would the works be continued. He was hopeful that the Environment Agency would support the bid this time. · Councillors queried whether the costs of the professional engineer would be shared between all the organisations involved in the project. The Assistant Director confirmed he would bring a report back to Full Council once all the costs and liability was known. · Councillors were happy to see the report come forward as it was vital to protect the road for the local residents and the community. It would be catastrophic for the district if no action was taken. The Assistant Director for Climate Change and Assets thanked the Councillors for all their support.
Resolved that Full Council approved:- 1) That Somerset West and Taunton Council officers supported the work necessary to submit a bid to the Environment Agency to fund any Somerset County Council schemes intended to protect the B3191, Watchet to Blue Anchor; 2) That Somerset West and Taunton Council took the leading role on matters of coastal protection in the delivery of any scheme brought forward; and 3) Gave authority for the Director for External Operations and Climate Change and/or Assistant Director, Climate Change and Assets, in consultation with the Lead Member for Environment, the authority to negotiate and approve any Memorandum of Understanding across relevant professional partners associated with any scheme brought forward.
The following Councillors abstained from the vote:- Councillors L Lisgo, D Mansell, A Wedderkopp, B Weston and G Wren. |
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Council Governance Arrangements Report
This matter is the responsibility of the Executive Councillor for Corporate Resources, Councillor Ross Henley.
The purpose of this report is to recommend to Members that mechanisms are put into place to investigate and carry out an options appraisal on Council Governance Arrangements, with particular focus on the type of structure that would suit Somerset West and Taunton Council. Both the Audit, Governance and Standards Committee and the Executive have recommended the report for Council approval. Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · Councillors welcomed the report. · Councillors requested that the first meeting of the working group be set up as soon as possible. The Monitoring Officer advised that the work would not be delayed due to the pandemic and hoped that the new rules on social distancing would allow for an away day, even if it meant that multiple locations were used and joined together via a video link. · Concern was raised on the Terms of Reference and that it referred to a certain type of structure that would suit Somerset West and Taunton Council, but that it should suit the residents and be able to deliver to the wider community. · Councillors requested clarification that the Constitutional Working Group and the Governance Arrangements Working Group carried out their reviews separately. · Concern was raised on whether it was the right time to start up any reviews on the Governance Arrangements, Constitution or Community Governance, due to the threat of the Unitary Authority business case being submitted by Somerset County Council. · Councillors requested reassurance that the working group composition included cross party involvement. The Monitoring Officer advised that all Councillors would be involved and would be sent a survey to gain their initial thoughts on the review and how the work would be carried out. She wanted the review to be as transparent as possible.
Resolved that Full Council approved:- a) An all Member ‘away day’ was arranged to consider the items listed at section 4.5; b) A cross party Members Working Group was established to investigate the options and to report back through the appropriate democratic pathway; c) The Terms of Reference for the Council Governance Arrangements Working Group (Appendix A) were approved; and d) Seven Councillors were selected to form the Working Group along with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources. |
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Access to Information - Exclusion of the Press and Public
During discussion of the following items it may be necessary to pass the following resolution to exclude the press and public having reflected on Article 13 13.02(e) (a presumption in favour of openness) of the Constitution. This decision may be required because consideration of this matter in public may disclose information falling within one of the descriptions of exempt information in Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. The Council will need to decide whether, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption, outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. Recommend that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the next item of business on the ground that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 respectively of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). Additional documents: Minutes: Resolvedthat the press and the public be excluded from the meeting for the items numbered 14 (appendices only) and 15 on the Agenda as the items contained exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule12Ato the Local Government Act 1972, and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information to the public. |
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Zero Carbon Affordable Homes Pilot
This matter is the responsibility of Executive Councillor for Housing, Councillor Francesca Smith.
In 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency and committed to working towards achieving carbon neutrality and climate resilience by 2030. As a result SWT is developing policies and delivering actions to reduce the pace of climate change. In 2020 the Council agreed a Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 30 year Business Plan. This plan included an ambition to develop 1000 new affordable homes for the HRA over 30 years. These ambitions have been joined in this proposed pilot scheme to build up to fifty (50) zero carbon council homes and create a blueprint for future affordable housing developments in the District. Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · Councillors agreed that it was an exciting project for the community and they were happy to see that Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) were leading with a pilot scheme. · Councillors highlighted that the locations mentioned within the report were predominantly within the Taunton area and queried whether it would be rolled out to the wider area of SWT. The Assistant Director for Housing Development and Regeneration and Portfolio Holder for Housing advised that they would look to find supplementary sites to join the scheme. · Concern was raised that the investment could be lost in the right to buy scheme. The Assistant Director and Portfolio Holder advised that the properties would be protected for 15 years before they were available to be sold. · Councillors requested that all types of housing were included in the scheme, including those that required disabled access. · Councillors requested assurance that the houses being built provided for our residents and reflected the housing needs assessment. The Portfolio Holder advised that they had requested different types of property were included but that they would be built based on the local housing need. · Councillors were pleased to see that officers had gathered data and evidence to support the scheme and that there was a show home included for residents to view. · Councillors were in favour of the project and that it showed that SWT were taking climate change seriously and also what could be achieved by a Council. · Councillors hoped that the project would show developers what could be achieved. · Councillors hoped that all new builds would be able to be built in the same manner in the future.
Resolved that Full Council:- a) Approved the development of up to fifty (50) Zero Carbon Affordable Homes; b) Allocated a Zero Carbon Affordable Homes Capital budget of £10.8m to deliver up to fifty (50) new homes which would include Right to Buy Receipts on all eligible units plus additional borrowing. This comprised a supplementary capital budget increase of £9.3m and a transfer of £1.5m from the social housing development budget within the existing approved capital programme; c) Supported the use of underused SWT garage sites and one temporary housing site for new zero carbon affordable homes; d) Delegated authority to the Housing Portfolio Holder and Director of Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Assistant Director – Finance (Section 151 Officer), to sign off the plans for each site; e) Delegated authority to the Housing Portfolio Holder and Director of Housing and Section 151 Officer to determine the final funding profile for this scheme once the development plans of each individual site had been finalised to identify which elements qualified for RTB funding; f) Noted the use of affordable rents for new build HRA homes in line with the 2020 Rent Setting Policy. The affordable rents would be set to ensure scheme viability at between 60% and 80% of market rent; and g) Agreed to suspend investment and letting of garages ... view the full minutes text for item 14. |
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Commercial Investment Portfolio Update
This matter is the responsibility of Executive Councillor for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Marcus Kravis.
To update Members on the progress made in implementing the Commercial Investment Strategy, delays encountered and to set out key milestones for the delivery going forward until 2021. Minutes: Resolved that Full Council received and reviewed the delivery of the Commercial Strategy and performance of the Investment Property Portfolio covering the period 17 December 2019 to 31 May 2020. |
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To Re-admit the Press and Public
Additional documents: Minutes: Resolved that the Press and Public be re-admitted to the meeting. |
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Time Extension
Additional documents: Minutes: Resolved that the meeting be extended by 30 minutes. |
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To consider reports from Executive Councillors
Part I – To deal with written questions to the Executive. Part II – To receive reports from the following Members of the Executive:- a) Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts – Leader of the Council b) Councillor Benet Allen – Deputy Leader & Communications and Culture c) Councillor Christopher Booth – Community d) Councillor Ross Henley – Corporate Resources e) Councillor Marcus Kravis – Asset Management and Economic Development f) Councillor Richard Lees – Sports, Parks and Leisure g) Councillor Peter Pilkington – Climate Change h) Councillor Mike Rigby – Planning and Transportation i) Councillor Francesca Smith - Housing j) Councillor Sarah Wakefield – Environmental Services
An Executive Councillor shall submit a report to an Ordinary Meeting of the Council as to current and future business of their portfolio for the information of and comment from the Council. Such reports are for discussion and comment only and no motion shall be put to the meeting as to any such item other than those closure motions described in Standing Order 5. Additional documents: Minutes: During the discussion, the following points were raised:- · An update on the Future of Local Government in Somerset was requested and Councillors suggested a member briefing could be held. · Praise was given on the Canonsgrove Project and the support given to those vulnerable residents. · Clarification was requested on the Kingsmead Academy solar panels application. There appeared to be many objections which had not reached the Chair of the Planning Committee. · An update was requested on the installation of electric car charging points in some car parks, as the applications had been submitted in 2018/19. · Councillors praised the use of the weekly newsletter during the lockdown period and that it had provided them with much needed information for their constituents. · More consistent reports were requested from the Portfolio Holders. · Further detailed figures were requested on the housing service, especially the homelessness section. · Councillors thanked the Portfolio Holder for his work on economic development within the area. · An update was requested on when the Members Portal would be implemented. |
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Scrutiny Annual Report - For Information
Additional documents: Minutes: Resolved that Full Council noted the report. |
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Audit Annual Report - For Information
Additional documents: Minutes: Resolved that Full Council noted the report. |