Agenda and minutes

Venue: Assembly Rooms, Chapel Road

Contact: Neil Terry
Democratic Services Lead
01903 221073  Email: neil.terry@adur-worthing.gov.uk

Note: Meeting Adjourned 

Items
No. Item

C/55/21-22

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillor Rosey Whorlow.

C/56/21-22

Declarations of Interest

Members and Officers must declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to any business on the agenda. Declarations should also be made at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting.

 

If in doubt contact the Legal or Democratic Services representative for this meeting.

Minutes:

Councillor Carl Walker declared an interest as a co-founder of the Worthing Food Foundation.

 

Councillor Margaret Howard declared an interest as a co-founder of the Worthing Food Foundation and member of the Broadwater Support Group.

 

Councillor Russ Cochran declared a personal interest in item 7A.

Councillor Edward Crouch declared an interest in item 9 as a paid Director of Worthing Homes.

 

Councillor Steve Waight declared a personal interest as a member of West Sussex County Council where he was also the Cabinet Member for Support Services and Economic Development.

 

Councillors Noel Atkins, Rebecca Cooper, Henna Chowdhury, Sean McDonald, Dawn Smith, Elizabeth Sparkes and John Turley declared personal interests as Members of West Sussex County Council.

C/57/21-22

Confirmation of Minutes

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on the 14 December 2021, copies of which have been previously circulated.

Minutes:

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 December 2021 be approved as a correct record and that they be signed by the Mayor.

C/58/21-22

Questions from the Public

 

To receive any questions from members of the public addressed to Members of the Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.  There is up to 5 minutes for each question, one supplementary question may be asked arising from the original question.

 

Questions must relate to any matter the Council has power or which affects the Borough, except no questions may be asked in relation to

 

a)    A specific planning or licensing application

b)    A specific staffing appointment or appeal, or Standards determination

 

Public question time will last up to 30 minutes; questions will be taken in the order of receipt.

Minutes:

1.         Submitted Question from Mr Matthew Potter, a Worthing Resident

 

The Adur & Worthing Community Food Network includes a number of organisations who work with and support local people who would otherwise go hungry.

 

We are very grateful for the time, funds and resources from Adur & Worthing Council, which we could not have done without. We also appreciate their proactive approach and willingness to work with us.

 

However, demand for food is rising and many of our organisations are now operating at capacity. We are currently supporting over 3,500 of our neighbours with nearly 10,000 food parcels and 1,600 pre-prepared meals every quarter.

 

We would like cross-party support to work on a long-term, community-led action plan to address the causes of and the solutions to food insecurity, along with looking at future food acquisition and distribution so that we can better support our community.

 

This will require a fully-funded, community-led coordinator and continued cross-departmental focus, directed toward a long-term participatory Food Action plan.

 

We would ask that the Council: 

 

Confirms its cross-party, continued support, both practical and financial, for the Community Food Network.

 

Further we ask for a cross-party financial commitment to fully fund a community-directed long-term Food Action plan that will address both the causes of, and the solutions to, food insecurity in our community.

 

The Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing responded that the Councils’ had been working in partnership with the food groups since April 2020, during the first national lockdown to share information and resources, with the Councils providing significant emergency resources and direct support, including money, space for food, an emergency food hub and assistance to ensure those in need, received food and other help.

 

The Council continued to play a key role with food groups and the AW Food Network to help and enable this group to meet the local needs of residents, focusing on how partners can address food needs now, supporting groups with Covid funding resources and officer time/resources.  Officers had also been working alongside other partners and many of the Council’s generous businesses and volunteers who had continued to help and support people, with food, financial contributions, skills and volunteering hours

 

The Council recognised the approach needed to be more than alleviating the immediate need for food, and enabling more early intervention work to connect people to the wider support and advice available to alleviate need including help with money, housing, benefits entitlement, access to employment etc. The Councils had directed £195,000 of the COMF funding directly to food groups (Contain Outbreak Management Fund) to address food and these broader issues and had also used and mobilised resources to help ensure early help and prevention work was provided, through the Proactive project, employment coaches, money advice, temporary housing, and street outreach. 

 

The Councils were keen to work on a more long term approach with food partners to tackle the long-term drivers of food need and insecurity and to support more sustainable food supply issues that help share food resources and tackle food  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/58/21-22

C/59/21-22

Announcements by the Mayor, Leader of the Council, Executive Members or the Head of Paid Service

Minutes:

The Mayor thanked the Deputy Mayor for attending a number of events on his behalf and for taking the lead at the Holocaust Memorial Day service on 27 January. A somber event that provided everyone with a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to be in a free and democratic country.

 

The Mayor informed the Council of a number of Civic events that he had attended following his recent operation:-

 

·         The 5th anniversary of Anytime Fitness.

·         The Ground Breaking Ceremony for Worthing’s Integrated Care Centre which when completed, would be a great asset for Worthing and benefit so many of its residents.

·         Photoshoot of the launch of the Worthing Rotary Club Centenary commemorations; the Mayor stated that he was always happy to be in a photo.

·         Care for Veterans Fire Walk where he opened the event and offered encouragement and support to all those taking part.

·         Worthing Thunder game against Hemel Storm; the Mayor stated that he had never been to a basketball match and was impressed by the stamina and pace of all the players. After the game he had the opportunity to chat with the teams and to find out a little about the community works they did supporting underprivileged children.

 

After a 21-month delay, the Mayor advised that he had finally managed to hold his inaugural Mayoral Dinner. Despite it being a small event everyone who attended had a great evening.

 

The Mayor provided a brief update on his Armed Forces Champion duties, advising that 2022 was going to be a very busy year for Worthing’s Armed Forces and Veterans. As well as the usual events, planning was well under way for the Queen’s Jubilee, and also the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. Both were important landmarks and the Mayor hoped everyone would support them appropriately.

 

Following the great work of the Council in 2021 by strengthening its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, it was important that our Service Personnel and Veterans received the respect and support they deserved. He urged all Councillors to ensure that the aims of the Covenant were foremost in their thoughts when fulfilling their responsibilities when talking to residents and doing their work.

 

There were no announcements from the Leader, Executives Members or the Chief Executive.

C/60/21-22

Items raised under Urgency Provisions

To consider any items the Mayor has agreed are urgent.

Minutes:

There were no urgent items raised under the urgency provisions.

C/61/21-22

Recommendations from the Executive and Committees to Council pdf icon PDF 294 KB

To consider recommendations to the Council, details of which are set out in the attached items as 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D(i) and 7D(ii).

 

Full reports are available on the website as listed below:

 

 

 

Executive / Committee

Date

Item

A

Licensing & Control Committee 

24 January 2022

Statement of Licensing Gambling Act Policy 

B

Joint Governance Committee

25 January 2022

Appointment of an External Auditor

 

C

Worthing Executive

31 January 2022

Budget Estimates 2022/23 and setting of 2022/23 Council Tax

 

D

Joint Strategic Committee

8 February 2022

(i)  Joint Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy 2022/23 to 2024/25, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council

 

(ii) Worthing Local Plan 

 

Minutes:

Council had, before it, recommendations from the Licensing & Control Committee, Joint Governance Committee, the Worthing Executive and the Joint Strategic Committee.

 

Extracts of these minutes had been circulated as items 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D (i) and (ii).

 

 

Item 7A                       Licensing and Control Committee - 24 January 2022

 

Licensing Act 2005 - Statement of Licensing Gambling Act Policy

 

The Chairman of the Licensing and Control Committee introduced the recommendation to the Council. Members were invited to review the draft statement of Licensing Policy and adopt the updated policy.

 

The motion was seconded by Councillor Hazel Thorpe and unanimously supported.

 

Resolved,

 

That the Council approved the Statement of Licensing Gambling Policy for adoption.

 

Item 7B                       Joint Governance Committee - 25 January 2022

 

Appointment of External Auditor

 

The Chairman of the Joint Governance Committee introduced the recommendation to the Council.

 

The contract for external audit was due to come to an end in 2023 and the external auditor for the audit of the Councils’ accounts for 2023/24 had to be appointed before the end of December 2022.

 

The report set out the approach to procuring a replacement supplier for the audit of the 2023/24 accounts and sought approval to use Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA) to procure a new supplier.

 

The motion was seconded by Councillor Bob Smytherman and unanimously supported. 

 

Resolved,

 

That the Council approved opt-in to the Appointing Person arrangements made by the Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA) for the appointment of external auditors for the five years from 1st April 2023.

 

Item 7C                       Worthing Executive - 31 January 2022

 

Budget Estimates 2022/23 and setting of 2022/23 Council Tax

 

The Mayor advised that the recommendations from Worthing Executive would be considered under Item 9 on the agenda.

 

 

 

 

Item 7D(i)                   Joint Strategic Committee -  8 February 2021

 

Joint Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy 2022/23 to 2024/25, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council

 

The Leader presented the recommendation from the Joint Strategic Committee held on 8 February 2021 which was seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Sparkes and debated by Council.

 

Following a vote (For 20, Against 0, Abstentions 16)

 

Resolved,

 

That the Council approved the Prudential Indicators and Limits, and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statements.

 

Item 7D(ii)                  Joint Strategic Committee -  8 February 2021

 

Worthing Local Plan

 

The Leader presented the recommendation from the Joint Strategic Committee held on 8 February 2021 which was seconded by Councillor Nicola Waight and supported unanimously.

 

Resolved,

 

The Council approved the Schedule of Modifications for consultation.

C/62/21-22

Mayor's Announcement

Minutes:

The County Council was forced to rearrange their budget setting meeting from Friday 18th February to the 28th February due to storm Eunice

 

This has an impact on the formal Council Tax determinations which are required to be approved by the Full Council. The Council is in a position to set its own budget and Council Tax as planned, however, we are required statutorily to set the overall Council Tax, including the precepts from other bodies.

 

As a consequence, we will not be able to set the overall Council Tax for the Borough this evening including the tax related to West Sussex County Council.

 

Therefore, I shall be moving agenda items 8 and 9 to the end of this evening’s agenda. I have been advised that tonight’s meeting will need to be adjourned at an appropriate junction, after we have fully discussed our own budget and set our own Council Tax.

 

It is proposed that the meeting will reconvene next week to enable us to meet our statutory duties. In consultation with the Group Leaders, it has been agreed that this will take place on Tuesday 1st March at 6.30pm.

C/63/21-22

Council Tax Support Scheme - Additional discretionary discounts pdf icon PDF 67 KB

To consider a report by the Director for Digital, Sustainability and Resources, copy attached as item 10.

Minutes:

Before the Council was a report by the Director for Digital, Sustainability & Resources, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 10.

 

The report advised that the Council had received notification from West Sussex County Council that they would like to support an extension of the Council Tax additional discounts of £150.00 per working age claimant in 2022/23

 

The report sought approval to replicate the additional covid related support given to working age CTS claimants in 2020/21 and 2021/22 of an additional council tax discount of up to £150.00 per household.

 

The Leader of the Council proposed the recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Heather Mercer and debated.

 

Following a vote (For 18, Against 0, Abstentions 18)

 

Resolved,

 

The Council approved an additional discretionary discount of up to £150,000 per household for working age claimants and that claimants need not apply for the discount which would be automatically applied.

 

C/64/21-22

Report of the Leader on Decisions taken by the Executive Members and the Joint Strategic Committee since the last meeting of Council pdf icon PDF 120 KB

To receive a report from the Leader as item 11. The report contains decisions taken by the Executive, Executive Members and the Joint Strategic Committee since the last Council meeting.  

 

There will be up to 15 minutes for Executive Members to make any statements on the report. There will also be up to 15 minutes for Executive Members to respond to questions on the report. These questions will not be the same as any to be asked under Item 15.  

 

(Note: Papers relating to items under 7 and 11 have been previously circulated and can be viewed on the Council’s website)

 

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council presented his report on decisions taken by the Executive since the last Ordinary meeting of the Council, which were detailed in Item 11.

 

Questions were received in relation to the proposed activities for celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Solar Together.

C/65/21-22

Designation of Monitoring Officer pdf icon PDF 63 KB

To consider a report by the Head of Paid Service, copy attached as item 12.

Minutes:

Before the Council was a report by the Head of Paid Service, a copy of which was circulated to all members, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 12.

 

The purpose of the report was to formally designate the Council’s Monitoring Officer.

 

The Leader of the Council wished to place on record his thanks to the outgoing Monitoring Officer, Maria Memoli, for all of her work in supporting the Council and proposed the recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Bob Smytherman and unanimously supported.

 

Resolved,

 

The Council designated Geoff Wild as the Council’s Monitoring Officer with effect from 25th February 2022.

C/66/21-22

Pay Policy Statement 2021/2022 pdf icon PDF 164 KB

To consider a report by the Director for Digital, Sustainability and Resources, copy attached as item 13.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Before the Council was a report by the Director for Digital, Sustainability and Resources, a copy of which was circulated to all members, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 13.

 

The report sought members approval of the Pay Policy Statement 2021/22, which was a statutory requirement under Section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011. It was noted that the statement would be updated on an annual basis.

 

The Leader of the Council proposed the recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Bob Smytherman and debated.

 

Following a vote (For 20, Against 0, Abstentions 16)

 

Resolved,

 

The Council noted the Pay Policy Statement for 2021/22 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

 

C/67/21-22

Schedule of Meetings 2022/23 pdf icon PDF 58 KB

To receive from the Proper Officer, the Interim Director for Communities, the schedule of meetings for the Council and other meetings in the next Municipal Year. A copy of the schedule is attached as item 14. 

 

The Council is invited to formally approve the dates for its meetings and to note the proposed meeting dates for Committees.

 

Minutes:

The Council received the schedule of meetings for the Council and other meetings from the Proper Officer, the Interim Director for Communities,  a copy of which was circulated to all members, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 14.

 

Council was invited to formally approve the dates for its Meetings during this period whilst noting the proposed dates for other committees.

 

The motion was proposed and seconded and during debate, an amendment to the Schedule of Meetings for 2022/23 was proposed by the Leader of the Council and seconded by Councillor Noel Atkins, that the Annual Council meeting be held at 12 noon rather than 6.30pm in order to keep with tradition. The amendment was debated and passed following a vote (For 18, Against 17, Abstentions 1).

 

The substantive motion, as amended, was debated and supported following a vote (For 18, Against 1, Abstentions 17).

 

Resolved

 

The Council approved the Schedule of Meetings for 2022/23, as amended above.

C/68/21-22

Members Questions under Council Procedure Rule 12

Members’ question time will last up to 30 minutes, with questions being taken in the order of receipt and in rotation from each political group on the Council. The deadline for submission of questions is Friday 18 February at 12 noon.

 

Questions should be submitted to democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

 

Questions can be asked of the following:

a)    The Mayor

b)    A Member of the Executive

c)    The Chairman of any Committee

d)    The Council’s representative on any outside body

 

Questions cannot be asked in relation to the following:

a)    A specific planning or licensing application

b)    A specific staffing appointment, appeal or Standards determination

Minutes:

The Mayor announced that 4 questions had been received from Members in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12. He advised that one supplementary question could be asked which must arise out of the original question, or, the reply. 

 

Questions would be asked in rotation of the Groups represented in the Chamber and there were 30 minutes allowed for questions with 3 rotations of speakers possible. At the end of 30 minutes the Mayor explained that he would extend the time to conclude the current rotation of questions.

 

First rotation:

 

Question 1 from Councillor Hazel Thorpe to the Leader

 

The current environmental pressures are towards sustainable transport and environmentally friendly vehicles. Worthing Borough car parks are now losing money to the tune of £359,000.

 

What is your greater plan for the Town, are you going down the route similar to Brighton & Hove City Council and reducing on street car parks?

 

The Leader of the Council replied that like everywhere else, the Pandemic had meant that car parking income had dropped over the past two years.  Right now, the Council’s approach was about making sure that its car parks remained open and helped to support economic recovery and in particular, the health of businesses in the town centre.  The aim was that the car parks should provide a welcome and clean environment for residents and visitors arriving by car. 

 

In the future, the role played by the Council’s car parks would no doubt change as it placed a greater emphasis on promoting active travel and the opportunities to walk and cycle with all of the health benefits they bring. The Council might for example, have to look toward prioritising valuable car parking spaces for those people most in need. 

 

Whatever the Council did with its car parks, it would need to work closely with its colleagues at West Sussex County Council who looked after on-street car parking.

 

 

Question 2 from Councillor Charles James to the Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing

 

Can the Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing advise as to whether the Taxi Rank Marshalls Scheme, which has been very effective in reducing crime, disorder and anti- social behaviour, will be continuing during 2022?

 

The Executive Member for Health & Welbeing replied that the taxi marshal scheme was currently under review. The Council was working with stakeholders to identify suitable options to ensure this scheme could continue beyond March 2022.

 

The scheme had been in existence since 2005, going under various governance and funding arrangements. Until 2020, late night premises and taxi drivers contributed to the scheme which was administered and underwritten by the Safer Communities Partnership. Due to a decrease in grant contributions, the partnership was no longer in a position to underwrite the scheme.

 

Contributions were paused throughout lock down. As restrictions were lifted, the councils were able to fund the marshalls for the last 10 months using funds supporting covid recovery. As this funding was coming to an end, the Safer Communities Partnership was now working with Pubwatch, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/68/21-22

C/69/21-22

Motion on Notice pdf icon PDF 184 KB

To consider a Motion on Notice, submitted by the Proper Officer on behalf of Councillor Russ Cochran, detailed as item 16.

Minutes:

Before the Council was a motion proposed by Councillor Russ Cochran and seconded by Councillor Bob Smytherman.

 

Resolved,

 

In accordance with the Constitution, the Motion was noted and immediately referred to the Joint Strategic Committee.

C/70/21-22

Motion on Notice pdf icon PDF 188 KB

To consider a Motion on Notice, submitted by the Proper Officer on behalf of Councillor Jon Roser, detailed as item 17.

Minutes:

Before the Council was a motion proposed by Councillor Jon Roser and seconded by Councillor Emma Taylor.

 

Resolved,

 

In accordance with the Constitution, the Motion was noted and immediately referred to the Joint Strategic Committee.

 

C/71/21-22

Motion on Notice pdf icon PDF 201 KB

To consider a Motion on Notice, submitted by the Proper Officer on behalf of Councillor Cathy Glynn-Davies, detailed as item 18.

 

Minutes:

Before the Council was a motion proposed by Councillor Cathy Glynn-Davies and seconded by Councillor Vicki Wells.

 

Resolved,

 

In accordance with the Constitution, the Motion was noted and immediately referred to the Joint Strategic Committee.

C/72/21-22

Motion on Notice pdf icon PDF 187 KB

 

To consider a Motion on Notice, submitted by the Proper Officer on behalf of Councillor Edward Crouch, detailed as item 19.

 

Minutes:

Before the Council was a motion proposed by Councillor Edward Crouch and seconded by Councillor Hazel Thorpe.

 

Resolved,

 

In accordance with the Constitution, the Motion was noted and immediately referred to the Joint Strategic Committee.

* The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8.37pm and reconvened it again at 8.50pm

C/73/21-22

Suspension of Council Procedure Rules

Minutes:

The Council was asked to suspend Council Procedure rules where they conflicted with the budget procedure rules in accordance with paragraph 7.2 of the budget procedure rules.

 

Having been proposed by the Leader, seconded by Councillor Bob Smytherman the Council unanimously agreed to suspend Council Procedure Rules for the consideration of Item 9 on the agenda.

C/74/21-22

Council Tax 2022/23

Minutes:

The Mayor introduced the item explaining that item 7C, the recommendation from the Executive, would be considered as part of this discussion with the full proposed recommendation being contained in the papers circulated with the agenda.

 

As required by the Regulations there would be a recorded vote on any amendments to the proposed budget together with a final vote.

 

The Mayor clarified that the item would be dealt with under the budget procedure rules and therefore, ordinary rules of debate did not apply.

 

The Mayor invited the Leader of the Council to address the Chamber. 

 

The Leader of the Council introduced the budget and setting of the council tax to members and a copy of the Leaders budget speech is appended to these minutes as Appendix A.

 

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Sparkes.

 

The Leader of the Labour Group on the Council, Councillor Beccy Cooper, addressed the Council and proposed 8 amendments to the budget, appended to these minutes as Appendix B, which she proposed grouping together for the purpose of voting as follows:-

·         Vote 1 - Amendment 2

·         Vote 2 - Amendment 5

·         Vote 3 - Amendments 1, 3 & 7

·         Vote 4 - Amendments 4 & 6

·         Vote 5 - Amendment 8

 

The proposed amendments were seconded by Councillor Carl Walker. 

 

The Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group on the Council, Councillor Hazel Thorpe, addressed the Council.

 

Members in the Chamber debated the proposed budget and budget amendments.

 

** During the debate (10.25pm), in accordance with the constitution, the Mayor sought approval to extend the time of the meeting beyond four hours. Councillor Smytherman proposed that the meeting be extended in order to conclude the item of business. The motion was seconded by Councillor Cochran and unanimously supported.  

 

In accordance with Budget Procedure Rules, the Leader of the Opposition and the Executive Leader were given rights of reply.

 

The Mayor put each of the amendments to the Council for a vote. Recorded votes were taken, the results of which, are set out below:-

 

Vote 1 - Amendment 2

 

For (16): Councillors Barrett, Chowdhury, Cooper, Deen, Glynn-Davies, Howard, McCabe, Mulholland, Roser, Silman, D Smith, S Smith, Taylor, Turley, Walker & Wells

 

Against (18): Councillors Atkins, Barraclough, Cochran, Coxhill, Crouch, K Harman, L Harman, Humphreys, James, Jenkins, McDonald, Mercer, Murphy, Nowak, Sparkes, N Waight, S Waight & Wills

 

Abstentions (2): Councillors Smytherman and Thorpe

 

Resolved that amendment 2 was not supported.

 

 

Vote 2 - Amendment 5

 

For (16): Councillors Barrett, Chowdhury, Cooper, Deen, Glynn-Davies, Howard, McCabe, Mulholland, Roser, Silman, D Smith, S Smith, Taylor, Turley, Walker & Wells

 

Against (18): Councillors Atkins, Barraclough, Cochran, Coxhill, Crouch, K Harman, L Harman, Humphreys, James, Jenkins, McDonald, Mercer, Murphy, Nowak, Sparkes, N Waight, S Waight & Wills

 

Abstentions (2): Councillors Smytherman and Thorpe

 

Resolved that amendment 5 was not supported.

 

 

Vote 3 - Amendments 1, 3 & 7

 

For (16): Councillors Barrett, Chowdhury, Cooper, Deen, Glynn-Davies, Howard, McCabe, Mulholland, Roser, Silman, D  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/74/21-22

Appendix A pdf icon PDF 78 KB

Appendix B pdf icon PDF 458 KB

Appendix C pdf icon PDF 51 KB

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 6.39pm