Agenda and minutes

The Mayor had received apologies for absence from Councillors John Turley and Steve Wills.

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.

Councillor Dawn Smith declared an interest in item 10 as a member of West Sussex County Council.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 20 July 2021, copies of which have been previously circulated. 

A copy is available to view at

https://democracy.adur-worthing.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=158&MId=1503&Ver=4

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 20 July 2021 be approved as a correct record and that they be signed by the Mayor.

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.

The deadline for submission of questions is Friday 15 October 2021 at 12 noon. Questions to be submitted to democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

The Mayor advised that a number of questions had been received in advance of the meeting that were substantially the same, in relation to former councillor Tim Wills.

Councillor McCabe proposed a motion without notice, under Council Procedure Rule 15.1(p), to suspend Council Procedure Rule 11 so that the 30 minute time limit for public questions could be suspended. The motion was seconded by Councillor Bob Smytherman and unanimously supported by Council. 

A statement was read out by the leader by way of response to the questions received:- 

The Leader responded that a number of questions had been received prior to Mr T Wills resignation, asking why he had not resigned, had he been asked to resign, would he be forced to resign etc. The Leader advised that Mr T Wills had now resigned and all the political groups that made up the Council had contacted Mr T Wills to say that he should resign. This was the least he could do in the circumstances and that a by-election for that vacancy was the right way to move forwards.

The Mayor invited those who had submitted questions, to ask a supplementary question.

Supplementary questions were received from

Susan Pepper - Tim Wills, in his postings, mentioned others in the Conservative Party who were onside. What investigations were planned to ensure there were no other white supremacists on the Council?

The Leader replied that he hadn’t got the foggiest idea what he was talking about, if he had said that, and that he had absolute faith in the rest of this group that no one else was onside with those views.

Margaret Harris - Tim Wills resigned because he is a racist and white supremacist, can you detail the lessons learned and reassure us that you will review your selection procedures and monitor social media accounts to ensure that this type of incident will never happen again, within Worthing Borough Council.

The Leader replied that he did not get a vote or say in who was selected to be a Conservative candidate and did not know what the process was in other parties. Although that was not a matter for this Council, he had no doubt that political parties around Worthing, and wider, are considering their approach to selection and scrutiny of those candidates.

Andrew Whight - You alluded in your earlier comments that you had made a call for Mr T Wills to resign. When and where did you make a public call for Mr T Wills to resign?

The leader replied that when he had first heard about these allegations, he contacted Mr T Wills. When Mr Wills didn’t deny the allegations, he explained the party's disciplinary procedures to him and he was immediately suspended from the Conservative Group. When, a few days later,  the Leader had still not received any form of denial, he followed up with an email stating that if Mr T Wills was not going to deny the allegations, it was the group's view  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/29/21-22

The Mayor placed on record the Council’s condolences in the event of the tragic death of MP Sir David Amess and asked that a minute’s silence be held to enable a moment of reflection.

The Mayor also paid tribute to two Past Mayors/Honorary Alderman Michael Parkin and Brian McCluskie who had passed away and said that their contribution to the council would not be forgotten; the Council’s condolences were sent to their families.

The Mayor informed council that the past few weeks had been challenging and reminded all members that they were elected to serve the people of Worthing with fairness and equity and to act in a way that did not bring the Council into disrepute.

The Mayor had undertaken several civic duties, including:

·       opening the Salvington Mill Fun Day;

·       hosting the High Sheriff of West Sussex and his wife to a Town Hall tour and tour of the town centre;

·       meeting members of Worthing Shakers, a support group for people who suffer from Essential Tremor Symptoms; 

·       unveiling two Blue Plaques: one at the Dome for Carl Seebold who originally opened the Dome as an entertainment centre and the other was outside the Town Hall building for Ellen Chapman the 1st female Mayor of Worthing. The latter had been a project that had involved both the Mayor and Mayoress and he thanked the Town Hall team and the Worthing Society for their help and support and all those who contributed to their crowdfunding campaign to pay for the plaque;

·       launching the Worthing Mental Health Awareness week.

The Mayor and the Mayoress had also attended several Military Commemorations and events. These were:

·       the drumhead service outside the Town Hall to dedicate the Worthing Veteran’s Standard and to remember 3 Royal Naval veterans that “passed over the bar”;

·       the Canadian Memorial Day;

·       the RBL Lantern Relay in Shoreham;

·       the Battle of Britain Service;

·       the 80th anniversary memorial for the sinking of HMS BROADWATER; and

·       a very successful first Worthing Veterans’ Dinner/Dance.

The Mayor raised awareness of the recent Baby Loss Awareness Week and asked that the Council consider marking and recognising this event in the future.

The Mayor had been approached by Worthing College to provide the council with an overview of the Colleges Week 2021; a nationwide week of celebration organised by the Association of Colleges that shone a spotlight on Further Education colleges, highlighting the work achieved by students and staff - as well as campaigning for fairer funding for education. It was noted that Worthing College looked forward to welcoming the councillors to get involved in celebrating their local college and to remind them of the outstanding education offered to students in the Worthing Area.

The Mayor asked members to support Worthing Symphony Orchestra and their concerts; as WSO was a real asset for Worthing.

The Mayor announced that he was holding a New Year’s Bash in support of his mayoral charities and asked members to support the event.

There were no announcements from the Leader, Executive Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/30/21-22

To consider any items the Mayor has agreed are urgent.

There were no urgent items raised under the urgency provisions.

Council had, before it, recommendations from the Joint Governance Committee, the Joint Strategic Committee and the Joint Senior Staff Committee.

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

Item 7A(i)                    Joint Governance Committee - 29 July 2021

Joint Governance Committee Appointments: Parish Councillors

The Chairman of the Joint Governance Committee, Cllr Roy Barraclough, presented and proposed the recommendation from the Joint Governance Committee meeting held on 29 July 2021.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Bob Smytherman.

Following a vote (For 20, Against 0, Abstentions 14) it was

Resolved,

That Worthing Borough Council approved the nomination from Lancing Parish Council of the appointment of Cllr Mike Mendoza as a Co-opted Member of the Joint Governance Committee for 2021/22.

Item 7A(ii)                   Joint Governance Committee - 29 July 2021

Conferment of Honorary Alderman - Paul Baker

The Chairman of the Joint Governance Committee, Cllr Roy Barraclough, presented and proposed the recommendation from the Joint Governance Committee meeting held on 29 July 2021.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Bob Smytherman and unanimously supported by the Council.

Resolved,

That Worthing Borough Council approved that a special meeting of the Council be arranged, under section 249(1) of the Local Government Act, for the specific purpose of conferring the title of ‘Honorary Alderman’ to Paul Baker.

Item 7B(i)                    Joint Strategic Committee - 7 September 2021

Downview and Rowlands Road update

The Leader presented and proposed the recommendation from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 7 September 2021.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Heather Mercer and unanimously approved.

During debate, a member raised concerns about the budget overspend and initial survey work. The Leader responded that the problems identified couldn’t have been known about until the building works commenced and that he remained reassured.

Councillor McCabe expressed his support for the project and wished to place on record his thanks to Councillor Thorpe for her work on the Ethical Landlord Scheme.

Resolved,

That Worthing Borough Council approved the Registration of Worthing Borough Council as a Registered Social Landlord and authorised the Monitoring Officer to make consequential amendments to the Constitution arising from the registration.

Item 7B(ii)                   Joint Strategic Committee - 7 September 2021

Protecting our Coastline - Worthing Coastal Protection Scheme

The Leader presented and proposed the recommendation from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 7 September 2021.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Kevin Jenkins and following discussion in relation to both the outline business case and consultation, was unanimously supported by the Council.

Resolved,

That Worthing Borough Council approved the amendment of the 2021/22 Capital Investment Programme to include the revised Phase 1 capital project for structural works to the groynes and shingle nourishment work.

Item 7C                       Joint Strategic Committee - 7 October 2021

Towards a Safer Adur and Worthing- Introducing the Adur and Worthing Safer Communities Partnership Strategy (2021-2024)

The Leader presented and proposed the recommendation from the  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/32/21-22

To receive a report from the Leader as item 8. 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 10.

(Note: Papers relating to items under 7 and 8 have been previously circulated and can be viewed here on the Council’s website

https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/meetings-and-decisions/)

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 8.

Questions were received in relation to HealthyAW, the Worthing Leisure Centre Hammer Throws Cage, retention of the TTRO in Montague Street, the Denton Gardens Petition and Carbon Neutral 2030.

To consider a report by the Interim Director for Communities, copy attached as Item 9.

Before the Council was a report by the Interim Director for Communities, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 9.

The report before members highlighted a change to the membership of the Conservative Group and consequently, a change to the political balance of the Council and advised in regards to the re-calculation of political balance.

The report further outlined decisions required to ensure that committee appointments were determined according to the relevant legislation.

The following nominations were received:-

1.     Cllr McCabe proposed that Cllr Hazel Thorpe be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Joint Governance Committee. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Daniel Humphreys.

2.     Cllr Humphreys proposed that Cllr Nicky Waight be appointed as the 15th member of the Worthing Overview & Scrutiny Committee. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Steve Waight.

3.     Cllr Beccy Cooper proposed that Cllr Jon Roser be appointed as the 15th member on the Worthing Licensing & Control Committee ‘A & B’. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Daniel Humphreys. 

4.     Cllr Beccy Cooper proposed an amendment to Appendix B, that Cllr Carl Walker be replaced by Cllr Rosey Whorlow, on the Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The recommendations in the report and the nominations outlined above, were proposed by Cllr Daniel Humphreys, seconded by Cllr Beccy Cooper and unanimously approved by the Council. 

Resolved,

That Worthing Borough Council noted the revised political balance of the Council as outlined in paragraph 3.4 of the report and appointed to the Committees in accordance with the wishes of the Political Groups, as set out above and detailed in Appendix B, as amended.

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 15 October 2021 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

The Mayor announced that the Proper Officer had received 12 questions 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 5 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.

The Mayor announced that the following Councillors had submitted questions:

Councillors Sally Smith, Louise Murphy, Dawn Smith, Rosey Whorlow, Dan Coxhill, Henna Chowdhury, Russ Cochran, Charles James and Noel Atkins.

First rotation:

Question 1 from Councillor Sally Smith to the Executive Member for Resources

Current Public health data show that our young population In Worthing has a lower level of obesity than the national average. However, this trend does not continue into the adult population, where levels of obesity are higher than the national average, with the attendant health risks? How can the Health and Wellbeing team address this discrepancy?

The Executive Member responded that the Wellbeing programme worked with people around healthy lifestyles through 121 support.  The Council knew from the data that obesity rates were correlated within areas of deprivation. The Wellbeing programme was targeted in areas of deprivation and provided tailored support for adults who were contemplating and / or ready to make changes to their lifestyle, including weight management.  The team worked  with people with a BMI 25 -30 and would work with those classed as obese - BMI 30 - 40 as long so long as there was no co morbidities.

Through motivational interviewing (focusing on the person and their strengths and motivations) the Advisors helped people to make respective changes to their lifestyle and where appropriate connected them up to other services / community led provision.  Whilst the majority of those the Council worked with (through self referral and GPs) were women, the Council was also focused on working within workplaces to help reach more men.

Question 2 from Councillor Louise Murphy to the Executive Member for Customer Services

Could the Executive Member please inform the council how much government funding has been received to assist with our homelessness prevention work this year and how that has been used?

The Executive Member advised that Worthing Borough Council had received £361,732 in homelessness prevention grants and £620,212 specifically to reduce and prevent rough sleeping.

Since the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of households presenting at risk of homelessness especially single vulnerable people with complex needs. Furthermore, the number of working people moving into the area had made renting privately more difficult as they were able to pay rent making it more difficult to prevent and relieve homelessness as landlords were reluctant to accept social welfare benefits.

The Council had been working with small scale developers to increase the  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/35/21-22

To consider a Motion on Notice, submitted by the Proper Officer on behalf of Councillor Margaret Howard, detailed as item 11.

Before the Committee was a report by the Interim Director for Communities, which had been circulated to all members and a copy of which is attached to the signed version of these minutes.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Margaret Howard and seconded by Councillor Emma Taylor.

Resolved,

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

To consider a Motion on Notice, submitted by the Proper Officer on behalf of Councillor Helen Silman, detailed as item 12.

Before the Committee was a report by the Interim Director for Communities, which had been circulated to all members and a copy of which is attached to the signed version of these minutes.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Helen Silman and seconded by Councillor Emma Taylor.

The motion was unanimously supported by Council.

Resolved:

That Worthing Borough Council notes that:

1.     In May 2019, Parliament approved a Motion declaring an Environment and Climate Emergency.

2.     In July 2019 this Council declared a Climate Emergency.

3.     This Council organised a Citizens' Assembly, held between September and December 2020, and accepted the 17 recommendations of the Assembly, notably one calling for action to enhance habitats and biodiversity.

4.     The Council has direct control over Global Warming Gas emissions only in its own estate and operations, but also notes that it can lead others to change and respond to climate change by setting the best possible example and by cooperating and enabling others to do the same.

5.     The Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill is currently before Parliament, it is supported by 115 members in the House of Commons and some 30 peers drawn from 8 political parties. 112 Local Councils including Adur District Council, have already noted it.

6.     If the Bill becomes law it will ensure:

a)     that the Ecological emergency and the Climate emergency are tackled together with equal commitment to both.

b)     that UK Governments will legislate to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to a level consistent with a global temperature increase on pre- industrial levels not exceeding 1.5%.

c)     that the Leaders' Pledge for Nature becomes legally binding to ensure that the UK's ecosystems are protected and restored focussing on biodiversity, soils and natural carbon sequestration such as occurs in peat lands and forests.

d)     that the UK takes responsibility for the whole of our greenhouse gas emissions' footprint  (including those from consumer goods, shipping, flights and land based transport ) by incorporating into the calculations for UK emissions those that occur overseas in the manufacture, transport and disposal of the goods and services we import into the UK.

e)     that the UK takes full responsibility for our ecological footprint so that we protect the health and resilience of ecosystems along our domestic and global supply chains.

f)      that an independent, temporary Climate and Nature Assembly is formed, representative of the UK's population, to engage with the UK Parliament and Government to contribute to the development of an emergency strategy to meet the Climate and Ecological Emergency confronting us.