Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Worthing Town Hall

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

Note: There will be limited public access to this meeting. However, the meeting will also be available to watch live via the media link below. 

Items
No. Item

C/43/21-22

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

The Mayor announced that apologies were not being taken as the meeting was a reduced quorate meeting.

C/44/21-22

Marine Ward - Election Result

Council to note the Returning Officer’s Return of Person elected in the by-election held on 2 December 2021 for the Marine Ward vacancy:

 

Name                                      Party                                       Term of office

Vicki Wells                              Labour                                     May 2023

 

Minutes:

Resolved: the Council noted the returning officers return of person elected in the by-election held on the 2 December 2021 for the Marine Ward vacancy, that being Councillor Vicki Wells.

C/45/21-22

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:

There were no declarations of interest.

C/46/21-22

Confirmation of Minutes

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 19 October 2021 and the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on Wednesday 10 November 2021, copies of which have been previously circulated. 

 

Copies are available to view at

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

Minutes:

Resolved that the minutes of the meetings held on 19 October 2021 and the 10 November 2021 be approved as a correct record and that they be signed by the Mayor.

C/47/21-22

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.

 

The deadline for submission of questions is Friday 10 December 2021 at 12 noon. Questions to be submitted to democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk   

Minutes:

A question had been pre-submitted by a Mr Adrian Cothard and was read out by the Mayor as the Mr Cothard was not present at the meeting

 

1.         Submitted Question from Mr Adrian Cothard, a Worthing Resident

           

Following the Government's catastrophic refusal of Worthing's £10.5M Levelling Up Fund bid, will the council disclose the following -

 

1. What was the financial cost and resourcing cost of making the Levelling Up Fund bid

 

2. What reasons did the Government give for the bid's rejection

 

3. What officers and councillors were involved and what other people/organisations were consulted

 

4. Who or what would have been the specific beneficiaries had the bid been successful

 

5. To what extent will these unfulfilled gaps now require council funding

 

6. What lessons have been learnt from this failed bid and will any subsequent bids be broadly similar

 

7. Why have our MPs and council remained silent over the Government's rejection of Worthing's bid

 

8. Has the questionable use of the £163,168 Welcome Back fund award played a factor in Worthing losing out on this substantial grant

 

9. Can you tell the chamber why you believe Worthing needs "levelling up" and what areas are of particular concern and requiring attention

 

As the resident was not present at the meeting the Leader undertook to provide a written response to the resident

 

The Mayor made the following announcement: Due to the questions from Annie Waran and Susan Belton being substantively the same, I shall ask you to read your questions and then ask the Leader to reply to both. I shall then invite you both to ask a supplementary question arising from your question or the answer provided.  

 

2.         Submitted Question from Annie Waran, a Worthing Resident

 

I represent the Friends of Denton Gardens and its many members. Our question is focussed on the future of Denton Gardens and the seaside shelter to its south.

 

As we approach the centenary of Alderman Denton’s gift to the people of Worthing, it is time to listen to the 1200 petitioners, the recently constituted Friends of Denton Gardens group, the Worthing Society, Central Ward Councillors and our local MPs, all of whom urge that the unique walled Denton Gardens and the shelter be protected, and their historic character maintained.

 

In the light of the changes to the composition of the Council, will you now assure us that the unwelcome attempt to further extend the commercialisation of the Gardens and Shelter be dropped?

 

3.         Submitted Question from Susan Belton, a Worthing Resident

 

            Denton Gardens is recorded on Worthing’s Register of Parks and Gardens of

Local Historic Interest and the Art Deco style Denton Shelter, integral to

the original concept of the gardens, is on the Local Interest List of

Worthing’s historic buildings which is a relevant planning consideration.

Together they form a unique seaside garden, donated to the town by

Alderman James Gurney Denton in 1922 and  much valued  today as a quiet

open space and respite from the busy  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/47/21-22

C/48/21-22

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

Minutes:

The Mayor made the following announcements

 

The Councils have received yet further national recognition after being Commended in the "Leadership in responding to the climate emergency" category at The MJ Awards 2021.

 

Last year Adur and Worthing were the only District / Borough Councils in the country to be shortlisted for the local authority of the year award at what is the Oscars of local government awards. That was followed by a similar shortlisting in the LGC Awards.

 

This year's award recognises the work being done across the Councils to meet the global crisis, ensuring we become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and live in net zero communities by 2045.

 

Much of this was reflected in the recent ClimateActionAW campaign, which was featured across our social media channels to coincide with COP26.

 

I would like to thank officers across the Councils for their ongoing hard work in this vital area and receive the award on their behalf.

 

Civic Events

 

Thank you to everyone who supported the November Remembrance events and the Sunday Parade. It was great to be back to full strength and have the Veterans, Youth groups and public come out to show their gratitude and respect for all that gave so much.Sadly, it appears that the only time that us human beings can come together as one, regardless of race, religion or other characteristics that set us apart from others, is during times of conflict or disasters. That is why, in my opinion, it is important that we continue to recognise and support all those that put others before themselves, whether as members of the emergency services or members of our Armed Forces who do a great job in keeping the peace both at home and around the world.

 

I am pleased that a vital piece of work to strengthen the council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, as we will hear later in this agenda, has now gone before the Joint Strategic committee for approval and noting. We must ensure that the good words are turned into meaningful actions.

 

The week after Remembrance Sunday, and something unique to Worthing, is the small important event held at the Pigeon Memorial in Beach House Gardens, dedicated to remember the service given by Animals during times of Conflict. I would ask members to support this short ceremony if they can. It was sad however, to see the Memorial looking tired, maybe the parks team could give it some love?

 

A few other highlights from the last couple of months; I was Invited to the Investiture ceremony By Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Susan Piper, to award the BME to Mr Peter Kennard and Mr Derek Steel in recognition of their years of fundraising and promoting Guildcare.

 

I had the opportunity to revisit one of my old shops with Cllr Smytherman (in one of his many other roles) and present cheques to three great local charities from the Coop’s Local Community Fund. In total the customers of the Co-op raised  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/48/21-22

C/49/21-22

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/50/21-22

Recommendations from the Executive and Committees to Council pdf icon PDF 181 KB

To consider recommendations to the Council, details of which are set out in the attached items as 8A, 8B and 8C(i) & (ii).

 

Full reports are available on the website as listed below:

 

 

Executive / Committee

Date

Item

A

Joint Senior Staff Committee



8 October 2021

Salary review and proposed recruitment process for the post of Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer

B

Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee

25 November 2021

Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2021/22

C

Joint Strategic Committee

7 December 2021

(i) Investing in our Places - Capital Programme 2022/23 to 2024/25

 

(ii) Council Tax Support Schemes for 2022/23

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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 8A, 8B, 8C (i) and (ii).

 

Item 8A           Joint Senior Staff Committee - 8 October 2021

 

Salary review and proposed recruitment process for the Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer

 

The Leader introduced the recommendation to the Council. Members were told that an amendment to the recommendation was being proposed due to a delay in the meeting of the job evaluation panel. Therefore members were asked to approve the following recommendation: ‘That the Council approves a proposed remuneration of up to £80,794.00 subject to further approval from the job evaluation panel’.  The proposal was seconded and debated. Upon a vote it was:

 

Resolved, That the Council approved a proposed remuneration of up to £80,794.00 subject to further approval from the job evaluation panel. 

 

 

Item 8B           Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 25 November 2021

 

Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2021/22

 

The Chairman of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee introduced the recommendation to the Committee which was seconded and debated. Councillors discussed participation in the various auspices of the Committee.

 

Resolved, That the Council noted the changes made to the JOSC Work Programme since it was agreed by both Councils in April 2021.

 

Item 8C(i)       Joint Strategic Committee - 7 December 2021

 

Investing in our Places - Capital Programme 2022/21 to 2024/25

 

The Leader of the Council introduced the motion which was seconded and debated. An amendment to the motion was put to postpone the decision so that the matter be considered alongside the budget in February. On a vote the motion was not passed and the substantive motion was approved.

 

Resolved, That the full programme detailed at Appendices 5 and 6 be approved

 

Item 8C(ii)      Joint Strategic Committee - 7 December 2021

 

Council Tax Support Schemes for 2022/23

 

The Leader of the Council introduced the motion which was seconded and debated. Members debated the timing of the proposed changes and regret was expressed that changes could not happen to the scheme sooner.

 

Resolved,

 

1.    That the discretionary budget to support those in severe financial difficulties should be retained;

2.    Given the inability to change this scheme for 2022/23, that it should be based upon the scheme for 2021/22 with the £5.00 weekly restriction retained; and

3.    No other changes should be made beyond necessary technical amendments required to keep the scheme consistent with the national rules in respect of Housing Benefit.

C/51/21-22

Report of the Leader on Decisions taken by the Executive pdf icon PDF 105 KB

To receive a report  from the Leader as item 9. 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 11. 

 

(Note: Papers relating to items under 8 and 9 have been previously circulated and can be viewed on the Council’s website)

Additional documents:

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 9.

 

The Executive received questions in relation to Town Centre Initiative improvements, Section 106 payments expenditure, clinical and food waste and the procurement of services for civil parking enforcement.

C/52/21-22

Decision making following a by-election and changes to membership of Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat Groups pdf icon PDF 83 KB

To consider a report by the Interim Director for Communities as item 10.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Before the Council was a report by 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 10.

 

The report before Members informed the Council of changes to the membership of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat Groups and consequently, a change to the political balance of the Council. The report further outlined decisions required by Council to ensure that committee appointments were determined according to the relevant legislation. A late annex was circulated to the meeting detailing new appointments to committees and positions that would need to be appointed at the Council. An annex is attached to the signed copy of these minutes detailing these appointments

 

The Committee approved the annex and made individual appointments as required. These changes are detailed in annex a to these minutes

 

Resolved:

 

a.    That the Council noted the revised political balance of the Council as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report.

 

b.    That the Council noted the political groups, the number and proportion of seats as set out in Appendix A to the report.

 

c.    That Council noted that the Labour seat allocation on 8 seat committees has increased from 3 to 4 seats and that the Liberal Democrats no longer had a seat allocation on 8 seat committees.

 

d.    That Council appointed to the Planning, Joint Governance and Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committees in accordance with the wishes of the Political Groups, as detailed in Annex a to these minutes.

 

e.    That the Council appointed to the Worthing Overview & Scrutiny Committee and the Licensing and Control Committee ‘A’ and ‘B’ in accordance with the wishes of the Political Groups, as detailed in annex a to these minutes.

 

f.     That the Council appointed to the 3rd seat on the Joint Staff Committee and Joint Senior Staff Committee, as detailed in annex a to these minutes.

 

g.    That the Council appointed the Vice-chairperson to the Joint Governance Committee as detailed in annex a to these minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

C/53/21-22

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 10 December 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 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.

 

First rotation:

 

Question 1 from Councillor Sally Smith (read by Rosey Whorlow) to the Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing

 

Residents and visitors to the town wanting to enjoy the night time economy have reported their  fears  over criminal use of illegal drugs to 'spike' drinks and 'spiking' by injection, both of  which have been widely reported in the media. Incidents have been reported in Sussex and have been investigated by Sussex Police. Can the Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing give us any data on incidents in Worthing?

 

Members were told that Officers from the Public Health and Regulation and Safer Communities Team had been working alongside licensed premises, Pubwatch, Worthing TCI and Sussex police to raise awareness of predatory behaviours in the night time economy, including spiking through drugs or additional alcohol. This has included promoting the Ask Angela Campaign, sharing educational resources and signposting to training and guidance. Worthing TCI has procured training from the Night Time Economy Solutions Company with a bespoke package on drink spiking for Worthing businesses on Tuesday December 14th. From October 1st- mid November there were 6 reports of spiking across West Sussex, none of which were in Adur or Worthing. We are awaiting statistics for the last month which were unavailable at the time of writing. Statistics must be viewed with caution as there is anecdotal evidence which suggests reluctance to report due to having to present at hospital etc.It is also important to remember that alcohol remains the primary method of spiking through stealth ordering ( doubles/shots etc) and that is why the focus must remain on spotting predatory behaviour as much as method. Working with partners and using funding from the Sussex Police Crime Commissioner, we will be expanding this work throughout 2022 to include Bystander intervention Training and increased access to safe spaces.

 

Question 2 from Councillor Hazel Thorpe to the Member for Digital and Environment

 

You will be aware that Tarring Park is a popular one and one which has public events such as Picnic in the Park on a regular basis when possible. The statistics for the budget over the last five years clearly shows a lack of investment. Just a brief look shows that Brooklands, Beach House Park and High Down Gardens aside, top of the leaderboard is Homefield Park £458.519, followed by Northbrook £247,560, West Park £95,850, and Victoria Park £32,703. When will Tarring Park, or Tarring Recreation ground as it is  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/53/21-22

C/54/21-22

Motions on Notice pdf icon PDF 185 KB

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

 

Minutes:

Before the Council was a motion proposed by Councillor by Councillor Emma Taylor and Seconded by Councillor Margaret Howard.

 

In the absence of Cllr Taylor the motion was proposed by Councillor Helen Silman and Seconded by Councillor John Roser

 

Resolved,

 

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