Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Worthing Town Hall

Contact: Neil Terry
Senior Democratic Services Officer
019032 21006  Email: neil.terry@adur-worthing.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

C/15/19-20

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillors Paul Baker, Elizabeth Sparkes and Paul Westover and from the Chief Executive.

C/16/19-20

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:

The following interests were declared:-

 

Councillor Val Turner declared an interest in item 10 as a family member worked at Southern Water.

 

Councillor Lionel Harman declared an interest in item 4 as a trustee for South Downs Leisure.     

 

Councillor Louise Murphy declared an interest as a Non-Executive Director of Worthing Homes.

 

Councillor Kevin Jenkins declared an interest in item 4 as a family member worked for South Downs Leisure.

 

Councillor Bob Smytherman declared an interest as a Member of West Sussex County Council.

 

Councillor Steve Waight declared an interest as a Member of West Sussex County Council.

 

Councillor Heather Mercer declared an interest in item 8b(v) as GBMet were supervising a research project.  

C/17/19-20

Confirmation of Minutes

To approve the Minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on Friday 17 May 2019, copies of which have been previously circulated.  A copy is available to view at http://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/meetings-and-decisions/committees/worthing/council/

Minutes:

Resolved that the minutes of the annual meeting held on 17 May 2019 be approved as a correct record and that they be signed by the Mayor.

C/18/19-20

Questions from the Public

To receive any questions from members of the public addressed to Member 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 19 July 2019 at 12

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

Minutes:

The Mayor announced that there were 10 registered questions for the meeting. 

 

John Cawdell, a Worthing resident, asked the following questions:-

 

1) What role did the current Head of Culture play in the recent exercise to externalise the management of the theatres, why were no other bids received and what efforts were made to encourage real competition?

 

2) What role will the Council have in the future management of the theatres, how will a management board be recruited and how will the enormous public subsidy currently supporting an unviable business be significantly reduced?

 

The Executive Member for Customer Services replied:-

 

The Head of Culture had been fully informed of the potential move towards externalising Worthing Borough Council's Cultural Services, however played no part in the framing, assessment or awarding of the tender. 

 

The open tender process was advertised on the council's procurement portal as well as nationally via specialist arts media, Arts Professional. 


Arts Professional is the 'go to' online publication for theatre management companies and cultural service providers. Concurrently six key theatre/cultural services operators were contacted and signposted to the tender process. 

 

The Venues Tour, which formed part of the tender exercise attracted three bidders.

Following the completion of the process all those companies, who requested a tender pack, were contacted for feedback as to why they did not continue with an application. Only one company responded.

 

It was for the newly formed Trust to decide on the make up of their board and in appointing trustees. However, a Worthing Borough Council Officer and elected member would have 'observer' status on the newly formed Trust Board. 

 

A three year business plan, indicating a reduction in council subsidy, was presented by the Trust to the Council as a part of their tender submission. This was discussed again at the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 9 July 2019.  

 

The financial and overall performance of the Trust would be evaluated through regular Service Level Agreement meetings, based on the original tender requirements.

 

Mr Cawdell asked the following supplementary question:-

 

A Member raised concerns at a recent Committee meeting that expert advice and guidance, which had been provided through a number of independent reports and emails, had been ignored. He suggested a pause to proceedings was the right course of action and that the additional £200k required in 2021 would be better spent on other services.  

 

Are those reports and emails in the public domain, if not, could those reports be put in the public domain so that the advice provided could be considered by the public.  

 

The Executive Member for Customer Services agreed to provide a written response to the question. 

 

Ian Davey, a Worthing resident, asked the following questions:-

 

I congratulate this council on declaring a Climate Emergency.

 

It is an important first step towards Worthing playing it's part in preventing Climate Breakdown.

 

Given that transport contributes around a third of all the UK CO2 emissions, with the majority coming from road transport, could you please say how you  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/18/19-20

C/19/19-20

Petition Submitted to Worthing Borough Council - 'Worthing to be Zero Carbon by 2030' pdf icon PDF 134 KB

To consider a report and associated petition attached as item 5.

Minutes:

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

           

The report informed Members that a petition had been received on 15th May 2019 from Ms Joanne Paul, containing 1,055 signatures. The petition was received electronically by the Proper Officer and proposed that Worthing Borough Council declare a Climate Emergency and pledge to make Worthing Borough Council Carbon Neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption of emissions

 

In accordance with the Council’s petition scheme, Ms Paul presented the petition and addressed the Council. 

 

Ms Paul suggested that exceptional measures needed to be put in place to tackle this issue. She proposed the following:-

 

  1. A Climate Change Commission - composed of community representatives, business leaders and other stakeholders across Adur and Worthing. 
  2. A Citizen’s Assembly on Climate Change - the first of these was held in Camden earlier in the week and it’s recommendations will be going to the next Camden Council meeting. This could deliver a large transparent and diverse pool of resources from which to draw solutions to the climate crisis.  
  3. A dedicated budget to accomplish these aims - the Council had already earmarked £735k for moving towards net zero carbon. The other initiatives outlined, would also require funding via a dedicated budget        

 

The Leader of the Council thanked Ms Paul and those that had signed the petition for their petition and addressed Council with their right of reply. 

 

The Leader advised that the Council could look at a Climate Change Commission. The Council would set up a board within the Council, to be chaired by the Chief Executive. The board would look at the work of Worthing Borough Council both within the Council and externally in order to deliver the net zero carbon emissions target.        

 

The Leader stated that he would consider a Citizen’s Assembly but wouldn’t be able to commit to that at the meeting. He also reaffirmed the Councils budget commitment of £735k.      

 

The Leader proposed that the Council welcomed the petition, thanked all those who signed the petition, and moved forward by accepting all of the aims set out in the Joint Strategic Committee report on the 9 July 2019.  

 

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Kevin Jenkins. 

 

Members debated the petition and associated actions and stated a desire to work together on this issue. 

 

An amendment, proposed by Councillor Helen Silman and seconded by Councillor Jim Deen, was not supported.       

  

 

On a vote:  For 33, Against 0, Abstain 1

 

Resolved that the Council welcomed the petition, thanked all those who signed the petition, and agreed to move forward by accepting all of the aims set out in the Joint Strategic Committee report on the 9 July 2019.

 

C/20/19-20

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

Minutes:

Since the Annual Full Council meeting, the Mayor had attended many engagements accompanied by her Consort. Highlights included:

 

·         The Mayor’s Civic Service at the Tarring Baptist Church;

·         The HMS Hood Service;

·         A commemorative service for the 75th anniversary of DDay;

·         The annual London Taxi Benevolent Association trip to Worthing;

·         The Children’s Parade;

·         West Sussex Armed Forces Drumhead Service;

·         The 24th anniversary commemoration of Remembering Srebrenica;

·         The opening of the Worthing Observation Wheel;

·         The annual Worthing Royal Naval Association Sea Sunday; and

·         A number of charity events.  

 

The Mayor announced the following awards:-

 

·         Adur and Worthing Councils’ Building Control Partnership team won the ‘Best Partnership with a LABC team award’ for their work with Westbrooke Developments (Roffey Homes) on major schemes in Lancing and Worthing;

·         Worthing Borough Council with partners had received a Purple Flag at a special awards event run by the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM);

·         Heene Community Association had been presented with the Queens Award for Voluntary Services;

·         Mrs Elizabeth Mary Crockett had been made a member of the Order of the British Empire for services to the community; and

·         Mr John Gibbons, Worthing Symphony Orchestra’s Conductor, had been awarded a British Empire Medal.

 

The Mayor also highlighted the forthcoming 2019 Charity Variety Show event on 14 September at the Worthing Assembly Hall. 

 

The following Executive Member announcements were noted:-

 

1.    The Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing congratulated Western Sussex Hospitals Trust for gaining an award as one of the countries best hospitals and for managing to achieve their targets, including th A&E target, for which the trust received £27m.

 

2.    The Executive Member for Digital & Environmental Services announced that Cityfibre had recently announced significant investment in the town. Around £25m would be invested, bringing full fibre to homes, which would provide ultrafast gigabit connectivity to 14,000 homes. This was a really key piece of work which has tangible benefits including, increased GDP, productivity and the additions of public wi-fi. It was also noted that the data centre was likely to be situated in Marine Ward, subject to planning.       

 

3.    The Executive Member for Regeneration highlighted that the Purple Flag Award was the result of collaborative working with businesses across the town centre, the TCI, West Sussex Police, Stagecoach, the Street Angels and taxi rank Wardens.

 

4.    The Executive Member for Regeneration also wished to thank the 100 local heroes that attended the opening of the observation wheel.   

C/21/19-20

Items raised under Urgency Provisions

To consider any items the Mayor has agreed are urgent.

Minutes:

There were no urgent items raised.

C/22/19-20

Recommendations from the Executive and Committees to Council pdf icon PDF 79 KB

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

 

            Full reports are available on the website as listed below:  

 

 

 

Executive/Committee

Date

Item        

 

A

Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee

20 June 2019

i) Joint Overiew and Scrutiny Annual Report 2018/19

 

https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/media/media,154164,en.pdf

 

 

B

Joint Strategic Committee

9 |July 2019

i) JSC/013/19-20 Financial

Performance 2018/19 – Revenue Outturn

 

https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/media/media,154334,en.pdf

 

ii) JSC/014/19-20 Financial Performance 2018/19 - Capital and Projects Outturn

 

https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/media/media,154335,en.pdf

 

iii) JSC/015/9-20 Becoming financially sustainable - Revenue Budget Strategy for 2020/21 

 

https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/media/media,154336,en.pdf

 

iv) JSC/016/19-20 Becoming financially sustainable - Capital Strategy 2020/21

 

https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/media/media,154337,en.pdf

 

 

v) JSC/023/19-20 Supporting further and higher education provision: Strategic loan to local education provider GBMet

 

https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/media/media,154345,en.pdf

 

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council had before it recommendations from the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Joint Strategic Committee. 

 

Extracts of these minutes had been circulated as items 8A and 8B(i) to (v).

 

Item 8A Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee - 20 June 2019

Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2018/19

 

The JOSC Chairman presented a recommendation from the Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 20 June 2019, which was to approve the annual report.   

 

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Bob Smytherman.

 

Members debated the role of scrutiny, its effectiveness, the need for party politics to be removed from the scrutiny process, the need for the JOSC Task & Finish Group to report on its findings and acknowledged that the scrutiny process was only as good as the Members on the Committee. 

 

On a vote:  For 23, Against 11, Abstain 1

 

Resolved that the Council approved the JOSC Annual Report 2018/19.

 

Item 8B(i) Joint Strategic Committee - 9 July 2019

Enabling the Digital Future for Adur & Worthing: Extending Ultrafast

 

The Leader presented the recommendation from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 9 July 2019.

 

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Kevin Jenkins.

 

An amendment was proposed by Cllr Silman and seconded by Cllr Carl Walker. Members debated the proposed amendment but it was not supported.

 

On a vote:  For 20, Against 10, Abstain 3

 

Resolved

 

That Worthing Borough Council:-

 

(a)        NOTED the overall final outturn for 2018/19;

 

 

(b)       APPROVED the net appropriations to General Fund Reserves in the year as detailed in paragraph 6.2 totalling:

 

Worthing Borough Council           £1,450,685

 

(c)       AGREED the net carry over of revenue budget to 2019/20 funded from reserves as detailed in appendix 6:

 

            Worthing Borough Council      £425,900

 

(d)       APPROVED the transfer of additional business rates income to the  Business Rates Smoothing Reserves to earmark funds to address the timing difference between the Business Rates income received in the General Fund in year (net of relief), and the grant income paid from Central Government to reimburse lost revenue as a consequence of Government policy decisions on reliefs.         

 

            Worthing Borough Council      £480,174

 

Item 8B(ii) Joint Strategic Committee - 9 July 2019

Financial Performance 2018/19 - Capital and Projects Outturn

 

The Leader presented the recommendation from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 9 July 2019.

 

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Keith Bickers.

 

On a vote:  For 32, Against 0, Abstain 1

 

Resolved

 

That Worthing Borough Council:-

 

a.    NOTED the overall capital final outturn for 2018/19.

 

b.    AGREED the net carry over of General Fund Capital underspends for Worthing Borough Council as detailed in paragraph 5.10.

 

c.    APPROVED the financing of the Worthing Borough Council 2018/19 Capital Investment Programme, including the use of capital receipts as set  out in paragraphs 5.7 and 5.8.

 

d.    APPROVED the carry forward of Council resources underspends to fund budget pressures as detailed in paragraph 4.2.2. And to fund a contingency budget as detailed in paragraph 5.13 and summarised in paragraph 5.14.

 

e.    APPROVED the use of capital receipts to fund redundancy costs associated with the Environmental Services restructure and the resulting Capital Flexibilities Strategy as detailed in paragraph 5.9.

Item 8B(iii) Joint Strategic Committee - 9 July 2019

Becoming financially sustainable - Revenue Budget Strategy for 2020/21

 

The Leader presented the recommendation from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 9 July 2019.

 

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Kevin Jenkins.

 

Members debated the current financial climate, the impact of Council Tax on the poorest residents and the possible impact of changes to West Sussex County Council funding. 

 

On a vote:  For 20, Against 0, Abstain 13

 

Resolved

 

That Worthing Borough Council approved the Budget Strategy for 2020/21, outlined in Section 9 of the report.

 

Item 8B(iv) Joint Strategic Committee - 9 July 2019

Becoming financially sustainable - Capital Strategy for 2020/21

 

The Leader presented the recommendation from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 9 July 2019.

 

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Kevin Jenkins.

 

On a vote:  For 21, Against 0, Abstain 11

 

Resolved

 

That Worthing Borough Council approved the Capital Strategy for 2020/23.

 

Item 8B(v) Joint Strategic Committee - 9 July 2019

Becoming financially sustainable - Revenue Budget Strategy for 2020/21

 

The Leader presented the recommendation from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 9 July 2019.

 

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Kevin Jenkins.

 

Members welcomed the proposal.

 

On a vote:  For 33, Against 0, Abstain 0

 

Resolved

 

That Worthing Borough Council:-

 

      i.        NOTED support for the Greater Brighton Metropolitan College in its ambitions to create a Centre for Creative and Digital Industries at Pelham Street and a University Centre at West Durrington in partnership with the University of Arts London;

 

 

     ii.        NOTED the significant benefits expected from these developments for students from the local area, in particular the provision of a higher education offer in Worthing as well as the improved offer at Brighton readily accessible to our local students;

 

 

    iii.        AGREED to a loan of £5m to Greater Brighton Metropolitan College to facilitate the delivery of the scheme, funded by prudential borrowing, and providing an income to Worthing Borough Council of circa £100,000 per year;

 

 

   iv.        AGREED to amend the capital programme accordingly, and increase the operational and authorised borrowing limits by £5m to accommodate the proposed borrowing;

 

 

    v.        AGREED to amend the approved investments listing to include GBMet as an authorised investment;

 

 

   vi.        APPROVED the amendment of the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy to enable a provision to be set aside in line with the repayments principal, in respect of loans to third parties funded by borrowing.

 

C/23/19-20

Report of the Leader on Decisions taken by Executive Members and the Joint Strategic Committee since the last meeting of Council pdf icon PDF 125 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 10.

 

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

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

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, on pages 25 to 34. 

 

Questions were asked in relation to Worthing Theatres and Museum and press coverage regarding  the provision of homes at Fulbeck Avenue.

C/24/19-20

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 19 July at 12 noon . Questions to 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 10 questions from Members in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12. She 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 was 30 minutes allowed for questions with 5 rotations of speakers possible. At the end of 30 minutes the Mayor explained that she would extend the time to conclude the current rotation of questions.

 

The Mayor announced that the following Councillors had submitted questions:

 

Councillors Barrett, Deen, McCabe, McDonald, S Smith, Smytherman, Walker and Withers.

 

The order would be

 

First rotation:  Councillors Walker, Smytherman, Withers and McDonald

 

Second rotation: Councillors Deen, McCabe, and Withers

 

Third rotation: Councillor Barrett

 

Fourth rotation: Councillor S Smith

 

Fifth rotation: Councillor S Smith

 

First rotation:

 

Question from Councillor Walker to the Executive Member for Digital & Environmental Services

 

Residents have been in touch to voice their concern and dismay at the dismantling of the current infrastructure in Brooklands Park. Many can see no immediate, detailed plans for replacing anything that has been removed. Could the Cabinet Member please explain how he intends to raise the requisite funds for his vision, and when the people of Worthing can expect to see a specific development plan and exact timeline for this much valued Community green space?

 

The Executive Member for Digital & Environmental Services replied that he was pleased to announce that the Council was in the process of appointing a renowned Landscape Architect company to further develop the Brooklands masterplan. Their brief included developing the technical design and costs for all the planned infrastructure. This would enable the Council to go out to tender this Autumn for the external business opportunities  (indoor leisure barns / cafe) and ultimately procure a construction company to build the planned park infrastructure (pathways, landscape features, play area etc), as well as securing the required planning consent.

 

The Council was committed to funding the redevelopment of the park, and during the process would be actively exploring external opportunities to secure funding to help reduce the Council’s financial commitment to the project. Those opportunities would include third party investment in the leisure facilities and also seeking external grants and sponsorship where appropriate.

 

The Executive Member assured Council that Officers were working tirelessly to progress the long term vision for the park which would take 2-3 years to complete, albeit in a phased approach.

 

In the meantime, the Council would continue to engage closely with the local community and Friends of group to keep them informed of the progress of the scheme, and to create opportunities for activities to take place (e.g. Summer forest schools and Cycal disabled cycling activities beginning this week).

 

Councillor Walker asked the following supplementary question:-

 

If there were insufficient investors, would the Council be prepared to make up the difference in funding?

 

The Executive Member for Digital and Environmental Services  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/24/19-20

C/25/19-20

Motions on Notice pdf icon PDF 132 KB

Motion from Councillor Martin McCabe - Food Waste Collection  

 

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

 

Minutes:

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

 

The Council had before it, a motion which had been submitted by Councillor Martin McCabe.

 

The Council was asked to deal with the motion under provisions set out in paragraph 14 of the Council Procedure Rules (under part 4 of the Council Constitution - Rules of Procedure).

 

 

Councillor McCabe presented the motion to Council which was seconded by Councillor Sally Smith.

 

The Executive Member for Digital & Environmental Services proposed an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Bob Smytherman which was debated and on a vote, supported.

 

The Council expressed support for the amended motion.

 

On a vote:  For 33, Against 0, Abstain 0

 

Resolved that Worthing Borough Council agreed the amended motion as set out below:-

 

Food Waste Collection

 

This Council recognizes that cutting down on food waste is a crucial part of the fight against climate change.

 

We agree with the government's ambition to cut down household food waste, as detailed in the Resources and Food Waste Strategy for England.

 

As such, Worthing Borough Council calls on the Government to:

 

1.    Bring forward plans to reduce the amount of food and packaging waste by working with producers and retailers;

 

2.    Provide clarification on future requirements for separate food waste collections in particular, addressing the environmental benefit of collecting the waste separately as opposed to extracting it from residual waste; and

 

3.    Providing waste collection authorities in England with the required funding for the capital investments and revenue costs associated with collecting and processing food waste.  

 

C/26/19-20

Motions on Notice pdf icon PDF 158 KB

Motion from Councillor Richard Mulholland - Climate Change 

 

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

 

Minutes:

 

Before the Committee was a report by the Director of 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 Richard Mulholland and seconded by Councillor Helen Silman.  

 

Resolved 

 

In accordance with the Constitution the Motion was noted and immediately referred to the Joint Strategic Committee and Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration.

 

The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 10.20pm.



Mayor