Agenda and minutes

The Mayor received apologies for absence from Councillors Barrett, Coxhill, Jenkins, Nowak, and Thorpe.

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 Caroline Baxter declared an interest as an elected Member of West Sussex County Council.

To approve the minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on Tuesday 23 May 2023, copies of which have been previously circulated.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2023 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 13th July 2023 at 12 noon. Questions to be submitted to democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

1.    Question submitted by Christine Beryl Brown, a Worthing Resident, to the Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure

Could you please tell me the timeline and breakdown of the budget that has been ring fenced for the Tarring tennis courts? They were shut before Christmas and now I note one is available but no one appears to be aware of this fact. Homefield Park tennis courts are exceptionally busy and it seems a great shame that a wonderful facility at Tarring is being allowed to fall into disuse, we all know how hard it is to resurrect something that has been neglected.

The Cabinet Member replied that these works had been tendered and would commence before the end of the year. The budget for the work was £209,300 with a contribution from a Lawn Tennis Association grant of up to £34,000. This scheme had been confirmed in the capital programme.

As for the timeline, the Council was currently working towards the tennis courts being onsite in late September / early October, as this project is interwoven with the works being undertaken on the Pavilion, which included the addition of a new accessible toilet, providing and improving the facilities for disabled participants. The works on the Pavilion would also provide female changing facilities.

The work on the Pavilion was due to begin in late July / early August and required access across the existing tennis courts in order to complete this work. The Council didn’t wish for the new tennis courts to go in and then be damaged again by the access needed to complete the works on the Pavilion. Both projects were forecast to be completed by December this year, weather permitting.

2.    Question submitted by Ian Davey, a Worthing Resident, to the Leader

At this meeting in December 2022 I asked for an update on progress delivering the           Worthing BC Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). As I recall you replied that there was none. However you did speak at length about three projects

·         The Durrington to Goring cycle route

·         The Grove Lodge to the town centre cycle route

Both of which you were discussing with WSCC.

·         The Goring seafront route from George Avenue to Sea Lane cafe

Could you please provide an update on these three schemes

The Leader replied that the Council continued to work with WSCC colleagues regarding the Durrington to Goring cycle route and Grove Lodge to the town centre cycle route. Both of these routes were further consulted on via WSCC, supported by WBC communications, in the last couple of months to determine the appetite from the public / residents as to whether these move to the next stage of design.

The consultation only closed a few weeks ago and the Council was waiting for the results from WSCC. However, what I can say is whilst this Council was fully committed to improving cycling provision and conditions across our town, and we would like to see as many routes as possible improved, we understand that  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/15/23-24

The Mayor informed Council that he had attended a number of events since the Annual Council Meeting ranging from inaugurating sports events to celebrating residents 100th birthdays. 

The Mayor also laid wreaths in memory of those lost in the sinking of HMS Hood and at the battle of Richebourg as well as remembering the victims of Srebrinicia. The Mayor also met with friends of Worthing from Les Sables D’Olonne. 

The Mayor had held the first meeting of his charity committee and informed the Council of upcoming events and methods of obtaining Borough lapel pins.

The Leader of the Council advised that Worthing Borough Council would be chairing the Greater Brighton Economic Board (GBEB) in 2023/24 where matters such as food sustainability and the circular economy would be considered. The Leader also advised of a change to the membership of the Planning Committee, with Councillor Sophie Cox being replaced by Councillor Rosey Whorlow with immediate effect.

There were a number of announcements made by the Cabinet Members updating the Council of the following:-

·         The successfully piloted Worthing Festival;

·         The test use of a hydrogen burner at the Worthing Crematorium; 

·         The CIL Neighbourhood Fund;

·         The Young Person Strategy;

·         Tree Sponsorship - 10 street trees had been sponsored under the trees for streets initiative; and

·         The Cabinet Member for Environment wished to place on record her thanks to residents Selina Ragless and her son Harry, who had spearheaded a beach wheelchair fund to provide disabled children and adults in the area with more access to their local beach. The Council’s fantastic Coastal Team, had worked hard to devise and facilitate a completely new service that provided 2 beach wheelchairs and a single all terrain rollator available for free public loan.

The Head of Paid Service updated the Council on the recruitment to posts in the senior leadership team, advising the Council that a report would be brought to Council once all of the appointments had been made. She also wished to place on record her thanks to Sarah Gobey, on behalf of the Council, for all of her work during her distinguished career and public service.

To consider any items the Mayor has agreed are urgent.

There were no urgent items.

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

Reports are available on the website as listed below:

Council had, before it, recommendations from the Joint Audit & Governance Committee, the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Joint Strategic Committee.

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

Item 7A                       Joint Audit & Governance Committee - 30 May 2023

Joint Audit & Governance Committee Appointments: Parish Councillors

The Chair of the Joint Governance Committee, Cllr Hermitage, proposed the recommendations from the meeting held on 30 May 2023. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Carl Walker and unanimously supported by the Council:

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council approved the appointment of Cllr Mike Mendoza as a Co-opted Member (from Lancing Parish Council) of the Joint Audit & Governance Committee for 2023/24 and the appointment of Cllr Paul Mansfield as a Co-opted Member (from Sompting Parish Council) of the Joint Audit & Governance Committee for 2023/24.

Item 7B           Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 8 June 2023

Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2022/23

The Chair of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Heather Mercer, proposed the recommendation from the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 9 June 2022.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Dan Hermitage and unanimously supported by the Council.

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council approved the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report for 2022/23.

Item 7C(i)       Joint Strategic Committee - 11 July 2023

Financial Performance 2022/23 - Revenue Outturn

The Leader proposed the recommendations from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 11 July 2023.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor John Turley and supported following a vote.

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council

i) noted the overall final outturn for 2022/23.

ii) approved the net appropriations from General Fund Reserves in the year as detailed in section 6 of the report totalling: Adur District Council £749,839 Worthing Borough Council £1,644,580

iii) approved that in Worthing Borough Council the revenue budget carry forward to 2023/24 of £35,000 be funded from reserves to support work associated with the Cost of Living crisis.

Item 7C(ii)      Joint Strategic Committee - 11 July 2023

Developing a revenue budget for 2024/25 in difficult economic circumstances

The Leader proposed the recommendations from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 11 July 2023.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor John Turley and supported following a vote.

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council approved the Budget Strategy for 2023/24 outlined in Section 9 of the report.

Item 7C(iii)     Joint Strategic Committee - 11 July 2023

Investing for our future - Capital Strategy 2024/27

The Leader proposed the recommendations from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 11 July 2023.

The proposal was seconded by Councillor John Turley and supported following a vote.

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council approved the Capital Strategy for 2024/27.

Item 7C(iv)     Joint Strategic Committee - 11 July 2023

Union Place - Joint Venture Partnership with Roffey Homes

The Leader proposed the recommendations from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/18/23-24

To receive a report from the Leader as item 8. The report contains decisions taken by the Cabinet, Cabinet Members, the Joint Strategic Committee and the Worthing Joint Strategic Sub-Committee since the last Council meeting.

There will be up to 15 minutes for Cabinet Members to make any statements on the report. There will also be up to 15 minutes for Cabinet Members to respond to questions on the report. These questions will not be the same as any to be asked under Item 10.

The Leader of the Council presented their report on decisions taken by the Cabinet since the last meeting of the Council, which were detailed in Item 9.

A question was received in relation to decisions taken regarding redundancies since the Council meeting in April 2023.

To receive a report from the Director for Sustainability and Resources, as item 9 (report to follow).

Before the Council was a report by the Director for Sustainability and Resources, which was circulated to all members and is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as item 9.

Councillor John Turley, proposed the recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Beccy Cooper and following a vote, was supported.

Resolved, that the Council noted and approved the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23 set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

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 13^th July 2023 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 4 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 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.

The Mayor announced that the following Councillors had submitted questions:

Councillors Cochran, Hunt and Humphreys.

First rotation:

Question 1 from Councillor Russ Cochran to the Leader

I realise that I may have asked a similar question like this before, but now sadly I find myself having to ask it again, as a matter of urgency, on behalf of all residents and young people in my ward and in the wider Borough.

As the council has now missed out on 2 previous rounds of funding and there is only one remaining round left to apply for funding, is the relevant Member able to provide an update on the DCMS Youth Investment fund application progress for Northbrook ward?

The Deputy Leader replied as he had portfolio responsibility for community and young persons. A detailed options appraisal for assessing sites under the Youth Investment Fund had been carried out in the autumn of 2022 and shared with key members. The options appraisal identified that within the Northbrook Ward (the only ward in Worthing identified by the fund), the only viable location for young service provision was the development at West Durrington. However, at this time the land was not within the ownership of the Council and therefore this site couldn’t be taken forward due to the criteria set within the grant. Other locations were appraised, however, they did not meet the criteria or time constraints on this project for delivery.

The grant required those spaces funded to provide open access youth work that was designed to either extend their reach to young people or help preserve their youth service. In conversations with our DCMS partner, the Council’s assessment was that the refurbishment and extension of changing facilities for sports did not meet the criteria for this grant.

The Council remained committed to identifying funds that could be utilised to improve the health and wellbeing of young people.

Question 2 from Councillor Claire Hunt to the Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency

I understand that Worthing Borough Council is exploring pathways to achieve net zero for the Borough by 2045 and has opted to follow the High Ambition pathway set out in the report commissioned from Anthesis. Given that current science says that would give us only a 1 in 3 chance of maintaining a liveable planet and that if the richest countries don’t decarbonise faster than 2045 we will be leaving Global South countries with no carbon budget at all after 2030. How  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/21/23-24

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

Members had a motion before them proposed by Councillor Carl Walker and seconded by Councillor Emma Taylor-Beal.

The motion was debated and a recorded vote was taken, the results of which, are set out below:-

For (24): Councillors Abrahams, Baxter, Bozkurt, Choudhury, Chowdhury, Cooper, Cox, Garner, Glynn-Davies, Hermitage, Howard, Hunt, Mulholland, Overton, Roser, Schan, Smith, Taylor-Beal, Theodoridi, Turley, Walker, Wells, Whight & Whorlow

Against (8): Councillors Atkins, Cochran, Humphreys, James, Mercer, Morgan, Sparkes & Waight

Abstentions (0): Councillors

Decision:

The Council resolved, with the exception of the mayoral badges and chains of office, to desist in the use of all ceremonial robes and accessories, in all council and public engagements.

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

Members had a motion before them proposed by Councillor Samuel Theodoridi and seconded by Councillor Dale Overton.

The motion was debated and a recorded vote was taken, the results of which, are set out below:-

For (24): Councillors Abrahams, Baxter, Bozkurt, Choudhury, Chowdhury, Cooper, Cox, Garner, Glynn-Davies, Hermitage, Howard, Hunt, Mulholland, Overton, Roser, Schan, Smith, Taylor-Beal, Theodoridi, Turley, Walker, Wells, Whight & Whorlow

Against (8): Councillors Atkins, Cochran, Humphreys, James, Mercer, Morgan, Sparkes & Waight

Abstentions (0): Councillors

Resolved:

The Council agreed to

·         Make no further appointments under the Council’s Honorary Alderman / Alderwoman scheme and therefore asked officers to remove this scheme from its constitution;

·         Allow existing holders of this title to continue to use it if they so wish, but not provide any special recognition or treatment for them that was not offered to other former members of the council; and

·         That those councillors who were currently eligible for Alderman / Alderwoman status could receive it at the end of their term of office should they choose to do so. After this there will be no further conferment of the title.

To consider a Motion on Notice, submitted by the Proper Officer on behalf of Councillor Russ Cochran, detailed as item 13.

Council received a motion on notice proposed by Councillor Russ Cochran and seconded by Councillor Nigel Morgan.

In accordance with the constitution, the motion was debated and then referred to the Worthing Joint Strategic Sub-Committee for consideration and determination.

Resolved:

That the Council referred the motion on notice to the Worthing Joint Strategic Sub-Committee for consideration and determination.

To consider a Motion on Notice, submitted by the Proper Officer on behalf of Councillor Heather Mercer, detailed as item 14.

Council received a motion on notice proposed by Councillor Heather Mercer and seconded by Councillor Noel Atkins.

In accordance with the constitution, the motion was debated and then referred to the Worthing Joint Strategic Sub-Committee for consideration and determination.

Resolved:

That the Council referred the motion on notice to the Worthing Joint Strategic Sub-Committee for consideration and determination.