Agenda and minutes

The Mayor received apologies for absence from Councillors Noel Atkins, Dan Coxhill, Dale Overton, Elizabeth Sparkes, Vicki Wells and Rosey Whorlow.

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 Richard Nowak declared an interest in relation to agenda item 7E as the Vice-Chair of Worthing Community Chest as the organisation holds a small charities lottery licence. 

Councillor Steve Waight declared an interest as a Member of West Sussex County Council and the Cabinet Member for Support Services and Economic Development.  

Councillor Kevin Jenkins declared an interest as a Director of Worthing Town Football Club as the organisation also held a licence.        

Councillor Hazel Thorpe declared an interest as a trustee of Worthing Community Chest.

Councillor Ibsha Chowdhury declared an interest in item 7E as the holder of a private hire licence. 

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 20th February 2024, copies of which have been previously circulated.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 20th February 2024 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 Cabinet 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 21st March 2024 at 12 noon. Questions should be submitted to democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk  

1.   Question submitted by Ed Crouch, a Worthing Resident, to the Leader - Mr Crouch was unable to attend the meeting and therefore the Mayor requested that a written response to the question be provided.

In 2017, following the sad death in service of Marine Ward Councillor Joan Bradley, this council committed to naming a suitable building/street/place after the late Cllr Bradley when the opportunity arose. Can the leader provide an update on this commitment?

The Leader provided the following written response:- 

As you are aware it was previously agreed to name a road in Marine Ward, however, no street names have come forward since that time and therefore we have not been able to act on the previous commitment.  You may recall we do have an adopted policy that resists naming streets by persons living or dead but an exception to this policy was agreed at the time.  Given that few streets have come forward within the Ward, naming open space would not require any formal consultation (with Royal Mail etc) and would not conflict with our Street Naming and Numbering policy. 

Nevertheless, it would be appropriate to review our approach to commemorating local public figures by naming parks, gardens or Streets and I would prefer to do first rather than commit, at this stage, to renaming a specific area of Open Space.  This will be looked at by the Cabinet Member for Regeneration in the coming months and a final decision on your suggestion can be made.          

2.   Question submitted by Sean McDonald, a Worthing Resident, to the Leader - Mr McDonald was unable to attend the meeting and therefore the Mayor requested that a written response to the question be provided.  

I recently happened upon a 2020 Labour leaflet for local elections where the promise in the leaflet was to return the Lido to its former status. The leaflet stated that the Lido would be returned to an open air swimming pool for all the community.

Since then the promises have stopped and all has gone very quiet on this subject.  I have seen no work being done at the Lido and no progress on the promises. 

So my question is this. What is happening with the Lido and how soon can we see this open as an open air swimming pool? 

Also, can I have a copy of costings, business plan timeline and anything else related to the regeneration. 

The Leader provided the following written response:-

In the 2024/25, the Council has allocated both financial and people resourcing to carry out ground investigations for the lido. Once the state of the foundations / groundworks is known, the Council can make a decision on how best to proceed. I see the lido as a central part of our ambitions to regenerate the seafront and make it an attractive year-round destination for all.

It should also be noted that Worthing is also home to many active sea swimming groups and welcomes many thousands of visitors each year  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/68/23-24

To receive a deputation from Beach Hut Owners Against Unfair Charges

The following deputation was presented on behalf of Beach Hut Owners Against Unfair Charges, Worthing. 

Dear Council Members,

I am writing on behalf of the beach hut owners in Worthing and Adur to express our deep concerns regarding the historical and recent fee increases for beach hut licences. We appreciate the opportunity to bring these concerns to your attention and respectfully request clarification on several key issues.

First and foremost, there is considerable confusion and frustration among beach hut owners regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the decision-making process that led to the fee increases. Also, a lack of anyone from the Council, especially foreshores replying to anyone’s requests for clarification.

A fellow beach hut owner received a reply to her query (In 2023) from a council department, which left us with further questions regarding discrepancies in the reply.

THE COUNCIL DEPARTMENT WROTE “It is recognised that the Foreshore is a very attractive place and it is popular with visitors and this aspect of the service is expensive to provide.

Provision of toilets, cleansing, maintenance and repairs, daily Beach Patrols, Water Safety patrols, repairs and maintenance to hundreds of groynes along Worthing's several kilometres of beach. The promenade and sea defences all require expensive maintenance, and all contribute to a high cost that the Council seeks to provide as an attractive place for visitors to come and enjoy.

We are acutely aware of the effects of increased charges but, so far the market has not reacted adversely apart from Direct Debit payment requests increasing which although the costs are higher, the Beach Hut remains a really popular opportunity for families and friends to get down to the beach and enjoy a day by the waters edge.

I'm sorry that you do not accept the charge increase, I would be sorry to see you consider selling up either but as above, it is a discretionary spend and I am ultimately unable to do anything to assist you with this save extend the payment terms.” (1)

THE COUNCIL’S response failed to address several important points and did not provide satisfactory justifications for the initial 20% fee increase in 2023 and the subsequent increase in 2024. We were unaware that beach hut owners were responsible for funding services such as provision of toilets, cleansing, maintenance and repairs, daily Beach Patrols, Water Safety patrols, and repairs and maintenance to the groynes along Worthing's beaches. We had assumed that such expenses were covered by our council tax, alongside the contributions of the thousands of other council tax payers who enjoy the promenade.

According to my Freedom of Information request (references are 19908827 and

21217557) response, the Council (a different department) ‘has had to make difficult

decisions regarding the financing of its services. It was stated that all fees and charges, including beach huts, were benchmarked against other local authorities and that market demand was also taken into consideration. The finance generated from the fee increase was claimed to go towards protecting vital frontline services, such  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/69/23-24

The Mayor informed Council that he had attended a number of musical events ranging from performances by the Worthing Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras through Young musicians at Worthing Audio Active to the even younger musicians of St Thomas a Becket Junior School.

The Mayor had also been able to conduct a number of groups on tours of the Town Hall and the Mayor’s Parlour; including one group that were given a tour of the cells in the basement. 

The Council noted that in addition to the civic events highlighted, the Mayor had held a couple of Charity Fundraising events. A screening of The Blues Brothers at the Pavilion Atrium and a Quiz Night with Fish and Chip Supper. Both were very successful and the Mayor paid thanks to his Charity Committee. 

Upcoming events included a History Walk on Tuesday 2 April, led by Bob Smytherman followed after by refreshments. 

The Mayor and Council also celebrated the contribution to Worthing Life of Shirley Robinson-Viney who in December 2023 retired from her involvement with the Adur & Worthing Youth Council and Worthing Youth Mayor; and wished to place on record the Council’s thanks to Liz McCarthy, who was retiring after 23 years public service during which time she had supported, assisted and guided 13 Mayors.  

Both the Leader and the Leader of the Opposition thanked the following Councillors, who were due to stand down at the upcoming Local Elections, for their contribution to the work of the Council:-

• Councillor Dan Coxhill;
• Councillor Emma Taylor-Beal; and
• Councillor Steve Waight. 

The Council received an update from the Deputy Leader in regards to the ongoing work of officers to deliver a plan to support young people in the town.   

The Head of Paid Service made an announcement in relation to an urgent decision and its associated case of special urgency.  

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, 7C, 7D and 7E. 

Reports are available on the website as listed below:  

Council had, before it, recommendations from the Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee, the Worthing Joint Strategic Sub-Committee, the Joint Audit & Governance Committee and the Worthing Licensing & Control Committee.

Extracts of these minutes had been circulated as items 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7E.

Item 7A           Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) - 7th March 2024 

JOSC Work Programme update and Work Programme setting for 2024/25 - Work Programme

The Chair of JOSC, Councillor Heather Mercer, proposed the recommendation from the meeting held on 7 March 2024. 

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Dan Hermitage.

An amendment to include an item regarding Teville Gate to the work programme was proposed by Cllr Kevin Jenkins and seconded by Cllr Russ Cochran. 

The work programme as amended was unanimously supported following a vote.  

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council approved the work programme, as amended, to include an item on Teville Gate. 

Item 7B           Worthing Joint Strategic Sub-Committee - 14 March 2024

Successful Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 3c Bid

The Leader and Chair of the Worthing Joint Strategic Sub-Committee, Cllr Beccy Cooper, proposed the recommendations from the Worthing Joint Strategic Sub-Committee meeting held on 14 March 2024. 

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Sophie Cox and supported following a vote.

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council approved an increase to the General Fund capital programme budget of £2,980,230 to be funded by additional PSDS and HNDU grant funding. 

Item 7C           Joint Audit & Governance Committee (JAGC) - 21 March 2024 

Creating a positive complaints culture: a new code for complaints 

The Chair of JAGC, Councillor Dan Hermitage, proposed the recommendation from the meeting held on 21 March 2024. 

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Hazel Thorpe and unanimously supported by the Council.

Resolved: 

That Worthing Borough Council 

      i.        Approved the adoption of the new (Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code (HOCHC);

     ii.        Noted that the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Service Complaints Handling Code (LG&SC Code) was launched in February 2024 and that work was underway to ensure compliance with this, which would be required by April 2026; 

    iii.        Noted the Monitoring Officer would recommend two councillors to be complaint handling Members to the Joint Chairs of the JAGC for approval and recommendation to Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council meetings; and

   iv.        Noted that the senior responsible person for complaints would be the Head of Resident Services.

Item 7D           Joint Audit & Governance Committee (JAGC) - 21 March 2024 

Amendments to the Constitution

The Chair of JAGC, Councillor Dan Hermitage, proposed the recommendation from the meeting held on 21 March 2024. 

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Hazel Thorpe and unanimously supported by the Council.

Resolved: 

That Worthing Borough Council approved the revised Constitution as well as the following additional amendments, as recommended by the Joint Audit & Governance Committee:- 

a)    That no ordinary meeting of Full Council should be scheduled during the pre-election period, without the approval of the Proper Officer, who will take into account whether the forthcoming election was in respect of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/72/23-24

To receive a report from the Leader as item 8. The report contains decisions taken by the Cabinet Members since the December Full Council meeting and decisions taken by the Joint Strategic Committee and the Worthing Joint Strategic Sub-Committee since the February Full 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 Executive since the Council meeting in December 2023, which were detailed in Item 8. An updated report had been circulated to Members in supplementary agenda pack 1. 

Questions were received in relation to the Worthing Theatres and Museum Service Fee, the 3rd Quarter Revenue Monitoring Report 2023/24, the Projected Budget Overspend, the Housing Strategy - rough sleeper count, the selective licensing scheme, the Freehold Land Sale of Teville Gate to Homes England.   

The meeting was adjourned during the consideration of Item 8 at 8:39pm and was reconvened at 8:49pm.

To receive from the Director for Sustainability & Resources, the schedule of meetings for the Council and other meetings in the next Municipal Year. 

A copy of the schedule and covering report is attached as item 9.

The Council received the schedule of meetings for the Council and other meetings from the Proper Officer, the Director for Sustainability & 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 9.

The recommendations in the report were proposed by the Leader, seconded by Councillor Sophie Cox and supported by the Council. 

Resolved:

That Worthing Borough Council approved the proposed schedule of meetings for the 2024/25 Municipal Year, as 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 21st March 2024 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 Cabinet

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 2 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.  

It was noted that there were 30 minutes allowed for questions with 1 rotation 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 advised that the following Councillors had submitted questions:

Councillors James and Thorpe.

Rotation 1 

Question 1 from Councillor Charles James to the Leader

"Has the Town Hall chamber finally shed its umbrella persona or is it still playing peekaboo with the raindrops? Any progress on coaxing that mischievous roof back into place? Or are we still relying on a patchwork of optimism, and strategically placed buckets to navigate our meetings? Inquiring minds, sheltered beneath their trusty umbrellas, are dying to know. Has the Town Hall's roof undergone a transformation akin to a caterpillar to butterfly, or are we still dancing the cha-cha with leaks? Please inform us on whether our meetings have turned into impromptu swimming lessons or if dry humour reigns supreme!"

The Leader replied that the Council had arranged for contractors to carry out the repairs to the glazed skylight and glazed pitch roof from the 2nd of April 2024. It was estimated this work would take about two weeks, which included the set up of the scaffolding internally and externally, replacement of the glazing and touch up to the peeling paint sections on the ceiling, dismantling of the scaffolding and removal. 

The Council would be able to resume with weddings in the Council Chamber from the 19th of April, and Council meetings thereafter. 

Question 2 from Councillor Hazel Thorpe to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration

In light of the recent landslides along our coast, it is obvious that climate change and the rising levels of our sea levels, and winds are having a huge impact on our natural and built environment.

Our heritage pier has won awards in the past and has had a significant amount of investment by the public, local Restaurateurs, and also via charitable organisations and individuals through the beautiful stained-glass windows celebrating the lives and history of our Town’s and remarkable achievements.

Q) a) Where does the maintenance of this iconic structure fit in with the Councils priorities and b) what is the timeline and budget for the maintenance and repairs for the structure below the waterline?

The Cabinet Member replied that the Council regarded its stewardship of the pier and other building assets as a priority, maintaining the structure and importance of the Pier as an iconic asset.

The Councils Engineering Services Team undertook year round inspections and maintenance repairs to the Piers substructure and landing stage. Works were undertaken by the appointed Term Maintenance Contractor (JT Mackley & Co Ltd) on spring tides, twice a month when weather permitted, which provided  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/75/23-24