Agenda and minutes

The Mayor received apologies for absence from Councillors Barrett and Baxter.

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 Glynn-Davies declared an interest in Item 10 as she had family members in the licensing trade.

To approve the minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 15 October 2024, copies of which have been previously circulated.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 15th October 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 12th December 2024 at 12 noon. Questions to be submitted to democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk   

1.    Question submitted by Asghar Ali, a Worthing Resident, to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration

Worthing is the most ethnically diverse Borough Council in the county, with a substantial number of Muslims. This ethnic minority group is particularly concerned about Halal food provision because of its cultural and religious sensitivity. There is no Halal food provision on the Worthing, Goring, Lancing, and Shoreham beaches. The provision of halal food on beaches will help communities unite. We understand that Worthing Borough Council has Commitments to Inclusion and Cohesion for all and encourages communities to collaborate and integrate to celebrate diversity, foster belonging, and promote shared responsibility in shaping a collective future.

On behalf of the Muslim community, may I request Worthing Borough Council make necessary arrangements to provide Halal food on the beaches?

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration thanked Mr Ali for the question and completely agreed that seeing and experiencing foods from different cultures was a way of bringing us together, a way of uniting different  communities. 

The food offering on the seafront across Worthing, and Adur, was decided through an open application process and the Council welcomed and encouraged applications from all sections of the community who wished to trade on the seafront and parks.

The Council had a winter and summer programme - the next application window would open for the summer programme in the new year and it would be great if halal providers wanted to come forward. The Cabinet Member was happy to talk to Mr Ali about how the Council could encourage Halal food providers to be part of that application process.

2.    Question submitted by Rod Thick, a Worthing Resident, to the Leader

As a local resident and chair of the Transition Town Worthing transport group, I attended the recent workshop looking at the possibility of reducing speed limits in some of the residential streets in Goring. The workshop which was organised by the Borough Council in conjunction with Aberystwyth University was well attended and well run. The workshop considered how 'slower speeds can create safer streets, encourage more walking and cycling, improve air quality and enhance the overall sense of wellbeing for everyone'.

The vast majority of those who attended were in favour of proceeding with a pilot project in the area around West Park, Goring primary and Oscar Romero schools.

Could the Leader of the Council please say what will happen next and when we might see the start of the pilot project.

The Leader thanked Mr Thick for attending the 20mph workshop held last month, which the Leader also attended.

The Leader advised that she had responsibility for Active Travel in her portfolio, and would be meeting with officers and the Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Vicki Wells, early next year to review all the feedback and analysis from the workshop and review next steps.

There were a number of comments and ideas that were put forward in the workshop which needed further thought so the Council needed time  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/45/24-25

The Mayor informed Council that he had attended a number of events since the October Council Meeting, including:-

Remembrance Sunday;

1.    A meeting hosted by the High Sherif in Worthing to meet with community groups;

2.    I have attended some wonderful Carol services at local Schools, the Salvation Army Carol Service and the St Barnabas ‘light up a life’ service;

3.    Earlier today I attended a memorial event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Lancaster that crashed on Worthing Beach on 17 The December 1944.

Leader:-

1.    Thanked the Council’s engineers and maintenance teams as well as the contractors who had worked in extremely challenging circumstances on the pier to enable its reopening on the 4th December;

2.    Highlighted that ongoing investigative and planning work was taking place in relation to structures on Worthing Seafront, the outcomes of which would be shared once this activity was complete;

3.    That a White Paper regarding devolution proposals had been published on the 16th December 2024;

4.    Informed Council that Cllr Andy Whight was stepping down from the Planning Committee with immediate effect and was to be replaced by Cllr Dale Overton. The Leader thanked Cllr Whight for all of his work as Chair of the Planning Committee. In addition, Cllr Rosey Whorlow would replace Cllr Dom Ford on the Labour membership of the committee.

Decisions,

1.    The Leader proposed that Cllr Helen Abrahams be appointed as the Chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr Andy Whight seconded the proposal and following a vote, the motion was unanimously supported.

2.    The Leader proposed that Cllr Samuel Theodoridi be appointed the Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr Andy Whight seconded the proposal and following a vote, the motion was unanimously supported.

3.    Advised Council that Cllr Dom Ford and Cllr Tom Ellum would fill the Labour vacancies on the Joint Audit & Governance Committee membership.

4.    Advised Council that Cllr Caroline Baxter would fill the Labour vacancies on the Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee and the Worthing Overview & Scrutiny Committee.   

The Cabinet Member for Resources, updated the Council regarding the submission of a request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for exceptional financial support. Worthing Borough Council was not the only Council in this position, as 1 in 4 Councils had told the LGA that they expected to be asking for help from the government in the next 2 years.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment made the following announcements:-

1.    That refurbishment work on the Rotunda by Windsor Lawns was due to begin in the new year, transforming the venue into a new facility where local fishers could compare and sell their fresh fish.

2.    The annual classifications for Worthing’s 3 designated bathing waters were published by DEFRA at the end of November. The classifications were disappointing, with the newly designated beach at Beach House being designated as poor, whilst Heene and the new site at Goring Gap were both classified as satisfactory. Investigations would determine the source of bacteria and pollution to  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/46/24-25

To consider any items the Mayor has agreed are urgent.

There were no urgent items raised under the urgency provisions.

To consider recommendations to the Council, details of which are set out in the attached item as 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7E.

Reports are available on the website as listed below:

Council had, before it, a recommendation from the Joint Audit & Governance Committee, Joint Strategic Committee, the Licensing and Control Committee and the Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

Extracts of these minutes had been circulated as item 9A.

Item 7A                       Joint Audit & Governance Committee - 26 September 2024

Amendments to the Constitution

The Chair of the Joint Governance Committee, Councillor Dan Hermitage, proposed the recommendations from the meeting held on 26 September 2024. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Sophie Cox and unanimously supported by the Council:

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council approved the amendment to the Constitutions proposed by the Monitoring Officer at Paragraph 5.

Item 7B                       Joint Strategic Committee - 12 November 2024

Proposal to continue the Council Tax Support Scheme for Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council in respect of 2025/26

The Leader proposed the recommendations from the meeting held on 12 November 2024 which were seconded by Councillor Vicki Wells and supported by the Council following a vote:

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council approved that the Council Tax Support scheme in respect of working age customers for 2025/26 should:

A.      Be based upon the current Council Tax Support scheme for 2024/25 with no restrictions; and

B.      Not be further altered with any other changes beyond necessary technical amendments required to keep the scheme consistent with the national rules in respect of Housing Benefit.

.

Item 7C                       Licensing & Control Committee - 25 November 2024

Gambling Act 2005 - Review of Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy

The Chair of the Licensing & Control Committee, Councillor Cathy Glynn-Davies, proposed the recommendations from the meeting held on 25 November 2024. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Lysanne Skinner and unanimously supported by the Council:

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council approved the adoption of the updated policy to come into force on 31 January 2025.

Item 7D                       Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee - 3 December 2024

Review of Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2024/25

The Chair of the Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Heather Mercer, proposed the recommendations from the meeting held on 3 December 2024. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Samuel Theodoridi and unanimously supported by the Council:

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council noted the changes made to the JOSC Work Programme since it was agreed by both Councils in July 2024.

Item 7E                       Joint Strategic Committee - 10 December 2024

Joint Mid Year Treasury Management Review 2024/25

The Leader proposed the recommendations from the meeting held on 10 December 2024 which were seconded by Councillor John Turley and supported by the Council following a vote:

Resolved: That Worthing Borough Council noted the content of the report.

To receive a report from the Leader as item 8. The report contains decisions taken by the Cabinet, Cabinet Members and the Joint Strategic 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 8. 

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 8.

Questions were received in relation to the Asset Management Plan, the Procurement Strategy, Brookland Avenue Car Park and Ownership of the Pier.

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 12th December 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 14 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 7 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 Davey, Hunt, James, Jenkins, Schan, Smith and Walker.

First rotation:

Question 1 from Councillor Kevin Jenkins to the Leader

In opening can I first express my thanks to the Council staff and contractors who worked tirelessly to get our award winning pier open again. Now that it is open, can the leader please supply an update on the direct and indirect costs incurred to date?

The Leader thanked Councillor Jenkins for his question and echoed his thanks to the staff and contractors who worked around the clock in difficult weather conditions to get the Pier back open again.

The direct costs of the works carried out including the design, installation and sign off of the stabilising trusses to date was £314,280.80. There may be some final costs yet to be presented by suppliers and therefore this and the below figures remain subject to some change.

Indirect costs incurred are currently identified as follows:

·        Additional Security Patrols £792.00

·        Additional Entry Denial Measures: £1,388.77

·        Lost Rental Income of £13,041.10

·        Unrecovered Energy Bills (Closure Period) £5,150.00 Estimated: Pending Bills

Unfortunately the council also incurred costs in repairing damage caused by vandalism to the glazed central panels during the closure. Rectifying this damage was estimated to have cost the council £2,500.

Question 2 from Councillor Hilary Schan to the Chair of the Licensing

On 1st April this year pavement licenses for tables and chairs outside local businesses became a permanent function of district and borough councils following temporary measures introduced during the pandemic. Accordingly all local licenses were set to expire on 30th September 2024.

The scheduled June meeting of the licensing committee was cancelled due to ‘no business’ and meanwhile no consultation took place with local business owners between April and September. Why?

The Chair of the Licensing Committee, Cllr Cathy Glynn-Davies thanked Cllr Schan for her question regarding Central Government proposals for charges for the licensing of tables and chairs on pavements.

Following the transfer to responsibility from the county council to the borough

council, officers had worked up proposals to be considered by the Licensing Committee on 23 September.  This included engagement through the Sussex Licensing Liaison group, which consisted of senior licensing officers from across the county, and other stakeholders including police and fire services.  This group reviewed new legislation and worked to share best practice and ensure a level playing field and achieve consistency in approach where appropriate.  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/50/24-25

To consider a Motion on Notice, submitted by the Proper Officer on behalf of Councillor Ian Davey, detailed as item 10.

Council received a motion on notice proposed by Councillor Ian Davey which was  seconded by Councillor Claire Hunt.

In accordance with the constitution, the motion was debated and the following amendment was, proposed by Cllr Wells, seconded by Cllr Cox and supported following a vote:-

This Council:

·      endorses the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty on behalf of the people of Worthing and commits to make that endorsement public;

·      In endorsing the Motion, highlight the actions already taken by this Council in   response to the climate emergency declared in 2019 including:-

o   decarbonising civic buildings, Worthing Hospital and the potential for future developments by working in partnership with Hemiko on the Worthing District Heat Network;

o   Commitments in the agreed Worthing Local Plan 2023 under Strategic Policy 2 for Climate Change include various measures for new planning developments including carbon reduction, maximising carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation and adaptation that should take place through sustainable planning policies and initiatives;

o   collaborating with local organisations through our Community Infrastructure Levy fund to promote community-led environmental projects across the town;

o   Is working with Trees for Streets to increase the amount of trees in our neighbourhoods across the borough;

o   Is working with partners on Sussex Energy, a newly launched mission to directly contribute to government priorities to transition to a zero-carbon electricity system by 2030;

o   Is supporting national initiatives such as the creation of GB Energy and UK-wide scaling up of solar panels for homes and businesses.

·        Continues to showcase its actions to date and engage with local residents to raise awareness about the importance of cooperation with the principles of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and how local actions contribute to global goals.

This Council asks the Leader to:

·        Write to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change requesting that he visit the Worthing Borough to see how much progress that this Council is leading the way on nationally in our decarbonisation strategy.

A motion without notice, under CPR 15.1 (l), was proposed, seconded and supported following a vote.

The substantive motion as amended was then supported following a vote. 

Resolved:

That this Council:-

·        endorses the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty on behalf of the people of Worthing and commits to make that endorsement public;

·        In endorsing the Motion, highlight the actions already taken by this Council in response to the climate emergency declared in 2019 including:-

o   decarbonising civic buildings, Worthing Hospital and the potential for future developments by working in partnership with Hemiko on the Worthing District Heat Network;

o   Commitments in the agreed Worthing Local Plan 2023 under Strategic Policy 2 for Climate Change include various measures for new planning developments including carbon reduction, maximising carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation and adaptation that should take place through sustainable planning policies and initiatives;

o   collaborating with local organisations through our Community Infrastructure Levy fund to promote community-led environmental projects across the town;

o   Is working with Trees for Streets to  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/51/24-25

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

Council received a motion on notice proposed by Councillor Rosey Whorlow and seconded by Councillor Lysanne Skinner.

In accordance with the constitution, the motion was considered and debated and following a vote, was supported.

Resolved:

To demonstrate commitment to inclusion, cohesion, and the resilience of democratic processes, Worthing Borough Council will:

·        Sign up to the Local Government Association’s (LGA) "Debate Not Hate" campaign, raising public awareness of the role of councillors and staff, encouraging healthy debate, and enhancing responses to abuse and intimidation.

·        Work collaboratively with partners, residents, and organisations to challenge the normalisation of abuse in public life and promote positive, inclusive engagement.