Meeting documents

To elect the Chairman of the County Council for 2018/19.

Resolved

That Cllr Hilary Cox be elected Chairman for the year 2017/18.  

To appoint the Vice-Chairman of the County Council for 2018/19.

Resolved

That Cllr Andrew Parry be elected Vice-Chairman for the year 2017/18.  

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Andrew Cattaway, Deborah Croney, Janet Dover and Steven Lugg.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 15 February 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 February 2018 were confirmed and signed.

Councillors are required to comply with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 regarding disclosable pecuniary interests.

§     Check if there is an item of business on this agenda in which the member or other relevant person has a disclosable pecuniary interest.

§     Check that the interest has been notified to the Monitoring Officer (in writing) and entered in the Register (if not this must be done on the form available from the clerk within 28 days).

§     Disclose the interest at the meeting (in accordance with the County Council’s Code of Conduct) and in the absence of a dispensation to speak and/or vote, withdraw from any consideration of the item.

The Register of Interests is available on Dorsetforyou.com and the list of disclosable pecuniary interests is set out on the reverse of the form.

There were no declarations by members of disclosable pecuniary interests under the Code of Conduct.

The Chairman reported on the deaths of the following former members of the County Council:-

·        Cllr (Dr) Geoffrey Tapper, Hambledon division between1988/89 and 2001.

·        Cllr Jenny Kellaway, Oakdale division between 1984/85 and 1992/93.

·        Cllr Roy Gainey, Westham division, between 1964 to 1993 and 1997 to 2001.

·        Cllr (Lord) Digby, Dorchester Rural Division No 2 between1966 to 1982, and as Vice Chairman of the County Council from 1977 to 1981.

Members paid tribute to the dedication and commitment of the former members to Dorset and within their division.  The County Council then stood in silent tribute.

The Chairman reported that she had attended several citizenship ceremonies and other civic events, including the Dorset Guiding Ceremony the previous evening. The Vice-Chairman had also deputised for her at a variety of events.

(a)          Public Speaking

(b)          Petitions

Public Speaking

There were no public questions received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 21(1).

A public statement was received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 21(2).  A copy of the statement is attached as an annexure to these minutes.

Petitions

There were no petitions received at the meeting in accordance with the County Council’s Petition Scheme.

To consider the following motion submitted by members of the Council. In accordance with Standing Order 17, motions which if adopted would constitute the exercise of an executive function, shall be presented to the Council by the proposer and be referred automatically to the appropriate Committee without debate by the Council.  The motion will be placed on the next appropriate agenda.  The appropriate Committee will then consider how the motion will be dealt with.  At the discretion of the Chairman, debate and decision may take place in relation to strategically important issues raised within motions.

Unless determined otherwise by the Chairman the maximum time to be allowed to present each motion shall be 10 minutes.

Cllr Clare Sutton, County Councillor for Rodwell: Social Mobility in Weymouth and Portland

The motion is seconded by: Cllr Jon Orrell, County Councillor for Weymouth Town

‘Many members will be aware that:

§   in the Social Mobility Commission’s Report published 28 November 2017, Weymouth and Portland came 322nd out of 324 local authority areas in England, whereas Dorset overall (the current DCC area) came out around the national average, and; 

§   the excellent report ‘State of Dorset 2018 – Deprivation’ from our own Dorset Statistics identifies 12 smaller areas in Dorset that are amongst the top 20% nationally for multiple deprivation.  Nine of the twelve are within Weymouth or Portland, and;

§   Weymouth and Portland fare extremely poorly both nationally and within the DCC context on a number of other indices. For example:

§   the Equalities Impact Assessment included in Committee Reports often states that: "the prioritisation of resources in order to challenge inequalities in outcomes for Dorset’s people is fundamental to the Corporate Plan".

In light of all this, I call upon this Council to:

a.     Reaffirm its overall commitment to improving equality of opportunity within Dorset

b.     Recognise that the allocation of its resources can do much to assist this 

c.      Acknowledge that Weymouth and Portland faces particular challenges in the context of Dorset and, most specifically,

d.     In light of LGR and other developments, when deciding where to physically locate certain services going forward, especially where skilled jobs are involved, for example Planning Services, give special consideration to the fact that, if it is to thrive, Weymouth and Portland NEED these jobs’

Cllr Susan Jefferies, County Councillor for Corfe Mullen: Electoral Arrangements

The motion is seconded by: Cllr Nick Ireland, County Councillor for Linden Lea.

‘This Council requests that the Government provides for elections to the Dorset Council in 2019 to be conducted by a system of proportional representation.’

Social Mobility in Weymouth and Portland

The Council considered a motion submitted by Cllr Clare Sutton regarding Social Mobility in Weymouth and Portland. The Chairman explained that she would allow the motion to be debated by the Council under her discretion.

Cllr Sutton introduced the motion, stating that the concentration of deprivation in Weymouth and Portland was a serious cause for concern that was borne out by the statistical indicators and reflected in wage levels, health, schools and homelessness.  She highlighted that directing resources to address inequalities formed part of the Council's Corporate Plan and the Council could play a part in bringing skilled and well paid jobs back to Weymouth and Portland to help reverse the decline.  She asked Councillors to also support part (d) of the motion so that this could form part of the consideration of council assets to accommodate a future workforce by the new Dorset Council.

Members were supportive of parts a, b and c of the motion and commented on using all of the available data to allow the new Council to allocate its resources in a different way, the pay differential between Weymouth and Portland and other areas for doing similar jobs and locating staff in places closest to where they needed to be.  However, a majority of members did not feel able to support part (d) of the motion as it would not be appropriate for the County Council to influence the activity of a new authority.  They considered this should be a consideration for the Shadow Dorset Council using shared evidence and data in order to make informed decisions about each of the deprived areas in the Dorset area and to build on existing partnerships with public and voluntary sector partners.

Cllr Jon Orrell, who seconded the motion, stated that the public sector could deliver what the private sector was unable to achieve in bringing skilled jobs back to Weymouth and Portland.  He also highlighted the added benefit of reducing traffic emissions and congestion by moving jobs to where they were needed. He therefore considered this to be an opportune time to establish a guiding principle and to highlight Weymouth and Portland.

Resolved

a          That the overall commitment to improving equality of opportunity within Dorset      be reaffirmed;

b          That the allocation of its resources can do much to assist this be recognised;        and,

c          That Weymouth and Portland faces particular challenges in the context of Dorset be acknowledged.

Electoral Arrangements

The Council considered a motion submitted by Cllr Susan Jefferies regarding electoral arrangements in 2019. The Chairman explained that she would allow the motion to be debated by the Council under her discretion.

Cllr Jefferies introduced her motion outlining the need for a system of proportional representation and that members elected in the outdated "first past the post" system had a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.  She explained that proportional representation had worked well in Greater London, Wales, Ireland and other countries, resulting in greater public turnout and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

The Leader of the Council reported on the following issues facing the Council, and invited questions from all members:

Integrated Care System

The Leader advised that Dorset was one of 8 areas in the country chosen to conduct a pilot for an integrated care system which was a credit to the organisation, particularly in the context of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the complexity of working relationships with public sector organisations such as the NHS and Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).  This served to demonstrate that collaboration and individual relationships at the right level mattered and could make a real difference and form a concrete basis on which to move forward.

She recognised the important level of community engagement in Dorset and the work achieved by the Health and Wellbeing Board in linking local democracy and communities that would also help to embed health and social care integration.

The Council awaited a potential change to the way funding came forward, working with national partners and speaking with MPs.

Corporate Parenting Board

The Leader had been delighted to see the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the County Council reaching out in areas not often highlighted and noted that the Vice-Chairman had recently undertaken the role of Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Board for Dorset which was an important role with support for families needing greater visibility due to their requirements.

Workforce

The Leader paid tribute to staff who were essential in running the organisation whilst at the same time preparing to transfer services to a new Dorset Council.  This work was not always visible and was asking a great deal from staff.  She conveyed her utmost respect and appreciation for all the hard work that was taking place.

To consider a report by the Chief Executive.

The Council considered a report updating members on developments in relation to local government reorganisation (LGR).

The Chief Executive introduced the report which set out in summary the Structural Change Order (SCO) that would govern the transition to a new council.  There remained uncertainty around the timing of meetings of the Shadow Dorset Council as this was dependent on when the SCO was agreed.  The first meeting of the Council needed to be held within 14 days of the SCO being agreed and it was anticipated that this would take place before or on 20 June 2018.

In response to a question, the Leader explained that there would not be a requirement for political proportionality in making appointments to the Shadow Dorset Executive Committee, however, early indications suggested that appointments to a new Audit and Scrutiny Committee on this basis had been looked upon favourably.

Cllr David Jones set out his understanding that the Secretary of State did not have the power to make the Modification Orders, the reasons for which had been set out in a memorandum to Christchurch Borough Councillors.  He proposed the following amendment to the first recommendation that was seconded by Cllr Margaret Phipps:-

"Delete Recommendation(1) and insert

1a)       notes the steps taken but regrets the Secretary of State's ultra vires actions in       laying the Modification Regulations

1b)       notes the impending private application for Judicial Review of the Secretary of      State's actions and resolves to take a neutral stance in any hearing."

In seconding the amendment, Cllr Phipps expressed her view that to lay modification regulations with an SCO was outside of normal practice and that this Council should take a stance should there be a legal challenge.

Members were advised that the Monitoring Officers for the sovereign councils had received advice from the advisors to the Secretary of State who did not accept this view.  Officers were yet to see papers in respect of any Judicial Review proceedings and were therefore not in a position to advise on the stance to be taken in respect of such proceedings.  Delegated authority had already been given by the Council for the Monitoring Officer to provide this after consultation with the Leader and Chief Executive.

Upon being put to a vote the amendment was lost.

During the debate that followed, Cllr Jones noted that abstentions had not been requested during the vote on the above amendment.  The Chairman apologised for the oversight and a show of hands was requested in order to record the number of abstentions as being 7 members.

Members debated the report recommendations, commenting on the high number of county councillors on the Shadow Dorset Executive Committee as well as its potential political make-up. Members were advised that the number of County Councillor representatives had been specified as a late change by the Secretary of State in the SCO and had not been sought by the County Council. The governance arrangements were due to be discussed on 15 May 2018 and representatives from all political  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

The Chairman of the Council, Leader of the Council, Cabinet Members, or chairmen of appropriate committees to answer questions on any business not covered on this agenda.  The closing date for the receipt of questions is 10.00am on 23 April 2018.  This item is limited to 45 minutes.

There were no questions received at the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 20.

The Council considered a report by the Chief Executive on the appointments to committees of the County Council, Joint Committees and the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority 2018/19.A supplementary paper had been published prior to the meeting which provided details of the nominations by Group Leaders.

Resolved

1          That seats and appointments on committees of the County Council, joint committees and the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority be allocated for 2018/19, as nominated by Group Leaders and as set out in the Annexure to these minutes.

2          That the Leader be asked to confirm appointments to the Dorset Waste Partnership Joint Committee, Public Health Joint Board and the Dorset Health and Wellbeing Board as set out in the Annexure to these minutes.

3          That members be appointed to serve on other organisations for the year 2018/19 as nominated by Group Leaders.

4          That delegated authority be granted to Group Leaders to make in-year changes to appointments; and

4          That members be appointed as Member Champions for the year 2018/19 in accordance with delegated authority to the Leader of the Council after consultation with Group Leaders.

Reason for Decisions

To comply with the County Council’s Procedure Rules (Standing Orders).

To consider a report by the Chief Executive.

The Council considered a report by the Chief Executive on the appointment of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Committees for the year 2018/19.

Resolved

1a        That the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Committees of the County Council         for the year 2018/19 be appointed as follows, to reflect the nominations of the     Group Leaders; and

1b        That the election of Vice-Chairman be delegated to the relevant Committee           where two nominations have been received.

Committee                                                      Chairman                    Vice-Chairman

Audit and Governance                                   David Harris                Clare Sutton

Children’s and Adult Services Appeals          Lesley Dedman           Susan Jeffries or                                                                                                         Steven Lugg

                                                                                                            (to be determined)

Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny     Ray Bryan                   Cherry Brooks or                                                                                                        Jon Andrews

                                                                                                            (to be determined)

People and Communities Overview               David Walsh                Shane Bartlett or

and Scrutiny                                                                                        Mary Penfold                                                                                                              (to be determined)

Regulatory                                                      David Jones                Margaret Phipps

Safeguarding Overview and Scrutiny            Pauline Batstone         Derek Beer or                                                                                                             Katharine Garcia                                                                                                         (to be determined)

Staffing                                                           Peter Wharf                Andy Canning or                                                                                                         Hilary Cox

                                                                                                            (to be determined)

Reason for Decision

To comply with the County Council’s Procedure Rules (Standing Orders).

County Farms Estate Management Plan Update

In relation to minute 30, assurance was sought on whether the County Council was satisfied that true economic impact of closure of 6 farms was justified.

It was confirmed that the farms that had been identified were surplus to requirements and would have minimal economic impact.  A decision had been made due to the need to balance the conflicting demands for the Council's assets, however, work would continue to investigate further the economic and social wellbeing of the County Farms estate.

Resolved

That the report of the meeting held on 7 March 2018 be adopted.

Residential Homes Options Consultation and the Future Use of Maumbury House, Dorchester

In relation to minute 43, assurance was sought that the Corporate Parenting Board would continue to receive reports concerning the children that were moved into independent homes following the closure of Maumbury House.  It was confirmed that the Board would continue to scrutinise the wellbeing and safety of children under its care and was in the process of creating a new format where the voice of the children could be heard.

Disposal of Former Brackenbury Infant School Site, Fortuneswell, Portland

In relation to minute 44, there was recognition for the award the authority had received for its work to create modular school buildings and its progress in moving away from bespoke architectural designs which was to be congratulated.

Future of Wareham Foot Crossing

In relation to minute 42, Cllr Ezzard, as the Local Member, stated that the local community did not accept that there was no other option than a ramped bridge at Wareham railway station and that further research of the alternatives should be undertaken.  She welcomed the decision to hold the Regulatory Committee in June in Wareham. 

Members were advised that the recommendation had been proposed as a result of  consultation with the relevant organisations and that is was the view of Network Rail that no alternative would be considered..

Resolved

That the report of the meeting held on 4 April 2018 be adopted.

Early Intervention and Prevention

In relation to minute 18, the early assessment of the impact of the Family Partnership Zones is May 2018 was questioned as being premature in light of the anticipated return on investment after 15 months. However, it was considered that continuous assessment and evaluation would be of benefit.

It was suggested that the impact that health visitors could have on the Family Partnership Zones should be further investigated as well as early intervention in developing parenting skills during pregnancy.  It was confirmed that the Committee would scrutinise these areas in future.

Resolved

That the report of the meeting held on 13 March 2018 be adopted.

Resolved

That the report of the meeting held on 26 March 2018 be adopted.

Outcomes Focussed Monitoring Report, March 2018

In relation to minute 16, it was confirmed that it was not in the Council's remit to provide befriending services, however, it was acknowledged that work would be necessary to support communities in meeting the needs of people who were socially isolated.

Resolved

That the report of the meeting held on 21 March 2018 be adopted.

Resolved

That the report of the meeting held on 8 March 2018 be adopted.