Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor F W Birkett.

Following the meeting being opened with prayers led by the Mayor’s Chaplains, Reverend Mike Terry and Reverend Nicky-Sue Terry, the Mayor extended a warm welcome to all guests at this annual meeting of the Council and went on to announce the Citizens of Honour for 2016.

He presented badges to Stewart Crowe, Jean Kingdom and Kenneth Moore.

Caitlyn Lowe and Joseph Tillotson were announced as the Young Citizens of the Year and a Citizen of Honour Special Achievement Award was presented to Issac Waddington.

The HMS Collingwood Cup was presented to Regulating Petty Officer Graham Gregory.

To elect the Mayor of Fareham for the municipal year 2016/17.  (The order of proceedings to be observed is set out in the programme, which will be available at the meeting).

On the Council being invited to submit nominations for the election of Mayor, it was proposed by Councillor S D T Woodward and seconded by Councillor Miss T Harper “that Councillor Mrs Connie Hockley be elected Mayor of Fareham for the municipal year 2016/17”.  On the motion being put to the meeting it was declared CARRIED unanimously.

RESOLVED that Councillor Mrs C L A Hockley be elected Mayor of Fareham for the municipal year 2016/17.

After Councillor Mrs C L A Hockley had received the personal congratulations of The Mayor, she retired from the meeting to be robed and upon her return signed the statutory declaration of acceptance of office.

The Mayor thanked the Council for her election.  She informed members that Reverend Susan Allman will be her Chaplain for the year and that as Reverend Allman was unable to attend today, Reverend Janet Trevithick was in attendance.  She also announced that the Mayor’s charity appeal would this year be in support of Wessex Haven Cancer Support and Y Services for Young People.

The Mayor named her husband, County Councillor Geoff Hockley, as her Mayor’s Consort for the year and invested him with the chain of office.

To elect the Deputy Mayor for the municipal year 2016/17 in accordance with Standing Order 2.2.

On the Council being invited to submit nominations for the election of Deputy Mayor of Fareham for the municipal year 2016/17, it was proposed by Councillor S D T Woodward and seconded by Councillor B Bayford “that Councillor Geoff Fazackarley be elected Deputy Mayor of Fareham for the municipal year 2016/17”.  On the nomination being put to the meeting, it was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED that Councillor G Fazackarley be elected Deputy Mayor of Fareham for the municipal year 2016/17.

After receiving the personal congratulations of the Mayor, Councillor G Fazackarley signed the statutory declaration of acceptance of office and thanked the Council for his election.  He announced that his wife, Tina Fazackarley, would be the Deputy Mayoress.  The Mayor then invested the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress with their chains of office.

It was proposed by Councillor S D T Woodward and seconded by Councillor T M Cartwright “that the best thanks of the Council be accorded to Councillor Mike Ford and Mrs Anne Ford for their services as Mayor and Mayoress during the past municipal year”.  On being put to the meeting the motion was declared CARRIED unanimously.

RESOLVED that the best thanks of the Council be accorded to Councillor Mike Ford and Mrs Anne Ford for their services as Mayor and Mayoress during the past municipal year.

Councillor M J Ford replied to the vote of thanks and expressed his appreciation of the support he had been given throughout his year of office.  The Mayor then presented Councillor M J Ford with his Past Mayor’s badge and Mrs Anne Ford with her Past Mayoress’ badge.

To present the Mayor’s Cadet for 2016/17 with the badge of service.

The Mayor presented her Mayor’s Able Cadet for 2016/17, Cadet Adam Pryce-Jones with his badge of service.

The meeting will re-convene in the Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Fareham.

It was proposed by Councillor S D T Woodward and seconded by Councillor T M Cartwright “that this meeting now adjourn and resume at 2.30pm in the Council Chamber in the Civic Offices, Fareham”.

On being put to the meeting, the proposition was declared CARRIED unanimously.

Apologies for absence for the afternoon session were received from Councillor F W Birkett.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Council Meeting held 28 April 2016.

RESOLVED that the Mayor be authorised to sign as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of Council held on the 28 April 2016.

The Mayor reminded members that Reverend Susan Allman will be her chaplain for the year.

The Mayor also reminded members that the charities she has chosen to support will be the Wessex Haven Cancer Support and Y Services for Young People.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

(1)  Executive Leader

To elect a member of the Council to be the Executive Leader in accordance with Standing Order 3.1.  Members are reminded that the Council’s Constitution provides that the term of office of the Executive Leader shall be 4 years.

(2)  Number of Other Executive Members

Members are reminded that following the resolution of the Council on 16 December 2010, the Executive Leader is invited to advise the Council of the appointment of two or more (but no more than nine) Members to form the Executive.

(3)  Election of Other Executive Members

Members are reminded that the Executive Leader is responsible for determining the areas of Executive responsibility and for allocating the portfolios to the Executive Members appointed.  The Executive Leader is invited to advise the Council of the appointments.

(4)  Areas of Executive Responsibility

In accordance with Standing Order 5.1, the Executive Leader is invited to determine the separate areas of responsibility to be allocated to the Executive Members for the forthcoming year.  Members are reminded that Appendix 5 to Part 1 of the Council’s Constitution currently provides for the following areas of responsibility:-

·         Health and Housing;

·         Leisure and Community;

·         Streetscene;

·         Public Protection;

·         Planning and Development; and

·         Policy and Resources.

The Executive Leader is invited to confirm the areas of responsibility for 2016/17.  Members are reminded that the allocation of these portfolios to the Executive Member is a matter for the Executive Leader.

(1)  Election of Executive Leader

The Council was invited to elect a Member of the Council to be the Executive Leader in accordance with Standing Order 3.1 of the Council’s Constitution.  Members were reminded that following the resolution of the Council on 16 December 2010, this appointment would be for a term of four years.

It was proposed by Councillor Cartwright and duly seconded by Councillor Miss S Bell “that Councillor S D T Woodward be confirmed as Executive Leader of the Council” for a four year term, starting from the municipal year 2016/2017.  On the proposal being put to the meeting, it was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED that Councillor S D T Woodward be appointed as the Executive Leader for a four year term, from 2016/17 to the end of the 2020/21 municipal year.

(2)  Number of Other Executive Members

Members were reminded that following the resolution of the Council on 16 December 2010, the Executive Leader would be invited to advise the Council on his appointment of two or more (but no more than nine) members to form the Executive.

The Council was duly advised that the Executive Leader would be appointing five other members to form the Executive to work alongside himself.  He also advised that Councillor T M Cartwright would be appointed as the Deputy Executive Leader.

RESOLVED that the above decision be noted.

(3)  Appointment of Other Executive Members

Members were reminded that following the resolution of the Council on 16 December 2010, the Executive Leader would be invited to advise the Council of his appointment of other Executive Members, consequent to his decision at item 10(2) above.

The Council was duly advised that the Executive Leader would be appointing Councillors Miss S Bell, T M Cartwright, K D Evans, Miss T Harper and Mrs K Mandry to serve as Executive Members for 2016/17.

RESOLVED that the above decision be noted.

(4)  Areas of Executive Responsibility

The Council was reminded that the Executive Leader is responsible for determining the areas of Executive responsibility and for allocating the portfolios to the Executive Members appointed.

The Council was duly advised that the Executive Leader would be allocating responsibilities to the Executive portfolios for the municipal year 2016/17, as follows:

Public Protection – Councillor T M Cartwright;

Planning and Development – Councillor K D Evans;

Streetscene – Councillor Miss T Harper;

Leisure and Community – Councillor Miss S Bell;

Health and Housing – Councillor Mrs K Mandry; and

Policy and Resources – Councillor S D T Woodward.

RESOLVED that the above decision be noted.

In accordance with its Standing Orders, the Council is invited to consider a report on the appointment of committees and the allocation of seats following the nominations of political groups.

The Council received a report by the Chief Executive officer, providing the calculations for political balance relating to the allocation of seats on committees and panels for the municipal year 2016/17.

The report asks the Council to confirm the functions and appointment of committee seats as well as the role of Chairman and Vice-Chairman for each committee.  The minority groups are invited to appoint opposition spokesmen to each of the Executive portfolios.

Appendices A and B were tabled at the meeting, setting out the proposals for appointments to seats and following a debate on the matter, an amendment was proposed by Councillor R H Price for Councillor Mrs K K Trott to be appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Leisure and Community Panel. Having been duly seconded by Councillor S Cunningham, the motion was declared LOST, 5 members voting in favour, 21 members voting against and 2 members abstaining.

Following a debate on the matter, a motion was proposed by Councillor R H Price for Councillor Mrs K K Trott to be allowed as Vice-Chairman of the Streetscene Panel. Having been duly seconded by Councillor S Cunningham, the motion was declared lost 5 members voting in favour, 22 members voting against and 2 members abstaining.

RESOLVED that the Council approves:

(a)  the committee functions and number of seats on each committee for the municipal year 2016/17, as listed at paragraphs 5, 6, and 7 of the report;

(b)  the allocation of seats to political groups for the municipal year 2016/17, as set out in Appendix A, attached to these minutes, for the municipal year 2016/17;

(c)  the nominations of the political groups to seats on committees, deputies and spokesmen, for the municipal year 2016/17, as set out in Appendix B attached to these minutes;

(d)  the appointment of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for each committee for the municipal year 2016/17, as shown in Appendix B attached to these minutes.

The Council is reminded that the Localism Act 2011 implemented significant changes to the Standards regime which required the Council to put in place new arrangements to deal with matters of ethics, probity and Members conduct.

At its meeting in June 2012, the Council appointed Mr David Basson and Mrs Mary Kilbride as the Council’s two Designated Independent Persons for the purposes of consideration, investigation and hearing of complaints under the Members Code of Conduct as required under section 28(7) of the Localism Act 2011.

Mrs Mary Kilbride has resigned her post as Designated Independent Person and the Council is recommended to confirm Mr David Basson as the Council’s Designated Independent Person for the next municipal year.

The Council was reminded that the Localism Act implemented significant changes to the Standards regime and that at its meeting in June 2012, the Council appointed Mr David Basson and Mrs Mary Kilbride as the Council’s two Designated Independent Persons, as required under section 28 (7) of the Localism Act 2011.   They were further reminded that Mrs Mary Kilbride has resigned her position as Designated Independent Person.

RESOLVED that Mr David Basson be confirmed as the Council’s Designated Independent Person for the municipal year 2016/17.

Standing Order 10 requires the Council to make appointments to outside bodies, other than appointments which are required by law to be made by the Executive.  Appended to this agenda is a report scheduling the appointments to be made.

The Council was reminded that it was required by Standing Order 10 to make appointments to outside bodies, other than those appointments which were required by law to be made by the Executive.  Council therefore considered the report of the Head of Democratic Services on the appointments to be made and also received guidance on the duties and responsibilities of members when acting as an appointee to an outside body.

The Executive Leader advised that a number of deletions would also be made as the outside body either no longer existed or had not met for some time.

In considering the appointments to the Burridge Community Association Management Committee (no.2), it was AGREED that Councillor J E Butts be appointed as the representative for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor D C S Swanbrow.

In considering the appointments to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (no.3), it was AGREED that Councillor Mrs L E Clubley be appointed as the Deputy for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor T J Howard.

It was AGREED that Community Action Fareham (no.4) be removed.

In considering the appointments to the Community Safety Partnership (no.5), it was AGREED that Councillor M J Ford be appointed as the Deputy for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor Mrs M Ellerton.

In considering the appointments to the Crofton Community Association (no.9), it was proposed and seconded that Councillor C J Wood be appointed as the representative instead of Councillor A Mandry.  On being put to the meeting it was declared LOST, 2 members voting in favour, 21 voting against and 5 members abstaining.  It was further proposed and seconded that Councillor C J Wood be appointed as the deputy instead of Councillor Mrs K Mandry.  On being put to the meeting it was declared LOST, 2 members voting in favour, 22 voting against and 5 members abstaining.  It was AGREED that Councillor A Mandry remain as member with Councillor Mrs K Mandry being appointed as Deputy in place of former Councillor T G Knight.

It was AGREED that Daedalus Strategy Group (no.10) be removed.

In considering the appointments to the Fareham/Pulheim Twinning Association (no.13), it was AGREED that Councillor K A Barton be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor T J Howard.

In considering the appointments to the Fareham/Vannes Twinning Committee (no.14), it was AGREED that Councillor Mrs P M Bryant be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor T J Howard.

It was AGREED that Fareham College CEMAST Curriculum Development Group (no.16) be removed.

In considering the appointments to the Fareham North West Community Association Management Committee (no.18), it was AGREED that Councillor F W Birkett be appointed for 2016/17 in place of Councillor Mrs C L A Hockley.

In considering the appointments to the Fareham Welfare Trust (no.19), it was AGREED that Councillor Mrs L E Clubley be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor J V Bryant.

In considering the appointments to the Genesis Advisory Committee (no.20), it was AGREED that Councillor Ms S Pankhurst be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor Mrs M Ellerton.

In considering the appointments to the Hammond Memorial Hall Trust (no.21), it was AGREED that Councillor Mrs C Heneghan be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor T G Knight.

In considering the appointments to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Government Association (no.22), it was AGREED that Councillor S D T Woodward be appointed for 2016/17 in place of Councillor K D Evans.

In considering the appointments to the Hampshire County Council South Area Road Safety Council (no.23), it was AGREED that Councillor M J Ford be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor Mrs M Ellerton.

In considering the appointments to the Hampshire Partnership (no.25), it was AGREED that Councillor K D Evans be appointed as Deputy for 2016/17.

In considering the appointments to the Hampshire Superannuation Scheme (AGM) (no.26), it was AGREED that Councillor L Keeble be appointed as Deputy for 2016/17.

In considering the appointments to the Health review Panel (Portsmouth City Council) (no.27), it was AGREED that Councillor F W Birkett be appointed as Deputy for 2016/17 in place of Councillor M J Ford.

In considering the appointments to the Highlands Hub Management Committee (no.28), it was AGREED that Councillor F W Birkett be appointed for 2016/17 in place of Councillor Mrs C L A Hockley.

In considering the appointments to Home-Start Gosport and Fareham (no.30), it was AGREED that Councillor Mrs T L Ellis be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor Mrs M Ellerton.

It was AGREED that the Joint Member Shared Coastal Management Board (no.31) be removed.

In considering the appointments to the Local Government Association – General Assembly and Annual Meeting (no.33), it was AGREED that Councillor R H Price be appointed for 2016/17 as the Liberal Democrat Group Leader.

In considering the appointments to the Local Government Association – Group Leaders’ Briefings (no.34), it was AGREED that Councillor R H Price be appointed for 2016/17 as the Liberal Democrat Group Leader.

In considering the appointments to the Local Government Association – Coastal Issues Special Interest Group (no.35), it was AGREED that Councillor K D Evans be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor T G Knight.

In considering the appointments to the North Whiteley Development Forum (no.37), it was AGREED that Councillor J E Butts be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor D C S Swanbrow.

In considering the appointments to the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire – Overview and Scrutiny (no.39), it was AGREED that Councillor J E Butts be appointed as deputy for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor D C S Swanbrow.

In considering the appointments to the Police and Crime Panel (no.40), it was AGREED that Councillor M J Ford be appointed as Deputy for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor Mrs M Ellerton.

In considering the appointments to the Portchester Community Centre Ltd (no.41), it was proposed and seconded that Councillor S Cunningham be appointed as the representative.  On being put to the meeting it was declared LOST, 6 members voting in favour, 22 voting against and 1 member abstaining.  No changes were made to the appointments.

In considering the appointments to the Portchester Parish Hall Board of Trustees (no.42), it was AGREED that Councillor G Fazackarley be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor D J Norris.

In considering the appointments to the Priory Park Community Association Management Committee (no.43), it was AGREED that Councillor S D Martin be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor Mrs M Ellerton.

In considering the appointments to the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee (no.50), it was AGREED that Councillor J E Butts be appointed as Deputy for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor D C S Swanbrow.

In considering the appointments to the Solent Forum (incorporating the Solent Water Quality Group/Conference) (no.51), it was AGREED that Councillor M J Ford be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor T G Knight.

In considering the appointments to the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation (no.52), it was AGREED that Councillor T Cartwright be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor T G Knight.

In considering the appointments to the Standing Conference on Problems Associated with Coastline (no.55), it was AGREED that Councillor A Mandry be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor T G Knight.

In considering the appointments to The Louisa Seymour Charity Management Committee (no.56), it was AGREED that Councillor J E Butts be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor D C S Swanbrow.

In considering the appointments to The Moving On Project (no.57), it was AGREED that Councillor K A Barton be appointed as Member for 2016/17 and it was proposed and seconded that Councillor Mrs M Brady be appointed as the deputy for 2016/17.  This was AGREED without being voted on.

It was AGREED that the Fareham Town Centre Management Steering Group (no.59) be removed.

In considering the appointments to the Wallington Village Community Association Executive Committee (no.62), it was AGREED that Councillor Mrs M Brady be appointed as deputy for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor P W Whittle.

In considering the appointments to the West Paulsgrove Scout and Community Association (no.63), it was proposed and seconded that Councillor R H Price be appointed as the representative.  On being put to the meeting it was declared LOST, 7 members voting in favour and 22 voting against.  It was AGREED that Councillor G Fazackarley remain as Member for 2016/17.

In considering the appointments to the William Price Charitable Trust (no.65), it was AGREED that Councillor Mrs T L Ellis be appointed for 2016/17 in place of former Councillor T J Howard.

In considering the appointments to the Stubbington Study Centre (no. 69), it was AGREED that Councillor A Mandry be appointed for 2016/17.

In considering the appointments to the Locks Heath Memorial Hall (no.70), it was AGREED that Councillor Ms S Pankhurst be appointed for 2016/17.

Subject to the amendments agreed as listed above, the Council RESOLVED that:

(a)  representatives for 2016/17 be appointed to the organisations as set out in the tabled appendix to the report;

(b)  the outside bodies that have not met within the municipal year or will be subject to change, be deleted; and

(c)  the guidance to members on their duties and responsibilities as appointees to outside bodies be noted.

Special Council Meeting

The Executive Leader announced that he would be asking the Mayor to call a special meeting of the Council at 6pm on the 16 June 2016, preceding the scheduled Council meeting taking place to deal with the proposal that former Councillors J V Bryant, Mrs M Ellerton, T G Knight, D C S Swanbrow and D J Norris be made Honorary Alderman of Fareham Borough Council.

Community Governance Review

The Executive Leader reminded Members that in July 2015, Council approved the Terms of Reference for a Community Governance Review, which commenced following the receipt of a petition from residents of Funtley Village requesting that a Parish Council be created for Funtley.

In accordance with the agreed timetable for the review, a consultation exercise has been completed on the options set out in the Terms of Reference. Officers have considered the submissions received and the Council is now required to publish the results of the consultation exercise along with draft recommendations for further consultation.

The Funtley Governance Review webpage on the Council’s website will therefore be updated with the results and analysis of the initial consultation and will invite further comments from interested parties.

The final report will be presented to the Council meeting of 16 June 2016 and will include details of all consultations and the final recommendations.

The Executive Member for Public Protection advised the Council of the appointment of a new Police Crime Commission, Michael Lane, who has been elected for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Policing area and would be taking up his appointment on 12 May 2016. 

The Executive Member will meet with him shortly and will be interested in his views on safer neighbourhood policing, Police numbers, the Police Crime Plan, the Operational Change Programme and the Estates Plan.  The Executive Member will keep Members informed.

To receive any petitions presented by a member of the Council.

Note: any petition so presented will be dealt with in accordance with the Council’s petition scheme.

There were no petitions presented at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been given.

There were no deputations given at this meeting.

To answer questions pursuant to Standing Order 17.2 for this meeting.

There were no questions submitted for this meeting.

Members will be informed, prior to the meeting, of any motion duly notified in accordance with Standing Order 15 but received after print and dispatch of the agenda.

There were no motions submitted for this meeting.

Standing Order 9 requires the Council to establish or confirm the plans and strategies which are to compromise the Council’s overall policy framework within which the Executive will operate during the coming year.  The Council’s Constitution sets out the major plans and strategies reserved to the Council for approval.  The Council is therefore invited to confirm the policy framework for 2016/17 as comprising those plans and strategies identified in the table below.

RESOLVED that the policy framework for 2016/17 which amendment was tabled at the meeting and shown below, be confirmed as comprising those plans and strategies identified in the table below: