Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2016.

The Chairman of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2016 be signed as a correct record.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Hodgins, who was attending the meeting in his capacity as a co-opted member of the Council's Standards Committee to observe and monitor compliance with the Council’s ethical governance framework, and Honorary Alderman Spence who was also present.

The Chairman then congratulated all those involved in the Council having recently received  (i) the Antibiotic Guardian Community Award for the joint campaign run by the Council's Public Health with NEW Devon CCG and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust on "Listen to your Gut" to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in children and (ii) the Institute of Chartered Engineers (SW) Awards for  the A380 South Devon Highway for both Project of the Year (over £1m) and The People’s Choice Award and (iii) the Granite and Gears Programme of Cycling and Walking Routes having been Highly Commended in the Community Award category.

The Chairman also paid tribute on behalf of the Council to Sue Clarke, the current Head of Education and Learning, who would shortly be leaving the Council's employ after 39 years of public service of which the last 20 had been spent in Devon.

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

There was no petition received from a Member of the Council.

Petitions, Questions or Representations from members of the public in line with the Council’s Petitions and Public Participation schemes.

(a)        The Leader was presented:

by a Ms J Crew with a petition containing in excess of 600 signatures of users and supporters of the West Exe Children’s Centre expressing concern at the proposed reduction in staffing and services at that Centre; and

by a Ms D Moore, with a petition containing 218 signatures of parents, teachers and persons from the local community seeking the retention of land at Alphington Primary School for educational purposes, should it become part of a Multi Academy Trust.

The Leader indicated that the relevant Cabinet Member or Head of Service would be asked to respond direct to each petitioner on the issues raised, within 15 days, accepting that those Petitions had not yet been verified or validated in line with the Council’s Petition Scheme.

(b)        There was no question from a member of the public.

(c)        In accordance with the Council's Public Participation Rules, the Council also received and acknowledged oral representations made by a Ms Palethorpe (on behalf of WASPI - Women Against State Pension Inequalities)  and a Ms Moore on a matter relating to the functions of the Council, specifically state pension arrangements  for women.

The Chairman responded, thanking the presenters for their attendance and presentations, acknowledging that the representations made by them had been heard by the Members of the Council and would be taken into account, as appropriate, if the matter was discussed later at this meeting or at the Cabinet on 14 September 2016.

Answers to questions from Members of the Council pursuant to Standing Order 17.

(Councillor Hook declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being a resident of property adjacent to a potential rail route).

In accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rules, the Leader and relevant Cabinet Members provided written responses to 9 questions submitted by Members of the Council on future of staffing at Medical Practices, strategic planning for and cuts to GP services, movement of radioactive material, payments to farmers, car parking for social workers, Mapleton Care Home (Newton Abbot), potential changes to care provision and on  pavements at Mermaid walk (Barnstaple); the Leader also responded orally to a question from a member on the impact of leaving the European Union (Minute 30(a) below also refers).

The Leader and relevant Cabinet Members also responded orally, as appropriate, to any supplementary questions arising therefrom.

[NB: A copy of the questions and answers are appended to the signed minutes and any supplementary questions and answers may be observed through the webcast of this meeting  – see Notes below].

To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet. The Cabinet’s recommendation and any reasons therefor may be seen in full in Minute 50 of the Cabinet held on 13 July 2016 (Page 1, Green Pages).

The report of the Chief Executive (CX/16/20), is attached.

The Council considered the recommendations of the Cabinet held on 13 July 2016 (Minute 50 thereof refers), circulated previously for the attention of Members at this meeting in conjunction with the Report of the Chief Executive (CX/16/20), seeking approval to the Council ‘signing-up’ in principle to the pursuit of a devolution deal and the creation of a Combined Authority to administer new powers and funding secured through that deal and to better position Councils to explore and take advantage of the opportunities that might arise through discussions with Government and future developments.

The Council noted that the specific impacts and implications of any draft deal would be assessed and considered as part of the formal negotiation process and the Heart of the South West Partnership would correspondingly and necessarily develop an Impact Needs Assessment at the start of that process which would be updated as specific powers were agreed. Similarly, the assurances given previously at the Cabinet that the concept of double devolution was integral to the development of any Deal and that any final Deal would  be subject to the approval/ratification by Council and public consultation were re-affirmed.

In commending the proposals to the Council and having regard to the views expressed at and considered by the Cabinet:  

The Leader of the Council MOVED and Councillor Clatworthy SECONDED that the recommendation of the Cabinet at Minute 50 be approved, namely that:

‘that the County Council:

(a)        endorse the Leaders approach to devolution and agree to sign up to the principle of creating a Combined Authority for the Heart of the South West, as set out in the Prospectus for Productivity, as the basis for negotiation with Government towards a Devolution Deal for the area;

(b)        note that giving this endorsement does not commit the Council to entering into a Devolution Deal or becoming a member of a Heart of the South West Combined Authority; that would be subject to future debate and agreement by the Council and subject to negotiations with Government’

Councillor Greenslade then MOVED and Councillor Connett SECONDED that Cabinet Minute 50(a) be amended by the addition of the words ‘including recognising the principle of double devolution’ 

Councillor Hart having subsequently indicated his willingness to accept the amendment moved by Councillor Greenslade the revised motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED namely:

‘that the County Council:

(a)        endorse the Leaders approach to devolution and agree to sign up to the principle of creating a Combined Authority for the Heart of the South West, as set out in the Prospectus for Productivity, as the basis for negotiation with Government towards a Devolution Deal for the area, including recognising the principle of double devolution;

(b)        note that giving this endorsement does not commit the Council to entering into a Devolution Deal or becoming a member of a Heart of the South West Combined Authority; that would be subject to future debate and agreement by the Council and subject to negotiations with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

The Council is asked to note that the Devon (Electoral Changes) Order 2016 which was laid before Parliament on 22 March 2016 has now come into effect.

The Order gives effect to the recommendations of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England on the County Council’s electoral divisions, from May 2017 onwards, for a Council of 60 Members with 56 single-member divisions and 2 two-member divisions.

A copy of the Order and the Commission’s Final Report may be accessed from the Council’s website at:

https://new.devon.gov.uk/democracy/elections-and-voting/electoral-review-of-devon-county-council/

The Council noted that the Devon (Electoral Changes) Order 2016 which had been laid before Parliament on 22 March 2016 had subsequently been published and brought into effect on 7 June 2016.  

The Order gave effect to the recommendations of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England on the County Council’s electoral divisions, for a Council of 60 Members with 56 single-member divisions and 2 two-member divisions, from 2017 onwards.

A copy of the Order and the Commission’s Final Report may be accessed from the Council’s website at:

https://new.devon.gov.uk/democracy/elections-and-voting/electoral-review-of-devon-county-council/    and at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/uksi/2016/657.  

To consider reports from Cabinet Members.

The Council received reports from the relevant Cabinet Members on matters of interest or service developments relating to their remits which had occurred since the previous meeting or were likely to have an impact in the future or on specific issues upon which they had been asked to comment, as set out below:

(a)        Policy & Corporate

Councillor Hart commented, as requested by Councillor Connett, on how the impact of the UK's departure from the EU upon the Council and the county more widely would be assessed and corresponding action to protect services; indicating that in advance of any detailed negotiations between HM Government and the EU it was too early to say with any certainty what the impact of the referendum would be on the Council and the County at large. He acknowledged that work was being undertaken by the Council’s Officers to assess the likely financial impact of leaving the EU and also under the auspices of the Heart of the South West  Devolution Deal to  look at the impacts more widely.  The Leader undertook to ensure Members were kept up to date on any emerging information arising therefrom.

[NB: See also responses to Questions referred to at Minute 27 above]

(b)        Community and Environmental Services

Councillor Croad commented, as requested by Councillor Hannaford, and in his capacity as Chairman of the Police & Crime Panel on the enforcement by the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary of 20 mph speed limits.  Notwithstanding the fact that this was an operational issue which was the responsibility of the Chief Constable, he undertook to raise Members’ concerns about parking and enforcement, particularly in the vicinity of schools, with the Police & Crime Commissioner.

The Cabinet Member also reported, as requested by Councillor Hook, on the Council’s use of Glyphosates currently used only as a targeted herbicide which had been fully approved by the various regulatory bodies and confirmed there were no plans to prohibit its use at this time.

(c)        Highways Management and Flood Prevention

Councillor Hughes commented, as requested by Councillor Way, on progress with the Wray Valley Cycle Trail, outlining the significant progress had that been made over the past 2 years with, variously, the opening of new sections, planning permission having been secured for other sections, contracts let or about to be let for sections and with design work. Land negotiations continue, to deliver the Wray Valley Trail and the Teign Estuary leisure, and commuter routes to which the Council remained committed.  He also responded to questions on the completion of finishing works on the A39 near Bideford and community self help schemes.

(d)        Economy Growth and Cabinet Liaison for Exeter

Councillor Leadbetter circulated a Report and commented on, as requested by Councillor Westlake, progress with the Peninsula Rail Group’s review of additional routes into the South West, drawing the attention of Members to an earlier Report (PTE/16/30) to the Place Scrutiny summarising the work undertaken to date by the Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF) and Devon Metro rail projects in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

To receive and approve the Minutes of the under mentioned Committees

The Chairman of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the Minutes of the under-mentioned meetings of Committees be approved  and that the recommended Library Byelaws referred to at Procedures  Committee Minute 10 be also approved:

Appeals                                    13 June &18 July 2016

Development Management        16 June & 20 July 2016

Investment & Pension Fund       24 June 2016

Audit                                        30 June 2016

Standards                                 4 July 2016

Public Rights of Way                 8 July 2016

Procedures                               11 July 2016

Place Scrutiny                           14 June 2016

People's Scrutiny                      16 June 2016

Health & Wellbeing Scrutiny       20 June 2016

Corporate Services Scrutiny       27 June 2016

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet relating to Councillor Connett’s Notice of Motion. 

The text of the original Notice of Motion, the Cabinet’s recommendation and any reasons therefor may be seen in full at Minute 40(a) of the Cabinet held on 8 June 2016 (Page 6, Green Pages).

Pursuant to County Council Minute 17 of 12 May 2016 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved by Councillor Connett and duly seconded, that:

‘To ensure the school crossing patrol service is protected and continues to operate, this council will ensure:

1.     all crossing patrol vacancies are promptly filled and not left vacant to help with 'vacancy management savings';

2.     No school crossing patrol site will be deleted from the council's establishment without a report presented first to Place Scrutiny and Cabinet.

3.     An annual 'state of the service' report is presented each February detailing the number of school crossing patrols, any vacancies in the preceding year, how long they have been vacant and the robust steps taken to fill posts; and

4.     where it can be shown there is a proven need the Council will look favourably on new applications for a school crossing patrol’.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 40(a) of 8 June 2016:

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor Clatworthy seconded that the Cabinet’s recommended advice (submitted as a formal amendment) as set out at Minute 40(a) be accepted; namely that the Council accepts the principles of the Notice of Motion and the suggested specific actions which fundamentally meet its underlying objectives.

The amendment was put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also declared CARRIED as the substantive motion.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet relating to Councillors Hannan and Greenslade’s Notices of Motion. 

The text of both the original Notices of Motion, the Cabinet’s recommendations and any reasons therefor may be seen in full in the Minutes of the Cabinet Minute 40(b) held on 8 June 2016 (Page 6 - 8, Green Pages).

Pursuant to County Council Minutes 18 and 19 of 12 May 2016 relating to the Notices of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved by Councillors Hannan and Greenslade respectively, and duly seconded, and the Chairman having exercised his discretion to take these two items at the same time, that: 

‘This Council notes that the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Skills, the Deputy Leader of the Council and the County Councillors Network along with many District and County Councils, of all political colours, have made statements that oppose various aspects of the changes to our education system proposed in the White Paper ‘Education Excellence Everywhere’.

The Council welcomes the decision of the Secretary of State for Education to abandon plans to force all of England’s schools that are still maintained by their local authorities to become academies.  However, it regrets that some schools may still be forced to convert, including those in local authorities where academies are in a large majority, those in authorities whose maintained schools are deemed to be failing overall to meet a minimum performance threshold, and those seen as struggling or failing to improve sufficiently.

The Council remains concerned about other aspects of the White Paper and the government’s continued commitment to full academisation, with regard to:

1.         School exclusions – giving schools from which excluded pupils originate the responsibility to fund AP (alternative provision such as placement in a pupil referral unit) and to continue to ensure the quality of their education.  This makes informal exclusion more likely and encourages schools not to admit vulnerable children especially those with behaviour problems.  There will also be problems providing for pupils already in referral units and for those who move with their parents to Devon from other local authorities.

2.         Further academisation making it more difficult for local authorities to ensure 'sufficiency of AP in their area' without the power to direct academy/free schools and without the AP funding which they currently use to commission pupil referral units as Devon does via Schools Company.

3.         The lack of acknowledgement of the considerable additional costs falling upon local authorities in managing the transition of schools to academy status, and through having continuing responsibility for school transport and safeguarding.

4.         The impact on small rural schools that could suffer ‘a spiral of decline’ if the networks to support them provided through the local authority were removed.

5.         The diminution of the role of local authorities in undertaking school monitoring (holding schools to account) and providing support for school improvement.

6.         The impact on vulnerable children with local authorities continuing to have a statutory responsibility for their education, but with very few powers to help them to fulfil that duty with more schools becoming academies.

Therefore, this Council confirms its opposition to forced academisation and joins with others in expressing its concerns about other aspects of the White Paper, including those mentioned above, and will write to the Secretary of State for Education and to all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet relating to Councillor Greenslade’s Notice of Motion. 

The text of the original Notice of Motion, the Cabinet’s recommendation and any reasons therefor may be seen in full in Minute 40d of the Cabinet held on 8 June 2016 (Page 8, Green Pages).

Pursuant to County Council Minute 20 of 12 May 2016 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved by Councillor Greenslade, and duly seconded, that:

“The County Council welcomes the recent report and conclusions by Cabinet in respect of flood alleviation in Devon: however the  County Council is concerned that real needs will not be matched by the investment required to deliver within the time frame needed to protect communities from increased flood risk and therefore resolves that the County Council mount a sustained lobbying programme for increased funding from Government for flood alleviation seeking support from the LGA, CCN and Devon MP’s.”

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 40(d) 8 June 2016: 

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor Hughes seconded that the Cabinet’s recommended advice (submitted as a formal amendment) set out at Minute 40(d) be approved, namely that the spirit of the Notice of Motion and actions to be taken in support of its aims be endorsed.

The amendment was put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also declared CARRIED as the substantive motion.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet relating to Councillor Greenslade’s Notice of Motion. 

The text of the original Notice of Motion, the Cabinet’s recommendation and any reasons therefor may be seen in full in Minute 40(e) of the Cabinet held on 8 June 2016 (Page 9, Green Pages).

Pursuant to County Council Minute 21 of 12 May 2016 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Greenslade, and duly seconded, that:

“Following the loss of the Park & Ride service for Barnstaple, County Council asks Cabinet to urgently find the ways and means of reinstating a Park & Ride service for Barnstaple at the earliest opportunity.”

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 40(e) of 8 June 2016:

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor Leadbetter seconded that the Cabinet’s recommended advice (submitted as a formal amendment) set out at Minute 40(e) be accepted, namely that the Notice of Motion and the actions already being taken to meet  its objectives be noted.

The amendment was put to the vote and declared CARRIED  and subsequently thereafter also declared CARRIED as the substantive motion.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet relating to Councillor Hook’s Notice of Motion. 

The text of the original Notice of Motion, the Cabinet’s recommendation and any reasons therefor may be seen in full in Minute 53 of the Cabinet held on 13 July 2016 (Page 4, Green Pages).

(Councillors Dempster, Dewhirst, Morse, Sellis and Wright each declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being Members of the Devon Wildlife Trust).

Pursuant to County Council Minute 160(d) of 10 December 2015 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved by Councillor Hook, and duly seconded, that:

‘Bees play an essential role in food production. The Bee population has been in alarming decline in recent years, due to various external influences. One such harmful influence is the use of neonicotinoids, an aggressive pesticide. Devon is heavily reliant on agriculture and this council will therefore prohibit the use of this pesticide on all land that it owns or manages in a proactive effort to reverse the destruction of the Bee community here in Devon. The Council will also explore other ways which, in addition to banning this particular pesticide, will help the survival of the Bee population. A report on other potential actions will be brought to Place Scrutiny’.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 53 of 13 July 2016 and to further representations received direct by Members and acknowledging the view of the Cabinet Member for Community and Environmental Services that the proposed Plan reflected the general principle that the Council would endeavour to stop using bee harmful pesticides on its land and would encourage others to do likewise:

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor Croad seconded that the Cabinet’s recommended advice (submitted as a formal amendment) set out at Minute 53 be accepted which substantially gives effect to the Notice of Motion and the Devon County Council Pollinators’ Action Plan appended to Report PTE/16/36 be approved.

Councillor Hart then indicated his willingness, with the consent of the Council, to accept a further amendment of which advance notice had been given by Councillor Wright and the revised, composite, amendment as set out below was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

‘(a) that the advice of the Cabinet set out at Minute 53 be accepted which substantially gives effect to the Notice of Motion through proposed actions;

(b) that the Devon County Council Pollinators’ Action Plan appended to Report PTE/16/36 be approved;

(c) that the County Council acknowledges the essential role of pollinators and proactively engages with communities, Devon Wildlife Trust and Town and Parish Councils to promote a significant boost in the number of roadside wildflower verges’

Councillor Wright then MOVED and Councillor Biederman SECONDED that Minute 53(b) be amended by the addition of the words:

‘provided that this Council acknowledges the limitations of the contract with the Farms Estates, recognises the role of neonicotinoids in the significant decline of bees and therefore opposes the use of such pesticides on it’s land’.

The amendment was put to the vote and declared LOST.

The composite amendment in the name of Councillor Hart above was then put to the vote as the substantive Motion and declared  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

Councillor Dewhirst to move:

“We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society.  Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our county.  Our council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally.  We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

We will work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support and resources they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

We reassure all people living in Devon that they are valued members of our community.”

The Chairman MOVED and Councillor Dewhirst SECONDED that in accordance with Standing Order 6(6), the Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Dewhirst be considered at this meeting.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Council recognised that prejudice related crimes and incidents cause a great deal of suffering for victims and for their friends and families, as well as undermining cohesion in the community and was committed through the Safer Devon Partnership, to tackling the problem of prejudice and hate crime across the whole county.

With the consent of the Council, Councillor Dewhirst thenMOVED and Councillor Hook SECONDED that the revised text of the Notice of Motion set out hereunder be approved:

‘This Declaration demonstrates our shared commitment to the achievement of equality and fairness for all people in the county.  Devon County Council recognises the importance and benefits of an equal society and we are committed to working with people and communities to ensure:

·         People can achieve their own potential and a good quality of life;

·         Devon is a strong, safe and inclusive community; there are good relations between different communities;

·         People are treated with dignity and respect at work, as customers, and in the community;

·         People have trust and confidence to report incidents of abuse or discrimination. Concerns are addressed;.

Devon is a caring and hospitable place and has a long history of welcoming people from a range of communities and faiths; we are fortunate to have strong and supportive communities across the County. However, Racism and xenophobia have no place in our society. We take any examples of hate crime extremely seriously and will see that the appropriate action is taken to deal with it’.

The Notice of Motion was put to the vote and, nem com, declared CARRIED.

[In accordance with Standing Order 32(2) Councillors  Ball, Barisic, Berry, Biederman, Bowden, Boyd,  Brook, Chugg, Clarance, Clatworthy, Colthorpe, Connett, Croad, Davis, Dempster, Dewhirst, Dezart, Diviani, Eastman, Edgell, Edmunds, Foggin, Gilbert, Greenslade, Gribble, Hannaford, Hannan, Hart,  Hill, Hook, Hosking, B Hughes, S Hughes, Julian, Knight, Leadbetter, McInnes, Mathew, Morse, Moulding, Owen, Parsons, Radford, Randall Johnson, Rowe, Sellis, Squires,  Way, Westlake, Wragg, Wright and Yabsley asked that their vote  for the Motion be recorded].

Councillor Connett to move:

"The Council calls upon the Government to make fair transitional state pension arrangements for all women born on or after 6th April 1951, who have unfairly borne the burden of the increase to the State Pension Age (SPA) with lack of appropriate notification.

Hundreds of thousands of women had significant pension changes imposed on them by the Pensions Acts of 1995 and 2011 with little/no/personal notification of the changes. Some women had only two years notice of a six-year increase to their state pension age.

Many women born in the 1950's are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment. Women born in this decade are suffering financially. These women have worked hard, raised families and paid their tax and national insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60. It is not the pension age itself that is in dispute - it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time. The issue is that the rise in the women's state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient notice being given to the women affected, leaving women with no time to make alternative arrangements.

The Council calls upon the Government to reconsider transitional arrangements for women born on or after 6th April 1951, so that women do not live in hardship due to pension changes they were not told about until it was too late to make alternative arrangements.”

[All Members of the Council had been granted a dispensation to allow them to speak and vote in any debate on this matter by virtue of being in receipt of or affected by any changes to the state pension provision]

Councillor Connett MOVED and Councillor Dewhirst SECONDED that:

‘The Council calls upon the Government to make fair transitional state pension arrangements for all women born on or after 6th April 1951, who have unfairly borne the burden of the increase to the State Pension Age (SPA) with lack of appropriate notification.

Hundreds of thousands of women had significant pension changes imposed on them by the Pensions Acts of 1995 and 2011 with little/no/personal notification of the changes. Some women had only two years notice of a six-year increase to their state pension age.

Many women born in the 1950's are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment. Women born in this decade are suffering financially. These women have worked hard, raised families and paid their tax and national insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60. It is not the pension age itself that is in dispute - it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time. The issue is that the rise in the women's state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient notice being given to the women affected, leaving women with no time to make alternative arrangements.

The Council calls upon the Government to reconsider transitional arrangements for women born on or after 6th April 1951, so that women do not live in hardship due to pension changes they were not told about until it was too late to make alternative arrangements’.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was therefore referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.

[NB: See also Minute 26  above].

Councillor Greenslade to move:

“County Council expresses concern at the incidences of fines being levied on parents who take their children out of school during term time. Accordingly County Council requests the people’s Scrutiny Committee to consider current guidelines used to decide whether a fine is appropriate. In the meanwhile no new fines should be levied until this review is completed!.”

Councillor Greenslade MOVED and Councillor Connett SECONDED that:

 “that the County Council expresses concern at the incidences of fines being levied on parents who take their children out of school during term time; accordingly the County Council requests the People’s Scrutiny Committee to consider current guidelines used to decide whether a fine is appropriate. In the meanwhile no new fines should be levied until this review is completed!”

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was therefore referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.

Councillor Greenslade to move:

“County Council expresses the view that in giving planning advice DCC Officers should give priority to providing balanced advice rather than the advice being given to “facilitate development”.

Councillor Greenslade MOVED and Councillor Connett SECONDED that:

"“County Council expresses the view that in giving planning advice DCC Officers should give priority to providing balanced advice rather than the advice being given to “facilitate development”.”

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was therefore referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.