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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - County Hall

Contact: Karen Strahan 01392 382264  Email: karen.strahan@devon.gov.uk

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No. Item

211.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 163 KB

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23rd May 2019.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 23rd May 2019 be signed as a correct record.

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

212.

Announcements

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair of the Council reported that both Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park had both been awarded Green Flag Awards during the year’s Love Parks Week. Stover had received the prestigious award for the past 16 years.  It was also the 11th consecutive year that the Grand Western Canal Country Park had received the honour. The awards demonstrated that both of the Council’s Country Parks offered the highest possible environmental standards, were beautifully maintained and provided excellent visitor facilities.

 

The Chair further highlighted that the Council had been presented with the ‘Value Award’ by the industry body ‘Constructing Excellence South West’, which recognised excellence and best practice in the built environment. The industry award had been achieved by the Council’s Southern Construction Framework, in recognition for its outstanding contribution to value across public sector building construction.

 

The Chair also reported that the Council had won a top award at the country’s most prestigious awards ceremony for the parking industry. The authority had picked up the “best practice reporting: Customer Service award” at the annual PATROL PARC (Parking Annual Report Awards by Councils) Awards held in London. The award recognised excellence in customer service, where authorities had reported on steps taken to proactively engage with the community.  Of particular note were the the Council’s online reporting tools which  enabled the public to identify concerns around pavement parking and abuse of residents parking permits.

 

The Chair congratulated all those involved in receiving the awards and the teams who had contributed to receiving these accolades.

213.

Items Requiring Urgent Attention

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

214.

Devon Youth Parliament

Members to receive a presentation on the role and activities of the Youth Parliament.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Schools introduced Freya Hope and Tom Matthews, representatives of the Devon Youth Parliament Team who gave a short presentation to the Council on:

 

·         the role of the United Kingdom Youth Parliament and the work undertaken by the Devon Members, nationally and locally and the current policy making process of the Youth Parliament;

 

·         working with young people locally and other partners on current campaigns, in particular making it clear that youth voices needed to be heard, for example speaking on Radio Devon at the  Respect Festival, consulting young people at Pride, taking part in Occupy the Airwaves on Phoenix Radio on International Women’s Day, presenting to the Exeter Strategic Board and screen-printing their own merchandise to distribute at such events;

 

·         the aim of a ‘curriculum for life’ which included researching what young people wanted to learn (and how) and using this to create an information resource for teachers, lobbing MP’s and local Councillors and creating lesson plans around democracy and youth voice and pilot this in local primary schools (year 6);

 

·         the campaigns and focus on mental health and the environment with activities such as researching which schools were using positive mental health strategies and to share these as best practice, showing and reducing the impact of our actions on the environment through carrying out direct actions to improve the Devon environment, promoting local environmental activities and working with local environmental organisations and supporting schools to use less plastic and become more aware of their environmental impact.

 

The Cabinet Member and the Chair, on behalf of the Council, both expressed their gratitude to the Devon UKYP Team for all their hard work and efforts in representing and ‘sharing’ the voice of young people in Devon, the ways they could influence national and local policy making and the ways in which Members of the Council could assist them, for example, the environment forum in October, help get schools signed up to Make Your Mark, to meet youth representatives from local schools to improve connections and also sign up to the newsletter.

215.

Public Participation: Petitions, Questions and Representations pdf icon PDF 166 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader was presented by Ms Augenthaler on behalf of the Exeter Halt 5G group with a petition containing approximately 107 signatures relating to halting 5G in Exeter. There was also an ongoing petition on Change.Org containing 962 signatures (although not all the signatures could be verified as people living and / or working in Devon in line with the Council’s Petitions Scheme).

 

The relevant Cabinet Member or Head of Service would be asked to respond direct to the petitioner on the issues raised, within 15 days.

 

In accordance with the Council's Public Participation Rules, the relevant Cabinet Members responded to 13 questions from members of the public on the advice and guidance provided by Public Health England (PHE) regarding the health and safety of mobile technologies including 5G and the independence of advice received, the awareness of the Council of 5G concerns and prevention of any rollout, consultation with the public about 5G and public health guidance on radio waves and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) statements, 3G/4G harm to humans and the 5G appeal petition calling for an independent study regarding EMF's and its risks, pre-planning investigations prior to planning applications for 5G infrastructure, decisions being made on bringing 5G into the area before investigations into health consequences, the Princesshay City Bee project and the safety of Exeter’s bees in light of 5G radiation, assurances to citizens that all peer reviewed studies were examined relating to the biological effects of 5G frequencies, invoking a moratorium on 5G and applying the principle of precaution, the testing of existing 2, 3 and 4G microwave radiation levels, studying and understanding available data and independent metering and recording of electromagnetic frequency levels, disclosure of information with telecommunications companies and / or mobile network operators regarding 5G rollout, Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines and declaration of a moratorium on 5G technology until evidence of effects had been examined and the implementation of a system which was untested, untrialled and without evidence of its safety. 

 

The Cabinet Members also responded orally to supplementary questions arising from the above.

 

A copy of the questions and answers would be sent to those who were not present at the meeting.

 

The Chair thanked all members of the public for their contributions.

 

(NB: A copy of the questions and answers are appended to these minutes and are available on the Council’s Website at http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=132&Year=0. Any supplementary questions and answers may be observed through the webcast of this meeting.

216.

Petitions from Members of the Council

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader was presented by Councillor Hellyer on behalf Mrs Lynne Prouse (Monkleigh Parish Council) containing some 25 signatures on speeding through the village of Saltrens.

 

[NB: The relevant Chief Officer / Head of Service would be asked to respond direct to the petitioner on the issues raised, within 15 days, letting him/her know how long it would take to undertake the requested review in line with the Council’s Petition Scheme (http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=416&MId=2487&Ver=4&info=1)

217.

Questions from Members of the Council pdf icon PDF 115 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rules, the Leader and relevant Cabinet Members provided written responses to 6 questions submitted by Members of the Council relating to the Housing Infrastructure Fund - bids and awards and work to ensure infrastructure investment reached all parts of the County, the recent House of Lords Select Committee Report on the rural economy including any pertinent messages and action for Devon, the actions of the Council to reduce its carbon footprint and other plans to further reduce carbon footprints, pedestrian flow at the A39 Pilton Bridge junction and Abbey Road, Pilton and options to improve pedestrian safety, progress on providing a Park and Ride on the north west side of Exeter and fixed penalty notices issued on bank holidays.

 

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

 

[NB: See also responses to Questions referred to at Minute 215. 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]

 

218.

Cabinet Member Reports pdf icon PDF 79 KB

To consider reports from Cabinet Members.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Councillor Biederman declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in this matter by virtue of being an employee of the Post Office and withdrew from the meeting during its consideration).

 

The Council received reports from the relevant Cabinet Members on specific issues upon which they had been asked to comment and report, as set out below:

 

(a)        Highways Management

 

Councillor Hughes commented, as requested by Councillor Biederman, on the risk management process for diversion routes (when a road had to be closed) including responsibility for checking all was in place, was safe and had the appropriate signage.

 

The Cabinet Member for Highways Management highlighted that when applying for any road closures, a works promoter must provide adequate information and plans including signing to be employed and any diversion route.  It was also their responsibility to consider risks and mitigate these before submitting their proposal. Any diversion route used had to be of a standard equal to or exceeding the road being closed and only in exceptional circumstances was this not applied.  Once approval was given, the responsibility rested with the works promoter regarding implementation and the Council would perform proportionate checks, signing and diversion route as necessary, or if issues arose.  The Cabinet Member highlighted that the Council could not be held responsible for any unreasonable actions of the motoring public and evidence of non-adherence to traffic signs, signals, inconsiderate driving, use of pavements etc as this was a matter for the appropriate enforcing organisation.

 

The Cabinet Member responded to questions on pedestrian symbol reinstatement in Exeter, representations to the Secretary of State for Transport on highways maintenance funding and planned work at Penn Inn roundabout in Newton Abbot.

 

(b)        Economy and Skills

 

Councillor Gilbert circulated a Report, as requested by Councillor Hannaford, on the potential for a new economic powerhouse for the UK encompassing Newport, Cardiff and Bristol. The recently published report on the matter called for a number of measures to support businesses and made the case for a cross-border stretch along the M4 corridor from Swindon and across the Welsh border to Cardiff and Swansea, and in the North from Gloucester and Cheltenham to Bath and Bristol.

 

The Cabinet Member highlighted how the Council was working with other local authorities in the Heart of the South West area to deliver economic development goals, through the Heart of the South West Joint Committee, to champion the economic needs of this area with a united voice.  The Joint Committee was recognised and welcomed by Government who had assigned senior civil servants to work with the partnership.

 

He referred to the agreed Productivity Strategy in place, which identified priorities and goals to improve productivity and develop the economy in the area and also that the Joint Committee was contributing to work on the Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) for the area (led by the HotSW LEP with Government).

 

The Cabinet Member advised that the Great Western Powerhouse Report appeared ambitious and also seemed to have support from within the area covered, however,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 218.

219.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 102 KB

To receive and approve the Minutes of the under mentioned Committees

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the Minutes of the under-mentioned meetings of Committees be approved, including proposed amendments to financial regulations in the Constitution, as set out at minute 64 and the amendments to the remit of the Appointments and Remuneration Committee and the appointment of an Appeals (Chief Officer) Committee, as outlined at minute 66.

 

Audit Committee                                                -           21 May 2019

Development Management Committee               -           5 June 2019

Standards Committee                                        -           10 June and 16 July 2019

Appeals Committee                                           -           17 June and 15 July 2019

Investment & Pension Fund Committee              -           28 June 2019

Public Rights of Way Committee                        -           4 July 2019

Procedures Committee                                      -           9 July 2019

 

Children’s Scrutiny                                            -           10 June 2019

Health & Adult Care Scrutiny                              -           18 June 2019

(minute *131 was called for debate by Councillor Shaw)

Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory                 -           25 June 2019

Services Scrutiny

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

220.

Free Personal Care (Minute 207 - 23 May 2019)

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 360(a)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Biederman and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely;

 

Devon County Council notes that over a million older people in England are struggling with unmet care needs and believes that in light of an ageing population we need bold changes to deliver a long term funding solution for social care.

 

Devon County Council believes that it is fundamentally unfair that to access basic care many older people face catastrophic costs that can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds, wipe out a lifetime of savings, and force families to sell their homes.

 

Devon County Council also believes that England’s care system needs major reform to provide a long-term sustainable funding solution and to make care free at the point of use.

 

Devon County Council therefore supports Independent Age’s call for the introduction of free personal care for all older people in England, alongside a new social care contribution to fully fund the policy on a sustainable basis.

 

Devon County Council calls on the Government to take the necessary steps to implement this policy as swiftly as possible to end the care crisis and properly support older people in Devon.

 

Devon County Council also calls on our local MP(s) to support the campaign for free personal care, and to speak up in favour of the policy in the House of Commons and through their wider engagements.

 

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report CSO/19/14 and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

 

(a) that the Council urges the Government to publish the Adult Social Care Green Paper without further delay and, furthermore, responds to the proposals in that Green Paper when it is published and ensures that Members across the Council are engaged and can contribute to such an important issue; and

 

(b) that the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Services, continue his dialogue with Devon MPs to lobby central Government for the health and care arrangements, including the workforce requirements, that are in the best interests of all adults in Devon regardless of their age or specific health and care needs.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Pursuant to County Council Minute 207 of 23 May 2019 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Biederman that: 

                       

Devon County Council notes that over a million older people in England are struggling with unmet care needs and believes that in light of an ageing population we need bold changes to deliver a long term funding solution for social care.

 

Devon County Council believes that it is fundamentally unfair that to access basic care many older people face catastrophic costs that can run into hundreds of thousands of pounds, wipe out a lifetime of savings, and force families to sell their homes.

 

Devon County Council also believes that England’s care system needs major reform to provide a long-term sustainable funding solution and to make care free at the point of use.

 

Devon County Council therefore supports Independent Age’s call for the introduction of free personal care for all older people in England, alongside a new social care contribution to fully fund the policy on a sustainable basis.

 

Devon County Council calls on the Government to take the necessary steps to implement this policy as swiftly as possible to end the care crisis and properly support older people in Devon.

 

Devon County Council also calls on our local MP(s) to support the campaign for free personal care, and to speak up in favour of the policy in the House of Commons and through their wider engagements.

 

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 360(a) of 12 June 2019:

 

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and in response to the Notice of Motion;

 

(a) that the Council urges the Government to publish the Adult Social Care Green Paper without further delay and, furthermore, responds to the proposals in that Green Paper when it is published and ensures that Members across the Council are engaged and can contribute to such an important issue; and

 

(b) that the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Services, continue his dialogue with Devon MPs to lobby central Government for the health and care arrangements, including the workforce requirements, that are in the best interests of all adults in Devon regardless of their age or specific health and care needs.

 

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

221.

10 Point Green Action Plan (Minute 208 - 23 May 2019)

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 360(b)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Wright and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely 

 

This council notes its resolution on declaring a climate emergency in Devon, in February.

 

This council notes also that officers launched the policy on wildflower verges earlier this month. Huge congratulations to the officers who helped bring this about.

 

The government has now declared a state of climate emergency across the UK, following the actions of Extinction Rebellion.

 

Climate change and other human activity is now causing species to decline at a rate unprecedented in human history, with three-quarters of land-based environments and two-thirds of the marine environment significantly altered.

 

Devon County Council, with its positive record on the environment is well placed to work with others to help mitigate the catastrophe coming our way. 

 

Therefore, this council agrees to:

 

1. Call on the government to offer all pollinators full legal protection from harm

 

2. Write to all Devon outlets stocking bee harming pesticides, and urge them to permanently cancel their order with the suppliers

 

3. Take action to phase out all glyphosate pesticides used in council weed spraying or any other council related activity, by December 2019 (there may be exceptional circumstances such as dealing with specific non native species, such as Japanese knotweed)

 

4. Support Devon County Council tenant farmers in phasing out the use of inorganic fertilisers (such as nitrogen) by December 2023

 

5. Support Devon County Council tenant farmers in setting aside 10 per cent of their land for wildlife and/or wildflower mixes for pollinators

 

6. Work with community groups and non-government organisations such as Devon Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust to support Devon County Council tenant farmers to set aside five per cent of their land for tree planting

 

7. Work with community groups and non-government organisations such as Devon Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust on supporting town and parish councils, schools and community groups to set aside land for tree planting

 

8. Develop a policy on soil health good practice, with an emphasis on allowing land to recover and phasing out damaging chemicals, which are ultimately sterilising the land. This would include setting appropriate and reasonable targets for Devon County Council tenant farmers

 

9. Work with South West Water on a campaign to save water across the county, with an emphasis on education about future water scarcity. Specifically target town and parish councils, community groups and schools to raise awareness of the importance of good water practice

 

10. Support Devon Wildlife Trust’s campaign by calling on the Environment Secretary to allocate a further eight Marine Conservation Zones to Devon’s waters. Details can be found on the DWT website - https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/take-action/marine-conservation-zones

 

 

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report CSO/19/14 and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

 

(a) that  ...  view the full agenda text for item 221.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Pursuant to County Council Minute 208 of 23 May 2019 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Wright that:

This council notes its resolution on declaring a climate emergency in Devon, in February.

 

This council notes also that officers launched the policy on wildflower verges earlier this month. Huge congratulations to the officers who helped bring this about.

 

The government has now declared a state of climate emergency across the UK, following the actions of Extinction Rebellion.

 

Climate change and other human activity is now causing species to decline at a rate unprecedented in human history, with three-quarters of land-based environments and two-thirds of the marine environment significantly altered.

 

Devon County Council, with its positive record on the environment is well placed to work with others to help mitigate the catastrophe coming our way. 

 

Therefore, this council agrees to:

 

1. Call on the government to offer all pollinators full legal protection from harm

 

2. Write to all Devon outlets stocking bee harming pesticides, and urge them to permanently cancel their order with the suppliers

 

3. Take action to phase out all glyphosate pesticides used in council weed spraying or any other council related activity, by December 2019 (there may be exceptional circumstances such as dealing with specific non native species, such as Japanese knotweed)

 

4. Support Devon County Council tenant farmers in phasing out the use of inorganic fertilisers (such as nitrogen) by December 2023

 

5. Support Devon County Council tenant farmers in setting aside 10 per cent of their land for wildlife and/or wildflower mixes for pollinators

 

6. Work with community groups and non-government organisations such as Devon Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust to support Devon County Council tenant farmers to set aside five per cent of their land for tree planting

 

7. Work with community groups and non-government organisations such as Devon Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust on supporting town and parish councils, schools and community groups to set aside land for tree planting

 

8. Develop a policy on soil health good practice, with an emphasis on allowing land to recover and phasing out damaging chemicals, which are ultimately sterilising the land. This would include setting appropriate and reasonable targets for Devon County Council tenant farmers

 

9. Work with South West Water on a campaign to save water across the county, with an emphasis on education about future water scarcity. Specifically target town and parish councils, community groups and schools to raise awareness of the importance of good water practice

 

10. Support Devon Wildlife Trust’s campaign by calling on the Environment Secretary to allocate a further eight Marine Conservation Zones to Devon’s waters. Details can be found on the DWT website - https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/take-action/marine-conservation-zones

 

 

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 360 (b) of 12 June 2019:

 

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and the spirit of the Notice of Motion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 221.

222.

Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Organisations (Minute 209 - 23 May 2019)

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 360(c)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Hodgson and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely 

 

Full Council recognises the valuable and considerable contribution community groups and associated enterprises make towards waste reduction and recycling.  To this end it commits to continued financial support where a waste project has proved successful in supporting the delivery of the Council’s waste services in line with its policies and priorities.  Full Council further recognises that continued financial support can be vital to the viability of such organisations

 

The recent public consultation on the Reuse Credit Scheme (RCS) demonstrated the success and popularity of the three main community organisations who deliver these services and divert an extensive tonnage of waste from landfill for less than £50,000 p.a.  These organisations have made a clear case that DCC financial support for their services is essential to their continued viability.

 

(when DCC ceased its funding of the large number of community composting groups, and reduced the landfill tax support it paid them for diverting waste - approximately 60 groups at the time- over half of them ceased to operate within 12 months; resulting in a major reduction in the volume of biodegradable waste being diverted from landfill)

 

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report CSO/16/14 and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

 

‘that the Council take no further action at this time, but that the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure Development and Waste considers the Notice of Motion alongside the results of the consultation and the priorities of Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee, when the matter is considered by that Committee’.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Pursuant to County Council Minute 209 of 23 May 2019 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Hodgson that:

                       

Full Council recognises the valuable and considerable contribution community groups and associated enterprises make towards waste reduction and recycling.  To this end it commits to continued financial support where a waste project has proved successful in supporting the delivery of the Council’s waste services in line with its policies and priorities.  Full Council further recognises that continued financial support can be vital to the viability of such organisations

 

The recent public consultation on the Reuse Credit Scheme (RCS) demonstrated the success and popularity of the three main community organisations who deliver these services and divert an extensive tonnage of waste from landfill for less than £50,000 p.a.  These organisations have made a clear case that DCC financial support for their services is essential to their continued viability.

 

(when DCC ceased its funding of the large number of community composting groups, and reduced the landfill tax support it paid them for diverting waste - approximately 60 groups at the time- over half of them ceased to operate within 12 months; resulting in a major reduction in the volume of biodegradable waste being diverted from landfill)

 

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 360 (c) of 12 June 2019:

 

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that no further action be taken on the Notice of Motion at this stage, but

that the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure Development and Waste considers the Notice of Motion alongside the results of the consultation and the priorities of Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee, when the matter is considered by that Committee.

 

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

223.

Future of the Post Office

Councillor Hannaford to move:

 

Council notes with concern that;

 

Britain’s 11,500 post office branches are facing mounting financial pressures. It is claimed financial pressures have already forced up to 1,000 out of business. More customers are now going online to buy stamps and parcels for postage. More people are also using the web to pay bills and to use government services. Government subsidies for remote post office branches have already fallen from £415million in 2013-14 to £99million in 2017-18. Under current plans this will fall further to £50million in 2020-21 before being stopped completely. At the moment Post Office Limited, which is owned by the Government, replaces branches when they shut, but campaigners have warned that the rate of closures in the coming years will make this impossible.

 

This Council believes that:

 

Our post offices are a key asset for the community, and the expertise and experience of staff there is invaluable. The relentless franchising and closure programme of the profit-making Crown post Offices, points to a lack of vision rather than the plan for growth and innovation that is needed. Government should therefore halt these closures and bring together stakeholders, including the CWU, industry experts, and business leaders, to develop a new strategy that safeguards the future of the Post office.

 

Therefore, Council resolves;

 

To formally write to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and all our local Members of Parliament, calling on the Government to guarantee their future. We are calling for the network to be properly funded, with a full range of services over the counter for those who are not online, and better support for the development of community hub models.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Councillor Biederman declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in this matter by virtue of being an employee of the Post Office and withdrew from the meeting  during  its consideration).

 

Councillor Hannaford MOVED and Councillor Whitton SECONDED, as amended below and with the consent of the Council.

 

Council notes with concern that;

 

Britain’s 11,500 post office branches are facing mounting financial pressures. It is claimed financial pressures have already forced up to 1,000 out of business. More customers are now going online to buy stamps and parcels for postage. More people are also using the web to pay bills and to use government services. Government subsidies for remote post office branches have already fallen from £415million in 2013-14 to £99million in 2017-18. Under current plans this will fall further to £50million in 2020-21 before being stopped completely. At the moment Post Office Limited, which is owned by the Government, replaces branches when they shut, but campaigners have warned that the rate of closures in the coming years will make this impossible.

 

This Council believes that:

 

Our post offices are a key asset for our communities in Devon, and the expertise and experience of staff there is invaluable. The relentless franchising and closure programme of the profit-making Crown post Offices, points to a lack of vision rather than the plan for growth and innovation that is needed. Government should therefore halt these closures and bring together stakeholders, including the CWU, industry experts, and business leaders, to develop a new strategy that safeguards the future of the Post office.

 

Therefore Council resolves;

 

To formally write to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and all our local Members of Parliament, calling on the Government to guarantee their future. We are calling for the network to be properly funded, with a full range of services over the counter for those who are not online, and better support for the development of community hub models.

 

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

224.

Boosting South West Railway Investment

Councillor Hannaford to move:

 

Council is concerned that the £56 billion HS2 rail scheme has little or no direct economic, social or infrastructure benefits for the South West region.

 

Council considers that the existing rail links between London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester are already good, if not excellent, and in stark comparison to the far South West, that has dated and frail rail connections, that badly need new substantial strategic investment.

 

Council notes the recent report by the New Economics Foundation “A Rail Network For Everyone – Probing HS2 And Its Alternatives”, that includes rerouting the current HS2 funding to other regional rail improvements to improve local connectivity across the UK.

 

Council further notes other recent professional reports, representations and cross party discussions at Parliament, that have also recommended this move to invest in alternative railway investment away from HS2.

 

As part of this process Council supports that reallocation of HS2 funds for the following local projects;

 

·         Improve connectivity to Bristol Temple Meads - to boost this transport hubs rail links - £125m

·         Rebuild Cullompton Station – lost since 1964, connecting the town to Exeter and Bristol, in tandem with the proposed 5,000 new homes at the garden village - £15m

·         Exeter to Plymouth via Okehampton - to improve sustainability, resilience, and green travel, in line with the ongoing substantial new housing developments - £500m

·         Cross Cornwall Rail Link – to improve links between East and West Cornwall - £125m.

·         Reopen the Bodmin to Wadebridge railway line – to convert the community line back into more active service - £125m.

 

And the national scheme to build cycle paths next to motorways and A roads, to create 7,600 miles of new routes to boost cycling - £1.82bn.

 

Council resolves to make formal representations to the Parliamentary Transport Committee, the Secretary of State for Transport, the Chancellor, the Prime Minister and all local Members of Parliament to support this reallocation of strategic infrastructure investment, and work with other key regional partners to move matters forward.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Hannaford MOVED and Councillor Ackland SECONDED

 

Council is concerned that the £56 billion HS2 rail scheme has little or no direct economic, social or infrastructure benefits for the South West region.

 

Council considers that the existing rail links between London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester are already good, if not excellent, and in stark comparison to the far South West, that has dated and frail rail connections, that badly need new substantial strategic investment.

 

Council notes the recent report by the New Economics Foundation “A Rail Network For Everyone – Probing HS2 And Its Alternatives”, that includes rerouting the current HS2 funding to other regional rail improvements to improve local connectivity across the UK.

 

Council further notes other recent professional reports, representations and cross party discussions at Parliament, that have also recommended this move to invest in alternative railway investment away from HS2.

 

As part of this process Council supports that reallocation of HS2 funds for the following local projects;

 

·         Improve connectivity to Bristol Temple Meads - to boost this transport hubs rail links - £125m

·         Rebuild Cullompton Station – lost since 1964, connecting the town to Exeter and Bristol, in tandem with the proposed 5,000 new homes at the garden village - £15m

·         Exeter to Plymouth via Okehampton - to improve sustainability, resilience, and green travel, in line with the ongoing substantial new housing developments - £500m

·         Cross Cornwall Rail Link – to improve links between East and West Cornwall - £125m.

·         Reopen the Bodmin to Wadebridge railway line – to convert the community line back into more active service - £125m.

 

And the national scheme to build cycle paths next to motorways and A roads, to create 7,600 miles of new routes to boost cycling - £1.82bn.

 

Council resolves to make formal representations to the Parliamentary Transport Committee, the Secretary of State for Transport, the Chancellor, the Prime Minister and all local Members of Parliament to support this reallocation of strategic infrastructure investment, and work with other key regional partners to move matters forward.

 

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

225.

Appledore Shipyard Renationalisation

Councillor Hannaford to move:

 

Council notes that Appledore Shipyard has a long and proud history of building and repairing vessels, and general engineering work since its founding in 1855.

 

Council is gravely concerned that despite having a highly skilled, dedicated and innovative local work force the shipyard remains closed.

 

Council reflects that this area of Devon has high levels of child poverty, poor infrastructure and very high rates of rural poverty generally, all of which require more public investment and intervention.

 

Council calls on the Government to renationalise Appledore Shipyard and fully integrate the site and its operations into the Ministry of Defence, to secure its long term future, ensure that defence capacity and resilience are maintained and provide employment and propriety to the local community and the widercounty of Devon.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Hannaford MOVED and Councillor Asvachin SECONDED

Council notes that Appledore Shipyard has a long and proud history of building and repairing vessels, and general engineering work since its founding in 1855.

Council is gravely concerned that despite having a highly skilled, dedicated and innovative local work force the shipyard remains closed.

Council reflects that this area of Devon has high levels of child poverty, poor infrastructure and very high rates of rural poverty generally, all of which require more public investment and intervention.

Council calls on the Government to re-nationalise Appedore Shipyard and fully integrate the site and its operations into the Ministry of Defence, to secure its long term future, ensure that defence capacity and resilience are maintained, and provide employment and prosperity to the local community, and the wider county of Devon.

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

226.

Veterans Pledge

Councillor Scott to move:

 

This Council supports and urges the Government and new Prime Minister to implement the Veterans Pledge and legislate to:

 

1) create an Office of Veterans Affairs within the Cabinet Office, with a Cabinet-level Minister, to ensure world-class care and support for former Armed Forces personnel;

 

2) enshrine the Military Covenant into law, so that no veteran or their family should ever face any disadvantage because of their service for this country; and

 

3) end vexatious investigations into historical allegations against our troops - including in Northern Ireland - to be passed before the next General Election.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Scott MOVED and Councillor Hall SECONDED

 

This Council supports and urges the Government and new Prime Minister to implement the Veterans Pledge and legislate to:

 

1) create an Office of Veterans Affairs within the Cabinet Office, with a Cabinet-level Minister, to ensure world-class care and support for former Armed Forces personnel;

 

2) enshrine the Military Covenant into law, so that no veteran or their family should ever face any disadvantage because of their service for this country; and

 

3) end vexatious investigations into historical allegations against our troops - including in Northern Ireland - to be passed before the next General Election.

 

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


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