Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2019.

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2019 be signed as a correct record.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Chair of the Council reported the death of Alderman and former County Councillor Alec Lawrence Coulter who served the Council from 1977/78 to 1996/97 representing Newton Abbot Rural No. 2 Division and then later the Bovey Division (which changed in 1981).

He also reported the passing away of Alderman and former Chair of the Council John Henry Glanville who had served the Council from 1993 to 2005 representing the former Clyst Vale Division.

The Chair of the Council, along with other Members of the Council, attended the funerals of both former Councillors.

The Chair also highlighted that Devon had maintained its status as one of the top recycling counties in England, recycling 56% of household waste. The latest 2018/2019 draft figures showed an increase of 2% when compared to the previous year and offered congratulations to Catherine Causley, the Council’s Re-use Project Officer in the Waste Management Service who had won the recycling officer of the year award at the Local Authorities Recycling Advisory Committee Awards.

Also reported by the Chair was the recent Careers Fair which took place on 25 September 2019 at the Coaver Conference Room at County Hall. This had an excellent turnout, with over 300 attendees, and had given people the chance to discover more about what other service areas did and the opportunities available across the Council including development opportunities. The Chair thanked Harriet Lear and all the staff involved in the arrangement of this event.

The Chair announced that the Council had won the Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award for the South West Region at the National Apprenticeship Awards. He paid tribute to all those involved in the winning of this accolade including the support that Members, senior and local managers have given in opening up apprenticeship placement opportunities. Linked to this was an event being hosted by the Chair on 22 October 2019 to highlight the Council’s Apprenticeship Scheme and also celebrate the work of the Council’s Apprentices. The Chair again thanked the teams involved.

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

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

There was no petition received from a member of the public.

In accordance with the Council's Public Participation Rules, the Leader and relevant Cabinet Members responded to 15 questions from members of the public on street furniture and their refurbishment including how they operated, the duty of care towards Devon residents and public liability insurance, researching the legal obligation and duty of care for residents affected by high frequency radiation, provision of white zones, greenhouse gas emission levels for Devon’s District and City Councils, Dartmoor National Park and Town Council areas for Climate Action Plans and the calculation of these figures, climate change marches and the detrimental impact of a 5G rollout on the environment, Government data on CO2 emissions (reductions made by industry verses increases in transport emissions) and annual estimates for transport CO2 emissions for the next 3 years, definition and written procedure on a 5g Moratorium and how this affected people's rights, what the Council was doing to increase the number of safe cycle routes and footpaths to encourage healthier and greener ways of getting to school, climate emergency declarations and training workshops and networking meetings to support and assist others to achieve carbon neutrality in towns, reviews of all relevant policies (procurement, investment, waste and public transport) to ensure they addressed the Climate Emergency and accorded with the emerging Climate Action Plan, dates for an evidence-led Devon Carbon plan and delegation of decisions to unelected community members, annual carbon reduction targets for the next decade and the review of the target of zero carbon by 2050 in light of earlier targets set by other local authorities in Devon, the Council’s message to those who partook in the Global Strike for Climate on 20th September, the lack of safety studies by Public Health England and inadequacy of ICNIRP guidelines on 5G and its impacts and the relevant Act or directive that determined the rollout of 5G in Devon.

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

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

In accordance with the Council's Public Participation Rules, the Council received and acknowledged an oral representation made Mr Kay on 5G highlighting in particular that it was contrary to climate change and ‘green’ goals.

The Chair of the Council thanked all participants for their contributions. 

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

The Leader was presented by Councillor Slade on behalf of local residents with a petition containing approximately 200 signatures seeking reduced speed limits and/or traffic calming measures on Beech Road and Cowley Moor Road in Tiverton.

A second petition was presented, by Councillor McInnes, on behalf of Mrs K Allsebrook and residents of ‘The Beeches’ and ‘Belstone Corner’ containing approximately 92 signatures in relation to the speed of traffic along the stretch of road between Sampford Kennals, The Countryman Inn and Sampford Courtenay Station.

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

[NB: The relevant 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)

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

In accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rules, the Leader and relevant Cabinet Members provided written responses to 25 questions submitted by Members of the Council relating to the Council’s Brexit coordination role and supplies of insulin, medicines, fuel, food, agricultural supplies and mitigation measures in this respect, law and order with regard to Brexit, any dedicated funding received by the Council, reassurance activities for communities, the preparedness of Devon and South West businesses for a no deal Brexit and appeals to Government regarding not leaving without a deal on 31^st October 2019, submissions to the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service's 'Safer Together' consultation, the timeliness of fixing streetlight problems, whether street lamps owned by the Council could be adapted for use by 5G, whether highways furniture was currently used by/for 5G, whether the Council would assist 5G roll-out from 2020, the decision making process for allowing 5G to use lamp posts or other street furniture and what independent evidence would be used in deciding whether to permit such infrastructure to be used, any programme to fell trees to facilitate the introduction and / or roll out of 5G, how the Council and other partners were supporting and promoting the Purple Tuesday Campaign day (12th November) that sought to improve the customer experience for disabled people, child vaccination rates including current trends and numbers within the Council area and work to promote the importance of vaccinations for the protection of immediate and long term health, road safety at the Pilton Bridge junction and Abbey Road and expected response, school crossing patrols at Yeo Valley School and Ashleigh Road School, additional funding for school pupils and what this meant for Devon pupils in the national league table of funding, outstanding issues at the maternity unit at North Devon District Hospital, the numbers of Devon residents placed in residential care outside of Devon, reasonable travelling distances and measures in place to monitor out of area placements to ensure care standards were met and Cedars Roundabout and the timescales for when the issue would be on a future work programme.

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 230 above. 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 reports from Cabinet Members.

(Councillor Davis declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being Vice President of the Tarka Rail Association).

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)        Community, Public Health, Transportation and Environment

Councillor Croad reported, as requested by Councillor Hannaford on the flagship project in Cornwall Council's climate change and carbon-neutral action plan to create a 20,000 acre forest at a cost of between £25m and £30m (with bids being prepared for Government supported national tree planting schemes).

The Cabinet Member commented on the role of the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group and the Council’s Climate Change Strategy in considering the matter, highlighting that the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group (DCERG) had initiated the process of producing the Devon Carbon Plan. As part of that, a Net-Zero Task Force of specialists had been appointed to gather evidence through a set of hearings, each focussed on an individual decarbonisation topic (e.g. buildings, agriculture). The various opportunities available for land-use to absorb carbon, including tree planting, would be considered through that process.

He also reported in response to Councillor Wright on the Council’s Wildflower Verge Policy and the take up from Communities and also a progress report on the actions resulting from the previously submitted notice of motion on the 10 point green action plan. In relation to the Wildflower Verge Policy, the Council’s ‘Life on the Verge’ guidance was launched in May 2019 which set out how communities could take on the management of verges for the benefit of wildlife.  Since the launch, the Council had been contacted by a number of communities (15 at present) and the communities on the Yealm Estuary were associated with a ‘Living with Wildlife Community of the Year’ award. The Council’s Environment Group would be running a workshop on road verge management in October. The Council actively promoted the initiative at a number of events and through a number of different platforms.

The Cabinet Member, in response to the 10 point green action plan, reported that it had been discussed by the Environmental Performance Board on the 8 August 2019 in relation to options for enhanced environmental action in relation to pollinators, pesticides and fertilisers, habitat protection, creation and tree planting, soil health and water use. The Board had asked for additional work to be undertaken to refine these options and set them out in revised action plans for endorsement and adoption at a future meeting. Similar endorsement was provided by the Farms Estate Committee at its meeting on 9 September relating to opportunities for action through the County Farms Estate. Other actions were also being pursued in the interim, for example, a planned review of the Devon Ancient Woodland Inventory and plans with The Woodland Trust  ...  view the full minutes text for item 233.

To receive and approve the Minutes of the under mentioned Committees

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the Minutes of the under-mentioned meetings of Committees be approved …

Audit                                                                 -           29 July 2019

Appeals Committee                                           -           9 September 2019

Investment & Pension Fund Committee              -           13 September 2019

Procedures Committee                                      -           17 September 2019

Development Management Committee               -           18 September 2019

Children’s Scrutiny                                            -           16 September 2019

Health & Adult Care Scrutiny                              -           23 September 2019

Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory                 -           26 September 2019

Services Scrutiny

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 391(a)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Hannaford and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely; 

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.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/19/20) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

(i) that Council urges Government to give consideration to the opportunities for further commercial support for rural, coastal and other ‘community’ critical post office locations, reflecting the challenges around the franchise model in many of these locations and their centrality to local service delivery;

(ii) that Council further urges Government to give consideration to the potential to better utilise and work with the post office network on wider service delivery, beyond financial transactions, and their potential role in competitive processes around regeneration and deprivation through key socio-economic Departments (MHCLG, BEIS, DCMS, DoH etc);

(iii) that Council note the ongoing work to map community assets including Post Offices and banks to identify gaps in physical banking facilities in market towns and for populations at least six miles from their nearest post office outlet; and

(iv) that Council supports links to communities and organisations wanting to develop  ...  view the full agenda text for item 235.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 223 of 25 July 2019 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Hannaford: 

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.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 391(a) of 11 September 2019:

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that the spirit of the Notice of Motion be approved and,

(i) that Council urges Government to give consideration to the opportunities for further commercial support for rural, coastal and other ‘community’ critical post office locations, reflecting the challenges around the franchise model in many of these locations and their centrality to local service delivery;

(ii) that Council further urges Government to give consideration to the potential to better utilise and work with the post office network on wider service delivery, beyond financial transactions, and their potential role in competitive processes around regeneration and deprivation through key socio-economic Departments (MHCLG, BEIS, DCMS, DoH etc);

(iii) that Council note the ongoing work to map community assets including Post Offices and banks to identify gaps in physical banking facilities in market towns and for populations at least six miles from their nearest post office outlet; and

(iv) that Council supports links to communities and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 235.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 391(b)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Hannaford and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely; 

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.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/19/20) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

(i) that with a new Secretary of State for Transport and a new Rail Minister in post, the PRTF be asked to reemphasise its prioritised list of strategic rail asks as set out in ‘Closing the Gap’; and

(ii) that Council remains focused on its own ambitions for rail and lobbying our Peninsula MPs through forums such as the all-party parliamentary groups or via direct correspondence with Ministers that has proven successful in the past; and continuing this positive engagement with Government is the most effective way to secure rail improvements for the South West and realising our true economic potential.  ...  view the full agenda text for item 236.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 224 of 25 July 2019 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Hannaford that:

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.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 391(b) of 11 September 2019:

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and

(i) that with a new Secretary of State for Transport and a new Rail Minister in post, the PRTF be asked to reemphasise its prioritised list of strategic rail asks as set out in ‘Closing the Gap’; and

(ii) that Council remains focused on its own ambitions for rail and lobbying our Peninsula MPs through forums such as the all-party parliamentary groups or via direct correspondence with Ministers that has proven successful in the past; and continuing this positive engagement with Government is the most effective way to secure rail improvements for the South West and realising our true economic potential.

The amendment in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 236.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 391(c)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Hannaford and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely; 

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 wider County of Devon.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/19/20) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

(i) that Council note Appledore Shipyard has a long and proud history of building and repairing vessels, and general engineering work since its founding in 1855;

(ii) that Council is concerned that despite having a highly skilled, dedicated and innovative local work force the shipyard remains closed and is working with partners and Government to look into ways of securing new relevant employment opportunities at the site;

(iii) that 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 investment; and

(iv) that Council continues to work with a range of partners including business, Trades Unions and the Government to ensure a satisfactory outcome which secures new investment into Appledore shipyard, creating highly skilled employment locally.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 225 of 25 July 2019 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Hannaford that: 

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 wider County of Devon.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 391(c) of 11 September 2019:

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

(i) that Council note Appledore Shipyard has a long and proud history of building and repairing vessels, and general engineering work since its founding in 1855;

(ii) that Council is concerned that despite having a highly skilled, dedicated and innovative local work force the shipyard remains closed and is working with partners and Government to look into ways of securing new relevant employment opportunities at the site;

(iii) that 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 investment; and

(iv) that Council continues to work with a range of partners including business, Trades Unions and the Government to ensure a satisfactory outcome which secures new investment into Appledore shipyard, creating highly skilled employment locally.

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, nem con.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 391(d)) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Scott and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely 

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 -

in Northern Ireland - to be passed before the next General Election.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/19/20) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

(i) that Council submits a response to the public consultation on legal protections for Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans;

(ii) that Council notes the current position regarding enshrining the Covenant in Law (Armed Forces Act 2011); and

(iii) that Council notes the creation of the Office for Veterans Affairs.

(Councillors Ball, Croad and Trail declared personal interests in this matter by virtue of being former servicemen in the armed forces).

Pursuant to County Council Minute 226 of 25 July 2019 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Scott that: 

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 -

in Northern Ireland - to be passed before the next General Election.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 391(d) of 11 September 2019:

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that the Notice of Motion be amended to read as follows;

(i) that Council submits a response to the public consultation on legal protections for Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans;

(ii) that Council notes the current position regarding enshrining the Covenant in Law (Armed Forces Act 2011); and

(iii) that Council notes the creation of the Office for Veterans Affairs.

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, nem con.

Councillor Hodgson to move:

That DCC amends the Declaration of a Climate Emergency to include an Ecological Emergency.

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

The Motion was put to the vote and declared LOST.

Councillor Hodgson then MOVED and Councillor Shaw SECONDED

‘That DCC amends the Declaration of a Climate Emergency to include an Ecological Emergency’.

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

Councillor Hodgson to move:

In response to the recent Climate & ecological Emergency protests, this Council will reconsider its date for becoming carbon neutral from 2050 to a revised date of 2025.

Councillor Hodgson MOVED and Councillor Shaw SECONDED

                  ‘In response to the recent Climate & ecological Emergency protests, this Council will reconsider its date for becoming carbon neutral from 2050 to a revised date of 2025’.

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

Councillor Shaw to move:

This County Council expresses its concern at the failure of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to formally consult the Council, especially in the light of our role as partner under civil contingency legislation. This Council believes that the Service has not presented sufficiently detailed and costed proposals for additional prevention and protection work to outweigh the undoubted extra risk to many Devon residents from the closure of fire stations and removals of engines involved in the consultation proposals. In this light Council urges the members of the Fire Authority not to proceed with any of the options but to ask for further work by the Service on the future pattern of provision.

(Councillor Saywell declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being a representative of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority).

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

The Motion was put to the vote and declared LOST.

Councillor Shaw formally withdrew the Motion.