Skip to content

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - County Hall. View directions

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

Media

Items
No. Item

83.

Election of Chair

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Sellis MOVED and Councillor Colthorpe SECONDED that Councillor Chugg be elected Chair of Devon County Council for the ensuing year.

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

           

COUNCILLOR CHUGG IN THE CHAIR

 

The Chair and Group Leaders expressed their gratitude to the immediate past Chair for his service during his year of office: Councillor Radford responded.

84.

Appointment of Vice Chair

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Saywell MOVED and Councillor Gribble SECONDED that Councillor Hosking be elected Vice Chair of Devon County Council for the ensuing year.

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

 

The Chair, immediate past Chair and Group Leaders thanked the immediate past Vice-Chair for his services and support to the former Chair during his year of office. Councillor Edgell responded.

85.

Appointment of Deputy Leader of the Council

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Hart, the Leader of the Council, MOVED and Councillor Hughes SECONDED that Councillor McInnes be appointed Deputy Leader of Devon County Council for the ensuing year.

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

86.

Cabinet Members and Allocation of Remits

The Leader of the Council to move:

 

"that the Council note that Members shown in the Appendix circulated at the meeting will be appointed to hold office until the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2019 together with the remits shown therein."

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor  Hart, the Leader of the Council, MOVED and Councillor Hughes SECONDED:

 

"that the Council note that the Members shown in the Appendix circulated at the meeting have been appointed to the Cabinet and designated as Cabinet Members as indicated therein with the remits shown, to hold office until the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2019”.

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

 

The Leader and other Group Leaders paid tribute to Councillor Clatworthy, who was standing down from his Cabinet and Deputy Leader responsibilities, for his hard work and dedication over the last eleven years.

87.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 173 KB

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 15 February 2018.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 February 2018 be signed as a correct record.

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

88.

Items Requiring Urgent Attention

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

89.

Announcements

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair of the Council 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.

 

She then congratulated cricketer Dom Bess, originally from Sidmouth, who was making his debut for England in the first Test against Pakistan.

 

She further announced that Ivybridge Recycling Centre had won Civic Amenity Site of the Year in the 2018 Awards for Excellence and asked the Council to congratulate all those who had been involved in contributing to the success.

 

The Chair then reported the deaths of former County Councillors Sam Robinson and Joan Morrish. Former County Councillor Robinson had served as a County Councillor for 4 years representing the Bideford East area between 2009 and 2013. Former County Councillor Joan Morrish was elected to the County Council in December 1995 on a by-election and then again in 1997 for the Barton and St Loyes ward and served until May 2005.

 

In order to mark the 100th anniversary of women being granted the vote, Members were advised that the Suffrage flag had been on a journey around the UK, with the Council welcoming the flag to celebrate the life of Devon County Council’s first woman councillor, Juanita Maxwell Phillips, elected in 1931. The Chair unveiled the official portrait of Juanita which would be kept in the Members lounge, but also a smaller framed version in the glass cabinets in the ante-chamber.

 

The Chair  reported that 2018 marked the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I and the battle fought by the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment at Bois des Buttes in France on the River Aisne. On 27 May 1918, the 2nd Devon’s made a heroic stand in the battle to repel a major enemy offensive and help turn the tide of the war. The French Government presented the 2nd Devon’s with the Croix de Guerre, which was the equivalent to the Victoria Cross.

 

To mark the sacrifice and gallantry of the Devonshire Regiment, Members paused for a moment's silent reflection.

90.

Appointment of Committees pdf icon PDF 213 KB

Councillor Hughes to move:

 

          (a) that in accordance with Standing Order 21 the County Council appoints those Committees, Joint Committees and Working Parties/Panels as shown in the Appendix circulated at the meeting with terms of reference set out in the Council's Constitution or set out therein for the period expiring at the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2019;

 

          (b) that, as required by section 16(1) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, Members of the Council be appointed as voting members to those Committees, Joint Committees, Joint Consultative Committees and Working Parties/Panels referred to at (a) above in accordance with the names notified to the Chief Executive by each of the Political Groups represented on the Council, to give effect to the proposed allocation of seats as between political party groups and set out for the time being in the Appendix circulated at the meeting;

 

          (c) that, and in accordance with the Council’s Scrutiny Procedure Rules, the County Council appoints the total numbers of voting (v) or non-voting (nv) members to those Committees, Joint Committees and Working Parties/Panels referred to (a) above as thus denoted in the Appendix (the Council’s voting scheme) circulated at the meeting for the period expiring at the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2019;

 

          (d) that the Chief Executive be authorised to approve such changes to membership of the above bodies detailed in the Appendix circulated as may be notified from time to time by the relevant political group to which those seats have been allocated by the Council;

 

          (e) that additional Members of Scrutiny Committees, Highways and Traffic Orders Committees, the Standards Committee and the Farms Estate Committee as detailed in the aforementioned Appendix (or to be nominated by those bodies listed thereon) be appointed for the period expiring at the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2019 or as otherwise shown (subject to any change notified by the nominating body) or, in the case of parent governor representatives on the Children’s Scrutiny Committee, following a ballot of eligible parent governors.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Hughes MOVED and Councillor Way SECONDED:

 

          (a) that in accordance with Standing Order 21 the County Council appoints those Committees, Joint Committees and Working Parties/Panels as shown in the Appendix circulated at the meeting with terms of reference set out in the Council's Constitution or set out therein for the period expiring at the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2019;

 

          (b) that, as required by section 16(1) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, Members of the Council be appointed as voting members to those Committees, Joint Committees, Joint Consultative Committees and Working Parties/Panels referred to at (a) above in accordance with the names notified to the Chief Executive by each of the Political Groups represented on the Council, to give effect to the proposed allocation of seats as between political party groups and set out for the time being in the Appendix circulated at the meeting;

 

          (c) that, and in accordance with the Council’s Scrutiny Procedure Rules, the County Council appoints the total numbers of voting (v) or non-voting (nv) members to those Committees, Joint Committees and Working Parties/Panels referred to (a) above as thus denoted in the Appendix (the Council’s voting scheme) circulated at the meeting for the period expiring at the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2019;

 

          (d) that the Chief Executive be authorised to approve such changes to membership of the above bodies detailed in the Appendix circulated as may be notified from time to time by the relevant political group to which those seats have been allocated by the Council;

 

          (e) that additional Members of Scrutiny Committees, Highways and Traffic Orders Committees, the Standards Committee and the Farms Estate Committee as detailed in the aforementioned Appendix (or to be nominated by those bodies listed thereon) be appointed for the period expiring at the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2019 or as otherwise shown (subject to any change notified by the nominating body) or, in the case of parent governor representatives on the Children’s Scrutiny Committee, following a ballot of eligible parent governors.

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

91.

Appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees

Councillor S Hughes to move:

 

"that Members shown in the Appendix circulated at the meeting be elected Chair and Vice-Chair of those Committees as indicated therein to hold office until the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2019."

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Hughes MOVED and Councillor Hannaford SECONDED:

 

"that Members shown in the Appendix circulated at the meeting be appointed Chair’s and Vice-Chair’s of Committees as indicated therein to hold office until the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2019”.

           

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

92.

Public Participation: Petitions, Questions and Representations

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 Celia Hicks from Bampton Parish Council, with a petition organised by the residents of Bampton containing approximately 600 signatures asking for road improvements and speed mitigation to the south of the Spar shop in Newton Square to facilitate safer road crossing.

 

A further Petition was presented to the Leader by Miss Yendell containing 105 signatures relating to parking at the bottom of Salmon Pool Lane, Exeter (access to River Valley Park), asking for current parking restrictions to be removed.

 

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.

 

In accordance with the Council's Public Participation Rules, the Council received and acknowledged oral representations made by Dr Philip Webber who spoke in support of the Motion from Cllr Shaw, which featured later in the agenda, regarding a lack of progress on proposed highway improvements in Wilmington, East Devon.

 

The Chair of the Council thanked the presenter for his comments, acknowledging the representations were heard by Members and would be taken into account when the matter was further raised.

93.

Petitions from Members of the Council

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

94.

Questions from Members of the Council pdf icon PDF 79 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 Member provided written responses to five questions submitted by a Member of the Council relating to Haldon View Respite Unit in Exeter, the timescale for sale, the position of staff who had previously worked there, the cost of maintaining the property, the expected length of time for sale and the facilities of the New Treetops Respite Unit.

 

The Leader and relevant Cabinet Member 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]

95.

Cabinet Member Reports pdf icon PDF 72 KB

To consider reports from Cabinet Members.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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 and Asset Management

           

Councillor Hart commented, as requested by Councillor Hannaford on the Regional Growth Board highlighting that the work of the Joint Committee was to provide cohesive, coherent leadership and governance to ensure delivery of the Productivity Strategy for the HotSW area. He also outlined the further workstreams which included establishing a Sub-National Transport Body, to progress work across the HotSW area on housing, a communications strategy and establishing cross LEP area regional working through the South West.

 

He also responded to Councillor Atkinson on suitable homes for an aging population and the steps taken by the Council County to work with district councils and others to develop a Devon wide policy on social and affordable housing that met the needs of both families and elderly residents, commenting that whilst it was for District Councils as the local housing and planning authorities to ensure, through joint local plans, that specific sites were allocated, the County Council worked closely with District’s on their local plans and made the important contribution of helping older people become and remain independent, for example by providing / arranging care at home, adaptions to people’s homes, the work of the Social Care Reablement Service and supporting community transport schemes .

 

He further commented on progress towards completing Part 1 claims for the South Devon Highway as requested by Councillor Dewhirst.

 

(b)        Community, Public Health, Transportation and Environment

 

Councillor Croad circulated a Report on the strategy and action plan in relation to single use plastics and further commented, as requested by Councillor Hook on progress with County Council minute 44 of 5th October 2017 on the phasing out of single use plastics.

 

He reported that a Single-Use Plastics Strategy and Action Plan had been drafted and the review of DCC’s consumption of single-use plastics had also been completed, which would be presented to Cabinet on the 13th June. The phasing out of all single use plastics was considered as part of the review and concluded that plastics were very engrained in peoples lives, therefore a slower transition was necessary. However, the greatest contributor to marine plastics was single-use food and beverage packaging and the Council would remove all avoidable, single-use plastic, food and beverage packaging and tableware by 2020.

 

The Cabinet Member had also contacted all Devon MPs seeking their active support in introducing a bottle deposit return scheme nationally, and all Devon Supermarkets be asked to introduce a plastic free aisle in their stores.

 

In addition, the Council would continue working with the Districts to improve the rate of plastic recycling in Devon and through the Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee.

 

A written Report was also presented in response  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

96.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 84 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 …

 

Investment & Pension Fund Committee              -           23 February 2018

Appeals Committee                                           -           5 March, 16 April and 14 May 2018

Standards Committee                                        -           12 March 2018

Appointments & Remuneration Committee          -           14 March 2018

Public Rights of Way Committee                        -           15 March 2018

Development Management Committee               -           21 March 2018

Audit Committee                                                -           28 March 2018

Procedures Committee                                      -           18 April 2018

 

Children’s Scrutiny                                            -           20 March 2018

Health & Adult Care Scrutiny                              -           22 March 2018

Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory                 -           27 March 2018

Services Scrutiny

           

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

97.

Regional Adoption Agency (Adopt South West) - Delegation

The Leader of the Council will MOVE that the Council:

 

(a) approve the discharge of Somerset County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council’s adoption functions, in accordance with s101 of the Local Government Act 1972, such functions to be discharged in line with the arrangements approved by the Cabinet on 11 April 2018 (Minute 163 refers); and

 

(b) recognise and accept responsibility for the specific delegations made to Devon County Council to support the transfer of Relevant Functions.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that to give effect to the proposals approved by the Cabinet on 11 April 2018 for a proposed Regional Adoption Agency with Somerset County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council, as outlined in Report (CS/18/19), the Council:

 

(a) approve the discharge of Somerset County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council’s adoption functions, in accordance with s101 of the Local Government Act 1972, such functions to be discharged in line with the arrangements approved by the Cabinet on 11 April 2018 (Minute 163 refers); and

 

(b) recognise and accept responsibility for the specific delegations made to Devon County Council to support the transfer of Relevant Functions.

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

98.

Members Allowances Scheme 2018

The Chair of the Council to formally move Minute 26 of the Procedures Committee (18 April 2018).

 

(a) that Members should have the opportunity to debate the matter further Council, in particular, that the recommendations of the Panel, as outlined in the Report (and replicated below) be accepted and implemented in full;

 

(i)            that the structure of the scheme be endorsed and retained;

 

(ii)         the Basic Allowance be increased to £12,607 and the multipliers be recalculated accordingly, as outlined at appendix 2 of the Report;

 

(iii)        that the SRA payment for the Chair of the Investment & Pension Fund Committee be increased by a multiplier of 0.25 to 0.50;

 

(iv)        that careful consideration should be given, in the future, to the levels of allowances to ensure they keep pace with the economy generally;

 

(v)        that the sustained reduction, including a reduction in the current year, in the number of SRA's be welcomed and that the levels be kept below the 50% threshold, as is currently the case; and

 

(vi)        that the Panel keep a watching brief on the Devolution / Combined Authority Agenda to assess any impact on allowances;

 

(b) that from May 2018, any future increases in Members Allowances (whilst still being subject to Council approval) use the NJC staff pay award as the future bench mark;

 

(c) that the Committee make representations to both the LGA and CCN to lobby Government for a national framework for the determination of Members Allowances.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair of the Council formally MOVED Minute 26 of the Procedures Committee (18 April 2018) and Councillor Hannaford SECONDED

 

(a) that Members should have the opportunity to debate the matter further Council, in particular, that the recommendations of the Panel, as outlined in the Report (and replicated below) be accepted and implemented in full;

 

(i)            that the structure of the scheme be endorsed and retained;

 

(ii)         the Basic Allowance be increased to £12,607 and the multipliers be recalculated accordingly, as outlined at appendix 2 of the Report;

 

(iii)        that the SRA payment for the Chair of the Investment & Pension Fund Committee be increased by a multiplier of 0.25 to 0.50;

 

(iv)        that careful consideration should be given, in the future, to the levels of allowances to ensure they keep pace with the economy generally;

 

(v)        that the sustained reduction, including a reduction in the current year, in the number of SRA's be welcomed and that the levels be kept below the 50% threshold, as is currently the case; and

 

(vi)        that the Panel keep a watching brief on the Devolution / Combined Authority Agenda to assess any impact on allowances;

 

(b) that from May 2018, any future increases in Members Allowances (whilst still being subject to Council approval) use the NJC staff pay award as the future bench mark;

 

(c) that the Committee make representations to both the LGA and CCN to lobby Government for a national framework for the determination of Members Allowances.

 

Councillor Connett then MOVED and Councillor Dewhirst SECONDED that (b) be amended by the addition of the following words at the end of the sentence;

 

(b) and that any increase in Members Allowances agreed by Devon County Council will come into effect from when the new County Council is elected in May 2021, mindful of the existing strains in funding Devon's highways, education and care services and the Government's continued short-changing of Devon.

 

The Amendment in the name of Councillor Connett was then put to the vote and declared LOST.

 

(In accordance with Standing Order 32(4) Councillors Brazil, Connett, Dewhirst, Greenslade, G Hook, J Hook and Way asked that their vote for Councillor Connetts amendment be recorded).

 

The Motion in the name of Councillor Chugg was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

 

(In accordance with Standing Order 32(4) Councillors Brazil, Connett, Dewhirst, Greenslade, G Hook, J Hook and Way asked that their vote against Councillor Chuggs motion be recorded).

99.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2017/2018 pdf icon PDF 1019 KB

To receive the Scrutiny Annual Report, a copy of which can be viewed on the web.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council received and endorsed the 2017/18 Annual Report summarising the activities and investigations undertaken by each of the Council’s three Scrutiny Committees during the course of the year, the outcomes arising and the continuing challenges and development of the Scrutiny role over that period.

 

This new Scrutiny structure reflected the ongoing direction towards health and social care integration and a balancing of Scrutiny Committee workloads.

 

The Report highlighted that assessing the impact of Scrutiny was not always easy, but by developing a reputation based on robust questioning and examination, good Scrutiny helped decision makers make more informed and accountable decisions. Over the past 12 months, tangible changes in Council and local health policy and practice had taken place as a direct result of Scrutiny recommendations or direction.

 

The Chair of the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee paid tribute, on behalf of the Chairs of Scrutiny Committees, to the efforts of all Members involved in the work of those Committees and Task Groups and to the support provided by Officers to facilitate the work of Scrutiny in Devon; advocating the continuing value of a strong, independent, Scrutiny function to advise the Council. The other Scrutiny Committee Chairs endorsed those remarks and also commented on the activities of their individual Committees. 

 

In associating himself with the above remarks the Leader of the Council also expressed his thanks to the Council's Scrutiny Committees for the advice they had given to the Cabinet over the last year.

 

[NB: A copy of the Annual Report was available on the website.

100.

Accountable Care Systems (Minute 81 - 15 February 2018)

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 149(a)) of 14 March 2018 as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Shaw and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely;

 

This Council is concerned by the decision of the Devon Clinical Commissioning Groups to introduce an Accountable Care System for Devon’s NHS and adult social care services from 1st April 2018, without the full agreement of this Council.

 

In view of the widespread public concern over Accountable Care Systems and Accountable Care Organisations, and the decision of NHS England to hold a 12-week consultation on ACOs, this Council calls on the Devon CCGs to put the introduction of the ACS on hold until local people have been fully consulted on the plans’.

 

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report CSO/18/11 and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

 

(i)  that the Council be asked to note the Report of the Chief Executive (ACS/18/83) which outlined the key features of an emerging Devon Integrated Care System, outlining the statutory duty of the local authority to co-operate with NHS partners and the focus on Integrated Care Systems bringing together aspects of health and social care, enabling organisations to share services, budgets, staff and resources where appropriate to best meet the needs of the populations they serve and also the briefing note circulated to all Members of this Council on 9 February which confirmed there was no creation of a new organisation;

 

(ii)     that the Council be asked to note there are no proposed changes to existing Governance or accountability arrangements from 1 April 2018; and

 

(iii) that the Council, in line with the recommendations to Cabinet in Report ACS/18/83, welcome and endorse the invitation for the Health and Adult Care Scrutiny to include Integrated Care System Governance in its work programme to inform future decision making and to ensure Scrutiny Members are involved in the planning for these integrated arrangements.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Pursuant to County Council Minute 81 of 15 February 2018 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Shaw that:                

‘This Council is concerned by the decision of the Devon Clinical Commissioning Groups to introduce an Accountable Care System for Devon’s NHS and adult social care services from 1st April 2018, without the full agreement of this Council.

 

In view of the widespread public concern over Accountable Care Systems and Accountable Care Organisations, and the decision of NHS England to hold a 12-week consultation on ACOs, this Council calls on the Devon CCGs to put the introduction of the ACS on hold until local people have been fully consulted on the plans’.

 

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet (the amendment) set out in Minute 149(a) of 14 March 2018:

 

(i)   that the Council be asked to note the Report of the Chief Executive (ACS/18/83) which outlined the key features of an emerging Devon Integrated Care System, outlining the statutory duty of the local authority to co-operate with NHS partners and the focus on Integrated Care Systems bringing together aspects of health and social care, enabling organisations to share services, budgets, staff and resources where appropriate to best meet the needs of the populations they serve and also the briefing note circulated to all Members of this Council on 9 February which confirmed there was no creation of a new organisation;

 

(ii)     that the Council be asked to note there are no proposed changes to existing Governance or accountability arrangements from 1 April 2018; and

 

(iii)   that the Council, in line with the recommendations to Cabinet in Report ACS/18/83, welcome and endorse the invitation for the Health and Adult Care Scrutiny to include Integrated Care System Governance in its work programme to inform future decision making and to ensure Scrutiny Members are involved in the planning for these integrated arrangements.

 

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Notice of Motion be amended as outlined above.

 

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

 

Councillor Connett then MOVED and Councillor Greenslade SECONDED that the Motion be amended as follows;

 

That (ii) be amended by the addition of the following words and the end of the current sentence;

 

“that any future proposed changes to governance and accountability arrangements be subject to scrutiny in advance of any changes being agreed; and”

 

The amendment in the name of Councillor Connett was put to the vote and declared LOST.

 

(In accordance with Standing Order 32(4) Councillors Brazil, Connett, Dewhirst, Greenslade, G Hook, J Hook and Way asked that their vote for Councillor Connetts amendment be recorded).

 

The Motion in the name of Councillor Hart was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

101.

Sunset for the Royal Marines and Future Resilience (minute 82 - 15 February 2018)

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 149 (b)), from 14 March 2018, as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Greenslade and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely; 

 

‘The County Council expresses concern at the conclusions of the Defence Select Committee report “Sunset for the Royal Marines” regarding the future strength of the Royal Marines and the implications for the economy of the county and the viability of Royal Marine bases in Devon such as those in Plymouth and at RMB Chivenor.

 

Devon County Council resolves to play an active part in lobbying to retain Royal Marine bases in our County’.

 

Having had regard to the aforementioned, the factual briefing/position statement on the matter as set out in Report CSO/18/11 and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

 

‘that it be recommended that, following the conclusions of the Defence Select Committee, the County Council join with Plymouth City Council and write to the Secretary of State for Defence expressing support for the retention of Royal Marine bases in Devon and Plymouth.  The letter to include concerns about the effect any reductions will have on the economy of Devon and Plymouth’.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Pursuant to County Council Minute 82 of 15 February 2018 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Greenslade that: 

 

‘The County Council expresses concern at the conclusions of the Defence Select Committee report “Sunset for the Royal Marines” regarding the future strength of the Royal Marines and the implications for the economy of the county and the viability of Royal Marine bases in Devon such as those in Plymouth and at RMB Chivenor.

 

Devon County Council resolves to play an active part in lobbying to retain Royal Marine bases in our County’.

 

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet (the amendment) as set out in Minute 149(b) of 14 March 2018:

 

‘that it be recommended that, following the conclusions of the Defence Select Committee, the County Council join with Plymouth City Council and write to the Secretary of State for Defence expressing support for the retention of Royal Marine bases in Devon and Plymouth.  The letter to include concerns about the effect any reductions will have on the economy of Devon and Plymouth’.

 

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 in line with above.

 

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.

102.

Neonicotinoid Insecticides

Councillor Wright to move:

 

In February, the European Union’s food-safety agency concluded that three controversial neonicotinoid insecticides posed a high risk to wild bees and honeybees.

 

It looks likely that the EU will soon move to ban all uses of the insecticides on outdoor crops.

 

Michael Gove, Environment Secretary, indicated last year that the UK would not oppose a further EU ban on bee harming pesticides.

 

This Council notes these changed circumstances since the last debate on this issue in July 2016 and now resolves to strengthen its excellent pollinator strategy, by banning bee harming pesticides on all land under its control.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with standing order 6(2), the Motion was withdrawn.

103.

Traffic on A35 at Wilmington

Councillor Shaw to move:

 

The County Council expresses its concern about the effects of heavy traffic on the A35 on the people of Wilmington, East Devon, and other communities along the route. The Council notes that Highways England commissioned a report which recommended remedial measures for Wilmington, including two pedestrian crossings, which was published in April 2015, but three years later no decisions have been made to introduce any of these measures. The Council urges Highways England to give greater priority to improvements in Wilmington as a matter of urgency.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Shaw MOVED and Councillor Wright SECONDED

 

The County Council expresses its concern about the effects of heavy traffic on the A35 on the people of Wilmington, East Devon, and other communities along the route. The Council notes that Highways England commissioned a report which recommended remedial measures for Wilmington, including two pedestrian crossings, which was published in April 2015, but three years later no decisions have been made to introduce any of these measures. The Council urges Highways England to give greater priority to improvements in Wilmington as a matter of urgency.

 

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

104.

Gender Pay Gap in Devon

Councillor Atkinson to move:

 

This Council is concerned about the gender pay gap in Devon (details available from the ONS gender pay gap website.) and understands that it needs to carry out further research into what is causing it and what needs to be done to address it for instance is it as a result of the concentration of women in occupations with lower hourly pay and/or part-time work. the so-called “glass ceilings”, fundamental stereotyping in gender roles in our societies from birth that lead to gendered economic roles and outcomes.

 

In view of cross party concern not only about gender pay gap but ethnicity and disability pay gaps this Council should review the ECHR report and recommendations set out in ‘Fair opportunities for all – A strategy to reduce pay gaps in Britain’ and other recent and planned reports and develop an action plan for Devon

 

Further the Council recognises that addressing these pay gaps is a fundamental part of improving productivity and economic outcomes for all and will ensure that this issue and research is included in the work of the Heart of the South West Joint Committee.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Atkinson MOVED and Councillor Ackland SECONDED

 

This Council is concerned about the gender pay gap in Devon (details available from the ONS gender pay gap website.) and understands that it needs to carry out further research into what is causing it and what needs to be done to address it for instance is it as a result of the concentration of women in occupations with lower hourly pay and/or part-time work. the so-called “glass ceilings”, fundamental stereotyping in gender roles in our societies from birth that lead to gendered economic roles and outcomes.

 

In view of cross party concern not only about gender pay gap but ethnicity and disability pay gaps this Council should review the ECHR report and recommendations set out in ‘Fair opportunities for all – A strategy to reduce pay gaps in Britain’ and other recent and planned reports and develop an action plan for Devon

 

Further the Council recognises that addressing these pay gaps is a fundamental part of improving productivity and economic outcomes for all and will ensure that this issue and research is included in the work of the Heart of the South West Joint Committee.

 

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

105.

Adult Social Care Sector - Workforce Issues

Councillor Atkinson to move:

 

This Council supports the findings of the Public Accounts Committee whose report of 9th May concluded

 

The adult social care sector is underfunded, with the care workforce suffering from low pay, low esteem and high turnover of staff. The care sector is in a precarious state but the Department of Health and Social Care (the Department) has not yet said how it intends to put in place a long-term, sustainable funding regime to meet the ever-increasing demand for care. The Department does not know whether the ways that local authority’s commission care, and the prices they pay providers, are contributing to the problems within the care workforce. We are not convinced that the lack of regulation within the care sector workforce and the balance of regulation versus a market-based approach, is supporting the care sector to provide the best care possible. The UK’s departure from the EU is causing uncertainty over how the workforce will be sustained, particularly in areas that are more reliant on non-UK workers. There is an urgent need to reverse the poor public image that care work must boost recruitment and retention across the care sector. We are also concerned that the move to supporting people with substantive and critical care needs only is contributing to growing levels of unmet need for people with moderate care needs. These moderate needs may well grow into substantial or critical needs if support is not given. The Department has committed to addressing all these issues through the health and care workforce strategy that it is currently consulting on, and the promised Green Paper on funding of care for older adults. But given the pressures on the sector, we are concerned that the Department sees the Green Paper as a cure all and underestimates the scale of the challenge. The Department must ensure that its delivery partner, Skills for Care, is properly supported and funded to implement the workforce strategy.

 

And resolves to write to all Devon M.Ps to support cross party working to solve the crisis in social care health and care workforce and funding

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Atkinson MOVED and Councillor Ackland SECONDED

 

This Council supports the findings of the Public Accounts Committee whose report of 9th May concluded

 

The adult social care sector is underfunded, with the care workforce suffering from low pay, low esteem and high turnover of staff. The care sector is in a precarious state but the Department of Health and Social Care (the Department) has not yet said how it intends to put in place a long-term, sustainable funding regime to meet the ever-increasing demand for care. The Department does not know whether the ways that local authority’s commission care, and the prices they pay providers, are contributing to the problems within the care workforce. We are not convinced that the lack of regulation within the care sector workforce and the balance of regulation versus a market-based approach, is supporting the care sector to provide the best care possible. The UK’s departure from the EU is causing uncertainty over how the workforce will be sustained, particularly in areas that are more reliant on non-UK workers. There is an urgent need to reverse the poor public image that care work must boost recruitment and retention across the care sector. We are also concerned that the move to supporting people with substantive and critical care needs only is contributing to growing levels of unmet need for people with moderate care needs. These moderate needs may well grow into substantial or critical needs if support is not given. The Department has committed to addressing all these issues through the health and care workforce strategy that it is currently consulting on, and the promised Green Paper on funding of care for older adults. But given the pressures on the sector, we are concerned that the Department sees the Green Paper as a cure all and underestimates the scale of the challenge. The Department must ensure that its delivery partner, Skills for Care, is properly supported and funded to implement the workforce strategy.

 

And resolves to write to all Devon M.Ps to support cross party working to solve the crisis in social care health and care workforce and funding

 

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

106.

Grammar Schools and Additional Funding

Councillor Greenslade to move:

 

                  County Council expresses its concern at the Government’s announcement of an extra £50 million to allow existing Grammar Schools to extend their premises and take on more pupils while Devon Schools remain significantly underfunded compared to the national average.

 

                  Accordingly the County Council writes to all Devon MP’s asking them to oppose this proposal in favour of providing more funding to Devon Schools.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Greenslade MOVED and Councillor Connett SECONDED

 

                  County Council expresses its concern at the Government’s announcement of an extra £50 million to allow existing Grammar Schools to extend their premises and take on more pupils while Devon Schools remain significantly underfunded compared to the national average.

 

                  Accordingly the County Council writes to all Devon MP’s asking them to oppose this proposal in favour of providing more funding to Devon Schools.

 

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

107.

Scrutiny Call-in and Meeting Timescales

Councillor Connett to move:

 

                  Members and Officers be reminded that a call in for scrutiny requests the Chief Executive to convene a meeting within five working days of the request being made. Part 4 article 17.4 of the DCC Constitution refers.

 

                  Therefore the County Council confirms that the requirement to convene a meeting to consider a call in be strictly adhered to unless those members requesting a call in agree to an alternative way of dealing with a call in request.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Connett MOVED and Councillor Greenslade SECONDED

 

                  Members and Officers be reminded that a call in for scrutiny requests the Chief Executive to convene a meeting within five working days of the request being made. Part 4 article 17.4 of the DCC Constitution refers.

 

                  Therefore the County Council confirms that the requirement to convene a meeting to consider a call in be strictly adhered to unless those members requesting a call in agree to an alternative way of dealing with a call in request.

 

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

 

108.

Customs Union and Sarah Wollaston MP Campaign

Councillor Brazil to move:

 

County Council supports the UK remaining in the Customs Union and welcomes and congratulates Sarah Wollaston MP on the strength and clarity of her campaigning in support of the UK remaining in the Customs Union.

 

Therefore County Council recommends all Devon MP’s support Dr Wollaston position.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Brazil MOVED and Councillor Greenslade SECONDED

 

County Council supports the UK remaining in the Customs Union and welcomes and congratulates Sarah Wollaston MP on the strength and clarity of her campaigning in support of the UK remaining in the Customs Union.

 

Therefore County Council recommends all Devon MP’s support Dr Wollaston position.

 

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

109.

Stagecoach Southwest and Increased Fares

Councillor Brennan to move:

 

‘This Council condemns the decision by Stagecoach Southwest to remove the £1 child add-on fares, replacing them with child single or dayrider tickets.

 

In Exeter, this decision has resulted in a 200% increase in fares for children aged 5-15 who are travelling with an adult. Before 29th April 2018, a parent and child could travel together all day for £4.90, but this has now increased to £7 (£4 for an adult dayrider plus £3 for a child dayrider) – a total increase of £2.10, or 43%. Similarly, an adult travelling with two children could previously travel all day for £5.90, but this now requires a group dayrider of £8 – again, an increase of £2.10. Similar significant increases have also taken place across Devon.

 

This action by Stagecoach hits the poorest families hardest, including single parent families and those unable to afford a car. As the majority of single parents are women, and most adults travelling alone with children are likely to be women, the action disproportionately impacts women more than men.

 

This action also undermines Stagecoach’s supposed commitment to working with Devon County Council to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, pushing higher numbers of families into cars for city journeys as it may be cheaper, and therefore also increasing Devon’s contribution to climate change. Furthermore, Devon County Council’s work to increase the take up of sustainable methods of transport to school, and to increase safety around schools by reducing vehicle numbers, is also largely undermined and threatened by this move.

 

Additionally, there is a negative economic impact towards businesses in central areas, as more people choose to take their cars to out-of-town shopping areas, further depleting our high streets and lessening the viability of independent businesses.

 

This change took place without informing or consulting with councillors or passengers. A petition has been handed to Stagecoach Southwest regarding the increase in Exeter. It contains over 1700 signatures from concerned families and other residents, and calls upon Stagecoach Southwest ‘to consider their social and environmental responsibilities, to reverse this decision, and to retain the £1 child add-on tickets’.

 

In accordance with what thousands of concerned families are telling us, this Council resolves to put pressure on Stagecoach Southwest to reverse their recent decision, and to bring back the £1 child add-on fares with immediate effect.’

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Asvachin MOVED and Councillor Aves SECONDED (the Motion being in the name of Councillor Brennan).

 

‘This Council condemns the decision by Stagecoach Southwest to remove the £1 child add-on fares, replacing them with child single or dayrider tickets.

 

In Exeter, this decision has resulted in a 200% increase in fares for children aged 5-15 who are travelling with an adult. Before 29th April 2018, a parent and child could travel together all day for £4.90, but this has now increased to £7 (£4 for an adult dayrider plus £3 for a child dayrider) – a total increase of £2.10, or 43%. Similarly, an adult travelling with two children could previously travel all day for £5.90, but this now requires a group dayrider of £8 – again, an increase of £2.10. Similar significant increases have also taken place across Devon.

 

This action by Stagecoach hits the poorest families hardest, including single parent families and those unable to afford a car. As the majority of single parents are women, and most adults travelling alone with children are likely to be women, the action disproportionately impacts women more than men.

 

This action also undermines Stagecoach’s supposed commitment to working with Devon County Council to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, pushing higher numbers of families into cars for city journeys as it may be cheaper, and therefore also increasing Devon’s contribution to climate change. Furthermore, Devon County Council’s work to increase the take up of sustainable methods of transport to school, and to increase safety around schools by reducing vehicle numbers, is also largely undermined and threatened by this move.

 

Additionally, there is a negative economic impact towards businesses in central areas, as more people choose to take their cars to out-of-town shopping areas, further depleting our high streets and lessening the viability of independent businesses.

 

This change took place without informing or consulting with councillors or passengers. A petition has been handed to Stagecoach Southwest regarding the increase in Exeter. It contains over 1700 signatures from concerned families and other residents, and calls upon Stagecoach Southwest ‘to consider their social and environmental responsibilities, to reverse this decision, and to retain the £1 child add-on tickets’.

 

In accordance with what thousands of concerned families are telling us, this Council resolves to put pressure on Stagecoach Southwest to reverse their recent decision, and to bring back the £1 child add-on fares with immediate effect.’

 

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

 

 

 


Top