Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors B W Butcher, J A Cronk, G J Hood, J F Tranter, R S Walkden and P Walker.

To confirm the attached Minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2014.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2014 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in respect of business to be transacted on the agenda.

The following declarations of interest were made by Members:

Councillor P I Carter declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 58 (Motion No. 1) by reason of his ownership of privately rented property and withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of that item of business.

Councillor S S Chandler declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 58 (Motion No. 1) by reason of her ownership of privately rented property and withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of that item of business.

Councillor M D Conolly declared an Other Significant Interest (OSI) in Minute No. 57 (Question No. 3) and withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of that item of business.

Councillor B Gardner declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 58 (Motion No. 1) by reason of his ownership of privately rented property and withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of that item of business.

Councillor D Hannent declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 58 (Motion No. 1) by reason of his ownership of privately rented property and withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of that item of business.

Councillor P G Heath declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 58 (Motion No. 1) by reason of his ownership of privately rented property and withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of that item of business.

Councillor N S Kenton declared an Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 58 (Motion No. 1) by reason of his ownership of privately rented property and withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of that item of business.

Councillor J A Rook declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 58 (Motion No. 1) by reason of her husband’s ownership of privately rented property and withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of that item of business.

Councillor P A Watkins declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI) in Minute No. 58 (Motion No. 1) by reason of his ownership of privately rented property and withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of that item of business.

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

To receive presentations from Mrs Ann Barnes, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, and Mr Alan Pughsley, Chief Constable on the Joint Vision for Policing in Kent.

The order of business will be as follows:

·         Presentation from Mrs Ann Barnes, Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (30 minutes)

·         Presentation from Mr Alan Pughsley, Chief Constable (30 minutes)

·         Joint Question and Answer Session

The Council received a presentation from Mrs A Barnes (Kent Police and Crime Commissioner) and Chief Constable A Pughsley (Kent Police).

RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor P A Watkins, included the following matters in his report:

(a)    Progress on St James Project

Inspectors report with the DCLG for the Secretary of State decision. Demolition of the Britannia in Townwall Street is imminent with the aim of the Car Park being open for Easter. The 39 weeks House building project being due to commence in January 2015.

(b)    LEP – Discovery Park

The £5.3m allocation under the Growing Places fund for infrastructure. There were currently 100 companies located on site. There was also an Enterprise Zone designation with bid for extension to include Manston Airport

(c)    SE Enterprise Partnership

       The following points were covered:

·           £5m to Port of Dover Western and Wellington Docks.

·           Government call for schemes

·           Improvements to A2 at Townwall Street approved with work commencing in the New Year

·           Improved signalling for Eurotunnel at Ashford International.

·           Operation Stack Lorry Parking issue – preferred site is Western Hanger area

(d)    SE Migration Partnership

There was a SE Migration Partnership meeting next week at LGA on impact of immigration on services.

(e)    South Kent Coast Health and Wellbeing Board

       The following points were discussed by the Board:

·           Update on Dover Medical Centre received from NHS England.

·           Integrated Care Programme

·           Health agencies working together to allocate funding in Community (Social Care plus Health element).

(f)     Connaught Barracks – Public Consultation

       A Project Manager had been appointed for the Connaught Barracks – Public consultation.

The Leader of the Opposition Group, Councillor M R Eddy, included the following matters in his report:

(a)    That the extension of the Enterprise Zone to Manston Airport was supported.

(b)    The concern regarding problems of dealing with the LEP.

(c)  Health and Health and Wellbeing – Wider issue of recruitment and retention of GPs and the knock on effect if Thanet and Shepway have issues.

(d)  The developments and hope for successful bids.

In response the Leader of the Council advised:

(a)    Thanet District Council was to meet to consider a Compulsory Purchase Order for Manston Airport.

(b)    Dover District Council would have to make the bid for the extension of the Enterprise Zone.

(c)    The need for Dover District Council to maximise Government Grant opportunities.

(d)    The outcome of the review of SE LEP was available online.

(e)    Share concerns over manpower issues in relation to GPs.

There were no items of business.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Democratic Services.

The Electoral Matters Committee at its meeting held on 6 October 2014 made the following recommendation to the Council (Minute No. 11):

“That it be recommended to Council:

(a)    That each Polling District be designated as the Polling Place.

(b)    That where no suitable Polling Station was available the Head of Democratic Services be authorised to designate an adjoining Polling District for that Polling Place.”

The Council considered the report of the Head of Democratic Services and the recommendation of the Electoral Matters Committee.

RESOLVED:  (a)     That each Polling District be designated as the Polling Place.

(b)    That where no suitable Polling Station was available the Head of Democratic Services be authorised to designate an adjoining Polling District for that Polling Place.

To consider the attached report of the Director of Governance.

The Governance Committee at its meeting held on 2 October 2014 made the following recommendation to Council (Minute No. 31):

“That it be recommended to Council that the proposed changes in the Review of the Constitution 2014, and specifically the delegations in Part 3 that relate to Council functions be approved and incorporated into the Council’s Constitution.”

The Leader of the Council has approved the amendments for the Discharge of Executive Functions as it relates to the Scheme of Officer Delegations separately (Decision Notice 03/14)..

The Council considered the report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer and the recommendation of Governance Committee.

RESOLVED:  (a)   That the Review of the Constitution 2014, and specifically the delegations in Part 3 that relate to Council functions, be approved and the proposed changes be incorporated into the Council’s Constitution.

                        (b)   That the Director of Governance, Solicitor to the Council and the Team Leader – Democratic Support be thanked.

Up to 60 minutes is allowed for this part of the meeting unless extended by the Chairman of Council on a motion moved, duly seconded and approved by the Council.  Members may ask one supplementary question in addition to their original question.

(a)        To Chairmen/Vice-Chairmen of Committees

            There were no questions submitted for Chairman/Vice-Chairman of Committees.

(b)        To the Executive

            To receive answers in respect of questions from Members of the Council to a Member of the Executive asked in accordance with Rule 12 of the Council Procedure Rules.

            (1)        Councillor A S Pollitt will ask the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Youth and Community Safety, Councillor S S Chandler:

            “What and/or who were the priorities of the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Youth and Community Safetyin setting up a community event at Freemens Way, Deal, on 28 October and on what basis did the Portfolio Holder choose not to provide the ward Councillors with a copy of the action plan for the area as requested?”

(2)        Councillor P J Hawkins will ask the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and Performance, Councillor M D Conolly:

            “On 27 November 2013, Council resolved: "That Dover District Council supports the work of credit unions and will investigate the feasibility, methods and costs of enabling Members and staff to save through the payroll system if they wish." Can the Portfolio Holder for Finance inform the Council of the progress made so far on this?”

(3)        Councillor A S Pollitt will ask the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and Performance, Councillor M D Conolly:

            “Does the Portfolio Holder for Finance agree that all who benefit from public spending, including multinational companies, should contribute their fair share and does the Portfolio Holder support Action Aid's Towns Against Tax Dodging campaign?”

(4)        Councillor M R Eddy will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor P A Watkins:

            “Can the Leader of the Council outline how he views the future of Dover District Council in the light of the result of the Scottish independence referendum and proposals for the devolution of powers within England?”

(5)        Councillor B W Bano will ask the Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Public Protection, Councillor P G Heath:

            “Following the withdrawal of Concordia from its East Kent GP contracts, what steps has the Portfolio Holder for Health and Well-being taken to ensure that the patients currently on the lists of the Dover Medical Practice will continue to receive primary health care services with a GP of their choice?”

(6)        Councillor B W Bano will ask the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Youth and Community Safety, Councillor S S Chandler:

            “What response is DDC making to the proposals of KCC to reduce the number of Community Wardens by up to 50%?”

(7)        Councillor P Walker will ask the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Planning, Councillor N S Kenton:

            “Can the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Planning inform  ...  view the full agenda text for item 57.

(1)      Councillor A S Pollitt asked the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Youth and Community Safety, Councillor S S Chandler:

         “What and/or who were the priorities of the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Youth and Community Safetyin setting up a community event at Freemens Way, Deal, on 28 October and on what basis did the Portfolio Holder choose not to provide the ward Councillors with a copy of the action plan for the area as requested?”

(2)      Councillor P J Hawkins asked the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Youth and Community Safety, Councillor S S Chandler (in the absence of Councillor M D Conolly):

        “On 27 November 2013, Council resolved: "That Dover District Council supports the work of credit unions and will investigate the feasibility, methods and costs of enabling Members and staff to save through the payroll system if they wish." Can the Portfolio Holder for Finance inform the Council of the progress made so far on this?”

(3)      Councillor A S Pollitt asked the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and Performance, Councillor M D Conolly:

        “Does the Portfolio Holder for Finance agree that all who benefit from public spending, including multinational companies, should contribute their fair share and does the Portfolio Holder support Action Aid's Towns Against Tax Dodging campaign?”

(4)  Councillor M R Eddy asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor P A Watkins:

“Can the Leader of the Council outline how he views the future of Dover District Council in the light of the result of the Scottish independence referendum and proposals for the devolution of powers within England?”

(5)  Councillor B W Bano asked the Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Public Protection, Councillor P G Heath:

“Following the withdrawal of Concordia from its East Kent GP contracts, what steps has the Portfolio Holder for Health and Well-being taken to ensure that the patients currently on the lists of the Dover Medical Practice will continue to receive primary health care services with a GP of their choice?”

(6)  Councillor B W Bano asked the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Children’s Services and Safeguarding, Youth and Community Safety, Councillor S S Chandler:

“What response is DDC making to the proposals of KCC to reduce the number of Community Wardens by up to 50%?”

(7)  Councillor B Gardner asked the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Planning, Councillor N S Kenton:

“Can the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Waste and Planning inform the Council how many housing units have been granted planning permission since 1 May 2011, and how many of these were affordable housing,

(a) in developments of 1 to 12 units.

(b) in developments of 13 to 40 units.

(c) in large developments of over 40 units?”

Motions for which notice has been given are listed on the agenda in the order in which notice was received, unless the Member giving notice states, in writing, that they propose to move it at a later meeting or withdraw it.

If a Motion set out in the agenda is not moved by the Member who gave notice thereof it shall, unless postponed by consent of the Council, be treated as withdrawn and shall not be moved without fresh notice.

A Motion must be about matters for which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the District.

(1)    In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, Councillor P M Brivio will move:

"In view of the successful voluntary schemes for the registration of private landlords, particularly in London and more locally in Thanet, this Council calls on Cabinet to draw up plans to implement a similar scheme in this district as soon as possible in order to drive up the quality of privately-rented housing available to our residents.”

(2)    In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, Councillor G Cowan will move:

“Recognising the important contribution of 16 and 17 year olds to the recent Scottish independence referendum and believing that Dover District's young people should also play a role in determining the future of their towns and villages, this Council supports reducing the voting age to 16. As encouraging participation in the political process is an essential means of engaging young people in modern society, Council requests the Chairman of the Council to  write to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Council to urge him to introduce legislation to reduce the voting age to 16 as soon as practicable.”

(3)  In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, Councillor P M Wallace will move:

“Given the prediction that by the end of next year more road deaths will be caused by using a mobile phone than by drink driving, this council resolves to support the "Hands off" campaign to end the needless loss of life caused by motorists using mobile phones while driving, and this council requests the Community Safety Unit develops proposals for a campaign to raise awareness of this issue across the District.”

(4)  In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, Councillor T J Bartlett will move:

“This Council notes that Lloyds Banking Group has signalled its intent to close 150 branches over the next 3 years. It's branch in Wingham is the last high street bank that remains in the village. This Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the chairman of Lloyds, Lord Blackwell and it's CEO Antonia Horta Osario to ask that the Wingham branch, which serves both residents and local businesses, be saved from any closure programme.”

(1)    Councillor P Brivio declined the opportunity to move the motion on which she had given notice.

(2)    In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, Councillor G Cowan moved the Motion of which he had given notice as follows:

       “Recognising the important contribution of 16 and 17 year olds to the recent Scottish independence referendum and believing that Dover District's young people should also play a role in determining the future of their towns and villages, this Council supports reducing the voting age to 16. As encouraging participation in the political process is an essential means of engaging young people in modern society, Council requests the Chairman of the Council to  write to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Council to urge him to introduce legislation to reduce the voting age to 16 as soon as practicable.”

       The Motion was duly seconded.

An AMENDMENT was moved by Councillor P Watkins and duly seconded that:

“The Parliamentary Political and Constitutional Reform Committee be advised that this Council welcomes a review of voting age.”

On being put to the meeting the Amendment was CARRIED.

On being put to the meeting the Substantive Motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED: That the Parliamentary Political and Constitutional Reform Committee be advised that this Council welcomes a review of voting age.

(3)  In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, Councillor P Wallace moved the Motion of which he had given notice as follows:

“Given the prediction that by the end of next year more road deaths will be caused by using a mobile phone than by drink driving, this council resolves to support the "Hands off" campaign to end the needless loss of life caused by motorists using mobile phones while driving, and this council requests the Community Safety Unit develops proposals for a campaign to raise awareness of this issue across the District.”

       The Motion was duly seconded.

An AMENDMENT was moved by Councillor S Chandler and duly seconded that:

“Given the prediction that by the end of next year more road deaths will be caused by using a mobile phone than by drink driving, this council resolves to continue to support the "Hands off" campaign to end the needless loss of life caused by motorists using mobile phones while driving, and this council requests the Community Safety Unit to continue and consider extending its Road Safety work which includes raising awareness of this issue across the District.”

On being put to the meeting the Amendment was CARRIED.

On being put to the meeting the Substantive Motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED: That given the prediction that by the end of next year more road deaths will be caused by using a mobile phone than by drink driving, this council resolves to continue to support the "Hands off" campaign to end the needless loss of life caused by motorists using mobile phones while driving, and this council requests the Community Safety Unit to continue and consider extending its Road Safety work which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

There were no items of urgent business.