This is a default template, your custom branding appears to be missing.
The custom branding should be at https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/global/moderngov/pcc/pcc_template if you cannot load this page please contact your IT.

Technical Error: Error: The underlying connection was closed: The connection was closed unexpectedly.

Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - The Guildhall

Contact: Stewart Agland  Email: stewart.agland@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Declarations of Interests under Standing Order 13(2)(b)

Minutes:

Councillor Luke Stubbs, Councillor Hannah Hockaday and Councillor Phil

Smith each declared a personal prejudicial interest in agenda item 5 - Save

Our Fire Service - in that they are all members of Hampshire Fire Authority and had been advised to leave the Chamber for the debate and also for the associated deputations and public question.

 

Councillor Julie Swan declared a pecuniary interest in agenda Item 5 in that her house is adjacent to the Fire Station and would also leave for the debate on that item and for the associated deputations and public question.

2.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 8 December 2015 pdf icon PDF 207 KB

·         the Council meeting held on 8 December 2015

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Donna Jones

Seconded by Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

 

That the minutes of the meeting of the council held on 8 December 2015 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the council held on

8 December 2015 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

3.

Communications from the Lord Mayor including apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence had been received on behalf of Councillor John Ferrett.

 

The Lord Mayor gave detailed information concerning filming in the chamber advising that notices had been displayed on the walls concerning the council's rules which strictly prohibit the filming, photographing or recording of members of the public unless they are addressing the meeting and only then if they do not actively object. Filming from gallery to gallery is also prohibited.

 

The Lord Mayor also advised that today's meeting is being filmed from a fixed location camera placed in the chamber with the intention of web streaming the recording and that owing to electrical issues, a bell would be used to control speaking times at today's meeting.

 

The Lord Mayor then gave details of the evacuation procedure and reminded everyone that there are building evacuation signs displayed both inside the public galleries and in the chamber itself. There is also an in/out log book on reception for the public attending council meetings and Guildhall staff will undertake any roll call of the public using the completed log. Officers will undertake the roll call of members and officers.

4.

Petition - "Stop Cuts to Domestic Violence Services"

"Stop Cuts to Domestic Violence Services"

 

"We the undersigned petition the council to : The council budget savings report proposes to cut the specialist in-house domestic abuse service, the Early Intervention Project, from 13 members of staff to 5.  We ask councillors to vote against these proposed cuts as they have a public duty to protect the most vulnerable. Of course, in a few years’ time, Councillors can change their minds, realise their mistake, reinvest the money.  But they will not be able to restore a murdered mother to her children, a daughter to her parents, a friend to her community.  These cuts are literally playing with people’s lives.

 

Domestic abuse is estimated to cost £23 billion in the UK each year, including the cost of the criminal justice system, health service, social care and housing.  This cost is widely accepted as an under-estimate.

 

Portsmouth city council are suggesting a cut of £180k to their domestic abuse services as a budget saving.  If councillors had consulted with anyone in the sector they would know this is naïve at best and misleading at worse.  Cutting EIP will merely transfer the cost onto other service areas in the city.

 

It is agreed nationally that domestic abuse victims need specialist independent support to live their lives free from violence and abuse".

 

The Council’s rules state that as the petition contains more than 1,000 signatures it will be debated by the Full Council (if the lead petitioner so requests and they do) even if the issue has been considered by the Council within the last 24 months and it not a matter the Full Council can determine.

 

1.    The petition organiser, Ms S Dillon will be given six minutes to present the petition at the meeting,

 

2.    Followed by any public deputations received on this item.

 

3.    The Administration, via a proposer and seconder, will then present its response to the petition 

 

4.    The petition will then be discussed by councillors and the normal rules of debate will apply,

 

Note - As an Executive (Cabinet) matter, the Full Council is precluded from determining the issues raised in the Petition, although of course the petition can still be debated at the Full Council meeting. 

Minutes:

The lead petitioner Ms Shonagh Dillon, presented the petition as set out on the agenda.

 

The City Solicitor thanked Ms Dillon for her presentation. He then advised that one deputation request had been received from Mr Jon Woods from Unison who then gave his deputation in support of the petition.

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Donna Jones

Seconded by Councillor Rob New

 

That the Administration's petition response as circulated in the chamber and detailed below be approved.

 

Owing to a disturbance in the chamber, council adjourned at 2.20 pm.

Council resumed at 2.32 pm.

 

"On behalf of the administration I would like to thank everyone involved in the Domestic Violence Early Intervention Project work in the city. We pride ourselves on our first class service here in Portsmouth, but acknowledge even more can be done to help. We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our thanks to the following people:

Cllrs Robert New, Hannah Hockaday, Julie Swan, Darren Sanders, Lynne Stagg and Suzy Horton for their commitment and contribution to raising the awareness amongst the city council of the important work carried out by support services in Portsmouth to support some of the most vulnerable people, mostly women in the city.

The educational journey that Cllrs have gone on over the last 20 months has been staggering in fully understanding the importance of the service and how it helps people.

 

We would also like to place on record on behalf of Portsmouth City Council our sincere thanks to third sector and non profit organisations in Hampshire who have been invaluable in the 20 months. Southern Domestic Abuse Service and Home Group, to name but two. The support we have received as a city council, free of charge, the advice and new ideas has been inspiring.

 

We would like to place on record our thanks to the petitioner for raising this issue which also allows us the opportunity to highlight the excellent work that has been achieved so far. Since December 2015, when we had to present to this chamber the news that £180k of the £576k budget for the EIP team was being cut, we made a promise to work to find new funding sources and to not just protect this service long term but to improve it. I am pleased to confirm that before you today in our capital budget is a proposal to increase the council’s property investment fund. The reason for the recommendation is to create new income streams for the council.

 

We are proposing to use £50k of new income this administration will create to fund Domestic Violence support, therefore putting the money back into the city council revenue budget. I am pleased to also confirm that we are in advance talks with the Police & Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes about a jointly commissioned service to cover this area of work from April 2017. In addition we have received confirmation from Michael Lane one of the Police and Crime Commissioner Candidates in the election in May, that if elected, he will fund the remaining £130k gap. In the meantime, our excellent Cabinet member Cllr Robert New has confirmed that he will fund the £130k shortfall from his portfolio reserve until April 2017 meaning there will be absolutely no reduction in service for the next 14 months, no job losses and no cuts to Domestic Violence in the city allowing us time to continue to develop and build our service."

 

As an amendment it was

 

Proposed by Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Seconded by Councillor Hugh Mason

 

"To delete everything after paragraph 2 and replace with "The council deplores the decision to cut the domestic violence unit.""

 

Following debate a recorded vote was requested by eight councillors standing. The following members voted in favour of the amendment:

 

Councillor David Ashmore

Councillor Will Purvis

Councillor Ben Dowling

Councillor Darren Sanders

Councillor Margaret Foster

Councillor Phil Smith

Councillor David Fuller

Councillor Lynne Stagg

Councillor Suzy Horton

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Councillor Lee Hunt

Councillor Matthew Winnington

Councillor Hugh Mason

Councillor Rob Wood

 

The following members voted against the amendment:

 

Councillor Simon Bosher

Councillor Donna Jones

Councillor Jennie Brent

Councillor Ian Lyon

Councillor Ryan Brent

Councillor Lee Mason

Councillor Yahiya Chowdhury

Councillor Gemma New

Councillor Alicia Denny

Councillor Rob New

Councillor Ken Ellcome

Councillor Sandra Stockdale

Councillor Ken Ferrett

Councillor Luke Stubbs

Councillor Colin Galloway

Councillor Julie Swan

Councillor Aiden Gray

Councillor Linda Symes

Councillor Scott Harris

Councillor David Tompkins

Councillor Steve Hastings

Councillor Steve Wemyss

Councillor Hannah Hockaday

Councillor Neill Young

 

The following member abstained:

 

Councillor Stuart Potter

 

The Liberal Democrat amendment was therefore LOST.

 

Upon being put to the vote the petition response standing in the name of Councillor Donna Jones was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that on behalf of the administration I would like to thank everyone involved in the Domestic Violence Early Intervention Project work in the city. We pride ourselves on our first class service here in Portsmouth, but acknowledge even more can be done to help. We would like to take this opportunity to place on record our thanks to the following people:

Cllrs Robert New, Hannah Hockaday, Julie Swan, Darren Sanders, Lynne Stagg and Suzy Horton for their commitment and contribution to raising the awareness amongst the city council of the important work carried out by support services in Portsmouth to support some of the most vulnerable people, mostly women in the city.

The educational journey that Cllrs have gone on over the last 20 months has been staggering in fully understanding the importance of the service and how it helps people.

 

We would also like to place on record on behalf of Portsmouth City Council our sincere thanks to third sector and non profit organisations in Hampshire who have been invaluable in the 20 months. Southern Domestic Abuse Service and Home Group, to name but two. The Support we have received as a city council, free of charge, the advice and new ideas has been inspiring.

 

We would like to place on record our thanks to the petitioner for raising this issue which also allows us the opportunity to highlight the excellent work that has been achieved so far. Since December 2015, when we had to present to this chamber the news that £180k of the £576k budget for the EIP team was being cut, we made a promise to work to find new funding sources and to not just protect this service long term but to improve it. I am pleased to confirm that before you today in our capital budget is a proposal to increase the council’s property investment fund. The reason for the recommendation is to create new income streams for the council.

 

We are proposing to use £50k of new income this administration will create to fund Domestic Violence support, therefore putting the money back into the city council revenue budget. I am pleased to also confirm that we are in advance talks with the Police & Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes about a jointly commissioned service to cover this area of work from April 2017. In addition we have received confirmation from Michael Lane one of the Police and Crime Commissioner Candidates in the election in May, that if elected, he will fund the remaining £130k gap. In the meantime, our excellent Cabinet member Cllr Robert New has confirmed that he will fund the £130k shortfall from his portfolio reserve until April 2017 meaning there will be absolutely no reduction in service for the next 14 months, no job losses and no cuts to Domestic Violence in the city allowing us time to continue to develop and build our service.

5.

Petition - "Save our Fire Service"

"Save Our Fire Service"

 

"Statement: We, the undersigned, oppose the proposed cuts to the Fire Service in Portsmouth and ask our representatives on the Fire Authority to vote against these cuts.

 

Hampshire Fire Service are proposing to cut the number of 'full-size' fire engines in Southsea from 3 to just 1!

 

Replacing fully equipped fire engines with smaller vehicles (including a 'van' with just two firefighters!) will put lives at risk. It will leave the crews in Southsea unable to tackle fires in high-rise buildings (over 6 floors) without waiting for fire engines to come from outside Portsmouth, and we all know the problems we have with traffic getting in and out of the city".

 

The Council’s rules state that as the petition contains more than 1,000 signatures it will be debated by the Full Council (if the lead petitioner so requests and they do) even if the issue has been considered by the Council within the last 24 months and it not a matter the Full Council can determine.

 

1.    The petition organiser, Mr T Wood will be given six minutes to present the petition at the meeting,

 

2.    Followed by any public deputations received on this item.

 

3.    The Administration, via a proposer and seconder, will then present its response to the petition 

 

4.    The petition will then be discussed by councillors and the normal rules of debate will apply.

 

Minutes:

The lead petitioner Mr Tom Wood, presented the petition as it appears on the

meeting agenda.

 

The City Solicitor advised that two deputation requests had been made to

speak on the petition.

 

The first deputation was made by Mr Neil Odin, Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

 

The second deputation was made by Mr Mark Chapman.

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Donna Jones

Seconded by Councillor Simon Bosher

 

That the administration's petition response headed "Agenda Item 5 - Petition -

Save our Fire Service" as circulated in the chamber be approved.

 

Following debate, a recorded vote was requested by eight members standing.

The following members voted in favour of the administration's response:

 

Councillor Simon Bosher

Councillor Donna Jones

Councillor Jennie Brent

Councillor Ian Lyon

Councillor  Ryan Brent

Councillor Lee Mason

Councillor Ken Ellcome

Councillor Gemma New

Councillor Ken Ferrett

Councillor Rob New

Councillor Colin Galloway

Councillor Sandra Stockdale

Councillor Paul Godier

Councillor Linda Symes

Councillor Scott Harris

Councillor David Tompkins

Councillor Steve Hastings

Councillor Steve Wemyss

Councillor Frank Jonas

Councillor Neill Young

 

Those voting against:

 

Councillor David Ashmore

Councillor Hugh Mason

Councillor Yahiya Chowdhury

Councillor Will Purvis

Councillor Ben Dowling

Councillor Darren Sanders

Councillor Margaret Foster

Councillor Lynne Stagg

Councillor David Fuller

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Councillor Aiden Gray

Councillor Matthew Winnington

Councillor Suzy Horton

Councillor Rob Wood

Councillor Lee Hunt

 

 

The following members abstained:

 

Councillor Alicia Denny

Councillor Stuart Potter

 

The administration's response was therefore CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that on behalf of the administration we would like to thank you for presenting the petition concerning Fire Services in Portsmouth to Portsmouth City Council. Fire Services across the city of Portsmouth are an important issue. Portsmouth City Council was notified that the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority (HFRA) were undertaking a public consultation on ways to reform the fire services across the counties of Hampshire and the IOW.

 

Portsmouth City Council has no control over the final decision on how to reform the service, is not a decision this council has any jurisdiction over. The HFRA is a separate body to this council.

 

Portsmouth City Council does however appoint three representatives onto the HFR Board each year. The current council appointments are Cllrs Luke Stubbs, Hannah Hockaday and Phil Smith.

Unfortunately, the Council's representatives are precluded from listening to your presentation of the petition and any subsequent debate, because they have a declarable interest under the Code of Conduct. In other words because they will be voting on the outcome of the substantive consultation it would be wrong of them to remain in this chamber today and take part in the debate.

 

However, they will be aware of your petition and I am sure they will take it into account when attending the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority meeting when this matter is considered. I will ensure that your petition  is forwarded to the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority Board and that they are made aware of your plight.

 

Thank you for attending today.

 

Council adjourned at 4.40 pm.

 

Council resumed at 4.53 pm.

6.

Deputations from the Public under Standing Order No 24 for all items excluding those in respect of items 4 and 5 which are dealt with separately on the agenda.

Minutes:

The City Solicitor advised that two deputation requests had been received on agenda item 11 - Portsmouth City Council - Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 and Medium Term Budget Forecast 2017/18 to 2019/20 and two deputation requests had been received on agenda item 12 - Capital Programme 2015/16 to 2020/21.

 

The first deputation on agenda item 11 was given by Ms Hilary Reed.

 

The second deputation in respect of agenda item 11, was made by Ms Shefali Uddin.

 

The first deputation on agenda item 12 - Capital Programme was made by Mr Bonner, Portsmouth Pensioners' Association. The second deputation was made by Mr John Holland of the Portsmouth Cycle Forum.

7.

Questions from the Public under Standing Order 25. pdf icon PDF 135 KB

Minutes:

Neither of the members of the public who gave notice of wishing to put a question to council were able to be present at the meeting and therefore the questions could not be put.  Written responses will be provided to them.

8.

Appointments

Minutes:

There were no appointments.

9.

Urgent Business - To receive and consider any urgent and important business from Members of the Cabinet in accordance with Standing Order No 26.

Minutes:

There was no urgent and important business.

10.

Recommendations from the Cabinet Meeting held on 8 February 2016 pdf icon PDF 114 KB

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet meeting held on 8 February (to follow), the report for which is attached.

 

 

It is proposed that the Budget and Tax Setting and Capital Programme reports and recommendations be taken and debated together on the basis that each item impacts on the other and on the understanding that the Tax Setting Item will be voted on first, followed by the Capital Programme.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The following minute was approved unopposed:

 

Minute 4 - Council Tax Discounts

 

The following minutes were opposed:

 

Minute 5 - Portsmouth City Council - Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 and Medium Term Budget Forecast 2017/18 to 2019/20

Minute 6 - Capital Programme 2015/16 to 2020/21

 

The Lord Mayor explained that further to the letter of 1 February 2016 concerning procedure at the meeting previously sent to members, the Lord Mayor proposed that the Capital Programme and the Budget and Council Tax setting items be taken and debated together on the basis that each item impacts on the other and on the understanding that the Budget and Council Tax item will be voted on first, followed by the Capital Programme.

 

This was agreed.

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Donna Jones

Seconded by Councillor Luke Stubbs

 

That the recommendations contained in Cabinet minute 5 - Portsmouth City Council - Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 and Medium Term Budget Forecast 2017/18 to 2019/20 and Cabinet minute 6 - Capital Programme 2015/16 to 2020/21 be approved.

 

Councillor Donna Jones presented the Cabinet's recommendations on the Budget and Council Tax setting and the Capital Programme which had been produced by the Conservative group, in consultation with the UKIP and Labour groups and commended the budget to council.  The Leader wished to place on record her thanks to:

 

·         Councillors Julie Swan and Stuart Potter in relation to libraries, particularly for their support in developing plans for the Paulsgrove area of the city.

·         Councillor Stuart Potter for his work ensuring that RNLI volunteers will get free parking at the seafront when responding to a call out.

·         The government for protecting police budgets

·         Collette Hill and her team and Councillor Rob New for work relating to the Clean City Team.

·         Chris Ward, Julian Pike, cabinet members and to the leaders of the UKIP and Labour groups for their work on the budget.

 

Following her budget presentation, the Leader commended the proposals to council.

 

As an amendment to the recommendations in relation to Cabinet minutes 5 and 6, it was

 

Proposed by Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Seconded by Councillor Hugh Mason

 

That the recommendations set out in Appendix 1 attached to these minutes (Liberal Democrat Portsmouth City Council - Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 and Medium Term Budget Forecast 2017/18 to 2019/20) and the recommendations set out in Appendix 2 attached to these minutes (Liberal Democrat Capital amendment) be adopted.  Councillor Vernon-Jackson then spoke to his group's proposed budget amendments and commended them to the council.

 

Councillor Colin Galloway next spoke to the budget presented by the administration which he said it was acceptable under the restraints imposed by an unrepresentative central government.  His Group did not propose any amendments.

 

As an amendment to the recommendations in relation to Cabinet minute 5, it was

 

Proposed by Councillor Aiden Gray

Seconded by Councillor Yahiya Chowdhury

 

That the recommendations set out in Appendix 3 attached to these minutes (Labour Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 and Medium Term Budget Forecast 2017/18 to 2019/20) be adopted.  Councillor Aiden Gray, Deputy Labour Group Leader then spoke to his group's proposed budget amendments and commended them to the council.

 

Following debate, the Lord Mayor called upon the Leader of the Council, Councillor Donna Jones to sum up.

 

The Lord Mayor advised that regulations require all votes on the budget proposals to be dealt with by means of recorded vote.

 

Upon the amendment standing in the name of Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson on the Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 and Medium Term Budget Forecast 2017/18 to 2019/20 being put to the vote, the following members voted in favour:

 

Councillor David Ashmore

Councillor Will Purvis

Councillor Ben Dowling

Councillor Darren Sanders

Councillor Margaret Foster

Councillor Phil Smith

Councillor David Fuller

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Councillor Suzy Horton

Councillor Matthew Winnington

Councillor Lee Hunt

Councillor Rob Wood

Councillor Hugh Mason

 

 

The following members voted against:

 

Councillor Simon Bosher

Councillor Lee Mason

Councillor Jennie Brent

Councillor Gemma New

Councillor Ryan Brent

Councillor Rob New

Councillor Alicia Denny

Councillor Stuart Potter

Councillor Ken Ellcome

Councillor Sandra Stockdale

Councillor Ken Ferrett

Councillor Luke Stubbs

Councillor Colin Galloway

Councillor Julie Swan

Councillor Scott Harris

Councillor Linda Symes

Councillor Steve Hastings

Councillor David Tompkins

Councillor Hannah Hockaday

Councillor Steve Wemyss

Councillor Donna Jones

Councillor Neill Young

Councillor Ian Lyon

 

 

The following members abstained:

 

Councillor Yahiya Chowdhury

Councillor Aiden Gray

 

The Liberal Democrat amendment was therefore LOST.

 

Upon the Labour group amendment standing in the name of Councillor Aiden Gray being put to the vote, the following members voted in favour:

 

Councillor David Ashmore

Councillor Lee Hunt

Councillor Yahiya Chowdhury

Councillor Hugh Mason

Councillor Ben Dowling

Councillor Will Purvis

Councillor Ken Ferrett

Councillor Darren Sanders

Councillor Margaret Foster

Councillor Phil Smith

Councillor David Fuller

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Councillor Aiden Gray

Councillor Matthew Winnington

Councillor Suzy Horton

Councillor Rob Wood

 

The following members voted against:

 

Councillor Simon Bosher

Councillor Lee Mason

Councillor Jennie Brent

Councillor Gemma New

Councillor Ryan Brent

Councillor Rob New

Councillor Alicia Denny

Councillor Stuart Potter

Councillor Ken Ellcome

Councillor Sandra Stockdale

Councillor Colin Galloway

Councillor Luke Stubbs

Councillor Scott Harris

Councillor Julie Swan

Councillor Steve Hastings

Councillor Linda Symes

Councillor Hannah Hockaday

Councillor David Tompkins

Councillor Frank Jonas

Councillor Steve Wemyss

Councillor Donna Jones

Councillor Neill Young

Councillor Ian Lyon

 

 

There were no abstentions.

 

The Labour group amendment standing in the name of Councillor Aiden Gray was therefore LOST.

 

Upon the recommendations in Cabinet minute 5 - Portsmouth City Council - Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 and Medium Term Budget Forecast 2017/18 to 2019/20 being put to the vote, the following members were in favour:

 

Councillor Simon Bosher

Councillor Ian Lyon

Councillor Jennie Brent

Councillor Lee Mason

Councillor Ryan Brent

Councillor Gemma New

Councillor Alicia Denny

Councillor Rob New

Councillor Ken Ellcome

Councillor Sandra Stockdale

Councillor Ken Ferrett

Councillor Luke Stubbs

Councillor Colin Galloway

Councillor Julie Swan

Councillor Scott Harris

Councillor Linda Symes

Councillor Steve Hastings

Councillor David Tompkins

Councillor Hannah Hockaday

Councillor Steve Wemyss

Councillor Frank Jonas

Councillor Neill Young

Councillor Donna Jones

 

 

The following members voted against the proposals:

 

Councillor David Ashmore

Councillor Stuart Potter

Councillor Ben Dowling

Councillor Will Purvis

Councillor Margaret Foster

Councillor Darren Sanders

Councillor David Fuller

Councillor Phil Smith

Councillor Suzy Horton

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Councillor Lee Hunt

Councillor Matthew Winnington

Councillor Hugh Mason

Councillor Rob Wood

 

The following members abstained:

 

Councillor Aiden Gray

Councillor Yahiya Chowdhury

 

The Cabinet recommendations in Cabinet minute 5 - Portsmouth City Council - Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 and Medium Term Budget Forecast 2017/18 to 2019/20 were therefore CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED

 

(1)       That the following be approved in respect of the Council's Budget:

 

(a)          The revised Revenue Estimates for the financial year 2015/16 and the Revenue Estimates for the financial year 2016/17 as set out in the General Fund Summary (Appendix A)

 

(b)          The Portfolio Cash Limits for the Revised Budget for 2015/16 and Budget for 2016/17 as set out in Sections 7 and 9, respectively

 

(c)          That the "clawback" requirement for overspendings be waived for 2015/16 for both the Education & Children's Portfolio and the Health & Social Care Portfolio given the scale of those overspendings and also that their Portfolio Cash Limits were set in the knowledge of the financial risks contained therein which were fully provided for within the Council's contingency provision

 

(d)          That £1.5m be transferred to the Revenue Reserve for Capital to supplement the resources available for the Capital Programme in order to ensure the Council can properly meet its statutory responsibilities including School Places, Sea Defences and Roads Maintenance

 

(e)          That £1.5m be transferred to the MTRS Reserve to restore it to a level sufficient to enable the Council to pursue both Spend to Save schemes, Invest to Save schemes and fund redundancy costs, all aimed at facilitating the Council's savings strategy

 

(f)           That £1,686,600 is carried forward from 2015/16 to 2016/17 in respect of contingent items that were expected to arise in 2015/16 but are now expected to occur in 2016/17

 

(g)          Any further underspendings for 2015/16 arising at the year-end outside of those made by Portfolios be transferred to Capital Resources in order to provide funding for known future commitments such as Secondary School Places, Sea Defences and the enabling transport infrastructure necessary for the City's development and growth which have, as yet, insufficient funding

 

(h)          The S.151 Officer be given delegated authority to make any necessary adjustments to Cash Limits within the overall approved Budget and Budget Forecasts

 

(i)            That the level of Council Tax be increased by 1.99% for general purposes in accordance with the referendum threshold[1] for 2016/17 announced by Government (as calculated in recommendation 3.4 (d))

 

(j)            That the level of Council Tax be increased by a further 2.0% beyond the referendum threshold (as calculated in recommendation (4)d) to take advantage of the flexibility offered by Government to implement a "Social Care Precept"; and that in accordance with the conditions of that flexibility, the full amount of the associated sum generated of £1,254,400 is passported direct to Adult Social Care

 

(k)          Managers be authorised to incur routine expenditure against the Cash Limits for 2016/17 as set out in Section 9

 

(l)            That the savings requirement for 2017/18 be set at a minimum on-going sum of £9.0m

 

(m)         That the S.151 Officer be given delegated authority to make transfers to and from reserves in order to ensure that they are maintained as necessary and in particular, adjusted when reserves are no longer required or need to be replenished

 

(n)          Directors be instructed to start planning how the City Council will achieve the savings requirements shown in Section 11 and that this be incorporated into Service Business Plans

 

(o)          The minimum level of Revenue Balances as at 31 March 2017 be set at £7.0m (£6.5m in 2015/16) to reflect the known and expected budget and financial risks to the Council

 

(p)          Members have had regard for the Statement of the Section 151 Officer in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003 as set out in Section 17.

 

(2)       That the following be noted in respect of the Council's Budget:

 

(a)          The Revenue Estimates 2016/17 as set out in Appendix A provide full funding for the Domestic Violence Service in 2016/17 ensuring that the service remains intact.  A sum of £50,000 funded from additional income arising from the Council's Property Investment Portfolio has been identified to mitigate the overall reduction of £180,000 to the Service in future years. Discussions with Hampshire Police & Crime Commissioner's Office will take place after the May elections with the intent to secure a contribution for the remaining £130,000

 

(b)          The Revenue Estimates 2016/17 as set out in Appendix A have been prepared on the basis that the 2% tax increase for the "Social Care Precept" (amounting to £1,254,400) is passported to Adult Social Care in order to provide for otherwise unfunded budget pressures including the cost of the new National Living Wage

 

(c)          In the event that the additional flexibility of the "Social Care Precept" and associated 2% tax increase (amounting to £1,254,400) is not taken, then equivalent savings will need to be identified

 

(d)          In general, any reduction from the 3.99% Council Tax increase proposed will require additional savings of £627,200 for each 1% reduction in order for the Budget 2016/17 to be approved

 

(e)          The Revenue Forecast and the associated provisional Portfolio Cash Limits for 2017/18 onwards as set out in Section 10 and Appendix B

 

(f)           The estimated Savings Requirement of £24m for the three year period 2017/18 to 2019/20, for financial and service planning purposes, be phased as follows:

 

Financial Year

In Year Savings Requirement

£m

Cumulative

Saving

£m

2017/18

9.0

9.0

2018/19

8.0

17.0

2019/20

7.0

24.0

 

(g)          The MTRS Reserve held to fund the upfront costs associated with Spend to Save Schemes, Invest to Save Schemes and redundancies will hold a relatively modest uncommitted balance of £2.4m [2]and will only be replenished from an approval to the transfer of any underspends, contributions from the Revenue Budget or transfers from other reserves which may no longer be required

 

(h)          The Council Tax element of the Collection Fund for 2015/16 is estimated to be a deficit of £269,000 which is shared between the City Council (84%), Police & Crime Commissioner (11%) and the Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority (4%)

 

(i)            The Business Rate element of the Collection Fund for 2015/16 is estimated to be a deficit of £635,828 which is shared between the City Council (49%), the Government (50%) and the Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority (1%)

 

(j)            The Non Domestic Rates poundage for 2016/17 will be 49.7p, and 48.4p for small businesses

 

(k)          The Business Rate income[3]for 2016/17 (excluding "Top Up") based on the estimated Business Rate element of the Collection Fund deficit as at March 2016, the Non Domestic Rates poundage for 2016/17 and estimated rateable values for 2016/17 has been set at £39,581,127

 

(3)       That the S.151 Officer has determined that the Council Tax base for the financial year 2016/17 will be 53,538.8 [item T in the formula in Section 31 B(1) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)].

 

(4)       That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the financial year 2016/17 in accordance with Section 31 and Sections 34 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:

 

(a) 

£478,280,306

Being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act.

(b) 

£413,052,380

Being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

(c) 

£65,227,926

Being the amount by which the aggregate at 3.4 (a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3.4(b) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year. (Item R in the formula in Section 31B(1) of the Act.

(d) 

£1,218.33

Being the amount at 3.4(c) above (Item R), all divided by Item 3.3 above (Item T), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year.

 

(e)          Valuation Bands (Portsmouth City Council)

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

812.22

947.59

1,082.96

1,218.33

1,489.07

1,759.81

2,030.55

2,436.66

 

Being the amounts given by multiplying the amount at (4)(d) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in Section 5(1) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in Valuation Band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings in different valuation bands.

 

(5)       That it be noted that for the financial year 2016/17 the Hampshire Police & Crime Commissioner is consulting upon the following amounts for the precept to be issued to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of the dwellings shown below:

 

Valuation Bands (Hampshire Police & Crime Commissioner)

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

106.97

124.80

142.63

160.46

196.12

231.78

267.43

320.92

 

(6)       That it be noted that for the financial year 2016/17 Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority are recommending the following amounts for the precept issued to the Council in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of the dwellings shown below:

 

Valuation Bands (Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority)

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

41.73

48.69

55.64

62.60

76.51

90.42

104.33

125.20

 

(7)       That having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (4)e, (5) and (6) above, the Council, in accordance with Sections 31A, 31B and 34 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts of Council Tax for the financial year 2016/17 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:

 

Valuation Bands (Total Council Tax)

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

960.92

1,121.08

1,281.23

1,441.39

1,761.70

2,082.01

2,402.31

2,882.78

 

(8)       The S.151 Officer be given delegated authority to implement any variation to the overall level of Council Tax arising from the final notification of the Hampshire Police & Crime Commissioner and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority precepts.

 

Upon the amendment standing in the name of Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson concerning Cabinet minute 6 - Capital Programme 2015/16 - 2020/21 being put to the vote, the following members voted in favour:

 

Councillor David Ashmore

Councillor Will Purvis

Councillor Ben Dowling

Councillor Darren Sanders

Councillor Margaret Foster

Councillor Phil Smith

Councillor David Fuller

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Councillor Suzy Horton

Councillor Matthew Winnington

Councillor Lee Hunt

Councillor Rob Wood

Councillor Hugh Mason

 

 

The following members voted against the proposal:

 

Councillor Simon Bosher

Councillor Ian Lyon

Councillor Jennie Brent

Councillor Lee Mason

Councillor Ryan Brent

Councillor Gemma New

Councillor Alicia Denny

Councillor Rob New

Councillor Ken Ellcome

Councillor Stuart Potter

Councillor Ken Ferrett

Councillor Sandra Stockdale

Councillor Colin Galloway

Councillor Luke Stubbs

Councillor Scott Harris

Councillor Julie Swan

Councillor Steve Hastings

Councillor Linda Symes

Councillor Hannah Hockaday

Councillor David Tompkins

Councillor Donna Jones

Councillor Steve Wemyss

Councillor Neill Young

 

The following members abstained:

 

Councillor Yahiya Chowdhury

Councillor Aiden Gray

 

The Liberal Democrat amendment to the Capital Programme was therefore LOST.

 

Upon the recommendations in Cabinet minute 6 - Capital Programme 2015/16 - 2020/21 being put to the vote, the following members were in favour:

 

Councillor Simon Bosher

Councillor Donna Jones

Councillor Jennie Brent

Councillor Ian Lyon

Councillor Ryan Brent

Councillor Lee Mason

Councillor Yahiya Chowdhury

Councillor Gemma New

Councillor Alicia Denny

Councillor Rob New

Councillor Ken Ellcome

Councillor Sandra Stockdale

Councillor Ken Ferrett

Councillor Luke Stubbs

Councillor Colin Galloway

Councillor Julie Swan

Councillor Aiden Gray

Councillor Linda Symes

Councillor Scott Harris

Councillor David Tompkins

Councillor Steve Hastings

Councillor Steve Wemyss

Councillor Hannah Hockaday

Councillor Neill Young

Councillor Frank Jonas

 

The following members voted against:

 

Councillor David Ashmore

Councillor Stuart Potter

Councillor Ben Dowling

Councillor Will Purvis

Councillor Margaret Foster

Councillor Darren Sanders

Councillor David Fuller

Councillor Phil Smith

Councillor Suzy Horton

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Councillor Lee Hunt

Councillor Matthew Winnington

Councillor Hugh Mason

Councillor Rob Wood

 

There were no abstentions.

 

The proposal to approve the Cabinet recommendations referred to in minute 6 was therefore CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED

 

(1)          That the following be approved in respect of the Council's Capital Programme:

 

1)         The Revised Capital Programme 2015/16 to 2020/21 attached as Appendix 1 which includes all additions, deletions and amendments for slippage and rephrasing described in Sections 6 and 8 be approved

 

2)         The S.151 Officer be given delegated authority to determine how each source of finance is used to fund the overall Capital Programme and to alter the overall mix of financing, as necessary, to maximise the flexibility of capital resources used and minimise the ongoing costs of borrowing to the Council

 

3)         That the S.151 Officer in consultation with the Leader of the Council be given delegated authority to release capital resources held back for any contingent items that might arise, and also for any match funding requirements that may be required of the City Council in order to secure additional external capital funding (e.g. bids for funding from Government or the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership)

 

4)         The following schemes as described in Section 9 and Appendix 2 be reflected within the recommended Capital Programme 2015/16 to 2020/21 and be financed from the available corporate capital resources:

 

Recommended New Capital Schemes

Corporate Resources Required

£

Total

Scheme

Value

£

Children & Education

 

 

 

School Conditions Project

725,000

750,000

 

Special Education Needs - Building Alterations

1,200,000

3,200,000

 

Secondary School Places Expansion 2016/17 - 2018/19 (Phase 1)

1,500,000

1,500,000

 

Secondary School Places Expansion 2019/20 - 20/21 (Phase 2)

1,800,000

1,800,000

Culture & Leisure

 

 

 

Round Tower Improvement Works

80,000

80,000

Environment & Community Safety

 

 

 

Southsea Coastal Flood Defence

1,250,000

82,063,000

Health & Social Care

 

 

 

Refurbishment of Hilsea Lodge Annexe

140,000

140,000

 

Reconfiguration of Corben Lodge

1,150,000

1,150,000

Housing

 

 

 

New Green & Clean Rest Areas

67,000

67,000

PRED

 

 

 

Public Realm Improvement By The Hard

300,000

300,000

 

Guildhall Investment (Match funding)

300,000

300,000

Resources

 

 

 

Landlord's Maintenance

1,100,000

1,100,000

 

Utilities' Management

983,000

1,233,000

Traffic & Transportation

 

 

 

LTP3

353,000

353,000

 

Traffic Signal Upgrade Packages

910,000

910,000

 

Eastern Road Waterbridge

1,060,000

1,800,000

Total Recommended Sum to be Approved

12,918,000

96,746,000

 

5)         The following schemes as described in Section 10 and Appendix 2 be approved as Invest To Save Schemes and funded from Prudential Borrowing (subject to the approval of a detailed financial appraisal by the S.151 Officer) up to the limit shown:

 

 

Prudential

Borrowing Required

£

Eastern Road New Build

1,723,000

Purchase of New Depot

2,200,000

Commercial Property Acquisition

60,000,000

Purchase of Linkspans Berths 3 and 4

8,700,000

Utilities' Management

250,000

Photovoltaic Cell Investment Fund

1,950,000

Total Recommended Sum to be Approved

74,823,000

 

6)         As described in Section 10, early years borrowing costs relating to the above schemes totalling £73,900 in 2016/17 and £179,900 in 2017/18 be funded from the MTRS reserve

 

7)         The following Schemes as described in Section 13 be included within the “Reserve List” of Capital Schemes to be considered once additional capital resources are identified

 

Future Priority Capital Schemes – Not in Priority Order

Secondary School Places 2018/19 to 2020/21

Special Educational Needs Re-modelling

School Condition (roofs, boilers, electrics, windows etc.)

Sea Defences

Enabling Transport Infrastructure match funding - City development

City Promotion & Inward Investment schemes

Landlords Repairs & Maintenance

Local Transport Plan - Road safety and traffic improvement schemes

 

8)         The Prudential Indicators described in Section 14 and set out in Appendix 3 be approved.

 

(2)       That the following be noted in respect of the Council's Capital Programme:

 

1)            That the capital resources proposed to be allocated include £1.5m of funding from Revenue as recommended in the "Budget and Council Tax 2016/17 & Medium Term Budget Forecast 2017/18 to 2019/20" report contained elsewhere on the agenda. In the event that this funding is not approved, schemes with Corporate Capital Resources amounting to £1.5m will be required to be removed from the new schemes starting in 2016/17 detailed in Appendix 2

 

2)            The passported Capital Allocations (Ring-fenced Grants) as set out in Section 7

 

3)            As outlined in Section 12 and Appendix 2 the use of The Parking Reserve to fund the refurbishment of Isambard Brunel Car Park at a cost of £450,000

 

4)            The City Council note that Prudential Borrowing can only be used as a source of capital finance for Invest to Save Schemes as described in Section 14.



[1] Council Tax increases beyond the referendum threshold can only be implemented following a "Yes" vote in a local referendum

[2] Including the transfer into the reserve of £1.5m contained with the recommendations in this report and the transfer out of the reserve of £0.3m as described in the Capital Programme 2015/16 to 2020/21 report contained elsewhere on this agenda

[3] Including the Collection Fund deficit of £311,600 and excluding the "Top Up" grant from Government of £4,503,001.

11.

Licensing Committee Recommendation from its meeting held on 15 January 2016 pdf icon PDF 5 KB

To receive and consider the attached recommendations of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 15 January, the report of which is also attached.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Minute 5 - Licensing Act 2003 - Statement of Licensing Policy 2016 - 2021 - Approval of interim measures

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Julie Swan

Seconded by Councillor Lee Mason

 

That the Licensing Policy Committee recommendation from its meeting held on 15 January 2016 be approved.

 

As an amendment it was

 

Proposed by Councillor Hannah Hockaday

Seconded by Councillor Gemma New

 

To amend the "with effect" date of the interim measures to 9 February 2016.  To therefore read

 

RESOLVED that the Licensing Committee recommend to Full Council that it

adopts the existing Statement of Licensing Policy with effect from 9 February

2016 as an interim measure pending the Council making a final decision on

the outcome of the review and consultation on the Statement of Licensing

Policy for the period 2016 until 2021.

 

The amendment to the recommendations was accepted by the mover of the original proposal.  Upon the substantive proposal being put to the vote this was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that full council adopts the existing statement of licensing policy with effect from 9 February 2016 as an interim measure pending the council making a final decision on the outcome of the review and consultation on the statement of licensing policy for the period 2016 until 2021.

12.

Notices of Motion

(a)          Cancelled Meetings

 

Proposed by Councillor Matthew Winnington

Seconded by Councillor Ben Dowling

 

This Council regrets the cancellation of Full Council, Cabinet, Health and Social Care & Culture and Leisure decision making meetings in January. The meetings were all cancelled for 'lack of urgent business' but with local people having immediate important issues they want addressing at Full Council, Cabinet, Health and Social Care & Culture and Leisure meetings it has given the impression that the cancellation of the meetings is a way of ignoring their concerns and stopping them having a say.

 

This council urges Governance and Audit and Standards Committee to consider an amendment to Standing Orders to require the administration to ensure that all parties on the council are consulted in future before cancellation of any further decision making meetings (following best practice from the likes of the Housing cabinet member and others) and that when 'urgent business' is considered that petitions and other pressing questions and issues from local residents are included in that definition.

 

(b)          Proposed by Councillor Darren Sanders

Seconded by Councillor Hugh Mason

 

Council notes the proposal by Govia Thameslink to introduce driver-only trains on services operated by Southern into Portsmouth and elsewhere.

 

Council agrees with the Commons Transport Committee which said in 2013 that proposals to cut staff on trains 'could make the railway less safe, particularly at night, and deter women and vulnerable users from travelling by train'.

 

Council supports the RMT's campaign to retain conductors and guards on these long-distance trains and recognises the problems it could create for Portsmouth residents. It asks the Cabinet Member for Transport to write to the CEO of Southern's parent company requesting that this decision be reversed.

Minutes:

(a)          Cancelled Meetings

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Matthew Winnington

Seconded by Councillor Ben Dowling

 

That this notice of motion be debated today.

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Donna Jones

Seconded by Councillor Simon Bosher

 

That the notice of motion (a) - Cancelled Meetings be not debated today but be referred to the Governance & Audit & Standards Committee. 

 

On being put to the vote this was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that the notice of motion (a) be not debated today but be referred to the Governance & Audit & Standards Committee.

 

(b)          Driver-only Trains

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Darren Sanders

Seconded by Councillor Hugh Mason

 

That notice of motion (b) as set out on the agenda be debated today.

 

Upon being put to the vote this was CARRIED.

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Darren Sanders

Seconded by Councillor Hugh Mason

 

That the Council notes the proposal by Govia Thameslink to introduce driver-only trains on services operated by Southern into Portsmouth and elsewhere.

 

Council agrees with the Commons Transport Committee which said in 2013 that proposals to cut staff on trains 'could make the railway less safe, particularly at night, and deter women and vulnerable users from travelling by train'.

 

Council supports the RMT's campaign to retain conductors and guards on these long-distance trains and recognises the problems it could create for Portsmouth residents. It asks the Cabinet Member for Transport to write to the CEO of Southern's parent company requesting that this decision be reversed.

 

As an amendment it was

 

Proposed by Councillor Steve Wemyss

Seconded by Councillor Julie Swan

 

Delete all after "Council notes" in the first paragraph and add

 

" that Govia Thames Link were awarded a franchise for running services that included Southern Railway back in May 2014. At the same time they were also awarded the franchise for both ThamesLink and Great Northern. On some parts of their network they have since started using trains with driver only operation."

 

Delete and replace paragraph 2 with

 

"It is understandable that some passengers may feel less safe when travelling on such trains, especially at night, should driver only operation be extended to Portsmouth routes that could affect our residents."

 

Delete the first sentence in paragraph 3.

 

In para 3, 2nd sentence, delete and replace "It asks" with "This council therefore requests" and delete and replace "requesting that this decision be reversed." with "expressing our concern that passengers who do not feel safe may be deterred from using his company's services, and to ask how his company will address those concerns."

 

Upon being put to the vote the amendment standing in the name of Councillor Steve Wemyss was CARRIED.  Upon the substantive notice of motion being put to the vote this was unanimously CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that council notes that Govia Thames Link were awarded a franchise for running services that included Southern Railway back in May 2014. At the same time they were also awarded the franchise for both ThamesLink and Great Northern. On some parts of their network they have since started using trains with driver only operation.

 

It is understandable that some passengers may feel less safe when travelling on such trains, especially at night, should driver only operation be extended to Portsmouth routes that could affect our residents.

 

This council therefore requests the cabinet member for Transport to write to the CEO of Southern's parent company expressing our concern that passengers who do not feel safe may be deterred from using his company's services, and to ask how his company will address those concerns.

13.

Questions from Members under Standing Order No 17. pdf icon PDF 79 KB

Minutes:

There were three questions before Council,

 

Question No 1 was from Councillor Colin Galloway

 

"At our meeting of 13 October 2015 I withdrew my question to the Governance and Audit Standards Committee concerning an update of the full costing details of the progress at moving towards a more open and transparent committee system of governance. Having allowed sufficient time for such a report to be prepared, may I now ask the Chair of the Governance and Audit and Standards Committee to advise this Chamber accordingly?"

 

This and supplementary questions were answered by Councillor Bosher, Chair of Governance and Audit and Standards Committee.

 

Question No. 2 was from Councillor Matthew Winnington to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Donna Jones

 

"Would the Leader of the Council take this opportunity to apologise to the members of the Friends of Cumberland House for laughing out loud at the suggestion that the cut of their Development Officer post might lead to some of them stopping volunteering due to the perceived lack of support from this administration for Cumberland House Natural History Museum?"

 

This and supplementary questions were answered by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Donna Jones.

 

Question No. 3 was from Councillor Colin Galloway

"Will the Leader please tell this Chamber what actions are being taken to remove and discourage the occupation of shop doorways in Commercial Road particularly, by vagrants and presumably homeless people?"

 

This and supplementary questions were answered by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Donna Jones.