Agenda and minutes

Councillor Lee Mason and Councillor Linda Symes would leave the Chamber for agenda item 15 a).

 

The following declarations of interest were made in respect of agenda Item 15 a)

Cllr Rob Wood declared an interest as a member of the Council of friends of the Royal Naval Museum which is situated in the Trust but received advice from the City Solicitor that his interest was not such as to require him to leave the Chamber.

 

Cllr Jones declared a possible pecuniary interest as a trustee of the Warrior, as we are a sub-tenant of the person who has the overarching lease of the Historic dockyard the PNBPT, appointed by the Council.  The City Solicitor advised that this was a Council appointment so it was not necessary for her to leave the Chamber.

 

Cllr Stagg declared a personal non-prejudicial interest as a trustee of the Mary Rose Museum which was not a council appointment and there is no money involved.

 

Cllr Pitt declared a personal non-prejudicial interest as he used to employ two of the children of Peter Goodship  (who is the Chair of PNBPT).

 

The City Solicitor explained that the item was about the Naval Base Property Trust improving its working relations with separate charities operating from the dockyard and to be more accountable for its actions especially bearing in mind its public funding.  Asking for better working relationships in his view meant that financial interests do not come in to play. Therefore his advice to councillors who had declared interests was that they could remain in the Chamber for this item.

 

 

·         the Annual Council meeting held on 17 May 2016;

·         the Adjourned Council meeting held on 17 May 2016.

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Donna Jones

Seconded by Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

 

That the minutes of the annual council meeting held on 17 May 2016 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the annual council and the adjourned council meeting held on 17 May 2016 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Chowdhury and Ellcome.  Apologies for lateness were received on behalf of Councillor Lee Mason who was detained on other Council business. 

The Lord Mayor advised that a copy of a letter concerning shared senior management arrangements with Gosport Borough Council had been circulated to members for information.  The Lord Mayor also congratulated Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson on receiving the award of Commander of the British Empire - CBE.

The City Solicitor advised that four deputation requests had been received, all in respect of item 15(d) - The Lodge.  In view of the number of speakers their respective speaking time allocations had been adjusted in consultation with those concerned.  Mr Mark Lewis, Mr David Wade, Mr Richard Measey and Ms Pat Arnold each made deputations in support of agenda item 15(d) - The Lodge.

 

The City Solicitor thanked members of the public for their deputations.

The City Solicitor advised that there was one question from the public for today's meeting as circulated with the council agenda.  Mrs Curd was then asked to put her question regarding the maintenance of Grafton Street to council.

The question asked was not that on the order paper but was answered by Councillor Wemyss.

 

The Lord Mayor advised that he had been notified of the proposed appointment of Councillor Steve Hastings as vice-chair of the Economic Development, Culture & Leisure Scrutiny Panel in place of Councillor Scott Harris who would replace Councillor Hastings as a standing deputy on that panel.

 

RESOLVED that Councillor Steve Hastings be appointed as a full member and vice-chair of the Economic Development, Culture & Leisure Scrutiny Panel in place of Councillor Scott Harris who would become a standing deputy on that panel.

The Lord Mayor advised that there was no urgent business.

Minute 17 - Notice of Motion Referral - Consultation

 

This was opposed.

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Donna Jones

Seconded by Councillor Jim Fleming

 

That the following response statement be adopted.

 

"The City Council places great importance on consultations particularly by partner agencies such as Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority. The City Council encourages all of its members, councillors and partners to partake in any consultation in the city. However the City Council does fully respect our partners' position when they are carrying out their own consultation. We do not believe that it is right and proper for the Council to form a position but such that the 42 individual members of the council should form their own individual opinions and formally consult and reply to the consultation as they so wish."

 

Following debate, a recorded vote on the Cabinet response was requested by eight members standing. 

The following members voted in favour of adopting the Cabinet response.

 

Simon Bosher	Donna Jones
Jennie Brent	Ian Lyon
Ryan Brent	Lee Mason
John Ferrett	Stephen Morgan
Jim Fleming	Gemma New
Colin Galloway	Rob New
Paul Godier	Luke Stubbs
Scott Harris	Linda Symes
Steve Hastings	Ian Tompkins
Hannah Hockaday	Steve Wemyss
Frank Jonas	Neill Young

 

The following members voted against

 

David Ashmore	Will Purvis
Ben Dowling	Darren Sanders
Suzy Horton	Lynne Stagg
Lee Hunt	Gerald Vernon-Jackson
Leo Madden	Matthew Winnington
Hugh Mason	Rob Wood
Steve Pitt	Tom Wood

 

The following members abstained

 

Alicia Denny

Stuart Potter

 

RESOLVED that the Cabinet response be approved.

 

The following minutes were approved unopposed.

 

Minute 23 - Approval of UK Municipal Bond Agency's Framework Agreement

Minute 32 - Safer Portsmouth Partnership Plan 2016

The following minute was opposed

 

Minute 31 - Cancelled Meetings - Notice of Motion Referral

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Ian Lyon

Seconded by Councillor Scott Harris

 

That the recommendations contained in minute 31 - Cancelled Meetings - Notion of Motion Referral be approved.

 

Following debate upon being put to the vote this was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that whilst the standing order is deemed sufficient, a footnote should be added to state that as a matter of best practice, the Lord Mayor should notify all group leaders of his/her intention to cancel a full council meeting before formal notice is communicated to all other members and made known to the general public.

 

The following minute was approved unopposed.

 

Minute 34 - Appointment of Independent Persons

 

The following minute was opposed.

 

Minute 38 - Proposed Amendments to the Arrangements for the Assessment, Consideration and Investigation of Complaints against Councillors

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Ian Lyon

Seconded by Councillor Scott Harris

 

That the minute be not moved but be referred back to Governance & Audit and Standards Committee under Standing Order 40(e).

 

Upon being put to the vote this was unanimously CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that the report be referred back to Governance & Audit and Standards Committee without moving the recommendations under Standing Order 40(e).

 

To receive and consider the attached report of the Scrutiny Management Panel held on 8 July 2016 (recommendations to follow).

The following minute was opposed.

 

Minute 8 - Update on Reviews undertaken by the themed scrutiny panels

 

It was

Proposed by Councillor Simon Bosher

Seconded by Councillor Ian Lyon

 

That the recommendations contained in  Minute 8 -Update on Reviews undertaken by the themed scrutiny panels be approved.

 

The chair of the Scrutiny Management Panel, Councillor Simon Bosher explained that he had opposed the minute in order to speak to it.  He wished to place on record his thanks to all members of the scrutiny panels and all those who had contributed to the reviews and who had supported the work of the panels, including members of the public.  He said there had been some very constructive meetings and wished to place on record thanks to all concerned.

 

RESOLVED that the recommendations in Minute 8 - Update on Reviews undertaken by the themed scrutiny panels be approved.

(a)          Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust

 

Proposed by Councillor Alicia Denny

Seconded by Councillor Colin Galloway

 

The city council is aware of the huge contribution which Portsmouth Historic Dockyard makes to the city, both in terms of its maintenance of the Royal Navy's heritage and drawing tourists to view its magnificent attractions, and wishes this to be continued and expanded.

 

However, this charitable property company was formed in 1986 between the Ministry of Defence and Portsmouth City Council. Out of 12 trustees, the city council now has only two representatives rather than the six which would be equitable. As councillors, these two members have some accountability to the council but the other trustees are responsible to no one apart from the Charity Commission.

 

Where the property trust leases premises within the Historic Dockyard to charities, such as HMS Warrior and the International Boatbuilding Training College, these subsidiary organisations can be put in difficult financial and practical situations due to the approach taken by the landlord.

 

The City Council requests the Leader of the council to write to the Charity Commission asking whether it is willing to facilitate action to force the property trust to revisit its constitution to increase its representation of city councillors, improve its working relations with the separate charities operating with the Historic Dockyard and to be more accountable for its actions, especially bearing it mind its vast amount of public funding. 

 

(b)          Proposed by Councillor Ben Dowling

Seconded by Councillor Hugh Mason

 

"We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Portsmouth City Council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally and believe such attitudes and actions have no place in our city. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

 

We ask the council's Cabinet to ensure local bodies and programmes have the support and resources needed to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

 

Portsmouth City Council would like to reassure all people living in Portsmouth that they are valued members of our community."

 

(c)          Moving the Yomper

 

Proposed by Councillor Jennie Brent

Seconded by Councillor Luke Stubbs

 

The National Museum of the Royal Navy plans to centralise Portsmouth's military museums in the Dockyard and as a result that the Marines' Museum is due to vacate its current home by 2019.

 

The Yomper statue has graced Southsea seafront for many years, serving as a reminder of both the Falklands War and of the Marines' historical association with Eastney.

 

No decision has been made about where the Yomper will be sited once the museum moves, however council feels it must put on record its opposition to it being removed from the seafront. It therefore resolves to direct the Chief Executive to write to the Director General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy to seek assurances there will be extensive consultation before any relocation and to express a clear preference that the statue remain as it is.

 

(d)          The Lodge

 

Proposed by Councillor Steve Pitt

Seconded by Councillor Darren Sanders

 

This Council recognises the valuable contribution made by Art & Soul Traders to the cultural and community life of our city and also their restoration of The Lodge in Victoria Park.

 

After a robust and ultimately successful dialogue in 2012, a new agreement was reached between this Council and the operators, to secure their future, which has resulted in both increased income for the Council and extra flexibility for the operators, who have continued to thrive.

 

The Council therefore supports, in principle, the continuation of the lease for Art & Soul Traders as tenants of The Lodge and asks the Cabinet Member for PRED to ensure that happens.

 

The Lord Mayor advised that there were four notices of motion before council today.

 

(a)          Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust

 

Councillor Lee Mason and Linda Symes left the chamber for this item.

 

The City Solicitor advised Councillors Rob Wood, Donna Jones, Steve Pitt and Lynne Stagg that the interests they declared were noted but were not prejudicial. 

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Alicia Denny

Seconded by Councillor Colin Galloway

 

That this matter be debated today.

 

Upon being put to the vote this was CARRIED.

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Alicia Denny

Seconded by Councillor Colin Galloway

 

That notice of motion (a) as set out on the agenda be adopted.

 

Following debate, upon being put to the vote, this was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that the following Notice of Motion be adopted

 

"The city council is aware of the huge contribution which Portsmouth Historic Dockyard makes to the city, both in terms of its maintenance of the Royal Navy's heritage and drawing tourists to view its magnificent attractions, and wishes this to be continued and expanded.

 

However, this charitable property company was formed in 1986 between the Ministry of Defence and Portsmouth City Council. Out of 12 trustees, the city council now has only two representatives rather than the six which would be equitable. As councillors, these two members have some accountability to the council but the other trustees are responsible to no one apart from the Charity Commission.

 

Where the property trust leases premises within the Historic Dockyard to charities, such as HMS Warrior and the International Boatbuilding Training College, these subsidiary organisations can be put in difficult financial and practical situations due to the approach taken by the landlord.

 

The City Council requests the Leader of the council to write to the Charity Commission asking whether it is willing to facilitate action to force the property trust to revisit its constitution to increase its representation of city councillors, improve its working relations with the separate charities operating with the Historic Dockyard and to be more accountable for its actions, especially bearing in mind its vast amount of public funding."

 

Council adjourned at 4.15 pm.

 

Council resumed at 4.30 pm.

 

(b)          It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Ben Dowling

Seconded by Councillor Hugh Mason

 

That notice of motion (b) be debated today.

 

Upon being put to the vote this was CARRIED unanimously.

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Ben Dowling

Seconded by Councillor Hugh Mason

 

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

 

Following debate, upon being put to the vote, this was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that the following Notice of Motion be adopted

 

"We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society.  Portsmouth City Council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally and believe such attitudes and actions have no place in our city.  We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

 

We ask the council's Cabinet to ensure local bodies and programmes have the support and resources needed to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

 

Portsmouth City Council would like to reassure all people living in Portsmouth that they are valued members of our community."

 

(c)          Moving the Yomper

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Jennie Brent

Seconded by Councillor Luke Stubbs

 

That this notice of motion be debated today.

 

Upon being put to the vote this was CARRIED.

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Jennie Brent

Seconded by Councillor Luke Stubbs

 

That notice of motion (c) as set out on the agenda be adopted.

 

As an amendment it was

 

Proposed by Councillor Matthew Winnington

Seconded by Councillor Hugh Mason

 

To Place "royal" before the words "marines" in each paragraph.

 

Delete third paragraph and replace with.

 

'This council recognises the hard work that local Eastney residents have done to campaign against the Yomper statue being moved and that a petition to keep the statue where it is has been signed by over 1850 people. The campaign to keep the Yomper at Eastney Barracks has also been backed by its sculptor Philip Jackson who has said that it was designed and made for its iconic location. The council also notes the suggestion from local residents to crowdfund for a replica to be placed in the new museum if that will help keep the Yomper where it is.

 

Portsmouth City Council therefore resolves to direct the Chief Executive to write to the Director General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy to seek assurances there will be extensive consultation before any relocation and to express that the will of this City Council, on behalf of its residents, is that the statue remain as it is in Eastney.'

 

The mover of the original motion, Councillor Jennie Brent agreed to accept the amendment in the name of Councillor Winnington as part of the notice of motion.  Upon the substantive notice of motion incorporating the amendment being put to the vote, this was unanimously CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED that the following Notice of Motion be adopted

 

"The National Museum of the Royal Navy plans to centralise Portsmouth's military museums in the Dockyard and as a result that the Royal Marines' Museum is due to vacate its current home by 2019.

 

The Yomper statue has graced Southsea seafront for many years, serving as a reminder of both the Falklands War and of the Royal Marines' historical association with Eastney.

 

This council recognises the hard work that local Eastney residents have done to campaign against the Yomper statue being moved and that a petition to keep the statue where it is has been signed by over 1850 people. The campaign to keep the Yomper at Eastney Barracks has also been backed by its sculptor Philip Jackson who has said that it was designed and made for its iconic location. The council also notes the suggestion from local residents to crowdfund for a replica to be placed in the new museum if that will help keep the Yomper where it is.

 

Portsmouth City Council therefore resolves to direct the Chief Executive to write to the Director General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy to seek assurances there will be extensive consultation before any relocation and to express that the will of this City Council, on behalf of its residents, is that the statue remain as it is in Eastney.

 

(d)          The Lodge

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Steve Pitt

Seconded by Councillor Darren Sanders

 

That this notice of motion be debated today.

 

Upon being put to the vote this was CARRIED.

 

It was

 

Proposed by Councillor Steve Pitt

Seconded by Councillor Darren Sanders

 

That notice of motion (d) as set out on the agenda be adopted.

 

As an amendment it was

 

Proposed by Councillor Lynne Stagg

Seconded by Councillor Tom Wood

 

To amend the last paragraph to replace "asks" with "requests" and also replace "ensure that happens" with "consider accordingly".

 

The proposer of the original motion, Councillor Steve Pitt agreed to subsume the amendment into the notice of motion put forward by him.  Following some debate it was

 

Proposed by Councillor Hugh Mason

Seconded by Councillor Leo Madden

 

That the meeting be adjourned under Standing Order 40(m) to help facilitate proceedings.

Upon being put to the vote this was CARRIED.

 

Council adjourned at 6.35 pm.

 

Council resumed at 6.50 pm.

 

Following further debate, the substantive notice of motion (d) including the amendment proposed by Councillor Stagg was put to the vote.  This was CARRIED unanimously.

 

RESOLVED that the following Notice of Motion incorporating the amendment be adopted

 

"This Council recognises the valuable contribution made by Art & Soul Traders to the cultural and community life of our city and also their restoration of The Lodge in Victoria Park.

 

After a robust and ultimately successful dialogue in 2012, a new agreement was reached between this Council and the operators, to secure their future, which has resulted in both increased income for the Council and extra flexibility for the operators, who have continued to thrive.

 

The Council therefore supports, in principle, the continuation of the lease for Art & Soul Traders as tenants of The Lodge and requests the Cabinet Member for PRED to consider accordingly."

There were three questions before council.

 

Question No 1 was from Councillor Colin Galloway

 

"Members have recently moved into their newly allocated offices which offer, for some, a degree of improvement over the previous member's rooms, however, such a move must have incurred considerable costs. Is the Leader able to advise us of those costs and also explain how this move will benefit the Council?"

 

This was answered by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Donna Jones.

 

Question No 2 was from Councillor Alicia Denny to the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport

 

"Can the cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport tell us what she is doing to recognise the achievements of pioneering woman scientist Hertha Marks Ayrton, who the creators of Google Doodles know about but of whom the citizens of her native city know little or nothing?"

 

This and supplementary questions were answered by the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, Councillor Linda Symes.

 

Question No 3 was from Councillor Winnington but as the matter had already been debated during notice of motion (c), he did not wish to put the question.