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Agenda

Agenda

Venue: Remote meeting

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

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Declaration of Members' Interests

2.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 19 May 2020 pdf icon PDF 354 KB

Additional documents:

3.

To receive such communications as the Lord Mayor may desire to lay before the Council, including apologies for absence

4.

Deputations from the Public under Standing Order No 24

5.

Questions from the Public under Standing Order 25 pdf icon PDF 210 KB

Questions received are attached and will be read out at the meeting, with an oral response given by the Cabinet member.

6.

Appointments

7.

Petition - Title "Accessible Beach 4 Pompey" pdf icon PDF 178 KB

Statement "Improve Eastney Beach by making it fully and easily accessible to people of all ages and abilities"

 

The Council’s rules state that if the petition contains more than 1000 signatures (as it does) 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, (which it has not). Consequently 500 signatures was the requisite threshold on this occasion. 

 

1.            The petition organiser, Mr John Cullen, will be given six minutes to present the petition to the meeting,

 

2.            Followed by any written public deputations received on this item (to be read out).

 

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.        

8.

Petition - Title Make Portsmouth Streets Safe pdf icon PDF 297 KB

We call upon Portsmouth City Council to create an immediate network of safe streets throughout the city so residents can walk, cycle, wheel and shop safely, whilst keeping 2m apart.

 

Traffic levels are rising fast, and whilst the Council's 'quick win' proposals are very welcome, they don't go far enough

 

Therefore we ask that they immediately use 'pop-up' measures to:

 

1.            Widen narrow pavements in busy streets so that people can keep 2 metres apart whilst walking, queuing, etc.

 

2.            Create a network of roads throughout the city with cycle and pedestrian priority

 

3.            Create commuter cycle routes to allow people who usually travel by public transport to get quickly and safely to work by bike.

 

These changes need to happen quickly, and as Croydon, Manchester, Brighton and other cities have shown they can be put in place using low cost ‘pop up’ measures such as footway extension, thermoplastic tape, bollards and planters.

 

The alternative- going back to normal levels of traffic- would mean dangerous roads for cyclists, polluted air for families, severe congestion for motorists and crowded pavements that are impossible to socially distance on.

 

We have a short window of opportunity to keep cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users safe: let's make it happen."

 

The Council’s rules state that if the petition contains more than 1000 signatures (as it does) 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, (which it has not). Consequently 500 signatures was the requisite threshold on this occasion. 

.

1.            The petition organiser, Dr Jonathan Lake, will be given six minutes to present the petition to the meeting,

 

2.            Followed by any written public deputations received on this item (to be read out) _.

 

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.

9.

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

10.

Recommendations from the Cabinet Meeting held on 14 July 2020 pdf icon PDF 152 KB

To receive and consider the attached report from Cabinet held on 14 July (recommendations to follow).

Additional documents:

11.

UK Municipal Bonds Agency Framework Agreement pdf icon PDF 233 KB

To receive and consider the attached report from Cabinet held on 14 July (recommendations to follow).

Additional documents:

12.

Recommendations from the Governance & Audit and Standards Committee Meeting held on 3 March 2020 pdf icon PDF 120 KB

To receive and consider the attached report and recommendation from Governance and Audit and Standards Committee held on 3 March.

Additional documents:

13.

Political Proportionality Review on Committees and Panels pdf icon PDF 375 KB

To receive and consider the attached report from the Chief Executive.

Additional documents:

14.

Urgent decision by the Chief Executive - Use of Standing Order 58 to temporarily extend licensing delegations pdf icon PDF 174 KB

To note the attached Decision.

Additional documents:

15.

Urgent Decision by the Chief Executive - Use of Standing Order 58 to Adopt Model Standing Orders pdf icon PDF 201 KB

To note the attached Decision.

Notices of Motion: Process information

Standing Order (32(d)) requires a vote by members before each motion to determine whether or not the motion is to be debated at the meeting or stand referred to the Cabinet or relevant Committee (including Scrutiny) to report back to a future meeting.

16.

Notices of Motion

16a

Central Police Station

Proposed by Councillor Hugh Mason

Seconded by Councillor Matthew Winnington

 

Central Police Station in Winston Churchill Avenue is earmarked for closure & disposal. The Council calls on Hampshire Police & Crime Commissioner to reopen Central Police station with its public counter; if this proves not to be possible, then to open a police public counter in the vicinity of this current location.

16b

Carbon reduction pdf icon PDF 181 KB

Proposed by Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Seconded by Councillor Hugh Mason 

 

The City Council recognises that to achieve Carbon neutral status by 2045 will be a major endeavour, but one that is needed if we are to confront the climate emergency.

 

The City Council therefore commits to using the emerging Portsmouth Local Plan to push for the highest standards of environmental enhancements that the Government will allow. So that all new build properties in Portsmouth will have:

 

Solar Panels to reduce fossil fuel energy use

The highest levels of insulation in roof spaces and walls

Double glazing throughout.

 

The City Council asks the Cabinet to look at how to make sure that the maximum number of homes benefit from higher environmental standards, any property where there is a change to the roof would have to install solar panels and the highest levels of insulation in roof spaces.

 

The City Council will also lobby the Government to provide funding and the powers to retrofit solar panels and better insulation to all properties in Portsmouth.

Additional documents:

16c

Thank You During the Coronavirus Lockdown pdf icon PDF 283 KB

Proposed by Councillor Darren Sanders

Seconded by Councillor Steve Pitt

 

Council formally thanks the people of this city for the sacrifices so many of them have made during the coronavirus lockdown.

 

It also wishes to thank the many people across our city who have worked hard to keep us all safe and, in so many cases, alive. These include:

 

1.         NHS and care workers

2.         Refuse collectors and delivery drivers

3.         Cleaners and gardeners

4.         People in newsagents, pharmacies and other essential shops

5.         Those who have been looking after the homeless

 

Council also wishes to thank the many mutual aid organisations - whether of neighbours, friends, relatives or brought together by social media - whose volunteering efforts have brought hope to so many.

 

In particular, Council wishes to congratulate the HIVE for its work co-ordinating hundreds of volunteers to bring a friendly call, vital food or essential medical supplies, as well as the many organisations that have helped it do that.

 

Council recognises this is a crisis with no clear ending. However, it does want this city to be greener, fairer and kinder once it is. To that end, it recommends the following:

 

1.            That the Cabinet lobbies Government to ensure frontline workers get an appropriate reward for their work.

 

2.            To request the Cabinet to ask the people of the city and council staff to nominate people for a special, independently-judged Coronavirus Civic Award to recognise those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty at this time. Such an award will be given with the other Civic Awards at the 2021 AGM.

 

3.            To request the Cabinet to Work on plans, in line with the City Vision, to deliver a kinder, fairer and greener city that seeks to harness the efforts of all the volunteers who have come forward to help the vulnerable during this pandemic.

16d

Sustainable Travel in Portsmouth pdf icon PDF 281 KB

Proposed by Councillor Graham Heaney

Seconded by Councillor George Fielding

 

The city urgently needs a more sustainable transport system to meet both its carbon reduction and air quality targets. Road transport is now the largest source of emissions locally and air quality is still harmful in many areas of the city.

 

In March 2019 The City Council unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

 

During the Coronavirus Pandemic we have seen significant increases in walking and cycling in the city. The requirement for social distancing to continue, especially on public transport, will require giving greater priority for cycling and walking on our streets.

 

Recently Lord Deben, Chair of the Committee on Climate Change said

 

“We have to do this as rapidly as possible. What we do not want is lots of good-hearted statements about beginning policies- what we need to do is seize the opportunity”.

 

We welcome the initial proposals put forward for funding from the Emergency Active Travel Scheme as a useful start including the seafront road closures, Charlotte Street, Isambard Brunel Road and Guildhall Walk, the Eastern Parade temporary Toucan Crossings, pop-up segregated cycle lanes in Ordnance Row and Elm Grove, Changing Landguard Road/Reginald Road/Maxwell Road/Tredegar Road - into one way streets with contraflow cycling, and filtered permeability (Stopping cars using it as a through route) in Castle Road and Canal Walk. However we will need to be more ambitious to build back a better future with a truly sustainable transport system for our city.

 

The Pompey Street Space Campaign has got significant support across the city from groups and individuals and has recently been asking for the council to do more. We support the Pompey Street Space Campaign and their three requests and call on the Cabinet to consider agreeing them. They are;

 

-       To widen narrow pavements in busy streets so that people can keep the appropriate distance whilst walking and queuing,

 

-       To create a joined up network of roads throughout the city that give priority to cyclists and pedestrians.

 

-       To create commuter cycle routes that enable residents, from all areas of the city, to travel to work quickly and safely by bike

 

We also call on the Cabinet to consider agreeing;

 

That all bids for funding relating to city development should include measures that prioritise walking and cycling.

 

That proposals for the second tranche of funding for the Emergency Active Travel Scheme should support the three requests of the Pompey Street Space Campaign.

Additional documents:

16e

Youth Services pdf icon PDF 283 KB

Proposed by Councillor Tom Coles

Seconded by Councillor George Fielding

 

Since 2010, the government has slashed £1 billion from Youth Services nationally. In Portsmouth, there has been a significant reduction in youth provision. Youth Clubs exist in Portsea, Buckland, Somerstown and Paulsgrove/Wymering; there used to be additional provision but this has been cut in recent years having an impact on community wellbeing and cohesion.

 

You are only young once. Our Young People deserve much better than this. What is needed is money and resources to put support back into our communities, enabling Portsmouth City Council to work with young people to build a system whereby they are safe and secure in the modern world, treated fairly, supported in the present, and ambitious for their future:

 

        Skilled and equipped to learn and earn

        Positive health and wellbeing

        Active members of their communities

        Happy and confident in their future

 

To achieve this vision, we as a Council need to be able to provide long–term, stable funding for youth services to ensure all young people have access to high quality youth work provision that matches their needs and the main purpose of youth services provided should be to provide non-formal education through personal and social development and citizenship.

 

Therefore:

 

1)            This Council notes that, in order to provide for those in the city aged between 10 and 19, Youth Services funding needs to be reviewed and increased.

 

2)            This Council believes that, like Social Care and Education, Youth Services should be a statutory service of local government and that the Government should be encouraged to make it so.

 

3)            This Council believes that Youth Services budgets should be protected, and that the Government should make Youth Services a statutory function of local government in order to protect funding for services for young people.

 

4)            This Council requests the Cabinetto protect and increase Youth Services funding within the annual budget as much as possible.

 

5)            This Council asksall Group Leaders to write to the Government to request Youth Services is re-categorised as a statutory service and funding is increased and ring-fenced in future budgets.

16f

Fair pay for staff in council services pdf icon PDF 182 KB

Proposed by Councillor Cal Corkery

Seconded by Councillor Tom Coles

 

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, staff working in council services have played a vital role in supporting our communities through these incredibly challenging times. The efforts of those working in essential services have been remarkable and must be recognised as such through meaningful action.

 

A proposal for council staff to receive a one-off bonus of £500 each had been put to the cross party Local Government Association (LGA) resources board who agreed to lobby government for the necessary funding to make it happen. However this decision was then effectively overturned by the LGA Executive Advisory Board.  It is believed that council staff fully deserve a financial bonus for their efforts in recent months and call on the LGA to lobby government to fund this. Portsmouth City Council directly employed staff currently receive at least the Living Wage as defined by the Living Wage Foundation, however many staff in outsourced or commissioned council services do not. In order to become an accredited Living Wage employer the local authority must pay all directly employed staff the Living Wage and have a plan to ensure that staff in outsourced services also receive at least this rate.

 

The current round of local government pay negotiations remains unresolved and the most recent employers' offer of 2.75% doesn't go anywhere near far enough recognising the contributions of council staff to dealing with pandemic. Nor does the offer come close enough to making up the average 22% real terms reduction in the earnings of the lowest paid since 2010. Trade union members are right to reject this paltry offer which fails to fairly reward hard working council staff. Employers should reconsider their position and lobby for an increased pay deal funded by central government.

 

The local authority has a responsibility to ensure staff in council services are fairly treated and properly rewarded for their efforts. Given the exceptional contributions made by public service workers over the past few months this is a responsibility which we must take even more seriously.

 

Full Council therefore resolves:

 

1.            To publicly place on record our appreciation of the role that staff in council services, and their trade unions, have played in dealing with the impact of the pandemic.

 

2.            To request the Chief Executive write a public letter on behalf of the local authority to the LGA Executive Advisory Board expressing dismay at their decision not to lobby for cash to provide special payments to staff as a result of COVID-19 and ask they reconsider this position.

 

3.            To ask the Cabinet to sign the council up to become a Living Wage employer as accredited by the Living Wage Foundation.

16g

Black Lives Matter pdf icon PDF 185 KB

Proposed by Councillor Tom Wood

Seconded by Councillor Will Purvis

 

Council condemns the senseless torture and murder of George Floyd.

 

Council notes that the death of George Floyd in the USA has attracted significant international attention and peaceful protest, as yet another tragic example of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities being treated as if their lives matter less.

 

From our Government's deportation of the Windrush generation who came to rebuild this country after WWII, to the persecution of Yazidi Christians in the Middle East and Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, to the killing in Charlottesville, the dream that all lives matter rings hollow for many.

 

Council believes that black lives matter, and resolves to send a message of solidarity and support to those who have attended Portsmouth's home grown Black Lives Matter peaceful protests, in recognition of the importance of peaceful protest against racial injustice, racist violence, and abuse of power, and in recognition that in Portsmouth, the right to life, liberty, and justice of every citizen is precious, and that we all have a role in upholding and defending these rights. 

 

In particular Council condemns the actions of President Trump in deploying violence against peaceful protests against police brutality in numerous US cities.

 

Council resolves to support calls for the Department for International Trade to suspend exporting of CS and tear gas, rubber bullets, and similar riot control equipment to the US pending investigation of whether any UK-supplied equipment has been misused by US authorities against peaceful protestors.

 

Council resolves to seek a revisit of the findings of the Government's Race Disparity Audit (2017), the Lammy Review (2017), and the McGregor-Smith Review (2017), among others, and their recommendations for developing effective strategies to reduce disparities between ethnic groups in our city.

 

Council resolves to welcome the EHRC's announcement of an inquiry into long-standing structural race inequalities in the UK in relation to Covid-19 deaths, and commits to working to address structural inequalities in the city through engagement with communities in Portsmouth to assess the impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable.

 

Council asks Cabinet to appoint cross-party Equalities Champion to oversee the Council's work on equalities, diversity and inclusion.

 

Council requests that the Cabinet brings forward a report on the actions it will take to address structural inequalities in the city and how these actions will be delivered and monitored. The report should address the resourcing of BAME groups to ensure they have stronger voices and influence both within our communities and among our workforce, and a commitment to developing an anti-racism strategy for the city in conjunction with communities and partners such as the police and NHS.

Additional documents:

16h

Reform of the Gender Recognition Act and Support for our Trans Community pdf icon PDF 293 KB

Proposed by Councillor George Fielding

Seconded by Councillor Suzy Horton

 

This council notes

 

The UK Government consultation on reforming the 2004 Gender Recognition Act (GRA) took place nearly two years ago, and the results of the consultation have not yet been released.

 

In April 2020, Minister for Women and Equalities Liz Truss MP said in evidence to the Women and Equalities Select Committee that she will guided by the following important principles:

 

        the protection of single-sex spaces.

        that transgender adults are free to live their lives as they wish without fear of persecution, whilst maintaining the proper checks and balances in the system.

        ensuring that the under 18s are protected from decisions that they could make, that are irreversible in the future.

 

However since then, there have been concerns that the Government are rowing back on their commitments.

 

Portsmouth City Council has promoted LGBT+ rights and welcomed the creation of councillor champions in fighting for equality for all since.

 

At present, trans people face significant disadvantage in society - one in four trans people report being discriminated against in work, over a third avoid expressing their gender through physical appearance in fear of being assaulted or harassed, and almost 50% of trans people have attempted suicide at some point in their lives.

 

It is our duty as community leaders who seek to create an open Portsmouth to speak out against transphobia and make clear it will not be tolerated under the guise of ‘legitimate concerns’ over someone’s basic humanity

 

This council therefore resolves

 

        That all Group Leaders be requested to write to the Minister for Women and Equalities in support of reforms to the GRA as per the 70% of respondents to the consultation regarding the principle of legal gender self-identification for trans people living in the UK

        That the Administration, as political leaders of this council, step up and be visible in challenging transphobia in our community

        The council continues to work actively with the LGBT+ champions in fighting against any other form of LGBTQ+ hatred in this city, and continue to help communities through relevant LGBTQ+ services within the council.

The City Solicitor has advised that should the earlier motion (g) from Councillor T Wood be considered by the Council, the below motion from Councillor Smyth cannot be put to this meeting as it is would be caught by the six month rule.

 

16i

Black Lives Matter

Proposed by Councillor Judith Smyth

Seconded by Councillor Stephen Morgan

 

The harrowing footage of the murder of George Floyd has quite rightly shaken the world. Tragically this is not a one-off event. It is endemic of a deep-set racism in society. While the Black Lives Matter movement is on the frontier of the battle for civil rights and their peaceful resilience is an inspiration, there are things that we can do here in Portsmouth to stamp out all forms of racism and injustice.

 

The Black Lives Matter movement has reminded us that there remains considerable violence, prejudice and inequality against BAME communities happening across the UK and here in Portsmouth, whilst Covid-19 has shone a spotlight on this inequality and there is significant actions required locally and nationally.

 

Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed in a report published on 16 June 2020, that people from a BAME background are twice as likely to die from Covid-19 than those who are White British background because of structural and racial inequalities. Those living in a deprived community have higher levels of diagnosis and death rates.

 

Thousands of people and organisations have made it clear that urgent, collaborative and decisive action is needed. Hundreds have demonstrated in Portsmouth. The Government cannot make the same mistakes if there is a second wave of coronavirus, nor can we in Portsmouth.

 

Council notes:

 

·         The decision to light Spinnaker Tower purple in commemoration of the tragic and wholly unnecessary death of George Floyd

·         The commitment to engage BAME council staff to assist with the local authority’s response to the Black Lives Matter movement

 

Council resolves:

 

1)            To stand in complete solidarity with BAME communities in America, in Britain, and around the world and to give its support to the Black Lives Matter movement here in Portsmouth

 

2)            To lobby for immediate government action on to address the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on black, Asian and minority ethnic people

 

3)            To specifically call on the government to:

 

o    make urgent changes to Government policy and guidance to protect BAME communities as the recent PHE report requested; and;

o    implement the action plan as requested by the Chair of the BMA (British Medical Association) to reduce the risk to BAME employees and to address the underlying issues

 

4)            The cabinet be asked to work with local groups to ensure BAME voices are heard locally in decision making and to feed into inquiries on the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic

 

5)            The Cabinet be asked to Review to improve engagement with BAME community groups by the council to see what lessons can be learnt to strengthen cohesion, engagement and closer partnership working to root out all forms of racism and injustice

 

6)            That Officers through the Cabinet be asked to undertake a Review  to improve existing learning and development for all Members of the City Council to ensure that as community leaders councillors are aware of their responsibilities and obligations in law.

16j

Consultation on changes to the road network

Proposed by Councillor Luke Stubbs

Seconded by Councillor Donna Jones

 

Council notes that:

 

-       The closure of Eastern Parade and parts of the Esplanade have been enacted via the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order process

-       The since abandoned reduction of Eastern Road to a single southbound lane was to have been progressed through the same process

-       Both the above schemes were drawn up with the potential of them being made permanent

-       No consultation was required or carried out

 

Council recognises the pressures put on cycling and pedestrian infrastructure by the COVID 19 crisis and the difficult position this put the administration in. Nevertheless it is concerned that extensive and potentially long lasting changes are being made to the road network without any opportunity for public input or for the consideration of detailed comments from businesses, taxi groups and other stakeholders.

 

It therefore puts on record its concerns and calls for the Cabinet to engage with the public on any schemes with a potential duration of more than six months.

16k

Consultation on our heritage pdf icon PDF 180 KB

Proposed by Councillor Luke Stubbs

Seconded by Councillor Donna Jones

 

Council notes the mounting concern at the actions and attitudes of historical figures, some of whom are commemorated with statues or with streets or public buildings bearing their names.

 

However council also believes that the history of Portsmouth belongs to all the people of the city and not just to councillors.

 

If the administration comes to the conclusion that it wants to rename a building or road under its control or wishes to remove a statue, it has the legal power to do so.  However council considers this would not be the right thing to do without establishing whether there is public support first.

 

Council therefore calls on the Cabinet to commit to carrying out the most extensive consultation before any such decision, including the holding of public meetings and exhibitions and direct approaches to civic society organisations for their input; it also asks that group leaders are fully briefed in advance of any moves. In the case of the most wide ranging changes, council considers that a local referendum may be the most appropriate form of engagement.

16l

Re-opening of Schools

Proposed Councillor Terry Norton

Seconded Councillor Scott Payter-Harris

 

Covid-19 has been challenging for many across the UK, in particular children who have suffered educationally and in some cases personally too. School offers not just an education, but also a place for social development and in some cases a safe haven away from abuse and neglect. Schools play a vital role in keeping some of the most vulnerable children in our city safe, whilst also enhancing their aspirations and outcomes in life.

 

Portsmouth City Council welcomes the commitment for children to return to educational settings in September.

 

Portsmouth City Council notes that:

 

1)         The recovery of education is critical for this generation of schoolchildren.

2)         Portsmouth has a rising number of children returning to school with no reported outbreaks

3)         The government's decision has been taken based on statistical evidence.

4)         The pressures of sustained amounts of time away from an educational setting is having a detrimental effect on children’s mental health.

5)         School is a safe place where children from all backgrounds can learn, develop and play.

 

Portsmouth City Council believes that the government’s decision to reopen schools will relieve parents of the additional burden and assist with childcare enabling parents to return to work where possible, prevent wider educational inequality for our most disadvantaged children and assist in reopening of the economy.

 

Portsmouth City Council resolves:

 

1)         To express its support for teachers and school staff who have attended work to support the children of Keyworkers.

2)         To ask the Cabinet to ensure that parents, school staff and governors from across the city are kept well informed of each schools reopening plan.

3)         To ask the Cabinet to offer support to Portsmouth schools who have expressed concerns over the functionality of reopening.

 

Portsmouth City Council notes that any actions taken by this council must be subject to the government's scientific advice both now and in the future.

17.

Questions from Members under Standing Order No 17 pdf icon PDF 377 KB