Minutes
of a meeting of the
Council
held at the Guildhall, Abingdon on Wednesday,
9th December, 2009 at 7.00pm
Open to the Public, including the Press
Present:
Members: Councillors Alison Rooke (Chairman), Beth Fleming (Vice-Chair), Matthew Barber,
Bricknell, Samantha Bowring, Paul Burton, Yvonne Constance, Roger Cox,
Andrew Crawford, Mary de Vere, Tony de Vere, Gervase Duffield, Richard Farrell,
Terry Fraser, Richard Gibson, Jim Halliday, Jenny Hannaby, Anthony Hayward,
Dudley Hoddinott, Gareth Jennings, Bob Johnston, Angela Lawrence, Pat Lonergan,
Sue Marchant, Julie Mayhew-Archer, Bill Melotti, John Morgan, Jerry Patterson,
Judy Roberts, Peter Saunders, Robert Sharp, Val Shaw, Jenny Shepherd, Laurel Symons,
Alison Thomson, Margaret Turner, Reg Waite, Elaine Ware, Richard Webber, Chris Wise
and John Woodford.
Officers: Steve Bishop, David Buckle, Carole Nicholl Matt Prosser and Margaret Reed.
Number of members of the public: 5
CO.44
Prayers
The Rector Charles Miller from St Helens Church, Abingdon led the Council in prayer.
CO.45
Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were recorded Councillors Terry Cox, Jane Hanna, Joyce
Hutchinson, James McGee, Janet Morgan, Mike Murray, Zoe Patrick, Terry Quinlan,
Julia Reynolds and Melinda Tilley.
CO.46
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 28 October 2009 were adopted and
signed as a correct record.
CO.47
Declarations of interest
Interests were declared as follows: Vale of White Horse District Council - Council Minutes
Wednesday,
9TH
Co.33
DECEMBER,
2009
Councillor
Type of
Interest
Item
Reason
Minutes
Ref
Andrew
Crawford
Personal
Question concerning
the new wind farm in
the west of the Vale.
In so far as he had
shares in the
windfarm.
Co.52
Bill Melotti
Personal
and
prejudicial
Recommendations
from the Executive
on the Local
Development
Framework
In so far as he
owned property
overlooking a
proposal site in
Wantage.
Co.54
Alison
Rooke
Personal
Recommendations
from the Executive
on the Local
Development
Framework
In so far as she
was acquainted
with a resident
whose property
backed on to a
proposal site in
Abingdon.
Co.54
Tony de
Vere
Mary de
Vere
Personal
Recommendations
from the Executive
on the Local
Development
Framework
In so far as they
lived near a
proposal site in
Abingdon.
Co.54
All
councillors
present
Personal
Report of the
Independent
Remuneration Panel
reviewing
councillors’
allowances.
In so far as they
were in receipt of
allowances.
Co.56
CO.48
(1)
Urgent business and chairman's announcements
Urgent business
None.
(2)
Chair’s announcements
The chair made announcements about the following: •
the evacuation procedure;
•
the need to switch off mobile phones during the meeting;
•
the need to listen to the debate in silence;
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.34
•
the chair’s Christmas celebration service at the Peachcroft Christian Centre on
11 December 2009;
•
details of the councillor and staff refreshments event at 12.00noon on Monday
21 December 2009 in recognition of the hard work undertaken by staff;
•
the chair’s civic charity ball (World War II theme and the Big Band of the Royal
Logistics Core) on Friday 29 January 2010;
•
the requirement for nominations by 6 March 2010 for the annual chair’s awards;
•
thanks to the Royal Commander for the presentation of a new Abingdon Station
plaque;
•
details of the Chair’s engagements;
•
birthday best wishes to Councillor Bob Johnston; and
•
an invitation to join the chair for refreshments after the meeting.
CO.49
Statements, petitions and questions from the public relating to
matters affecting the council
The chair reported that notice had been received from three members of the public
that they each wished to ask a question.
1.
Liz Macdonald asked the leader of the council the following question: “In the Southern Central Oxfordshire Transport Study (SCOTS) and other road
studies, we were told that a road option alongside the railway was not
evaluated due to the uncertain status of the reservoir. Now the plan has a
reservation on the land for the reservoir, shouldn’t any new assessment include
the options for the displaced road? I believe an amenity study forecast
hundreds of thousands of journeys to the new reservoir each year. A direct link
to the A34 would seem worth evaluating.”
Councillor Tony de Vere, the leader of the council thanked Liz Macdonald for
her question which he undertook to answer in writing.
2.
Sharman Oldham asked the leader of the council the following question: “What considerations have been given to the safety implications of the relief
road bisecting the well used cycle ways / footpaths between Wantage and
Grove. Many people use these routes to reduce their carbon footprint and it
provides a cheap environmental sustainable route between the two places.
Many children use these paths / cycle ways to get to King Alfred’s school and
the leisure centre, etc.”
Councillor Tony de Vere, the leader of the council thanked Sharman Oldham
for her question which he undertook to answer in writing.
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.35
3.
CO.50
Mrs Locke had given notice that she wished to ask a question about the
infrastructure in Wantage if the new development went ahead, but she was not
present at the meeting.
Urgent business
None.
CO.51
Petitions from councillors
None.
CO.52
Questions from councillors
Councillor Andrew Crawford had declared a personal interest in question (1).
The chair reported that notice had been received of 12 questions to be asked by
councillors as follows: (1)
Question to Councillor Matthew Barber, Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee,
from Councillor Bob Johnston: “Given the clear success of the new wind farm in the west of the Vale, and
without prejudice to any particular individual future application, could the
chairman of the scrutiny committee give us a synopsis of his views on wind
farms in the Vale?”
Councillor Barber declined to answer.
(2)
Question to Councillor Tony de Vere, Leader of the Council from Councillor
Yvonne Constance: “What effect will the accounting error of £700,000 have on delivery of services
to Vale residents?”
Councillor Tony de Vere responded that as had been reported several times
already, the "£700k accounting error" did not represent a financial loss. Instead
it was an error of presentation. The total council revenue balances for 31/3/08
were over-stated in the accounts. As those balances were relied upon when
setting the 2009/10 budget in February 2009, the council did not take as many
cost reductions as it should have, which was beneficial to services in the short
term. However, since identifying the error, the management team had
economised by managing vacancies and reducing other non-essential spends.
This had had a marginally adverse impact on some services which had been
unnoticeable to residents this year. Currently it looked unlikely that the
management team would be able to achieve its planned £700k underspend by
the year-end, in which case any remaining deficit would be incorporated into
the 2010/11 budget-setting exercise. The council would prioritise areas for
cost-reduction in the budget and there would be lower priority services that
were cut. However, these reductions would be lower than they would have
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.36
been last year and were a year later. So again, it could be argued that this had
worked out better for residents.
Councillor Constance asked the following supplementary question: “What savings have had to be made this year as a result of accounting errors?”
Councillor Tony de Vere responded that councillors should refer to the council’s
website as the executive’s draft budget proposals would be published within the
next couple of days.
(3)
Question to Councillor Mary de Vere, Executive Member with the portfolio for
Planning from Councillor John Morgan: “Why was it thought necessary to propose a more restrictive scheme of
delegation for development control, as set out in the recent consultation?”
Councillor Mary de Vere responded that it had been thought necessary
because there were so many applications referred to the Development Control
Committee when the objections raised did not refer to material planning
considerations.
Councillor John Morgan asked the following supplementary question: “Was it not the case that the proposals were driven by a desire to cut costs
rather than improve the service?”
Councillor Mary de Vere responded that this was not the case.
(4)
Councillor Elaine Ware had advised that she no longer wished to ask a
question of Councillor Tony de Vere regarding when would employees of the
Vale know whether they had retained their jobs or not, following the review.
(5)
Question to Councillor Tony de Vere, Leader of the Council from Councillor
Roger Cox: “Why have grants to local committees been reduced and why should rural
communities suffer disproportionately?”
Councillor Tony de Vere responded that the executive was aware that the
council was facing a difficult financial situation. The executive had been made
aware at its October meeting that budget monitoring of the cost centre from
which community grants was funded had identified a deficit of £ 12,000, and
that there was still time to take action to remedy this. This deficit had arisen due
to an historical commitment to increase grant payments to the Abingdon
Citizens Advice Bureau and to the Wantage Independent Advice Centre by the
annual rate of inflation. It was therefore important that, given the careful budget
control in force, this area should not overspend.
The executive had approved a recommendation that the community grant
budget be reduced by £15,000 to address the deficit of £12,000 with an
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.37
allowance for any unforeseen costs if required or alternatively as a contribution
to the budget deficit.
The budget reduction had been apportioned between the executive and the
area committees in the same way that the annual community grants budget
was apportioned. The executive would receive 21 per cent of the budget and
the remainder had been apportioned according to the percentage he did not
believe that there had been any disproportionate treatment.
Councillor Roger Cox asked the following supplementary question: “Does the leader acknowledge the benefit of community grants and pledge to
maintain adequate funding for a grants scheme?”
Councillor Tony de Vere acknowledged the good work undertaken by many
community groups but referred councillors to the executive’s draft budget
proposals to be published on the council’s website. He reminded councillors of
the significant challenges facing the council.
(6)
Question to Councillor Jerry Patterson, Executive Member with the portfolio for
Finance from Councillor Reg Waite: “What is the percentage of Vale officer posts currently manned compared to
established posts?”
Councillor Jerry Patterson responded that there were 283 permanent
established posts of which 266 were currently filled which was 94 per cent. 41
per cent of permanent employees were men and 59 per cent were women.
Councillor Reg Waite asked the following supplementary question: “How much over budget are staffing costs due to the Executive setting such a
high vacancy rate?”
Councillor Jerry Patterson undertook to respond in writing.
(7)
Question to Councillor Richard Farrell, Executive Member with the portfolio for
Legal and Democratic Services, HR, IT and Customer from Councillor Anthony
Hayward: “What ICT provision does the Council intend to make to allow residents in rural
areas access to Vale services?”
Councillor Farrell responded that residents in any part of the district could
telephone or email the council during normal working hours. In many cases
this would be sufficient for them to secure the service they required. Residents
wishing to make a payment to the council could do so using Paypoint, a facility
which was offered in many newsagents and other retail outlets around the
district. He explained that the council’s web site already offers a great deal of
information and numerous examples were quoted. He commented that the
council was looking to increase the range of interactive facilities offered via the
web site. The council had recently introduced the ability to make payments by
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.38
credit or debit card via the web site and the council would continue to expand
the capability of the site within the constraints of the resources available.
Councillor Anthony Hayward asked the following supplementary question: “What plans are in place to widen the number of council services that can be
accessed online?”
Councillor Richard Farrell responded that there were plans to expand the
availability of services within the capabilities available, such as compliance with
the EU directive to allow licence applications and payment on line.
(8)
Question to Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Executive Member with the portfolio for
Commercial Services from Councillor Gervase Duffield: “Why has the council not made adequate provision for measures to contain the
danger to the environment caused by rats?”
Councillor Jenny Hannaby responded that the new refuse and recycling service
would use containers rather than the black plastic bags used now. The food
containers would have their own locking mechanism which would be an
improvement, as rubbish would be far less susceptible to spillage and rodent
attack. She explained that the Prevention of Damage by Pest Act 1949 placed
a duty on owners and occupiers to deal with rat infestations on their properties.
The environmental protection team would take enforcement action where
necessary. She reported that there was not a legal requirement on the council
to provide a pest control service. However, the council did provide a pest
control service to help residents. This service made a reasonable charge for
rat treatment which was generally below what commercial operators would
charge and therefore this represented good value for money to those using the
service. The council also offered free rat infestation treatment for people in
receipt of housing benefit.
Councillor Gervase Duffield asked the following supplementary question: “As this is such an important subject, as part of the budget preparation, can
Councillor Hannaby give an assurance that a group will be set up to look at this
with a report back?”
Councillor Jenny Hannaby responded that she would ask the officers and
Councillor Angela Lawrence as portfolio holder with responsibility for housing
and health to take this on board.
(9)
Question to Councillor Tony de Vere, Leader of the Council from Councillor
Matthew Barber: “The weekly First magazine identifies that un-elected quangos spend
£43billions of public money annually. Does the Leader agree that this is
unacceptable?”
Councillor Tony de Vere responded that for those councillors and the public not
as familiar with this, the term had its origin in a humorous shortening of quasi-
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.39
autonomous NGO, an ostensibly non-governmental organisation performing
governmental functions, often in receipt of funding or other support from
government while mainstream NGOs mostly obtained their donations or funds
from the public and other organisations that supported their cause. Numerous
quangos were created from the 1980s onward. He stated that he agreed that
unelected quangos gave local people little say over what they did and some
were failing to provide value for money for the taxpayer, which was the finding
of a recent local government association report entitled “Who’s in Charge? The
quango report card”. Councillor de Vere commended this report to councillors
quoting from it that “If we were to score the council sector collectively in the way
we have scored each quango, local government would be rated ‘green’ on the
accountability criteria.” Councillor de Vere explained that green meant
satisfactory which contrasted with many reds and ambers in the quangos that
the local government association put on report.
Councillor Barber asked the following supplementary question: “How much does this council pay to quangos and when will the leader propose
withdrawing from participation with them?”
Councillor Tony de Vere referred Councillor Barber to the executive’s draft
budget proposals but indicated that he would respond in writing.
(10)
Question to Councillor Tony de Vere, Leader of the Council from Councillor
Alison Thomson: “Is the Leader aware of Faringdon’s success in its Eco Week, when it took first
place in both the regional and national competitions for 2009?”
Councillor Tony de Vere responded that yes he was aware and he took the
opportunity to congratulate the town on receiving the award. He explained that
as reported in the community strategy news sheet, Faringdon had won the
2009 market towns award for its Eco week initiative. Over 2000 people had
attended and enjoyed 33 separate low carbon events, with the chair of the
council attending the prize ceremony to celebrate the achievement.
Councillor Alison Thomson asked the following supplementary question: “Vale environmental health officers removed all the signs and posters for the
2009 eco week. Can the leader guarantee that this will not recur in eco week
2010?”
Councillor Tony de Vere responded that he would investigate what had
happened.
(11)
Question to Councillor Richard Webber, Executive Member with the portfolio for
Economy, Leisure and Property asked by Councillor Matthew Barber on behalf
of Councillor Mike Murray: “When will the pool at the White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre reopen?”
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.40
Councillor Richard Webber responded that the pool had closed on Tuesday 3
November 2009 as a result of a major pipe leak. The immediate fault had been
corrected within 48 hours and the pool re-filled. However, on Thursday 5
November a second leak had occurred from a different part of the filtration
system. He explained that the council officers and the leisure contractors at
White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre had carried out independent studies to
identify the cause and to propose a remedial course of action. As a result the
contractors had placed orders for the materials and contractors had been
appointed to undertake the necessary works. These works were well underway
and he was happy to report that as a result of the excellent relations and level
of co-operation between Vale officers and the contractors DC Leisure and
Active Nation, the Pool was expected to open to the public on Saturday 19
December.
Councillor Webber congratulated all those involved for the way in which the
problem had been handled. Throughout, the public had been extremely
understanding and that this had helped the professionals in getting the pool
back into service again in time for Christmas.
Councillor Matthew Barber joined Councillor Webber in congratulating officers
in dealing with this matter. He then asked the following supplementary
question: “When were the arrangements put in place for swimmers to use the pool in
Wantage?”
Councillor Webber responded that he believed that the arrangements had been
set up within a day or two of the leak but that the take up had been very low.
(12)
Question to Councillor Richard Webber, Executive Member with the portfolio for
Economy, Leisure and Property from Councillor Bill Melotti: “Can the portfolio holder please advise what effect the imposition of a single
catering provider has had on users of the Civic Hall and Guildhall?”
Councillor Richard Webber responded that the catering contract had come into
being on 1 December 2008. After one year he could confirm that the annual
income to the Vale was £8,700 against an estimated £10,000. Based on the
pattern of use, the contract could be expected to produce an income in excess
of £10,000 in its second year.
Officers had recorded in their provisional booking forms when a booking was
not confirmed as a result of the catering arrangements. To date the council had
recorded only one wedding reception at the Guildhall in Abingdon and one
birthday party; one wedding reception and one Christmas party at the Civic Hall
in Wantage.
Councillor Webber stated that all of the long standing functions held at both
facilities, which had had catering as a major part of their need to use the Halls,
had remained with the new arrangements, including the Masonic Lodges and
the Rotary Club who met on a weekly basis. All these organisations had
negotiated new arrangements with the caterer to their satisfaction and had not
needed to refer to officers during their discussions.
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.41
Councillor Webber explained that he was aware that there were comments
circulating that there were large numbers of dissatisfied former and potential
users as a result of the contract. Officers had little evidence to substantiate this.
However, the balance between the financial viability of the halls and the needs
and requirements of its users present and future was a fine one. Such
comments in themselves had a negative effect on the viability of the halls so it
was essential that if there were members of the public or councillors who
believed they had definite examples of people / organisations who would with
reasonable certainty be booking the halls were it not for the catering contract,
they should inform officers so that these concerns be followed up. The council
would naturally wish correct decisions to be made based on sufficient, correct
evidence.
Councillor Melotti did not ask a supplementary question.
CO.53
Council tax base 2010/11
Councillors received and considered report 83/09 of the Head of Finance which asked
the council to agree the council tax base for 2010/11.
RESOLVED
(a)
that in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base)
Regulations 1992, as amended, the amount calculated by the Vale of White
Horse District Council as its council tax base for the year 2010/11 be 48,199;
and
(b)
that in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base)
Regulations 1992, as amended, the amount calculated by the Vale of White
Horse District Council as the council tax base for the year 2010/11 for each
parish be the amount shown against the name of that parish as set out in
Appendix A to report 83/09.
CO.54
Recommendations from the executive and committees
Councillors Tony de Vere, Mary de Vere and Alison Rooke had each declared a
personal interest in the recommendations from the Executive.
Councillor Bill Melotti had declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the
recommendations from the Executive and he left the meeting room during their
consideration.
It was noted that since the last meeting of the council there had been a number of
meetings as detailed on the agenda.
The council was advised that there were recommendations from the Licensing Acts
Committee held on 26 November 2009; the Executive held on 4 December 2009 and
the Scrutiny Committee held on 17 November 2009, which were MOVED by the chair
and considered as set out below: Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.42
(1)
LA.10 – Gambling Policy Review
RESOLVED
(2)
(a)
that the Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Policy attached as an appendix
to the council agenda be adopted with effect from 31 January 2010; and
(b)
that authority be delegated to the Head of Legal and Democratic
Services to make any minor changes necessary.
Ex.41 - Local development framework: towards a core strategy
Councillor Matthew Barber commented that he supported a number of
proposals such as the retention of the green belt, but he had concerns
regarding a number of issues. He particularly referred to the traffic problems in
Wantage and its likely increase; the choice between development in Abingdon
or Wantage being based on government targets which he hoped would be
removed; and a preference for a community lead approach to making
decisions.
Councillor Jerry Patterson spoke in support of the recommendations
commenting on the increases in populations for both Abingdon and Wantage
and the need for additional housing.
On being put, there voted 24 for, nil against with 15 abstentions.
RESOLVED
(3)
(a)
that the local development framework core strategy will not include a
major housing site for up to 1,500 homes south-west of Abingdon as no
deliverable solutions have been identified to resolve the traffic problems;
(b)
that work proceeds on the core strategy on the basis of including a major
housing site north-east of Wantage; and
(c)
that the resolutions set out in minute Ex.41 be noted.
Ex.43 - Local development framework: supplementary planning documents –
residential design guide and sustainable design and construction
RESOLVED
that the residential design guide and sustainable design and construction
supplementary planning documents be adopted.
(4)
Sc.34 – Scrutiny work programme
RESOLVED
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.43
that the scrutiny work programme, appended to the minutes of the Scrutiny
Committee held on 17 November 2009 be adopted subject to the lead officer in
respect of the Faringdon and Leisure Centres dual use agreements being
amended to Chris Webb, Leisure Facilities Manager.
CO.55
Constitution review
The council received and considered an agenda item which advised that the
constitution review group had recommended a number of amendments to the
constitution.
Councillor Matthew Barber welcomed the recommendation of the advisory group in
respect of the current arrangements for referral of planning applications to the
development control committee when objections were received from town and parish
councils remaining unaltered. However, it was noted that officers would continue to
consider the matter. Councillor Barber referred to the strong opposition to any
changes from the parishes, commenting that he hoped that the previous proposal
would not be revisited.
Councillor Jerry Patterson commented that the changes in referral arrangements were
being supported by South Oxfordshire District Council, but that that authority had not
undertaken any consultation on the proposal, whereas this council had sought the
views of parishes which were being considered.
RESOLVED
(a)
that amendments to Articles 8 and 14 attached to the notes of the constitution
advisory group held on 24 November 2009 be adopted;
(b)
that the terms of reference of the Scrutiny Committee be amended to include
the following: “To consider councillor calls for action that relate to a matter that affects a
single ward and in the opinion of the Monitoring Officer are not vexatious,
persistent, unreasonable or discriminatory and do not relate to a planning,
licensing or regulatory function.”
(c)
that the terms of reference of the Scrutiny Committee be amended to include
the following: “In accordance with the Crime and Disorder (Overview and Scrutiny)
Regulations 2009, to act as the crime and disorder committee of the council.”
(d)
that the police authority be invited to appoint a representative as a co-opted
member to the scrutiny committee when crime and disorder matters are
scrutinised, but that the co-optee does not have a vote in such matters; and
(e)
that, subject to (d) above being approved by the council, authority be delegated
to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to agree the appointment by the
police authority;
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.44
(f)
that no functions be delegated to individual councillors to allow them to make
decisions at a ward level;
(g)
that it be noted that officers will continue to consider the referral of planning
applications to the Development Control Committee, but that the current
arrangements for consideration of planning applications by the Development
Control Committee remain unaltered;
(h)
that a harmonised local code of governance with South Oxfordshire District
Council be supported for inclusion in the Constitution;
(i)
that the Audit and Governance Committee be delegated authority to agree a
governance framework and a local code of governance for inclusion in the
constitution;
(j)
that it be noted that revised Financial Procedure Rules / Virement Policy are
being drafted and will be reported to a future meeting of the constitution
advisory group.
(k)
that the Contracts Procedure Rules circulated separately be adopted with effect
from 1 February 2010; and
(l)
that the scheme of delegation circulated separately be adopted with effect from
1 February 2010.
CO.56
Report of the independent remuneration panel on amendments
to the members' allowance scheme adopted February 2008
(amended February 2009)
All councillors present had declared a personal interest in this item.
The council received and considered the report of the independent remuneration
panel detailing proposed amendments to the member’s allowances scheme.
Councillor Tony de Vere addressed the council welcoming the amendments to the
scheme and commending the review undertaken by the panel. He commented on the
difficult task for the panel in reaching its conclusions stating that in his view the panel
had undertaken a methodical and robust approach to the review. Councillor Tony de
Vere moved a further recommendation that the council should record its thanks to the
panel.
It was moved by Councillor Tony de Vere, seconded by the chair and
RESOLVED (no councillors voted against)
(a)
that the members’ allowances scheme adopted with effect from 2008/09 and
amended February 2009, be updated further with the amendments set out in
the report of the independent remuneration panel and that the Head of Legal
and Democratic Services be authorised to make the necessary changes to the
scheme; and
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.45
(b)
CO.57
that the council records its thanks to the Panel for its work in reviewing the
allowances and that the chief executive be asked to write to panel members
accordingly.
Virements
The council received and considered a report on virements over £10,000 across
services areas which had received prior authorisation of the executive at its meeting
held on 4 December 2009, details of which were circulated at the meeting with the
procedural notes.
CO.58
(1)
Report of the leader of the council
Urgent Executive decisions
The leader reported that there were no non-exempt urgent executive decisions
to report.
(2)
Delegation of Executive functions
An updated scheme of delegation from the leader of the council was presented
as set out on the agenda.
(3)
Matters affecting the authority arising from meetings of joint committees,
partnerships and other meetings
The council received the report of the leader which was circulated at the
meeting with the procedural notes.
The leader drew councillors’ attention to a briefing he had attended with the
chairman of the local government association on the progress with shared
service arrangements. He explained that the chairman had been very
impressed with the work undertaken in such a short space of time towards
shared working. It was considered that this council and South Oxfordshire
District Council had made considerable progress and that savings would be
realised.
The leader also drew councillors’ attention to the spatial planning and
infrastructure partnership event he had attended. He expressed his
congratulations and thanks to the staff involved in preparing the plans and other
work which had been commended.
The leader referred to the last meeting of the Association of Councils in the
Thames Valley Region (ACTVaR) noting the work which had been undertaken
over many years.
Finally, the leader reported that earlier in the day it had been announced that
the council had achieved a performance rating of 3 out of 4 (performing well)
from the audit commission. It was recognised that this was an achievement
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.46
which the council should be proud of. Councillor Tony de Vere was joined by
all councillors in thanking staff for their hard work and commitment.
CO.59
Notices of motion under standing order 11
None.
Exempt information under Section 100A(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972
None.
The meeting rose at 7.55 pm
Vale of White Horse District Council – Council Minutes
Wednesday, 9TH DECEMBER, 2009
Co.47