Agenda and minutes

(The Chairman will then read and sign the declaration of acceptance of office)

01/16 

RESOLVED

That Cllr P C Smerdon be elected Chairman of the Council for the period expiring on the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2017.

Cllr Smerdon subsequently declared and signed his acceptance of office.

02/16 

In addressing the Council, Cllr Smerdon expressed his honour at being elected as Chairman of the Council and wished to thank his fellow Members for their vote of confidence.  In particular, he proceeded to pay a personal tribute to the Leader of Council, who he felt provided outstanding commitment and vision to the Council.

In his address, Cllr Smerdon also made specific reference to:-

-his belief that the Council was in a strong position due to sound financial management and forward thinking.  As a result, the Chairman felt that the Council could move forward confidently and continue to deliver good service to its residents;

-the major work areas for the upcoming year.  The Chairman made the point that the year ahead would be another busy one for the Council and drew particular attention to: Our Plan; the Local Authority Controlled Company proposals; the Devolution Bid and the Health and Wellbeing agenda;

-his personal commitment to help villages provide rural housing across the South Hams.  Furthermore, it was his intention for a rural theme to run throughout his year of office.  For example, his Civic Service would coincide with the Harvest Festival during early October 2016;

- the excellent support he received from his wife; and

- his chosen charity for the year being South Brent Caring.

03/16 

RESOLVED

That the thanks of the Council be extended to Cllr Bramble for the manner in which he performed his duties during his term of office as Chairman of the Council.

04/16 

Cllr Bramble addressed the Council and highlighted what an enjoyable year in office it had been.  In so doing, particular reference was made to:-

-his honour and privilege at being elected the Chairman of South Hams District Council.  Having attended a number of official engagements, it was his impression that the Council was generally held in high esteem;

- the support of fellow Members during his year of office;

-the work undertaken by officers, for whom he wished to personally thank, applaud and pay tribute; and

-just over £1,500 having been raised for his chosen charity: Devon Air Ambulance.

(The Vice Chairman will then read and sign the declaration of acceptance of office).

05/16 

RESOLVED

That Cllr P K Cuthbert be appointed Vice Chairman of the Council for the period expiring on the date of the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2017.

Cllr Cuthbert subsequently declared and signed her acceptance of office.

to approve as a correct record and authorise the Chairman to sign the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 11 February 2016, 25 February 2016 and 7 April 2016;

06/16 

The minutes of the meetings of Council held on 11 February 2016, 25 February 2016 and 7 April 2016 were each confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

to approve a review carried out in consultation with leaders of the Political Groups.  This is reflected in the list of Council Bodies – see item 9 below;

07/16 

The Chairman advised Members that a review of the representation of the political groups on the Council’s Bodies had been carried out in consultation with the Leaders of the two Political Groups.

It was then:

RESOLVED

1.That it be noted that the Political Composition of the Council is as follows:-

·         A Conservative Group of 25 Members; and

·         An Opposition Group of 6 Members.

2.That the overall political balance of Council Bodies, as reflected in the paper tabled to the meeting, be approved.

to appoint the Members of the following Council Bodies for the 2016/17 Municipal Year:-

a)     Audit Committee;

b)     Development Management Committee;

c)      Executive;

d)     Licensing Committee; and

e)     Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

08/16 

The Council subsequently received nominations from the Group Leaders for the membership of the Bodies of the Council. 

            It was then:

RESOLVED

That, for the 2016/17 Municipal Year, Members be appointed to the Bodies of the Council as set out in Appendix A to these minutes.

to elect the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the following Bodies of the Council for the 2016/17 Municipal Year:-

a)     Audit Committee;

b)     Development Management Committee;

c)     Licensing Committee;

d)     Overview and Scrutiny Panel; and

e)     Salcombe Harbour Board (Chairman only).

09/16 

The Council received nominations from its Group Leaders for the positions of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the Bodies of the Council.

Two nominations (Cllrs K J Baldry and M F Saltern) had been received to the position of Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

When put to the vote, it was declared CARRIED that Cllr M F Saltern be appointed to the role of Overview and Scrutiny Panel Chairman.

It was then:

RESOLVED

That the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the Bodies of the Council for the 2016 / 2017 Municipal Year be as indicated below:-

Body                                             Chairman                             Vice Chairman

Audit Committee                        Cllr K R H Wingate              Cllr J T Pennington

Development

Management Committee         Cllr R C Steer                       Cllr R J Foss

Licensing

Committee                                  Cllr D W May                        Cllr T R Holway

Overview and Scrutiny

Panel                                            Cllr M F Saltern                    Cllr K R H Wingate

Salcombe Harbour Board        Cllr J Brazil                           Co-opted Member

to consider a report concerning the appointment of Members as representatives on Outside Bodies for the 2016/17 Municipal Year;

NOTE: Although some of these appointments are accepted by the “Outside Bodies” for a period of years, it is the Council’s practice where possible to review all appointments annually.

10/16 

A report was considered which set out details of those Outside Bodies to which the Council appointed representatives and included a list of nominations for representation on these Outside Bodies.

In discussion, particular reference was made to the Devon and Cornwall Housing (DCH) Community Interest Company (CIC).  As an update, the Head of Paid Service advised that he had met recently with Mr Paul Crawford (DCH Chief Executive) following the organisation’s governance review.  In terms of working with the Council, Mr Crawford had confirmed that DCH would continue to both invest in affordable housing provision in the South Hams and fund Disabled Facilities Grants.  As an indicator, DCH it was noted that DCH would be investing over £50 million in the next five years to deliver in excess of 350 affordable homes of various tenures in the South Hams.

In addition, Mr Crawford would continue to report annually to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel and would meet with the Head of Paid Service on a quarterly basis.  In welcoming this dialogue, a Member also hoped that similar discussions would take place between the Council and other registered social housing providers.

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To partly offset the loss of Member representation on the CIC, it was noted that the Council was still negotiating with DCH to ensure it received additional monies to support Disabled Facilities Grant requests in the South Hams.

Three nominations (Cllrs D Brown, J P Green and N A Hopwood) had been received for the two positions on the South Devon AONB Partnership Committee. 

In line with the Council Constitution, it was necessary for these vacancies to be filled by virtue of a ballot.  Upon completion of the ballot, it was subsequently declared CARRIED that Cllrs D Brown and N A Hopwood be appointed to serve on the South Devon AONB Partnership Committee.

It was then:

RESOLVED

1.  That the Council should be represented on the list of Outside Bodies as presented to the meeting;

2.  That the Members named in Appendix B to these minutes be appointed as the Council’s representatives to those Bodies for the 2016/17 Municipal Year, and that for the purposes of Members’ Allowances, attendance at meetings of these bodies be regarded as an approved duty;

3.  That Members appointed to Outside Bodies provide regular feedback and consultation on the issues affecting the Bodies concerned.

to agree to the appointment of the following Groups for the 2016/17 Municipal Year:-

a)    Beach Management Working Group;

b)    Council Tax Setting Panel;

c)    Design and Conservation Panel;

d)    Devon Building Control Partnership;

e)    Income Generation Working Group;

f)     Political Structures Working Group;

g)    Public Spaces Working Group;

h)    Strategic Planning Working Group; and

i)     Youth Engagement Working Group.

11/16 

Members proceeded to confirm the appointment for the 2016/2017 Municipal Year of the:-

(a) Beach Management Working Group;

(b) Council Tax Setting Panel;

(c) Devon Building Control Partnership;

(d) Discretionary Business Rate Relief Decision Panel;

(e) Joint SH/WD Economic Development Working Group

(f) Joint SH/WD Leisure Board;

(g) Joint SH/WD/Plymouth Local Plan Steering Group;

(h) Political Structures Working Group;

(i) Public Spaces Working Group;

(j) Slapton Line Steering Group;

(k) Strategic Planning Working Group;

(l) Youth Engagement Working Group.

Council then considered the appointments to the above bodies.

RESOLVED

That the appointment of the Other Groups of the Council for the 2016/2017 Municipal Year be approved, as shown in Appendix C to these minutes.

the Chairman to announce if any item not on the agenda should be considered on the basis that he considers it as a matter of urgency (any such item to be dealt with under item 17 below);

12/16 

The Chairman informed that he had agreed for one urgent item to be raised at this meeting that related to an update being provided on the ongoing fire at Cockwells Nursery, Harberton.  The Chairman confirmed that it was his intention for this update to be given immediately.

(a)       Update on the Ongoing Fire at Cockwells Nursery, Harberton

The Senior Specialist (Environmental Health and Licensing) read the following statement:

‘The out of hours Environmental Health Officer received a call on Monday 16 May to inform the Council of a large scale waste wood fire at Cockwells Nursery, Harberton. The call from the fire brigade was asking for Public Health advice in regards to the smoke from the fire, as the intention of the fire officer on site was to allow the fire to burn out on its own accord.

Advice was provided to the fire officer advising that they should inform nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed, and the plan of leaving the fire to burn out was agreed. This was due to the close proximity of a number of watercourses which could be impacted by fire water, and the fact the smoke was going straight up and having limited impact.

The Council did send a crew of 4 chainsaw operatives down to aid with creating a fire break on Monday afternoon, as there was some concern that the fire may spread into a belt of adjoining trees.

The fire brigade have been in attendance at all times since the fire started, monitoring the spread and trying to minimise the length of burn, however the waste area originally was approximately the same size as a football pitch but has now reduced to about a fifth of the size. The area remaining is very deep (about 15 foot) and consists of various pieces of wood including treated wood. It is giving off a large smoke plume that at times has drifted across the B road between Avonwick and Totnes.  The fire brigade has been in touch with Highways regarding the road and it is currently still open.

There are traffic lights in place and they have a hose across the road from a hydrant. The quantity of Smoke across the road is being monitored.

In consultation with the Environment Agency yesterday and following ongoing concerns over the amount of smoke, it was agreed to actively tackle the fire using water on the remaining wood pile.

The fire is likely to continue to burn for a few more days so the continuing advice to any complainants is to keep windows and doors closed if the smoke is blowing in their direction.  We have asked if this advice can be given out as part of any Radio Devon traffic announcement.’

In the subsequent discussion, it was confirmed that this statement would also be published on the Council website later today and officers were thanked for their work in this regard and for keeping Members regularly updated.

Members are invited to declare any personal; or disclosable pecuniary interests, including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be considered at this meeting;

13/16 

Members were invited to declare any interests in the items of business to be considered during the course of the meeting and these were recorded as follows:-

Having sought the advice of the Monitoring Officer, Cllrs J D Hawkins and R J Vint both declared a Personal Interest in Item 19(c): ‘Notice of Motions’ (Minute 16/16(c) below refers) by virtue of being Members of the Devon County Council Development Management Committee.  In declaring these interests, both Members confirmed that they would abstain from taking part in the discussion and the subsequent vote on this motion.

14/16 

The previous Chairman wished to make specific reference to his attendance at a visit to the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team.  During this visit, the level of commitment and dedication of the Team were in evidence and were considered to be absolutely extraordinary.

to consider the following questions received (if any) in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8:

(a)     From Cllr Baldry to Cllr Tucker, Leader of the Council

‘For the 2017 Overview and Scrutiny Panel Budget meeting, will the Constitution of the Council be changed in order that all Members may play a part, including full voting?’

(b)     From Cllr Baldry to Cllr Wright, lead Executive Member for Support Services

‘As you know, the Government has set all public sector employers an annual target of apprentices making up 2.3% of the workforce.  What percentage of SHDC employees are apprentices?”

(c)     From Cllr Baldry to Cllr Wright, lead Executive Member for Support Services

‘Publicity issued by SHDC, other local authorities and the government traditionally quotes Band D properties as ‘the Average’.  The use of the term ‘average’ is statistically questionable in this context.  Across the District, what is the percentage of residential Council Tax paying properties in each Council Tax band?”

(d)     From Cllr Hodgson to Cllr Tucker, Leader of the Council

‘When will the public along with Town and Parish Councils be consulted on the Devolution Bid that has now been submitted to the Secretary of State for Local Communities?  Can the Leader assure us that this will be a comprehensive consultation where all elements of the bid will be open to comment and input from the public and with widespread promotion to ensure full public awareness and engagement in the process?”

(e)     From Cllr Hodgson to Cllr Tucker, Leader of the Council

‘Further to my question asked at full Council on 8 October 2015 and again on 10 December 2015, please can the Leader update us on the situation with regard to the Syrian refugee resettlement programme that I understand this Council is supporting?  With the further commitment of the UK Government to take 3,000 unaccompanied children and the recent atrocities of bombing refugee camps and hospitals within Syria, this humanitarian crisis and the role of local authorities has now become even more urgent.

Please can the Leader confirm that this Council is committed to playing its part in welcoming, supporting and accommodating its fair share of refugees including unaccompanied children; will he write to the Prime Minister to assure him that South Hams District Council stands ready and willing to help at this time of crisis?

15/16             

It was noted that five questions had been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8.

            From Cllr Baldry to Cllr Tucker, Leader of the Council

(a)  ‘For the 2017 Overview and Scrutiny Panel Budget meeting, will the Constitution of the Council be changed in order that all Members may play a part, including full voting?’

In reply, Cllr Tucker advised that he saw no reason to change the Constitution of the Council at this time. Currently, all Members of the Council had the ability to take part at the Panel Budget meeting.  In addition, all Members had a vote at the full Council meeting when the Budget was ultimately approved.

In asking a supplementary question, Cllr Baldry was of the view that there was a democratic deficit in the current decision-making process and urged a re-think.  In response, the Leader informed that he would ensure that this matter is considered by the Political Structures Working Group.

From Cllr Baldry to Cllr Wright, lead Executive Member for Support Services

(b)  ‘As you know, the Government has set all public sector employers an annual target of apprentices making 2.3% of the workforce.  What percentage of SHDC employees are apprentices?’

In response, Cllr Wright informed that:

-the proposed 2.3% (from April 2017) would, based upon the current head count of Council staff, result in the need for 9 apprentices to be employed by the Council;

-the Council currently employed 3 apprentices.  However, subject to Council approval, it was hoped that an additional 13 apprentices would be taken on before the end of 2016.  In the future, Cllr Wright hoped that the number of employed apprentices would be maintained at this level and work was ongoing with local schools and colleges in an attempt to build up relationships.  In support of this point, Cllr Wright presented some photographs that illustrated how the Council had recently been represented at a careers event at Exeter University.

From Cllr Baldry to Cllr Wright, lead Executive Member for Support Services

(c)   ‘ Publicity issued by SHDC, other local authorities and the government traditionally quotes Band D properties as ‘the Average’.  The use of the term ‘average’ is statistically questionable in this context.  Across the District, what is the percentage of residential Council Tax paying properties in each Council Tax band?”

In response, Cllr Wright advised that the Band D definition was recognised as being the ‘average’ in line with the criteria set out in the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

In replying to a supplementary question, Cllr Wright stated that any wish to change this definition would require the lobbying of central government.

From Cllr Hodgson to Cllr Tucker, Leader of the Council

(d)  ‘‘When will the public along with Town and Parish Councils be consulted on the Devolution Bid that has now been submitted to the Secretary of State for Local Communities?  Can the Leader assure us that this will be a comprehensive consultation where all elements of the bid will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15/16

to consider the following motions received (if any) in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1.

     (a) By Cllrs Tucker and Brazil

            “This Council is very concerned with some of the consequences of the Housing Bill.  We may find ourselves unable to address our local housing needs and welcome some of the amendments proposed by the Lords, in particular those in respect of ‘Starter Homes’.  We call upon local MPs to lobby Government Ministers and, as a last resort, vote against Government legislation that will prevent planning authorities doing what’s best for our local communities.”

(b) By Cllrs Green and Hodgson

“This Council notes the suffering forced upon local residents as a result of this government’s cuts programme and asserts that there is an alternative to its ideologically driven attack on public services, namely the levy of a financial transaction tax on the speculative activities that have accelerated the recent enrichment of the few to the detriment of the many.  The Council therefore calls upon the Government to enact a financial transaction tax (Robin Hood Tax) and use the revenues from this measure to reverse ongoing shrinkage in central grants to our Council.  In doing so, we would be combatting austerity both within our authority and beyond joining 70 other councils, including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Islington, Manchester and Sheffield.

(c) By Cllrs Hodgson and Green

“This Council develops a policy opposing the use of the process known as ‘Fracking’ in South Hams to obtain fossil fuels.  ‘Fracking’ is a dangerous exploitive process that brings a low rate of return of energy, can create mini earthquakes and can pollute drinking water supplies.

(d) By Cllrs Hodgson and Green

‘This Council bans the use of Glyphosphate herbicide as a dangerous pollutant on council land.  Glyphosphate is now listed by the World Health Organisation as a probably carcinogen and is dangerous to wildlife and drinking water supplies.  It is banned in Denmark, Holland, Paris and Sri Lanka.  France, Brazil and El Salvador are also currently considering full bans.”

(e) By Cllrs Hodgson and Baldry

“This Council will not permit the culling of badgers on Council owned land, it will instead permit the Bovine TB vaccination programme to be carried out on badgers.  The Badger cull is barbaric and dangerous for humans and wildlife within the (two mile) shooting range and interferes with wildlife and natural habitats.  The vaccination programme is sage, cheaper and more reliable to avoid any spread of Bovine TB.”

16/16 

It was noted that five motions had been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1.

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(a)          By Cllrs Tucker and Brazil

“This Council is very concerned with some of the consequences of the Housing Bill.  We may find ourselves unable to address our local housing needs and welcome some of the amendments proposed by the Lords, in particular those in respect of ‘Starter Homes’.  We call upon local MPs to lobby Government Ministers and, as a last resort, vote against Government legislation that will prevent planning authorities doing what’s best for our local communities.”

In light of emerging information that had become apparent since this motion had been submitted, the proposer and seconder confirmed that it was their wish to formally withdraw it from being considered at this meeting.

(b)          By Cllrs Green and Hodgson

“This Council notes the suffering forced upon local residents as a result of this government’s cuts programme and asserts that there is an alternative to its ideologically driven attack on public services, namely the levy of a financial transaction tax on the speculative activities that have accelerated the recent enrichment of the few to the detriment of the many.  The Council therefore calls upon the Government to enact a financial transaction tax (Robin Hood Tax) and use the revenues from this measure to reverse ongoing shrinkage in central grants to our Council.  In doing so, we would be combatting austerity both within our authority and beyond joining 70 other councils, including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Islington, Manchester and Sheffield.”

In introducing this motion, the proposer made reference to:-

-    the potential for this tax to raise in the region of £20 billion per year;

-    this proposal having the support of a number of local authorities; and

-    the motion seeking approval to write a letter to central government outlining our support for these proposals.

During the ensuing debate, some Members highlighted the widespread support amongst world leaders and the UK population for these proposals.

When put to the vote, the motion was declared LOST.

(c)          By Cllrs Hodgson and Green

“This Council develops a policy opposing the use of the process known as ‘Fracking’ in South Hams to obtain fossil fuels.  ‘Fracking’ is a dangerous exploitive process that brings a low rate of return of energy, can create mini earthquakes and can pollute drinking water supplies.”

The proposer introduced the motion and informed that it reflected local concerns over fracking and the consequent need to develop a policy.

In discussion, there was a brief debate on the suitability of fracking in the South Hams and whether or not the geology of the district lent itself to shale gas.

When put to the vote, the motion was declared LOST.

(d)       By Cllrs Hodgson and Green

“This Council bans the use of Glyphosphate herbicide as a dangerous pollutant on council land.  Glyphosphate is now listed by the World Health Organisation as a probably carcinogen and is dangerous to wildlife and drinking water supplies.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16/16

to consider a report that presents the recommendations of the Political Structures Working Group in respect of the proposal to transfer the area to the east of Ivybridge from Ugborough parish to Ivybridge parish;

17/16 

A report was considered that provided an update on the current Community Governance Review to transfer the area to the East of Ivybridge (recently added to create the new Ivybridge East Ward) from Ugborough Parish to the Ivybridge Parish.  The report also sought approval to progress the Review to the next consultation phase.

In discussion, the following points were raised:-

(a)  Some Members stressed the importance of Ugborough Parish Council responding during the next consultation phase;

(b)  In highlighting the precepting implications for those affected residents, a Member was unsupportive of the Review proceeding to the next stage.  In reply, other Members felt that the process underpinning the Review should be allowed to run its course;

(c)   A local Member made reference to the extent of the future development planned in the affected area and the fact that these sites would be reliant upon Ivybridge based services.

            It was then:

RESOLVED

1.    That the main points arising from the initial submissions (paragraph 3.2 of the presented agenda report refers) be noted;

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2.    That the draft proposal to transfer the area to the East of Ivybridge (recently added to create the new Ivybridge East Ward) from Ugborough Parish to the Ivybridge Parish be published for further consultation;

3.    That the impact of any future Section 106 contributions should be considered in relation to any boundary change, whilst bearing in mind the Section 122 Community Infrastructure Levy regulations; and

4.    That, in the event of any boundary change being approved, the procedure for determining applications made to the Community Re-Investment Fund be amended to ensure that, for relevant applications, the local Ward Member for Ermington and Ugborough also be included as a consultee alongside the local ward Members for Ivybridge (East) and Ivybridge (West).

to consider a report which presents the draft Calendar of Meetings for the 2016/17 Municipal Year

18/16 

The Council considered a report that sought Member approval of the Calendar of Meetings for the 2016/17 Municipal Year.

In discussion, reference was made to:-

(a)  the complexities of drafting the Calendar of Meetings.  Members recognised the difficulties associated with setting the Calendar and wished to pay tribute to the lead officer;

(b)  meetings held during August.  Some Members reiterated their previously raised concerns that the Calendar was proposing meetings during the month of August.  In particular, these Members were unhappy at the proposed Development Management Committee meeting on 3 August 2016;

(c)   some minor amendments to the draft Calendar.  In proposing its adoption, the following amendments were included:

·         That an additional Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting be added to the Calendar to be held on Wednesday, 29 June 2016; and

·         That the Annual Council meeting in 2017 be brought forward by a week to 11 May 2017.

            It was then:

RESOLVED

That the Calendar of Meetings for the 2016/17 Municipal Year be adopted (as per Appendix D to these minutes).

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to consider a report that seeks to appoint two Co-Opted Members on to the Salcombe Harbour Board;

19/16 

A report was considered that sought approval of the appointment of Co-opted Members to the Salcombe Harbour Board, following the recommendations of the Independent Panel.

In presenting the report, the Harbour Board Chairman emphasised the strength of the applications received.

It was then:

RESOLVED

That with immediate effect:-

Mr Hugh Marriage, Dr Kit Harling CBE and Mr Mark Long be appointed to the Salcombe Harbour Board as Co-opted Members for the period to the date of the Annual Council in May 2019; and

the appointments process in respect of Co-opted Members be amended as outlined in paragraph 3.5 of the presented agenda report.

to receive and as may be necessary approve the minutes and recommendations of the under-mentioned Bodies:-

20/16

RESOLVED

That the minutes and recommendations of the undermentioned bodies be received and approved subject to any amendments listed below:-

(a)Development Management Committee  17 February 2016

(b)Overview and Scrutiny Panel                   25 February 2016

(c)Council Tax Setting Panel                                    25 February 2016

(d)Salcombe Harbour Board                          29 February 2016

(e) Executive                                                          10 March 2016

E.71/15: Treasury Management and Annual Investment Strategy for 2016/17

RESOLVED

1.  That the prudential indicators and limits for 2016/17 to 2018/19 (as contained within Appendix A of the presented agenda report to the Executive) be approved;

2.  That the Treasury Management Strategy 2016/17 and the treasury prudential indicators 2016/17 to 2018/19 (as contained within Appendix B of the presented agenda report to the Executive) be approved; and

3.  That the Investment Strategy 2016/17 (Appendix C of the presented agenda report to the Executive refers) and the detailed criteria included in Appendix D of the presented agenda report to the Executive be approved.

E.75/15: Implementation of the Devon Districts Procurement Strategy

RESOLVED

That the Devon Districts Procurement Strategy 2015-18

be formally adopted, with its contents implemented.

E.76/15: Corporate Debt Recovery Policy

RESOLVED

That the Joint Corporate Debt Recovery Policy be adopted.

E.78/15: The Future of the Devon Authorities Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee (DAWRRC)

RESOLVED

1.  That the proposal to wind up the Devon Authorities Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee be supported;

2.  That the establishment of the joint Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee be agreed on the draft terms of reference set out in the Operating Rules (as attached at Appendix 1 of the presented agenda report) and that any significant changes to the terms of reference be brought back to Council for further approval;

3.  That agreement be given to any minor changes considered necessary to the terms as highlighted being delegated to the Lead Specialist Waste Strategy (Strategy and Commissioning) in consultation with the lead Executive Member for Commercial Services.

            E.79/15: Communications Protocols and Policies

            RESOLVED

1.  That the joint Communications and Social Media Policies (as attached at Appendix A of the presented agenda report) be adopted; and

2.  That the protocols in the revised Communications protocol 2016 be acknowledged and adopted.

(f)Development Management Committee   16 March 2016

(g)Audit Committee                                         24 March 2016

            A.36/15: Review of the Council’s Constitution

In response to a request, it was agreed that all Members would be sent a copy of the draft Constitution that outlined (via track changes) the recommended amendments.

     RESOLVED

1.  That the amendments to the Council Constitution be approved (as summarised in paragraph 2 of the presented agenda report and fully outlined on the Council website) and that the revised Constitution be adopted at the Annual Meeting in May 2016; and

2.  That the need for an imminent review into both the Contract and Financial Procedure Rules be acknowledged.

Upon the conclusion of the presentation of these minutes, the Chairman (on behalf of the Council) wished to thank Cllr Pennington for all of his hard work and efforts during his time  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20/16