MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2003 COMMENCING AT 10.00 AM

Present :

Miss H L Humby (Chairman), Mr B E Abraham, Mr J R Adams, Mr R R Barry, Mr J A Bowker, Mr B C Buckle, Mrs T M Butchers, Mr C B W Chapman, Mrs B D Clough, Mr A C Coburn, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J Effemey, Mr J H Fleming, Mrs B E Foster, Mr E Fox, Mrs D Gardiner, Mr C M Gauntlett, Mr P G Harris, Mr J F Howe, Mrs M A Jarman, Mr P D Joyce, Mr G S Kendall, Mr D J Knowles, Mrs B Lawson, Mr C H Lillywhite, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr R G Mazillius, Mrs M J Miller, Mr V J Morey, Mr A J Mundy, Mrs E Oulton, Mr K Pearson, Mr H Rees, Mr R C Richards, Mrs S A Smart, Mr I R Stephens, Mr R A Sutton, Mr A A Taylor, Mrs J L Wareham, Mr D G Williams

Apologies :

Mr A C Bartlett, Mr C R Hancock, Mr G P Price, Mr A F Tiltman, Mr D Yates

Before the meeting commenced the Chairman presented a certificate of achievement to Seb Clover for being the youngest person to sail single handed across the Atlantic.

66. MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2002 be confirmed.

67. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Questions were put to the Chairman as follows :

Ms M Carruthers concerning the provision of services to support children with Autism (PQ 1/03)

Mr H Eaglestone on the delay in dealing with requests from the Highways section (PQ 2/03)

Mr R Howes about on the likely tax level and how people are expected to pay (PQ 3/03)

Mr J Wortham asked an oral question concerning Wight Leisure. The Portfolio Holder explained that Mr Wortham had already received a detailed reply to this question and the letter would be circulated to all members.

68. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The Chairman updated members on the success of her recent Christmas visits to various offices.

69. MOTION SUBMITTED UNDER PROCEDURE RULE 11

(a) As Submitted by Mr E Fox CC

Before the motion was presented the Council received a presentation from Mr G Hanson from Government Office for the South East (GOSE) on the Council’s Local Transport Plan.

Following this presentation it was moved by Mr E Fox and seconded by Mrs T Butchers:

"This Council supports the targets set out in our Local Transport Plan and is committed to deliver sustainable and integrated transport by increasing the scope and choice of services, improving public transport in quality, cost and accessibility whilst expanding and developing safer facilities for journeys by cycle and by foot.

This Council will seek to provide additional funding from PFI and/or similarly innovative means and the resources necessary to address the long outstanding infrastructure problems caused by the historical under investment in this vital island asset so crucial to all areas of island life."

During the debate it was

RESOLVED :

THAT Procedure Rule 15 (4) be suspended for this item to allow the Portfolio Holder additional time in replying at the end of the debate.

At the conclusion of the debate it was

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT this Council supports the targets set out in our Local Transport Plan and is committed to deliver sustainable and integrated transport by increasing the scope and choice of services, improving public transport in quality, cost and accessibility whilst expanding and developing safer facilities for journeys by cycle and by foot.

(ii) THAT this Council will seek to provide additional funding from PFI and/or similarly innovative means and the resources necessary to address the long outstanding infrastructure problems caused by the historical under investment in this vital island asset so crucial to all areas of island life.

(b) As Submitted by Mr B Buckle CC

The Council considered the following motion moved by Mr B Buckle:

"This Council reminds Officers that any advice they give Members - especially about their attendance at public meetings on Planning matters - must be positively even-handed.

Officers are asked to note that Members have a duty not only to be seen to be unprejudiced but also to be fully informed on such matters so they can properly discharge their constitutional role.

Unless renewed this Motion's effect is to lapse at the end of this Council's term."

During the debate it was

RESOLVED :

THAT Procedure Rule 15 (4) be amended for this item to allow the mover of the motion a further 5 minutes to speak to the motion.

During the debate it was moved and seconded that the motion and the comments made at this meeting be referred to the Development Control Committee for it to consider the current protocol for dealing with planning applications and to make any necessary recommendations to the Council.

RESOLVED :

THAT the motion as submitted by Mr Buckle and the comments made at this meeting be referred to the Development Control Committee for it to consider the current protocol for dealing with planning applications and to make any necessary recommendations to the Council.

70. EXECUTIVE

(a) Recommendations From The Executive

(i) Council Tax Base 2003/04

The Council Tax Base formed the basis of calculating individual Council Tax requirements for the 2003/04 financial year. It was a statutory requirement to set the Tax Base and to notify the Police Authority by 31 January 2003. The Tax Base was calculated from information on the Valuation List as compiled by the Inland Revenue Valuation Offices.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the report of the Strategic Director for Finance and Information and County Treasurer (as submitted to the Executive on 15 January 2003) for the calculation of the Council’s Tax Base, for the whole and parts of the area, be approved.

(ii) THAT the amounts of the Tax Base for the financial year 2003/04 be as detailed in Appendix B as attached to the report.

(ii) Early Years Development And Childcare Plan 2003-2004

Consideration was given to the Early Years Development and Childcare Implementation Plan 2003 – 2004. This was required to be submitted to the Department of Education and Skills by 1 February 2003 under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. The plan was developed through an Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, which composed of relevant organisations, agencies, other local authority directorates, interested individuals and member representatives.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Early Years Development and Childcare Implementation Plan 2003 – 2004 be adopted.

(b) Executive - Reports Of The Portfolio Holders

(i) The Leader

The Leader updated members on the recent meeting with the Minister on the proposed grant settlement; the budget consultation meeting with businesses, trades unions and parish councils and the signing of a document seeking to ensure health services remain on the Island.

(ii) The Deputy Leader

The Deputy Leader reminded members of the acknowledgment in the Comprehensive Performance Assessment and the District Audit Management Letter of the improvements that the Council has made.

(iii) Agenda 21 and Countryside Matters

The Portfolio Holder updated members on grant applications being made for coast protection and renewable energy.

(iv) Economic Development, UK and EU, Regional Issues

The Portfolio Holder updated members on the recent visit to the Island by the Minister and the recent announcement of another review of the Local Government Finance.

(v) Education and Lifelong Learning

The Portfolio Holder updated members on the new admission policies about to be introduced; the establishment of a Schools Forum to advise on the Education budget and a seminar on Autism on 30 January.

(vi) Fire, Emergency Planning and Consumer Protection

The Portfolio Holder updated members on industrial action by the FBU and congratulating the Deputy Chief Fire Office on being awarded the Queens Fire Service Medal in the New Years Honours list.

(vii) Resources

The Portfolio Holder informed members on the interviews the following day to select the Director of Environment Services.

(viii) Social Services and Housing

Mr B Buckle and Mrs E Oulton submitted a question on the possible downgrading of St Mary’s Hospital (MQ 1/03 and 2/03).

The Portfolio Holder submitted a written report on a number of issues.

(ix) Tourism and Leisure

The Portfolio Holder updated members on this years image campaign, the walking festival and Events Programme that would be circulated shortly.

(x) Transport

Mr J Effemey asked a question on the policy residential parking schemes (MQ 3/03).

Mr B Abraham asked a question on the policy to encourage a reduction in the use of cars on the school run (MQ 4/03).

The Portfolio Holder updated members on the progress of various highway schemes.

71. SELECT AND REGULATORY COMMITTEES

(a) Reports by Chairman of Select Committees

(i) Co-ordinating Committee

The Chairman indicated that he had nothing to report.

(ii) Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and Leisure Services

The Chairman indicated that he had nothing to report.

(iii) Education, Community Development and Lifelong Learning

The Chairman indicated that he had nothing to report.

(iv) Environment and Transport

The Chairman indicated that she had nothing to report.

(v) Fire and Public Safety

The Vice Chairman indicated that he had nothing to report.

(vi) Resources

The Chairman indicated that he had nothing to report.

(vii) Social Services, Housing and Benefits

The Chairman updated on the progress on scrutinising the Health Authority.

(b) Regulatory Committees

(i) Development Control Committee

No written questions were received.

(ii) Licensing Panel

No written questions were received.

(iii) Regulatory Appeals

No written questions were received.

The meeting closed at 15:04

CHAIRMAN