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Contact: Democratic Services Email: democratic.services@crawley.gov.uk
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Minute's Silence Minutes: The Mayor held a minute’s silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Mayor then held further a minute’s silence in memory of former Councillor Sally Blake. The Mayor invited representatives from each party to pay tribute. Councillors Crow, Jones, Lanzer, Irvine and Burrett paid their respects with touching tributes.
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Disclosures of Interest PDF 64 KB In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, councillors are reminded that it is a requirement to declare interests where appropriate. Minutes: The disclosures of interests made by councillors are set out in Appendix A to these minutes.
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To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Full Council held on 20 July 2022. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Full Council held on 20 July 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.
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Communications To receive and consider any announcements or communications, including any additional Cabinet Member announcements. Minutes: The Mayor updated the Council on events that had taken place since the last meeting. The summer months had been particularly busy with large events such as Crawley Pride Festival in Goffs Park in August. The Mayor had also attended an Armed Forces Breakfast Club meeting, at which a plaque was unveiled for Crawley residents who had lost their lives during World War I. The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had been an historic event, and the Mayor had been proud to take part in the proclamation of the new King.
October was to bring a range of events to mark Black History Month. The town was also due to host various events for ‘Creepy Crawley’ festival.
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Public Question Time To answer public questions under Full Council Procedure Rule 1.1-E. The questions must be on matters which are relevant to the functions of the Council, and should not include statements.
One supplementary question from the questioner will be allowed.
Up to 30 minutes is allocated to Public Question Time. Minutes: Questions asked in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 were as follows:
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Recommendation 1 - Budget Strategy 2023/24 - 2027/28 Minutes: The Full Council considered report FIN/583 of the Head of Corporate Finance. The Leader of the Council presented the report which set out the projected financial position for 2023/43 to 2027/28 for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account, capital programme and the underlying assumptions. The report set out the policy framework for improving financial efficiency and meeting the long-term investment needs of the Town, as well as proposals for the annual budget process. It was highlighted that the proposed budget would be formed under the background of high inflation and the cost-of-living crisis as such assumptions were changing on a daily basis. Also, as mentioned in the quarterly reporting, there was an officer pay award pending which was expected to be £800,000 more than budgeted for. This would be addressed in the mid-year strategy.
It was noted that currently there was a budget deficit of £204,109 for 2023/24, before use of reserves and before any savings were identified and based on a Council tax increase of 2.21% (which was £4.95 on a Band D in property) and an increase of fees and charges of 5% (which was lower than inflation) for 2023/4.
The item had been previously considered at the Overview and Scrutiny Commission and Cabinet meetings on 3 October 2022 and 5 October 2022 respectively. Councillor Jones moved the recommendation which was seconded and supported by Councillor C Mullins.
Councillors Crow, Jhans, Irvine, Lanzer and Lamb also spoke on the item and the recommendation.
The Mayor then called for the vote on the recommendation, which was carried unanimously.
RESOLVED
That the Full Council approves the Budget Strategy 2023/24 to 2027/28 and:
a) approves the process for meeting the gap as outlined in section 8 of report FIN/583.
b) approves to continue with the policy of balancing the budget over a four-year period, including putting back into reserves when the Budget is in surplus. This is due to the current economic climate.
c) notes the following highlights of the Budget Strategy:
i. that the Budget is aligned to the Council’s Corporate Priorities.
ii. that the current budget deficit of £204,109 for 2023/24 is based on a Council tax increase of 2.21% which is £4.95 and increases in fees and charges of 5% on average. However table 9 in report FIN/583. highlights that the gap could be higher when looking at sensitivity analysis.
iii. that the outline 5 year forecast as shown in table 3 of report FIN/583..
iv. that the savings identified by the Corporate Management Team challenge of budgets of £413,080 have been included within the budget projections.
v. that there are uncertainties around Government funding prior to the settlement in December and the delay in Local Government Funding reforms such as business rates retention and the future of New Homes Bonus.
vi. that despite having a £5.26m General Fund reserve that the budgeted use of this reserve was £451,730 at the beginning of the current financial year, however there is a projected overspend in ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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Recommendation 2 - Proposed Increase of Weekly Rent to Council Owned Garages Minutes: Councillors Burrett and Lanzer left the room and took no part in the discussion or vote on this item.
The Full Council considered report CEX/59of the Chief Executive. The Leader of the Council presented the report which sought approval for the mid-year increase, as part of the budget setting strategy, to weekly rent to Council-owned garages and storage cupboards. It was acknowledged that even with the proposed increase renting garages from the Council would still be of good value for residents and much lower cost than alternative forms of storage and most other similar local authorities. It was noted that changes to the rules regarding multiple tenancies and to non-Crawley residents means that they would be paying a premium for multiple garages. If they were not prepared to pay this would enable more residents on the waiting list to have the opportunity to be able to rent a garage sooner.
The item had been previously considered at the Overview and Scrutiny Commission and Cabinet meetings on 3 October 2022 and 5 October 2022 respectively. Councillor Jones moved the recommendation which was seconded and supported by Councillor C Mullins.
Councillor Crow then moved and presented Amendment 1 and 2 (as shown in the Supplementary Agenda Order Paper) respectively and in doing so emphasised that the amendments were not dependent on one another and as such should be considered individually. Councillor Ali seconded both the amendments and spoke on the item.
Councillor Jones, using their right to reply, commented that he would accept Amendment 1 and include it as part of the substantive recommendation, but would not accept Amendment 2.
The Mayor then called for the vote on Amendment 2, which fell by 13 votes in favour, 19 against and 1 abstention.
The Mayor then called for the vote on the substantive recommendation (including Amendment 1) which was carried unanimously.
RESOLVED
That Full Council approves the change in garage and storage cupboard fees, as detailed in Section 5 report CEX/59 and agrees to:
a) Increase rental fees with effect from 1 December 2022, with no further increase until April 2024 as follows:
i. weekly garage rental costs for Crawley Homes tenants, ii. weekly garage rental cost for Private Tenants residing in Crawley iii. weekly rental costs of storage cupboards
b) Introduce an additional charge for Crawley Homes tenants and Crawley resident private tenants with three or more garages.
c) Introduce a new non-Crawley Borough resident weekly garage rental cost.
d) Introduce an additional charge for non-Crawley Borough residents with two or more garages.
e) Remove the previous multi garage discount from any remaining accounts.
f) In preparation for the next review of charges, explore options for a more flexible approach to garage rents based on variations in demand in the neighbourhoods.
Councillors Burrett and Lanzer returned to the room once the item had concluded.
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Recommendation 3 - Polling Station Arrangements 2023: Schools Minutes: The Full Council considered report LDS/189 of the Head of Governance, People & Performance. Councillor Lamb as Chair of the Governance Committee introduced report which requested that the Full Council review the temporary changes to the Scheme of Polling Places made for the 2021 and 2022 elections, and consider whether to extend those for the elections in 2023. The Full Council was informed that the Governance Committee proposed that the temporary changes made to the Polling Scheme in 2021 and 2022 relating to polling districts LFB, LFD, and LHB be ended and that there is a return to the normal polling places for the 2023 elections. The Committee also proposed that polling district LJC had a new designated polling place of Forge Wood Community Centre. The recommendation was seconded by Councillor Bounds.
RESOLVED
That the Full Council approves that:
a) The Forge Wood Community Centre be the designated polling place for polling district LJC (Pound Hill North & Forge Wood Ward). b) The Mill Primary School be the designated polling place for polling district LFB (Ifield Ward). c) The Mill Primary School be the designated polling place for polling district LFD (Ifield Ward). d) The Brook School be the designated polling place for polling district LHB (Maidenbower Ward).
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Recommendation 4 - Final Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (Councillors' Allowances Scheme 2023/24 to 2026/27) Minutes: Councillor Lamb as Chair of the Governance Committee introduced report LDS/190 of the Chair of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) which detailed the considerations and subsequent recommendations regarding the Councillors’ Allowances Scheme for 2023/24 to 2026/27. It was noted that Panel held an in-depth investigation as part of their review including comparing the current scheme against other similar and local councils’ allowances schemes and holding interviews and receiving submissions from a range of councillors and former Mayors (including those that were no longer councillors).
The recommendation was seconded by Councillor Bounds.
Councillor Burgess also spoke on the report.
RESOLVED
That the Full Council approves the Councillors’ Allowances Scheme for 2023/24 to 2026/27 as set out in Appendix B to these minutes. |
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Recommendation 5 - Changes to the Constitution: Licensing Sub Committee (Taxis) Function Minutes: Councillors Y Khan, Malik, Rana and Sivarajah left the room and took no part in the discussion or vote on this item.
The Full Council considered report LDS/191 of the Head of Governance, People & Performance. Councillor Lamb as Chair of the Governance Committee presented the report which proposed changes to the Constitution which reflected the arrangements necessary to fulfil a recent decision by the Licensing Committee. The decision made was to delegate power to take decisions around the suspension of issuing hackney carriage (driver and vehicle) licences and private hire (driver/vehicle/operator) licences to a Licensing Sub-Committee (when specifically requested by the Chair of the Licensing Committee).
The Full Council was informed that included in the Supplementary Agenda – Items to Follow – Governance Minutes and Recommendations was report LDS/194 which contained legal advice from the Head of Governance, People and Performance in respect of recommendation 5, following a request from the Governance Committee. The advice included a minor revision to the proposed terms of reference for the Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis), which Councillor Lamb confirmed was the version he would be moving as the Constitutional change for the Full Council’s consideration.
The recommendation was seconded by Councillor Lunnon.
Councillors Crow, Jones Jaggard, Burrett, Lanzer, Mwagale, Millar-Smith, Burgess and Peck spoke on the item. In response to queries raised during the debate, Councillors Irvine and Ali as Chair and Vice Chair of Licensing Committee respectively spoke on the item to provide context as to why the Committee had requested the establishment of the Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis).
At the conclusion of the debate, the Mayor called for a recorded vote on the recommendation before the Full Council and invited the Democracy and Data Manager to commence the recorded voting process.
For: Ayling, Buck, Hart, Irvine, Jhans, Jones, K Khan, Lamb, Lunnon, C Mullins, S Mullins, Nawaz, Noyce, Pritchard, and Raja. (15)
Against: Ali, A Belben, T Belben, Bounds, Burgess, Burrett, Crow, Hellier, Jaggard, Lanzer, Millar-Smith, Mwagale, Peck, Pendlington and Piggott. (15)
Abstentions: (0)
RESOLVED
That the Full Council approves:
1. The Constitutional changes establishing the Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis) as set out in Appendix C to these minutes.
2. That meetings of the Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis) follow the same procedure as set out in the General Committee Procedure Rules of the Constitution.
3. That the Head of Governance, People & Performance be delegated authority to amend all references to the “Licensing Sub-Committee” in the current Constitution to “Licensing Sub-Committee (Hearings)” and make any other consequential changes to the Constitution as necessary.
Councillors Y Khan, Malik, Rana and Sivarajah returned to the room once the item had concluded.
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Recommendation 6 - Changes to the Constitution: Financial Approval Levels Minutes: The Full Council considered report LDS/192 of the Head of Governance, People & Performance. Councillor Lamb as Chair of the Governance Committee introduced the proposed constitutional change to Section J of the Financial and Budget Procedure Rules. The change aimed to marry up, for consistency purposes, the financial approval levels for purchasing land and property for housing delivery and to include the approval levels for the acquisition of land and property for investment. It was explained that the latter approval levels had been delegated to Head of Corporate Finance and included in their Sub-Delegation Scheme but were not referenced in the Constitution.
The recommendation was seconded by Councillor Bounds.
RESOLVED
That the Full Council approves constitutional change to Section J of the Financial and Budget Procedure Rules as set out in Appendix D to these minutes.
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Recommendation 7 - Notification of Urgent Decisions Protected from Call-In
The Leader, under the Special Urgency decision making powers set out in the Constitution, took the following decisions which were also protected from Call-In (in accordance with Call-In Procedure Rule 8).
The decision, which was taken on 27 July 2022, was to approve the Council’s Covid-19 revised Additional Relief Fund Discretionary Relief Guidelines and give delegated authority to designated senior officers to make relief awards within those Guidelines. This decision was deemed urgent and protected from Call-In so the Council could start supporting businesses as soon as possible. The decision was reported in Councillors’ Information Bulletin IB/1141.
The decision, which was taken on 14 September 2022, was to approve the Council’s Revised Energy Rebate Discretionary Guidelines and give delegated authority to designated senior officers to make relief awards within these guidelines. This decision was deemed urgent and protected from Call-In so that an online application process could become live to enable the Council to start supporting eligible residents as soon as possible. The Scheme needed to be rolled out as soon as possible to enable people to apply to assist them with increased costs of utility bills. The decision was reported in Councillors’ Information Bulletin IB/1148.
RECOMMENDATION 7
Minutes: The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jones, introduced the item which was set out on pages 2 and 3 of the agenda. Councillor Jones had used the Urgent Action decision making powers set out in the Constitution and had also protected decisions from Call-In (in accordance with Call-In Procedure Rule 8).
The first decision, which was taken on 27 July 2022, was to approve the Council’s Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund Discretionary Relief Guidelines and give delegated authority to designated senior officers to make relief awards within certain guidelines. This decision was protected from Call-In so the Council could start supporting its businesses as soon as possible. The decision was reported in Councillors’ Information Bulletin IB/1141.
The second decision, which was taken on 14 September 2022, was to approve the Council’s Revised Energy Rebate Discretionary Guidelines and give delegated authority to designated senior officers to make relief awards within these guidelines. This decision was deemed urgent and protected from Call-In so that an online application process could become live to enable the Council to start supporting eligible residents as soon as possible. The Scheme needed to be rolled out as soon as possible to enable people to apply to assist them with increased costs of utility bills. The decision was reported in Councillors’ Information Bulletin IB/1148.
Councillor Jones moved the recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor C Mullins.
RESOLVED
The Full Council is requested to note the use of the Special Urgency and Protection from Call-In provisions in respect of the decisions taken by the Leader relating to the Council’s Covid-19 revised Additional Relief Fund Discretionary Relief Guidelines which was taken on 27 July 2022 and the Council’s Revised Energy Rebate Discretionary Guidelines which was taken on 14 September 2022.
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Notice of Motion 1 - Motion to protect Worth Forest PDF 81 KB To consider, in accordance with Full Council Procedure Rule 1.1-H, the following Notice of Motion to be moved by Councillor Jaggard and seconded by Councillor Crow. Minutes: The Full Council considered the Notice of Motion – Motion to Protect Worth Forest – as set out on page 21 of the agenda.
The Motion was moved and presented by Councillor Jaggard and in doing so gave further explanation of the reasoning behind the Motion. It was seconded and supported by Councillor Crow.
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Vote to Extend the Meeting (Guillotine) Minutes: As the business of the meeting had not been completed within the scheduled two hours and 30 minutes, a vote on continuation in line with Council Procedure Rule 8.3 was held. The Mayor required the Full Council to consider if it wished to continue with the meeting.
Having put it to the vote, the Council agreed that the meeting be continued for an additional period not exceeding 30 minutes.
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Notice of Motion 1 - Motion to protect Worth Forest (Continued) Minutes: Following the agreement of the Full Council to continue the meeting, the Mayor restarted the discussion on Notice of Motion 1 - Motion to Protect Worth Forest.
Councillor Jones then moved and presented Amendment 1 (as shown in the Supplementary Agenda Order Paper). The Amendment was seconded by Councillor Jhans who also spoke on the item.
Councillors Lunnon, Lanzer, Pritchard, Burgess C Mullins, Burrett and Piggott all spoke during the debate.
Councillor Jaggard, using their right to reply, thanked all councillors for their support of the Motion. She commented that she was happy to accept Councillor Jones’ amendment, but asked if Councillor Jones would consider adding Councillor Crow as the Opposition Leader to the list of signatories of the letters. She explained that it would show that the objection to the proposed Center Parcs at Worth Forest was a cross-party view and not politically motivated, particularly as Mid-Sussex District Council was a Conservative-run authority. The Mayor invited Councillor Jones to respond, who commented that he would like to hold a meeting with Councillor Crow first before agreeing. Councillor Crow confirmed he would be willing to discuss the matter.
The Mayor then called for the vote on the substantive Notice of Motion which included the accepted amendment, which was carried unanimously.
RESOVLED
Crawley Borough Council states its objection to the proposal, announced last year by Center Parcs, to construct a 'holiday village' comprising up to 900 holiday lodges, a restaurant and swimming complex, across 553 acres of Worth Forest immediately to the south of Maidenbower, in the area known as Oldhouse Warren.
In doing so, this Council requests the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability to write to both Center Parcs and Mid-Sussex District Council, on behalf of the Council’s entire membership, setting out Crawley’s concerns about such a change of use of this site, and supporting the environmental concerns that have been highlighted by the Sussex Planning for Nature Group, which is made up of the Sussex Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, the Woodland Trust, CPRE Sussex and the Sussex Ornithological Society. |
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Councillors' Questions Time PDF 72 KB There will be a maximum of 30 minutes for Councillors’ Question Time (CQT). Councillors may ask questions relating to either a portfolio issue or with regard to the functions delegated to a Committee.
There are two methods for Councillors asking questions:
1. Councillors can submit written questions in advance of the meeting and written answers will be provided on the evening of the Full Council.
2. Councillors can also verbally ask questions during the CQT.
Councillors have the opportunity to ask oral supplementary questions in relation to either of the methods above. Minutes:
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Vote to Extend the Meeting (Guillotine) Minutes: As the business of the meeting had not been completed within the scheduled two hours and 30 minutes, a vote on continuation in line with Council Procedure Rule 8.3 was held. The Mayor required the Full Council to consider if it wished to continue with the meeting.
Having put it to the vote, the Council agreed that the meeting be continued for an additional period not exceeding 30 minutes.
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Councillors' Question Time (Continued) Minutes: Following the agreement of the Full Council to continue the meeting, the Mayor restarted Councillors' Question Time
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To receive the minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny Commission and Committees, as listed on page 35, and set out in the appendices to this item and to debate any Reserved Items contained within those Minutes.
NB: In advance of the meeting Political Groups can identify any items they wish to debate as a Reserved Item. These Reserved Items will then be the only matters to be the subject of debate.
Minutes: Moved by Councillor Rana (as the Deputy Mayor): –
RESOLVED
That the following reportsbe received:
a) Planning Committee – 12 July 2022 b) Audit Committee – 25 July 2022 c) Licensing Committee – 17 August 2022 d) Planning Committee – 30 August 2022 e) Overview and Scrutiny Commission – 5 September 2022 f) Cabinet – 7 September 2022 g) Overview and Scrutiny Commission – 5 September 2022 h) Planning Committee – 4 October 2022 i) Cabinet – 6 July 2022 j) Governance Committee – 10 October 2022
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Item for Debate - Variation to the Crawley Borough Council Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy - Licensing Committee - 17 August 2022 Minutes: Councillors Y Khan, Malik, Rana and Sivarajah left the room and took no part in the discussion on this item.
Councillor Crow explained the rationale for bringing this item for debate. It was felt it was important to bring the matter forward as the chain of events that led to the extraordinary Licensing Committee meeting being called was unclear. There were also queries about conduct at the meeting and the roles of some officers present. Councillor Burgess also spoke on the item and in doing so conveyed her thanks to all officers present at the meeting. There were concerns, however, about Committee members’ conduct.
Councillor Irvine responded on this item as the Chair of the Licensing Committee. It was clarified that the extraordinary meeting was called as a licensing issue had arisen and it was deemed important to hear all points of view on the subject so Committee members could consider all relevant matters. It was highlighted that various strong views were expressed at the meeting but all procedures had been followed.
Councillors Y Khan, Malik, Rana and Sivarajah returned to the room once the item had concluded.
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Guillotine and End of the Meeting Minutes: The Mayor informed the Full Council that as the business of the meeting had not been completed by 11.00pm, and in line with Council Procedure Rule 8.4, the guillotine must fall and the meeting was to end.
It was noted that Items for Debates, item was unable to be fully completed and as such the Mayor ended the Variation to the Crawley Borough Council Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy from the Licensing Committee held on 17 August 2022, discussion, however the Final Report of the Council-owned Neighbourhood Parades Scrutiny Panel from the Cabinet held on 7 September 2022 was unable to be considered.
The Mayor closed the meeting.
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Appendix B - Councillors' Allowances Scheme 2023/24 to 2026/27 PDF 106 KB |
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Appendix C - Changes to the Constitution: Licensing Sub Committee (Taxis) Function PDF 71 KB |
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Appendix D - Changes to the Constitution: Financial Approval Levels PDF 84 KB |