Council - Thursday, 20th June, 2019 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 21st May 2019 (copy attached).

It was MOVED by Cllr K.H. Muschamp; SECONDED by Cllr P.G. Taylor and

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 21st May, 2019 (copy having been circulated previously) be taken as read, approved and signed as a correct record.

(1)      The Mayor extended congratulations to Councillor Sophie Porter who would be getting married that Saturday to her fiancé, Matt.  She wished the couple a memorable day with family and friends and a wonderful future together.

(2)      The Mayor advised Members that PC Mark Ranola had been awarded an OBE in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours List.  PC Ranola had received an OBE for his services to policing and the community in Hampshire in recognition of his “generous and industrious work” for the large and growing Nepali community in Rushmoor since 2004.  The Mayor would be writing to PC Ranola to extend the Council’s congratulations on receiving this honour.

(3)      The Mayor advised Members that she had attended the annual Gurkha Cup Football Tournament on 26th May, 2019. The Mayor thanked the Tamu Dhee Association UK, Mr Nanda Jung Gurung and members of the Association who had very generously presented her with a cheque for £500 for the Mayor’s charities.

(4)      The Mayor advised Members that she had attended the annual Farnborough Donkey Derby at King George V playing Fields on 27th May, 2019, which had been organised by local Rotarians.  The event had been very well attended and it was understood that a considerable amount had been raised for local charities.

(5)      The Mayor advised that she had had the honour of attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 29th May, 2019 and had been accompanied by former councillor, Barbara Hurst, and her granddaughter. 

(6)      The Mayor advised that, on 1st June, 2019, she had attended the Rushmoor ‘Get Involved’ Fair in Aldershot town centre.  The Fair had been supported by many local voluntary organisations and gave an insight into what local charities, community groups and clubs did.  The Fair provided information on how to get involved in volunteering and support local organisations who played an important part in the local community. 

(7)      The Mayor advised Members that she had been proud to attend the Victoria Day event in Aldershot town centre on 8th June, 2019.  The rain had held off and more than 500 people from community groups, schools and businesses had taken part in the grand parade.  The Best in Parade certificate had been awarded to Aldershot Girl Guiding and, for the second year running, the Best Dressed Shop Window certificate had been awarded to Edgar Jerome in Wellington Street.  The Mayor thanked those at the Council who had organised the event, with the help of an enthusiastic group of volunteers and residents who were part of the Aldershot Community Together group.

(8)      The Mayor reported that, every June, Rotary Clubs throughout Britain and Ireland, together with the Kids Out Charity, took over 25,000 disadvantaged children on a big day out.   The local Kids Out fun day, for over 800 children and their carers, had been held on 12th June at the Army Rugby Stadium, in Aldershot.

(9)      The Mayor advised Members that, earlier that day, she had attended a presentation of the Elizabeth  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To receive any questions by Members submitted in pursuance of Standing Order 8 (3).

The Mayor reported that no questions had been submitted under Standing Order 8.

(1)      Environment and Sustainability –

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr C.J. Stewart pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

“Taking into account the responses from residents to the recent consultation on a long-term vision for the Borough, this Council agrees to develop a plan to enable a green and sustainable Rushmoor and a carbon neutral Council by 2030.”

(2)      Climate Emergency –

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr A.J Halstead pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

“This Council will hereby:

1.         Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’;

2.         Pledge to make the Borough of Rushmoor carbon-neutral by 2030, taking into account production and consumption emissions;

3.         Explore ethical procurement, and incentivising electric car usage;

4.         Seek to exceed the national average for recycling rates;

5.         Eliminate the use of single-use plastics by the council by 2030;

6.         Call on Westminster to provide necessary powers and resources to achieve the 2030 targets;

7.         Mandate the Portfolio Holder responsible to regularly report back with actions undertaken to address this emergency.”

(3)      Rushmoor Community Contribution Scheme –

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr A.S. Dekker pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

“That this Council introduce a "Community Contribution Scheme" similar to that run by Westminster Council.  Higher value properties, such as band H, would be asked to make a voluntary contribution of double the normal contribution of Rushmoor's share of the council tax.

Funds raised by the scheme would be used in three specific areas:

·                Helping young people – investing in youth clubs

·                Extra support for people who find themselves sleeping on the streets

·                Helping to tackle isolation and loneliness – not just amongst the elderly but across all age groups, including children.”

The Council was asked to consider three Notices of Motion which had been submitted for debate in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 9 (1).

(1)          Environment and Sustainability/Climate Emergency

The first two Motions had been submitted by Cllrs C.J. Stewart and A.J. Halstead in respect of environment and sustainability/climate emergency.

In introducing this item, Cllr Stewart referred to discussions held by the Conservative and Labour Groups, in consultation with the Liberal Democrat Group, to amalgamate the first two Motions to cover the subject of a green and sustainable Borough and carbon-neutral Council by 2030.  It was therefore MOVED by Cllr Stewart and SECONDED by Cllr Gaynor Austin that the first two Motions on the agenda be consolidated as follows:

“This Council acknowledges a ‘Climate Emergency’.

Taking into account the responses from residents to the recent public engagement on a long-term vision for the Borough, this Council agrees to develop a plan to enable:

-       a green and sustainable Rushmoor; and

-       a carbon-neutral Council by 2030.

In developing this plan, Rushmoor Council will:

-       seek to improve the Borough’s recycling rates;

-       explore the adoption of a ‘green’ procurement strategy;

-       aim to eliminate its use of single-use plastics; and

-       by working with partner agencies, encourage greener transport usage.

Using the full democratic processes of the Council and encompassing all members in the development, scrutiny and implementation of this plan, it will be brought back to this Council by year end.”

Speaking in support of the amended Motion, Cllr Stewart stated that the Council must be committed to making lasting change.   He was of the opinion that the Council had to facilitate the Borough’s residents to work with the Council to create a greener and sustainable Rushmoor.  Cllr Stewart also referred to the need for the Council to be clear what actions could be taken to make Rushmoor more resilient and to work with partners to achieve this. 

In seconding the amendment, Cllr Gaynor Austin drew attention to the need to declare a climate emergency and for the Council to work together with residents and partners to achieve the aims set out in the amendment. 

During discussion, Members referred to the need for green transport opportunities, local authorities to work together or a task and finish group to drive the aims of the amended Motion forward and co-ordinate action. 

On a recorded vote, there voted FOR: Cllrs Gaynor Austin, Diane Bedford, J.B. Canty, Sophia Choudhary, A.K. Chowdhury, R.M. Cooper, A.H. Crawford, A.S. Dekker, K. Dibble, Veronica Graham-Green, C.P. Grattan, Christine Guinness, A.J. Halstead, L. Jeffers, Prabesh KC, Mara Makunura, J.H. Marsh, Nadia Martin, S.J. Masterson, Marina Munro, K.H. Muschamp, A.R. Newell, Sophie Porter, M.J. Roberts, M.L. Sheehan, M.D. Smith, C.J. Stewart, P.G. Taylor, M.J. Tennant, B.A. Thomas, J.E. Woolley, Deputy Mayor (Cllr P.F. Rust) (32); AGAINST: 0; and ABSTAINED: The Mayor (Cllr Sue Carter) (1) and the amended Motion was DECLARED CARRIED.

(2)          Rushmoor Community Contribution Scheme

A Motion had been submitted by Cllr A.S. Dekker  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To receive any questions by Members to Cabinet Members submitted in accordance with the Procedure Note.

The Mayor reported that no questions had been submitted for the Cabinet.

To receive and ask questions on the Reports of the following Meetings (copy reports attached):

(1)          Cabinet

It was MOVED by Cllr K.H. Muschamp; SECONDED by Cllr P.G. Taylor that the Reports of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 2nd April and 28th May, 2019 be received.

In accordance with Standing Order 10 (2), it was MOVED by Cllr. M.J. Roberts and SECONDED by Cllr A.S. Dekker that Item No. 12 of the Minutes of 28th May, 2019 (Leasehold Disposal – Aldershot Town Football Club, High Street, Aldershot) be brought forward for discussion at this meeting.   

The Portfolio Holder, Cllr M.J. Tennant, referred to the need by Aldershot Town Football Club for an additional lease in order to undertake some development of the ground to ensure the future of the Club.  Members were advised that, in making its decision, the Cabinet had examined ways in which the Council could support the Club.  Set out in the report considered by the Cabinet were several caveats to protect the Council’s position.  Members were also advised that, if the work was not completed within the stipulated timeframe, then the lease would revert back to the original lease.  The Club had to try to make itself sustainable in order to protect the land.  Cllr Tennant considered that there was no reason to bring the item forward. 

On a recorded vote, there voted FOR: Cllrs Gaynor Austin, A.K. Chowdhury, A.H. Crawford, A.S. Dekker, K. Dibble, C.P. Grattan, Christine Guinness, A.J. Halstead, Nadia Martin, Sophie Porter and M.J. Roberts (11); AGAINST: Cllrs Diane Bedford, J.B. Canty, Sophia Choudhary, R.M. Cooper, Veronica Graham-Green, L. Jeffers, Prabesh KC, Mara Makunura, J.H. Marsh, S.J. Masterson, Marina Munro, K.H. Muschamp, A.R. Newell, M.L. Sheehan, M.D. Smith, C.J. Stewart, P.G. Taylor, M.J. Tennant, B.A. Thomas and J.E. Woolley (20); and ABSTAINED: The Mayor (Cllr Sue Carter) and the Deputy Mayor (Cllr P.F. Rust) and the Motion was DECLARED LOST, whereupon it was

RESOLVED: That the Reports of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 2nd April and 28th May, 2019 be received.

(2)          Development Management Committee

It was MOVED by Cllr B.A. Thomas; SECONDED by Cllr J.H. Marsh and

RESOLVED:  That the Reports of the meetings of the Development Management Committee held on 10th April and 29th May, 2019 be received.

(3)          Licensing, Audit and General Purposes Committee

It was MOVED by Cllr J.E. Woolley; SECONDED by Cllr S.J. Masterson and

RESOLVED:  That the Report of the meeting of the Licensing, Audit and General Purposes Committee held on 6th June, 2019 be received.

To note the Reports of the following meetings (copy reports attached):

RESOLVED:  That the Reports of the undermentioned meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Policy and Project Advisory Board be received: