Council - Thursday, 25th June, 2020 6.30 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 14th May, 2020 and the Annual Council Meeting held on 26th May, 2020 (copy Minutes attached).

It was MOVED by Cllr D.E. Clifford; SECONDED by Cllr K.H. Muschamp and

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on 14th May, 2020 and the Annual Meeting of the Council on 26th May 2020 (copies having been circulated previously) be taken as read, approved and signed as a correct record.

(1)      The Mayor reported that he had visited Aldershot Town Centre on 16th June 2020 to support the essential businesses that had remained open throughout Covid-19 and the non-essential businesses that were re-opening at that time.  He had been accompanied by officers from Environmental Health who provided businesses with public health posters and advice sheets and the Mayor had spoken with a number of businesses.

(2)      The Mayor advised that he had attended the Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony at Princes Gardens on 22nd June 2020.  The ceremony had been low-key due to the restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.  The Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend George Newton, had led a short service that had also been attended by the Garrison Commander (Lt. Col. Paddy Baines MBE) and the Garrison Sergeant Major (WO1 William Biggar) and the Council’s Military Champion (Cllr Jacqui Vosper).  The flag would be flown until 27th June 2020, which was Armed Forces Day.   The Mayor advised Members that there would be a series of online activities on the Council’s website for people to join in and watch to mark Armed Forces Day.

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.

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted in accordance with Standing Order 9. As an exception in the case of this item, the Mayor has agreed that Standing Order 9 (6) in relation to the limit on the number of words in the Motion will not apply.

Cllr D.E. Clifford will move and Cllr K. Dibble will second

“Rushmoor Borough Council place on record our deep sadness and revulsion at the senseless killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, USA.

Whilst we recognise that every life matters we echo the cries for justice and the assertion that ‘Black Lives Matter’ given the unique historic and contemporary challenges faced by black communities.

We stand together unreservedly with black members of our communities to work hard for current and future generations, in particular those citizens within our borough, to eradicate racism in all its forms and to proactively educate our citizens so that our towns are inclusive and anti-racist, not just in name and policies but in action. This starts with an all-party review led by the Policy and Project Advisory Board, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members of our community, of processes, policies and organisational attitudes regarding racism.”

The Council was asked to consider a Motion which had been submitted by Cllr D.E. Clifford in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 9 (1).  As an exception in the case of this item, the Mayor had agreed that Standing Order 9 (6) in relation to the limit on the number of words in the Motion would not not apply.  The Motion stated that:

“Rushmoor Borough Council place on record our deep sadness and revulsion at the senseless killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, USA.

Whilst we recognise that every life matters we echo the cries for justice and the assertion that ‘Black Lives Matter’ given the unique historic and contemporary challenges faced by black communities.

We stand together unreservedly with black members of our communities to work hard for current and future generations, in particular those citizens within our borough, to eradicate racism in all its forms and to proactively educate our citizens so that our towns are inclusive and anti-racist, not just in name and policies but in action. This starts with an all-party review led by the Policy and Project Advisory Board, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members of our community, of processes, policies and organisational attitudes regarding racism.”

Speaking on his Motion, Cllr Clifford thanked Rev Malcolm Cummins for the words and spirit of the motion, which was one of love and reconciliation and not hate and division.  Cllr Clifford stated that the Motion was a genuine and humble attempt to listen, learn and deliver better for all.  He felt that, however historic and profound the Motion was, the solutions to racism would not come from the government, law enforcement or council motions alone. It would come from every individual in the community humbly and quietly reflecting on their own views and attitudes.

During discussion, reference was made to the recent Black Lives Matter rally in the Borough, at which Rev Newton, the Mayor’s Chaplain, had spoken.  The view was also expressed that the motion mentioned an all-party review of the Council’s processes, policies and organisational attitudes, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) members of the community.  It was felt that this was welcome and had to include all councillors reaching out to these residents, listening and learning from their lived experience – not simply deferring to ‘community leaders’ who already held positions of influence and had a platform for their views.   If Members were to “proactively educate our citizens” as the motion stated, it was felt that they must first educate themselves and those around them by reading, listening, openly discussing and deconstructing what were deeply ingrained thoughts, views and habits.  It must be acknowledged that racism did not only exist in the hearts and minds of ‘bad people’; because if this did not happen, the defensive walls built around people would never be broken down sufficiently for genuine change to happen.

The view was also expressed that the huge challenges currently faced - the climate emergency, the coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

At its meeting on 14th May, 2020 the Council considered and approved an updated Constitution. In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 29 (1), the proposed amendments to the Standing Orders for the Regulation of Business stood adjourned without discussion. A copy of the revised Standing Orders is attached herewith (Annex 1). The recommendation is as follows:

“That the Council adopt the revised Standing Orders for the Regulation of Business, attached at Annex 1, for inclusion in Part 4 of the Constitution.”

The Chairman of the Licensing, Audit and General Purposes Committee (Cllr S.J. Masterson) will introduce this item.

The Chairman of the Licensing, Audit and General Purposes Committee (Cllr S.J. Masterson) introduced the Committee’s Report and reminded Members that, at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on 14th May 2020, an updated Constitution had been approved.  However, in accordance with the Council’s  Procedure Rules, the Standing Orders for the Regulation of Business had stood adjourned to this meeting for consideration and adoption.

Cllr Masterson advised that, since the last Council meeting, the provisions in Standing Order 9, which related to the length of Notices of Motion, had been reconsidered by the Constitution Working Group. Further to this discussion, Cllr Masterson proposed an amendment to allow an increase in the number of words permitted for Motions – from 100 to 200 words.  This meant that Standing Order 9, new paragraph 8, would be changed to read:

“No Motion, other than a motion which may be moved without notice under Standing Order 12, shall exceed 200 words in length including any document appended thereto.”

This change was intended to enable councillors to include greater clarifying context and explanation - particularly for more complex topics presented in Motions.  

Cllr S.J. Masterson MOVED and Cllr Mara Makunura SECONDED – That the Council adopt the revised Standing Orders for the Regulation of Business, for inclusion in Part 4 of the Constitution, subject to the amendment of Standing Order 9(6) to allow Motions to be submitted of up to 200 words.

Following discussion, there voted FOR: 35; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 1 and the Recommendation was DECLARED CARRIED.

To consider the recommendation of the Cabinet in relation to the following item:

Adoption of Working Definition of Antisemitism

To receive a report from the Cabinet (copy attached – Annex 2), which recommends the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IFRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. The Leader of the Council (Cllr D.E. Clifford) will introduce this item. 

The Leader of the Council (Cllr D.E. Clifford) introduced the Report of the Cabinet Meeting held on 3rd March 2020, which recommended the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IFRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism.   It was MOVED by Cllr D.E Clifford and SECONDED by Cllr T.D. Bridgeman – That the Council adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism as follows:

“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

The adoption of the definition would demonstrate the Council’s commitment to engaging with the experiences of Jewish communities and to the provision of  support where necessary.  The adoption of the definition was not designed to be legally binding but would provide a valuable tool to improve understanding and to make a clear statement that anti-semitism would not be tolerated.  The definition would also support the Council’s continuing work within its policy framework to combat other forms of racism and hate crimes. This was particularly important given the multicultural population profile within the Borough.

During discussion, the comment was made that, in adopting this definition, Rushmoor would be joining over 150 other local authorities, the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales and 30 other countries.  Members were advised that there had been a growing number of antisemitic incidents each year since 2016.  The view was expressed that the Council should also seek to embed parts of the Board of Deputies’ Manifesto for Local Government that had been published in 2018. It was suggested that the Council’s Education Improvement Task and Finish Group should explore the current level of provision in Rushmoor.  The manifesto also called for councils to identify opportunities for civic events with the Jewish community and it was also suggested that the Council should build on its commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day each year in January.

There voted FOR: 35; AGAINST: 0 and the Recommendation was DECLARED CARRIED.

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

The Mayor reported that two questions had been submitted for response by the Cabinet.

(1)          Cllr Nadia Martin asked a question of the Portfolio Holder for Operational Services (Cllr. M.L. Sheehan) about weekly bin collections.

In response, Cllr Sheehan stated that the fortnightly green bin collection had been introduced by Serco to maintain services as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.  Currently, the levels of absenteeism and also in light of fears regarding a second peak in the number of people catching the virus meant that the fortnightly collection would remain for the time being.

(2)          Cllr Nadia Martin asked a question of the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy (Cllr Marina Munro) regarding discussions with London and Cambridge about the opening of the toilets in the Wellington Centre. 

In response, Cllr Munro stated that she would provide a written response to Cllr Martin. 

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

RESOLVED:  That the Reports of the following meetings be received:

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

RESOLVED:  That the Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 13th February, 2020 be noted.