Council - Thursday, 30th July, 2020 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 25th June, 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 Ordinary Meeting of the Council on 25th June, 2020 (copy having been circulated previously) be taken as read, approved and signed as a correct record.

The Mayor reported that he had held a meeting of his charity fundraising committee that day.  Whilst being severely restricted on the events that could be held, the committee was planning a series of activities for his Mayoral Year.  During the Autumn, the events would be more virtual, but it was hoped that, in the early part of 2021, it would be possible to run some charitable events, including a quiz night, golf day, charity walk and the banquet and ball, which was currently scheduled for 5th March 2021.  Members would be informed of any developments.

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 by Cllr Christine Guinness pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

“This Council records our gratitude and thanks to the many organisations, community groups and individuals who stepped forward at a time of great uncertainty, during the Covid-19 pandemic, to help the most vulnerable and isolated residents in Rushmoor. They were able to provide an essential point of contact and aid before Government support could be put in place.

The Council commits to the on-going support of voluntary organisations within the Borough, reflecting the invaluable contribution they make to our communities, and insuring their ability to react quickly to future need.”

The Council was asked to consider a Motion which had been submitted by Cllr Christine Guinness in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 9 (1). 

“This Council records our gratitude and thanks to the many organisations, community groups and individuals who stepped forward at a time of great uncertainty, during the Covid-19 pandemic, to help the most vulnerable and isolated residents in Rushmoor. They were able to provide an essential point of contact and aid before Government support could be put in place.

The Council commits to the on-going support of voluntary organisations within the Borough, reflecting the invaluable contribution they make to our communities, and ensuring their ability to react quickly to future need.”

In moving the Motion, Cllr Guinness made an amendment to the wording to include an additional paragraph at the end of the Motion, as follows:

"Additionally, this Council congratulates all key workers who live or work in Rushmoor – particularly those in education, the NHS and social care – for their service in supporting those directly affected by COVID-19 and maintaining essential public services during the pandemic."  

The amended Motion received the support of the seconder, Cllr Mara Makunura.  The amended Motion therefore became the substantive Motion.

Speaking on her Motion, Cllr Guinness thanked all volunteers who had come forward during this unprecedented time of the coronavirus pandemic and particularly praised the work of the Aldershot and Farnborough Facebook groups that had formed to co-ordinate volunteers to organise neighbourhood activities, including shopping, collecting prescriptions and being on the end of a phone to talk to the lonely and isolated.  Food banks had also become an important part of work being carried out by volunteers as well as people volunteering to sew scrubs and masks for the NHS.   Cllr Guinness stressed the vital importance to continue to support the work of the voluntary services.

During discussion, Members gave their support to the work of voluntary sector groups and volunteers.  The Cabinet Member for Democracy, Strategy and Partnerships (Cllr A.R. Newell) referred to discussions being held with community groups to help keep services going as the Council moved into “recovery phase”.  The Council would be working with other major sector groups, including Hampshire County Council, Rushmoor Voluntary Services and Citizens Advice to work out what was needed to support the community going forward.   In 2019/20, the Council had awarded £105,000 in support of 64 local projects and supporting such projects would continue in 2020/21, however, Cllr Newell stressed the need to ensure that individual organisations were sustainable going forward.

Members also referred to the work of Aldershot Response to Coronavirus  (ARC) and Farnborough Covid-19 and the vital support both groups had provided to the community.  Both groups had now ceased operating as the country had emerged from lockdown and a number of volunteers had had to return to their places of work. There were several volunteers, however, who had indicated their wish to continue being a volunteer.  Reference was also made to the importance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

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

Rushmoor Borough Council Business Plan – 2020-23

To receive a report from the Cabinet (copy attached – Annex 1), which recommends the approval of the Council’s three year Business Plan 2020-23. The Portfolio Holder for Democracy, Strategy and Partnerships (Cllr A.R. Newell) will introduce this item.

The Cabinet Member for Democracy, Strategy and Partnerships (Cllr A.R. Newell) introduced the Report of the Cabinet Meeting held on 14th July 2020 which recommended the approval of the Council Business Plan (April 2020 to March 2023), which built on the 16 priorities identified by the Cabinet in support of the delivery of “Your Future, Your Place – A Vision for Aldershot and Farnborough 2030”, under the four themes of People, Place, Partnerships and Better Public Services.   It was MOVED by Cllr A.R. Newell and SECONDED by Cllr M.J. Tennant – That the Council Business Plan 2020-23 be approved.

There voted FOR: 21; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 12 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 no questions had been submitted for Members of the Cabinet.

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 Reports of the meetings of the Policy and Project Advisory Board held on 10th June and 15th July 2020 and the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 11th June 2020 be received.