Agenda and minutes
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Contact: Richard Jefferies Head of Democratic Services
Media
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Preliminaries i. To receive any apologies for absence. ii. To receive any declarations of interest iii. To receive any announcements by the Mayor.
Additional documents: Minutes: Minute of Silence
Members, officers and members of the public stood in silence in memory of Mrs Sue Critchley, a former Mayoress of Newport and the wife of Councillor Ken Critchley. Members, officers and Members of the staff also paid their respects to the victims of the terrible events in Paris on 13 November. The Mayor mentioned he had written to the Mayor of Paris passing on Newport’s sympathy and support
Extra Mile Awards
The Mayor was delighted to present an Extra Mile Award to Gillian Evans and to Angeline Tshiyane
Gillian and Angeline are care staff at whose actions played a significant role in making sure a tenant was safe when there was a fire in one of the flats at a care unit in Newport. This was an extremely brave act and both ladies showed courage in helping a resident in such circumstances. The Cabinet Member for Adult & Community Services mentioned that Angeline had been nominated as Community Coach of the Year.
Members applauded both ladies as the awards were made by the Mayor
Recent events
The Mayor thanked everyone involved in the fantastic opening of Friar’s Walk. It had been a great day for the City and everyone who had contributed to the project. He praised all Members of the Council for their decision in relation to funding the scheme and made specific mention of the significant and insightful role of the Leader of the Council
The Mayor also passed on his thanks to involved in the organisation of the Remembrance Day Parade and the people who turned out on the day to pay their respects
The Mayor referred to the very successful Switching on of the Christmas Lights. Once again he passed on thanks to everyone involved and to the large numbers who came out to enjoy the evening
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To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 29/09/2015
Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the City Council held on 29/09/2015 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Mayor |
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Appointments Additional documents: Minutes: The following appointments were to be implemented:
Scrutiny Committee for Learning, Caring and Leisure: Cllr David Fouweather was appointed to replace Councillor Atwell.
Raven House Trust: Councillor David Fouweather appointed
Governors:
· Caerleon Comprehensive School: Councillor Martyn Kellaway was appointed to replace Mrs C. Atwell
· Ringland Primary: Mr David Sutherland was appointed
· Laura Emily Dunn had given up her post on Malpas Church in Wales School and taken up a post at Duffryn High School
The following individuals were re- appointed:
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Police Issues Additional documents: Minutes: The Mayor welcomed Superintendent Joanne Bull to the meeting
In response to Councillor Townsend, Superintendent Bull stated that the Police have definitions by way of the law in relation to persistent begging, and that work would need to be done with the local authority in relation to a definition of aggressive begging
In response to Councillor Truman, Superintendent Bull agreed to raise with local officers issues about speeding traffic in the ward. The “Your Voice” campaign allowed local people to express a view on priorities for local officers. The same level of service should be available despite changes in local personnel
In response to Councillor Jenkins, Superintendent Bull explained that anti- social behaviour, such as that reported in Clarence Place, was a priority. Addressing burglary was a priority throughout Newport and there had been some recent successes
Superintendent Bull informed Councillor Wilcox that she would raise with local officers the concern that an apple tree in the ward had become the focus of antisocial behaviour
Councillor Giles was concerned about the turnover of staff in the Caerleon area and considered that some consistency would help staff be aware of local issues. Councillor Giles also mentioned the two officers who recently received awards for an act of bravery. Superintend Bull stated that since the restructure, efforts were being made to retain continuity.
Superintendent Bull informed Councillor Maxfield of the powers the Police have under the Vagrancy Act and the duty of care for people who are homeless
Councillor Mlewa mentioned a rise in local crime, in particular criminal damage at the same time that staff levels had decreased and questioned if there was a correlation Superintendent Bull stated that local officers were working hard to address criminal damage and antisocial behaviour . The challenge as the budget reduced were to maintain services locally and eliminate waste
Superintendent Bull informed Councillor Ferris that antisocial behaviour powers could be used to address the issue of people on bikes in Friar’s Walk and the city centre
Superintendent Bull informed Councillor Ali of action being taken locally on local issues in Pill and all options were being explored
Councillors Kellaway, Cockeram and Al Nuaimi wanted to record thanks to local officers
Superintendent Bull agreed to discuss specific issues relating to drug dealing with Councillor Harvey
Superintendent Bull informed Councillor M Evans that conversations as to definitions within the proposed Public Space Protection Order would need to be had between officer and the Local Authority .
Cllr Critchley considered that low level crime is the main impact on the majority of people. He stated that reductions of local ward policing are of concern. Superintendent Bull stated that there was a need to prioritise services to the community. Working within local arrangements
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Notice of Motion : Supporting People To consider the following Motion for which the required notice has been provided:
Newport City Council:
1. Acknowledges and supports the good work undertaken by Newport in providing a diverse range of housing related support services to vulnerable individuals to help them live a fulfilled, active and independent life, in a home environment that is right for their individual needs.
2. Supports the continuance of the Supporting People grant programme funded by the Welsh Government to assist and support potentially vulnerable and marginalised people to live independently within the community.
3. Calls upon the Welsh Government to safeguard and not to impose any further reduction to the Supporting People grant.
4. Supports the joint campaign of Cymorth Cymru and Community Housing Cymru, “Let’s Keep on Supporting People” to safeguard the Supporting People grant programme budget.
5. Invites all Members of the Gwent Regional Collaborative Committee in their own areas and organisations to support this motion
6. Invites Constituency and Regional Members of the National Assembly to support this motion To be moved by Councillor Jane Mudd and seconded by Councillor Paul Cockeram
Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Mudd moved the following motion for which appropriate notice had been provided:
Newport City Council:
The motion was seconded by Councillor Cockeram.
In presenting the motion, Councillor Mudd, as the Council’s Supporting People and Homelessness Champion, stated that the Supporting People Grant which was introduced in 2003 provides support to a wide range of for vulnerable people who are facing a variety of issues. Councillor Mudd mentioned that a number of people find themselves in difficulties through no fault of their own. Councillor Mudd described some of the schemes provided by the Grant. She made specific reference to the incidence of domestic violence.
Councillor Mudd stated that the Grant provides help for a preventative service which helps reduce demand and consequently reduces the call on other budgets. It is of major strategic importance to the authority and provides hope for individuals. Some 56,000 people were supported across Wales in 2014-2015 by this cross- cutting initiative. In England there had been significant cuts but in Wales the funding remained ring-fenced but the Welsh Government was reviewing the position. The continuation of the grant was crucial to the continuing support to help vulnerable people. Councillor Mudd considered there was a need to send a clear message to the Welsh Government on this issue.
Councillors Townsend, Truman, M Evans, Wilcox, Atwell, Bond, Guy and Cockeram spoke in favour of the proposal with comments made including
· This was a programme that could change lives · The programme saves money further down the line by maintaining independence and providing preventative measures for vulnerable people · There were significant benefits to individuals and their families · Outcomes and results were noteworthy in many cases · There were a number of organisations, families and individuals in Newport benefitting from services being provided by the grant · For every pound invested some £2.30 was saved. Welsh Government was urged not to make any reduction in this grant · The Grant clearly plays a role in tackling the effects of poverty · It helps mitigate the effect of welfare reform · Preventative programmes are essentially invest to save projects · We have over £6m coming into supporting people in Newport. ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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Public Space Protection Order Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Poole, as Cabinet Member for Regulatory Functions introduced a report on this matter by saying that public space protection orders were new measures brought in 2014 to allow councils to control anti-social behaviour in a particular public location. They were designed to prevent individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour where that behaviour is persistent and unreasonable and is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality.
An alcohol exclusion zone in the city centre had been in place for some 12 years, but the introduction of these new powers had provided an opportunity to review and consider putting in place a new PSPO to counter other forms of persistent and detrimental behaviour.
Scrutiny had been asked to oversee public consultation on the issue, consider what responses came in and then to make recommendations to the Cabinet Member as to what measures they would want to see in a new Order.
The Cabinet Member stated he had considered Scrutiny’s recommendations and also evidence and concerns from the police, the public, and businesses and from council officers and partner agencies, including those involved with housing needs and supporting people.
He was mindful of the importance of striking the right balance between protecting the public and respecting civil liberties and freedom of expression and movement. To this end he recognised the success of the Council’s current housing and homelessness policies, and considered that existing anti-social powers were more appropriate than an outright ban in relation to rough sleeping and begging.
He recommended a version of the Order that did not carry a ‘No rough sleeping ‘measure and in which the “No Begging” measure was replaced by the following: “No person shall beg in a manner which is aggressive or intimidating, or which harasses members of the public.”
Councillor M Evans moved an amendment to support the original recommendations made by the Scrutiny Committee to the Cabinet Member which suggested that the Order should include the “No Begging” measure and the ‘No rough sleeping’ measure. This amendment was seconded by Councillor Fouweather
In moving the amendment, Councillor Evans stated that the £1,000 fine referred to in the media would be a final measure. He sated this was not an assault on the homeless but that no-one should be sleeping rough or begging on the streets. Councillor Evans stated that some people have to go to work in fear and can witness excrement, vomit and discarded needles. Councillor Evans had recently been on patrol with the police and had viewed the extent of these problems. Business people had said that needles on the floor were unacceptable. People needed support but so did the businesses. A lot of charities did not support begging as often any donations made in the street were used to feed habits and not for food . The Olive Branch was offering food for 50p per day. He considered the Order as recommended by Scrutiny to the Cabinet Member would ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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Gambling Act 2005 - Statement of Principles Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Guy informed Members that the Gambling Act 2005 was implemented on 1 September 2007 and it created a new system of licensing and regulation for commercial gambling. It requires the Council to prepare and publish a Statement of Principles for each successive period of three years, which outlines the principles that the Council will apply in exercising its functions as the Licensing Authority under the Act.
Draft revisions to the Statement were presented to Council. These revisions had been produced in accordance with Regulations and the Gambling Commission’s Guidance to Licensing Authorities. Statutory consultation ran from the 4August 2015 to 21 September 2015.
The draft revised policy was considered by the Licensing Committee on 3 August 2015 then again, pursuant to the consultation responses, on 3 November 2015; the Licensing Committee supported the resultant proposed amendments to the Statement of Principles and recommended it be presented to full Council for approval and adoption.
Resolved
To adopt the revised 2015 Statement of Principles as required under the Gambling Act 2005. |
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Economic Growth Strategy Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader of the Council introduced the report which had been recommended for adoption by the Cabinet. The Council’s current Economic Development Strategy 2011–2015 was approved by the Council in December 2011. However following its adoption, the Council received a critical response from the Welsh Audit Office. The Cabinet therefore endorsed the need to undertake a review of the Strategy in the light of the WAO’s findings and requested the Street Scene, Regeneration and Safety Scrutiny to co-ordinate the production of a revised Draft Strategy.
A Policy Review Group made up of Councillors and supported by officers, was tasked with coordinating and delivering a refreshed and robust draft Economic Development Strategy.
Taking into account feedback from the Welsh Audit Office, a new Economic Growth Strategy was developed, which has greater integration with Newport’s Single Integrated Plan Community priorities, and initiatives associated with the Cardiff City Regional initiatives, Great Western Cities and Newport Economic Fora.
The new strategy was based on three themes
The Strategy was endorsed by Scrutiny Committee, following which the Strategy underwent a 6 week consultation period where overall feedback was positive with stakeholders supportive of the Strategies Aims and Priorities.
The final draft, taking the outcome of the consultation into account, was considered by the Cabinet at its meeting held on 19 October 2015.
At the meeting, The Chair mentioned that Newport would need to work closely with business to achieve growth. He referred to the Friar’s Walk as an example of where the Council had successfully worked in partnership with business.
The Cabinet recommended adoption of the Strategy and Delivery Plan to Council for adoption
Councillor M Evans was concerned about increasing bus lanes and considered other options should be considered. It was important for all traffic to move forward in the city centre. He considered more could be done to encourage small businesses. He mentioned the opening of Council car parks on a Sunday to encourage use of the city centre
Some members discussed the process of consultation on the report by way of the Scrutiny Committee and the Policy Review Group but all members supported the document. All members were able to provide written comments but there was little discussion at the final scrutiny meeting.
Councillor Richards recommended the report stating that this was an important time in the City’s history and the document took forward the city for the next ten years. Scrutiny would have opportunity to monitor progress. |
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Questions to the Chair of the Cabinet To provide an opportunity for councillors to ask questions to the Chair of the Cabinet in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders.
Process: No more than 30 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for oral questions to the Leader
If members are unable to ask their question orally within the allocated time, remaining questions will be answered in writing. The question and response will be appended to the minutes.
The question must be addressed through the Mayor or the person presiding at the meeting and not directly to the person being questioned
Additional documents: Minutes: There were no questions to the Chair of the Cabinet submitted on this occasion
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Questions to Cabinet Members o provide an opportunity to pose Questions to Cabinet Members in line with Standing Orders
Process: No more than 10 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for questions to each Cabinet Member.
Members will have needed to submit their proposed questions in writing in accordance with Standing Orders. If members are unable to ask their question orally within the allocated time, remaining questions will be answered in writing. The question and response will be appended to the minutes.
The question must be addressed through the Mayor or the person presiding at the meeting and not directly to the person being questioned.
Questions will be posed to cabinet members in the following order:
Deputy Leader Cabinet Member for Adult & Community Services Cabinet Member for Education and Young People Cabinet Member for HR, People & Business Change Cabinet Member for Regulatory Functions Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Investment Cabinet Member for Skills and Work Cabinet Member for Streetscene & City Services
For Information: A digest of recent decision schedules issued by Cabinet, Cabinet Members and Minutes of recent meetings of Committees has been circulated electronically to all Members of the Council.
Additional documents: Minutes: There were no questions to the Cabinet Members submitted on this occasion
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Questions to Chairs of Committees To pose questions to the Chairs of the Committees in the following order:
I. Scrutiny Committees
· Community Planning and Development · Learning, Caring and Leisure · Street Scene, Regeneration and Safety
II. Planning Committee
III. Licensing Committee
IV. Democratic Services Committee
Process: No more than 10 minutes will be allocated at the Council meeting for questions to each Chair.
Members will have needed to submit their proposed questions in writing in accordance with Standing Orders. If members are unable to ask their question orally within the allocated time, remaining questions will be answered in writing. The question and response will be appended to the minutes.
The question must be addressed through the Mayor or the person presiding at the meeting and not directly to the person being questioned.
Additional documents: Minutes: There were no questions to the Chairs submitted on this occasion |
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Standards Committee Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 22/10/2015 were received |