Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2016 (CC1) and to receive information arising from them.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 May 2016 were approved and signed.

An apology from absence was received from Councillor Mrs Fulljames.

Councillor James Mills declared an Interest in Agenda Item 10 (Connecting Oxfordshire Update – Local Transport Plan (LTP4) 2015-2031 by virtue of his membership of the LEP and Growth Board.

The Chairman reported as follows:

Council congratulated Charles Greville Williams, Watch Manager, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, who had received the Order of the British Empire Medallist of the Order of the British Empire for services to Fire Safety and the community in Burford, Oxfordshire.

Council sent its condolences to the family of Former Labour MP Jo Cox who had died on 16 June 2016.  Jo Cox had also worked for Oxfam, becoming head of policy and was also an as advisor to Gordon Brown’s wife Sarah, and Lady Kinnock. She became national chairwoman of Labour Women’s Network and a senior adviser to the Freedom Fund, an anti-slavery charity.

Council received the following Petition and Public Address:

A Petition of 390 signatures from the Iffley Fields Residents Association Parking Working Group requesting that the County Council initiate a consultation process involving the residents of Iffley Fields for a controlled Parking Zone.

Mr Simon Hunt, Chair of Cyclox addressed the Council in relation to Agenda Item 10 (Connecting Oxfordshire Update – Local Transport Plan (LTP4) 2015-2031) and the Council's current Local Transport Plan, LTP4, approved and adopted last year, included the following (volume 4,para 3):

"We are aware of the need to enable non-users to become confident about travelling by bike. In collaboration with the Oxfordshire Cycle Network, we will provide a comprehensive toolkit of cycling support, including training. We will promote cycling using social media, workplace travel plans and personalised travel planning."

requesting that the County Council inform Cyclox of what has been done in rlation to the above and requesting that the County Council consult with Cyclox on any future cycle plans for Oxfordshire.

Ms Sushila Dhall, Chair of Oxford Pedestrians Association in relation to Agenda Item 10 (Connecting Oxfordshire Update – Local Transport Plan (LTP4) 2015-2031) welcomed the emphasis in section 4 promoting Walking and Cycling on the basis that encouraging people to adopt those modes of transport was critical to the success of the whole strategy. However, whilst there was a wealth of detail and many specific proposals for development of the infrastructure for cycling, the association felt that the document set out good intent, but lacked any detailed on encouraging walking particularitly around the rail station to city centre, Banbury, Woodstock and Botley Roads, Broad Street and St. Giles, the High Street.  She urged members of the Council to consider what detailed walking proposals could be added.

28 questions with notice were asked. Details of the questions and answers and the supplementary questions and answers (where asked) are set out in Annex 1 to the Minutes.

In relation to question 2 (Question from Councillor John Howson to Councillor Melinda Tilley), Councillor Tilley undertook to provide Councillor Howson with a written answer detailing when members could expect to hear about a final site and what the absolute deadline is when all would need to be completed to hit the 2017 admission round.

In relation to Question 10 (Question from Councillor Lilly to Councillor Nimmo Smith) Councillor Nimmo Smith undertook to provide Councillor Lilly with a written answer to the question “is there any way that parish councils can find out about ‘closed door’ agreements?”

In relation to Question 19 (Question from Councillor Coates to Councillor Nimmo Smith) Councillor Nimmo Smith undertook to provide Councillor Coates with a written answer detailing whether there was any scope to increase enforcement patrols outside primary schools and whether parents could be encouraged to patrol themselves?

Report of the Cabinet Meetings held on 15 March 2016, 19 April 2016 and 24 May 2016 (CC9).

The Council received the report of the Cabinet.

In relation to paragraph 1 (cabinet Business Monitoring Report for Quarter 3)) (Question from Councillor Tanner) Councillor Rose gave an undertaking to consult with the Cabinet Members for Finance and Children, Education & Families and provide Councillor Tanner with a written answer explaining the large overspend in Children, Education & Families, together with an answer to whether it would continue to have a overspend.

In relation to paragraph 7 (Street Lighting Contract and Interim Policy) (Question from Councillor Mark Cherry) Councillor Nimmo Smith gave an undertaking to provide Councillor Cherry with a written answer detailing the date when the situation with the Street Lighting Contract would be rectified.

Report by Director for Environment & Economy (CC10).

The report sets out the key changes to Connecting Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire's Local Transport Plan (LTP4), which was adopted by Council in September 2015, following full public and Stakeholder consultation.  This report outlines the first update to LTP4, which is required to reflect the changed policy context and new and updated strategies. 

Annex 1 summarises the main changes to LTP4.  The report also specifically references changes agreed by Cabinet on 28 June 2016.

LTP4 has been updated in 2016 in response to the rapidly changing national and local growth, economic development, infrastructure planning and funding agendas.  Last year the county council resolved that LTP4 should be strengthened in its aims to reduce air pollution.  Annex 2 sets out how the LTP has been updated to reflect this in more detail.  

The Plan has been designed as a living transport policy and strategy framework document, to be kept under review and regularly updated as significant changes take place which affect transport in Oxfordshire.  It will also directly inform the update of the Oxfordshire Strategic Economic Plan recently consulted upon and proposed to be completed this Autumn.

Council is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)       adopt the updated Connecting Oxfordshire: Local Transport Plan 2015-2031 (LTP4) as council policy; and

(b)       instruct the Deputy Director of Environment and Economy (Strategy & Infrastructure Planning), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, to keep the document under review and to make any necessary changes, subject to any such changes being reported to County Council for approval within 12 months.

Council had before them a report which set out the key changes to Connecting Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire's Local Transport Plan (LTP4), adopted by Council in September 2015, following full public and Stakeholder consultation.  This report outlined the first update to LTP4, which was required to reflect the changed policy context and new and updated strategies. 

LTP4 had been updated in 2016 in response to the rapidly changing national and local growth, economic development, infrastructure planning and funding agendas.  Last year the County Council resolved that LTP4 should be strengthened in its aims to reduce air pollution. This was also reflected in the Plan.

The Plan had been designed as a living transport policy and strategy framework document, to be kept under review and regularly updated as significant changes took place which affect transport in Oxfordshire.  It would also directly inform the update of the Oxfordshire Strategic Economic Plan recently consulted upon and proposed to be completed this Autumn.

Councillor Nimmo-Smith moved and Councillor Hudspeth seconded that the recommendations set out on the face of the Agenda and the report be adopted.

Following a lengthy debate, the motion was put to the vote and was carried by 60 votes to 0, with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED: (60 votes to 0, 1 abstention)  to:

(a)       adopt the updated Connecting Oxfordshire: Local Transport Plan 2015-2031 (LTP4) as council policy; and

(b)       instruct the Deputy Director of Environment and Economy (Strategy & Infrastructure Planning), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, to keep the document under review and to make any necessary changes, subject to any such changes being reported to County Council for approval within 12 months.

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2016/038

Contact: Owen Jenkins, Service Manager for Highways, Commercial & Transport Tel: (01865) 323304

Report by Director for Environment & Economy (CC11).

This report presents proposals for a schedule of fees for the supply of traffic accident data.  The report was considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 28 June 2016.  The Cabinet agreed to forward the report to council for approval.

Council is RECOMMENDED to approve the use of the proposed fees as set out in Annex 1.

Council had before it a report which outlined proposals for a schedule of fees for the supply of traffic accident data.  The report was considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 28 June 2016.  The Cabinet agreed to forward the report to Council for approval.

RESOLVED: (on a motion by Councillor Nimmo Smith, seconded by Councillor Stratford and carried by 58 votes 1, with 2 abstentions) to approve the use of the proposed fees as set out in Annex 1 to the report.

The report of the Monitoring Officer containing the schedule of meeting dates proposed for the 2017/18 Council Year is attached (CC11).

The schedule has been drawn up to reflect the various rules about frequency of meetings set out in the Council’s Constitution. Attention is drawn to the following proposed changes to previous patterns:

The Councillor Profile Working Group proposed that full Council meetings start 30 minutes later at 10.30 am and the Audit & Governance Committee supported this change. The meeting is therefore proposed from 10.30 am – 4.00 pm from the Annual meeting in 2017.

It was also agreed by Audit & Governance Committee that where possible Monday morning meetings be avoided and it is suggested that in future Education Scrutiny Committee meet on Wednesday afternoons.

Council is RECOMMENDED to agree the schedule of meeting dates for the 2017/18 Council Year and in particular to amend Rule 5.1 of the Council Procedure Rules with effect from the Annual Council Meeting in 2017 to reflect the new start and end times proposed for Council of 10.00 am and 4.00 pm respectively.

Council had before them a report (CC12) which sought agreement to the schedule of meeting dates proposed for the 201718 Council Year. The schedule had been drawn up to reflect the various rules regarding frequency of meetings set out in the Council’s Constitution.

The Councillor Profile Working Group had proposed that full Council meetings start 30 minutes later at 10.30am and the Audit & Governance Committee supported this change. Accordingly, it was therefore proposed that Council start from 10.30 am – 4.00 pm from the Annual meeting in 2017.

It was also agreed by Audit & Governance Committee that where possible Monday morning meetings be avoided and it was suggested that in future Education Scrutiny Committee meet on Wednesday afternoons.

Councillor Michael Waine proposed and Councillor Zoe Patrick seconded that the recommendations set out in the report and on the face of the Agenda be adopted.

Councillor Williams moved and Councillor Coates seconded the following amendment shown in bold italics and strikethrough below:

Council is RECOMMENDED to agree the schedule of meeting dates for the 2017/18 Council Year and in particular to amend Rule 5.1 of the Council Procedure Rules with effect from the Annual Council Meeting in 2017 to reflect the new start and end times proposed for Council of 10.30 am and 4.00 pm respectively. and the end of business on the Council Agenda.

Following debate, the amendment was put to the vote and was lost by 59 votes to 2.

The substantive motion was the put to the vote and was carried by 53 votes to 1, with 6 abstentions.

RESOLVED: (by 53 votes to 1, with 6 abstentions) to agree the schedule of meeting dates for the 2017/18 Council Year and in particular to amend Rule 5.1 of the Council Procedure Rules with effect from the Annual Council Meeting in 2017 to reflect the new start and end times proposed for Council of 10.00 am and 4.00 pm respectively.

Report by the Chief Finance Officer (CC13)

As set out in the Provisional Revenue and Capital Outturn Report to Cabinet on 28 June 2016 given the pressures in both Special Educational Needs (SEN) Home to School Transport and Children’s Social Care staffing, it is proposed that the underspends in Social and Community Services, Environment & Economy and Corporate Services will be used to offset the overspends in Children, Education & Families. Details are set out in Annex 1.

Some of the virements required to offset over and underspends within and between directorates are larger than £1.0m and require approval by Council under the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules.

Council is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)      approve the virements greater than £1.0m for Children, Education & Families and Social & Community Services as set out in Annex 1;

(b)      approve the virement of £1.5m from c  ...  view the full agenda text for item 40/16

The Local Government Ombudsman has issued a public report in response to an investigation into complaints against Oxfordshire County Council's Safeguarding Adults Team and Huntercombe Hall Care Home.  The complaint relates to events that took place in 2014.  The Ombudsman’s report is Annex 1 to this report. 

The Ombudsman concluded that there is a public interest in how the complaint and the care of the complainant's wife were mismanaged and how further residents may have been at risk.

Under the Local Government Act 1974, Council must consider the report of the Ombudsman and confirm to her the steps the Council has taken, or is taking, to comply with the recommendations of the Ombudsman.

The Director of Adult Social Services has issued a briefing for councillors to set out the actions that the Council has taken which comply with the recommendations of the Ombudsman. The Council is asked to consider the Ombudsman’s recommendations and the actions taken by the Council.

The Local Government Ombudsman had issued a public report in response to an investigation into complaints against Oxfordshire County Council's Safeguarding Adults Team and Huntercombe Hall Care Home.  The complaint related to events that took place in 2014.  The Ombudsman concluded that there was a public interest in how the complaint and the care of the complainant's wife were mismanaged and how further residents might have been at risk.

Under the Local Government Act 1974, Council must consider the report of the Ombudsman and confirm to her the steps the Council has taken, or is taking, to comply with the recommendations of the Ombudsman.

The Director of Adult Social Services has issued a briefing for councillors to set out the actions that the Council has taken which comply with the recommendations of the Ombudsman. The Council had before it a report (CC14) which sought consideration the Ombudsman’s recommendations and the actions taken by the Council.

RESOLVED: (on a motion by Councillor Heathcoat, seconded by Councillor Hudspeth and carried unanimously) to adopt the recommendations set out on page 70 of the report. CC14.

"This Council notes emerging proposals for changes to Hospital services in Banbury and resolves to instruct officers to examine a case that looks to protect consultant led paediatrics and maternity provision at the Horton."

Councillor Mallon moved and Councillor Fatemian seconded the following motion:

"This Council notes emerging proposals for changes to Hospital services in Banbury and resolves to instruct officers to examine a case that looks to protect consultant led paediatrics and maternity provision at the Horton."

Councillor Cherry moved and Councillor Dhesi seconded the following amendment (shown in bold italics and strikethrough):

"This Council notes emerging proposals for changes to Hospital services in Banbury and resolves to set up a working group including Banbury County Councillors, instruct officers to examine a case that looks to preserve the services that are currently available to local residents protect consultant led paediatrics and maternity provision at the Horton."

Following debate, the amendment was put to the vote and was lost by 35 votes to 21, with 4 abstentions.

The Substantive motion was then put to the vote and was carried by 59 votes to 0, with 1 abstention.

Council supports the general principle that those in greatest need should have the highest priority. However, Council regrets that it has been compelled to abandon the concept of universal provision offered by our children’s Centres in Oxfordshire as a result of the Government’s cuts in Local Authority funding.  Council asserts that it intends to restore a universal service as soon as financial constraints allow.

In the meantime, Council is aware that, as a result of the focus on the most needy children and families in our County, there will be large areas– particularly in the West which now have no Children Centre buildings - the same areas likely to suffer most from rural isolation as the Council removes bus subsidies.

Ensuring that there was some compensation for these areas was a key statement agreed by Council in its February budget. Council therefore believes that it is now essential that the effects of  the loss of Children’s Centres, in these areas, is compensated for by:

1. Offering active support to the parents, volunteers and Parish Councils taking over or hoping to take over the vacated Centres.

2. Ensuring that rents to such bodies are kept to a minimum in order to allow them to produce realistic, and sustainable business plans.

3. Persuading District Councils to join us in giving as much support to these bodies as possible.

4. That the £1m Transition Fund agreed at the February budget should be committed to these areas to achieve the above.

With the consent of Council, Councillor Webber moved and Councillor Hudspeth seconded his motion as amended by Councillor Hudspeth below in bold italics/strikethrough:

Council continues to supports the general principle that those in greatest need should have the highest priority. However, Council regrets that it has been compelled to abandon the concept of universal provision offered by our children’s Centres in Oxfordshire as a result of the Government’s cuts in Local Authority funding.  Council asserts that it intends to restore a universal service as soon as financial constraints allow.

In the meantime, Council is aware that, as a result of the focus on the most needy children and families in our County, there will be large areas– particularly in the West which now have no Children Centre buildings - the same areas likely to suffer most from rural isolation as the Council removes bus subsidies.

Ensuring that there was some compensation for these areas was a key statement agreed by Council in its February budget. Council therefore believes that it is now essential that the effects of the loss of Children’s Centres, in these areas, is compensated for by:

1. Offering active support to the parents, volunteers and Parish Councils taking over or hoping to take over the vacated Centres.

2. Ensuring that rents to such bodies are kept to a minimum in order to allow them to produce realistic, and sustainable business plans.

3.2 Persuading District Councils to join us in giving as much support to these bodies as possible.

4.3 That the £1m Transition Fund agreed at the February budget should be committed to these areas to achieve the above.

Following debate, the motion as amended was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: (unanimously)

Council continues to support the general principle that those in greatest need should have the highest priority. However, Council regrets that it has been compelled to abandon the concept of universal provision offered by our children’s Centres in Oxfordshire as a result of the Government’s cuts in Local Authority funding.

In the meantime, Council is aware that, as a result of the focus on the most needy children and families in our County, there will be large areas– particularly in the West which now have no Children Centre buildings - the same areas likely to suffer most from rural isolation as the Council removes bus subsidies.

Ensuring that there was some compensation for these areas was a key statement agreed by Council in its February budget. Council therefore believes that it is now essential that the effects of the loss of Children’s Centres, in these areas, is compensated for by:

1. Offering active support to the parents, volunteers and Parish Councils taking over or hoping to take over the vacated Centres;

2 Persuading District Councils to join us in giving as much support to these bodies as possible;

3 That the £1m Transition Fund agreed at the February budget should be committed to these areas to achieve the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43/16

“This Council recognises that the issue of parking enforcement is of a major concern to residents across the County where there is no agreement for Civil Parking Enforcement. This Council asks the Cabinet Member for Environment to open negotiations with the district councils to find a solution to this matter.”

Councillor Bulmer moved and Councillor Stratford second the following motion:

“This Council recognises that the issue of parking enforcement is of a major concern to residents across the County where there is no agreement for Civil Parking Enforcement. This Council asks the Cabinet Member for Environment to open negotiations with the district councils to find a solution to this matter.”

Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:  accordingly.

“This Council is very much aware of the obligations its owes to the Armed Forces community within Oxfordshire as enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant; that the Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage in the provision of services and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most. It is also aware, through experience, of the absence of definitive and comprehensive statistics on the size or demographics of the Armed Forces community within Oxfordshire. This includes serving regular and reserve personnel, veterans, and their families.  As a result, the Council believes that that the availability of such data would greatly assist the Council, local partner agencies, the voluntary sector, and national Government in the planning and provision of services to address the unique needs of the Armed Forces community within Oxfordshire.

Consequently, this Council asks the Leader of the Council to support and promote the Royal British Legion’s call to include a new topic in the 2021 census that concerns military service and membership of the Armed Forces community. We further call upon the UK Parliament, which will approve the final census questionnaire through legislation in 2019, to ensure that the 2021 census includes questions concerning our Armed Forces community.”

The time being after 3.35 pm, motions 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 were considered dropped in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.5.5.

"Council calls on the officers to develop the business case for a new fast rail service to go from Bristol to Swindon, Grove/Wantage and Milton Keynes.  In doing so they should co-operate with similar efforts in Wiltshire and elsewhere.  This will improve the cost/benefit ratio for the new station at Wantage/Grove. 

County officers are asked to discuss with Network Rail and the DfT for the inclusion of a station at Wantage/Grove into the funding during Network Rail's next control period starting in 2019 with a view to the station being opened by the end of the control period.  The station will reduce wear and tear on local roads and reduce commuting time between the rapidly growing communities in South Oxfordshire.  It will also improve access to skills and education for both 16 - 19's and adults living in those parts of the County." 

This Council notes that:

•              Mental ill health costs some £105 billion each year in England alone;

•              people with a mental illness are disproportionately victims of crime;

•              good levels of mental health in the community improve education standards, improve employment rates, and reduce crime levels;

•              employment is a strong protective factor for mental well-being, but less than 1 in 10 people with a mental illness are in paid employment;

•              untreated behavioral disorders in childhood are strongly associated with problems in adolescence leading to entry into the criminal justice system;

•              around a third of dementia sufferers in the UK live alone;

•              Council understands the responsibilities of local authorities for supporting people with mental illness living in their communities, and the important over-view they can have through their lead roles in multi-agency partnership working with police, NHS colleagues and the voluntary sector.

This Council therefore resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to improve outcomes and quality of life for those suffering from mental illness by: (a) signing the Local Authorities’ Mental Health Challenge promoted by a group of national mental health organisations (among them the Mental Health Foundation, the Mental Health Providers' Forum, Mind, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and YoungMinds); and (b) committing accordingly to appointing an elected member as ‘mental health champion’ across the Council, and identifying a member of council staff to act as ‘lead officer’ for mental health.

“Given that the Council has moved from the total closure of all 44 Children’s Centres to a figure that now stands at 18, this Council resolves that the decision to close all the Centres is reviewed by Cabinet with a view to keeping all centres open beyond the proposed closure date of March 2017 and that further funding sufficient to underpin that commitment beyond the original £2m identified in the budget from the unspecified savings budget heading is made available.

During 2016-2017 constructive consultations with the new authorities that emerge from the devolution decision to begin along with other organisations that may be willing to co-sponsor the Children Centres beyond 2017 such as the Health Service, the Police, Parish councils and Charities.” 

“There are now at least two proposals for the reorganisation of local government in Oxfordshire both based on the concept of unitary authorities. Cases for the efficacy of service delivery can be made for each structure, a single County authority or a number of District/City based unitary authorities. However the cornerstone of any new structure must be that it is democratic and what the people of Oxfordshire perceive as representing their local community interest.

With this in view the County will undertake public consultation of those on the electoral roll in Oxfordshire that accepts the unitary principle and presents four options:

·               One single County Wide Unitary with a high degree of devolution.

·               Two Unitary Authorities. The City of Oxford and a unitary incorporating all the market towns around the City.

·               Three Unitary Authorities. The City of Oxford and two unitaries  incorporating one to the North and one to the South.

·               Four Unitaries. Composed of the City of Oxford, Cherwell (Banbury ) West Oxford (Witney) and South Oxfordshire (Didcot and the Vale)

Advocates of all these structures to make their case to the electorate prior to the vote.

The results of this consultation to be submitted by the Leader of the Council to Central Government to illustrate the wishes of local people and with the various submissions from the existing local governments.”

“The EU Referendum held on the 23^rd of June with its decision to exit the European Union is a very damaging decision for Oxfordshire’s economy and wellbeing and is not a mandate for abandoning the progressive reforms that the European Union introduced.

EU regulations related to pollution controls have become critical to our traffic management policies as have directives related to waste management in guiding our recycling systems. Our County economic infrastructure plans are clearly now profoundly influenced by monies channelled via the European Union structural funds and regional aid policies. Competition rules and international trade regulation plus employment directives from the EU influence our contracting, employment and procurement regulations underpin a great deal of Council tendering.

This Council is concerned that all these influences that have been to the advantage of the County Council’s operation are not lost and urges the Government to introduce a Consolidation Act to clearly incorporate all outstanding EU directive and regulation at present operational into British Law.  Council requests the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister to illustrate the Council’s opinion.”

“Having considered the proposal to build 5 new Park and Rides and expand two existing sites at a cost of £75m Council is not convinced that this is efficient use of taxpayer’s money.

The scheme rests partly on a projected need generated by 100,000 extra homes in the County by 2031. To meet the likely need of extra car commuters during that period, extensions to existing park and rides and double decking might be possible at lower cost.

The proposal also envisages building on the Green belt in four of the five  planned new locations which would mean a substantial loss of amenity to the people of Oxfordshire  and is yet another reason not to proceed with this proposal.

As an alternative to address commuters pressure, Council asks the Cabinet that the £75m is spent on improving cycle ways, walking , reintroducing bus subsidies and speeding the opening to the public the Cowley Wheatley rail line.”