Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 2 November 2021 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 2 November 2021 (CC1) and to receive information arising from them.

The Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting and Ordinary Meeting of 2 November 2021 were approved and signed as an accurate record.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Alison Rooke. A Dispensation was granted for Councillor Rooke on 14 September 2021.

Council noted that in light of public health guidance nationally, and in consultation with the Group Leaders the Chair had decided to reduce the numbers of councillors attending in person down to a quorum of the Council. That is, 17 members plus two others, to ensure that the meeting did not drop below the legally required number of councillors present.

 All other members of the Council had been invited to attend remotely via MS Teams and to participate in the discussion, but not vote, as only those physically present could legally do so.  All motions would be formally proposed and seconded from Councillors in the Chamber but if the original proposer was online, they would be allowed a full five minutes to speak as if they were in the Chamber, after the formal proposing and seconding.

Council noted an update on the current Covid situation in Oxfordshire.

Council noted that due to Covid the planned open day at Oxfordshire Fire Station had been cancelled.

Council received the following Petitions and Public address:

Public Address

Ms Linda Newbery addressed the Council in support of Motion 14 by Councillor Ian Middleton.  She urged the Council to support the Motion on the basis that she believed it would give a clear signal that the Council took the climate emergency seriously; would make an immediate reduction in carbon emissions; provided nourishing, healthy school meals; saved money; helped with inclusiveness; could support local farmers and good farming practice and encouraged good dietary habits.  She further believed it would address the very real concerns of young people about the climate crisis.

Mr Jimmy Pierson addressed the Council in support of Motion 14 by Councillor Ian Middleton on behalf of ProVeg, which was a non-profit organisation providing help for schools across the UK to improve the health of their pupils, save money and help the planet. He urged the Council to support the Motion on the basis that the Government’s Climate Committee had recommended that less meat was eaten; that he believed it could tackle the current obesity and lack of fibre found in children; that many other councils had shifted towards more plant-based food, with a plant-based option daily or meat free 2 days per week.

Ms Katya Sargeant addressed the Council in support of the Motion by Councillor Ian Middleton.  She urged the Council to approve the Motion on the basis that 56% of young people were severely distressed and felt helpless about Climate Change; Meat production contributed to 18% to 25% of the world’s greenhouse gases – more than transport sector; several councils had already adopted going plant-based; more than 20% of children over the age of 11 support moving to a plant based diet; that moving to plant based would show children that change was possible to stop Climate Change and that their future matters.

Ms Matilda Gettins spoke in in support of Motion 14 by Councillor Ian Middleton on the basis that the current offer of food in Educational establishments was poor and that only offering poor quality plant-based food, was actively guiding students away from diets which were good for the climate. She believed that providing plant-based menus at least two days a week in schools was great way to push against this. It would show students what healthy plant-based food looks like and would invite them to eat more plant-based food outside of school as well. This would help students eat more fruit and veg and be beneficial to the climate.

There was general support for this type of motion from the Oxford University student body. Last year, Oxford SU had banned red meat and lamb at university events to help fight the climate crisis, and students were currently working on getting all colleges to go plant-based 2 days a week. The climate crisis was an issue where town and gown must work together.  There was a wide range of nutritious, diverse, and yummy plant-based foods, which were better for the climate than meat  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84/21

Council received the following Question with Notice from Mr Andrew Siantonas:

Question from Mr Andrew Siantonas to Councillor Tim Bearder

Nearly all of Wolvercote ward of Oxford City Council is within a quarter of a mile from either the A34, A40 or A44. As a result, Wolvercote residents have to endure  a constant background wall of noise from the traffic on these roads. Although the noise cannot  be eliminated there are steps that the County Council can take to minimise the noise, including reducing speed limits and laying road surfaces which cut tyre noise.  With the current work being done around the Wolvercote roundabout on the A40 and A44, this seems an excellent opportunity to implement  these measures. Steps which could be taken include:

Reducing the speed limit on the roads leading to the Wolvercote roundabout to at most 30mph.

Any new road surface laid on these roads to be such which minimises tyre noise.

Reducing the speed limit on Elsfield Way (A40) to 30mph from the Cutteslowe roundabout to at least the site where the speed limit changes -(max speed limit outbound from roundabout/50mph inbound) and plan for a low tyre noise surface when next maintained.

Asking Highways England to reduce the speed limit on the A34 where it passes Wolvercote and to plan for a low tyre noise surface when next maintained.

What steps is the County Council planning to take to reduce road noise and so improve the quality of life for Wolvercote residents?

Councillor Tim Bearder Answered:

Thank you for your suggestions. Our officers will review the suggestions and liaise with its partners at National Highways (formerly Highways England) with responsibility for the A34.

Supplementary Question:

Given that the Roadworks at the Wolvercote Roundabout A40/A44 are due to finish in February/March next year, please could you ask officers that consideration be given to the road surface to reduce tyre noise as soon as possible, so that something can be done whilst the works are being undertaken and could consideration of adopting procedures to reduce the speed limits on the roads also be considered and implemented as soon as possible.

Answer:

I will ask our officers to consider those implementations.

22 questions with Notice were asked.  Details of the questions and answers and supplementary questions and answers will be set out in the Annex to the minutes.

In relation to question 15 (Question from Bethia Thomas to Councillor Calum Miller) Councillor Miller gave an assurance to ask officers to ensure that early consultation was undertaken with local Councillors in relation to Council properties within their areas.

Report of the Cabinet Meeting of 16 November 2021 (CC9).

Council received the report of the Cabinet.

In relation to paragraph 3 of the report (Question from Councillor Bob Johnston to Councillor Pete Sudbury) Councillor Sudbury gave an assurance that he would not alter the Aggregate figure that could be removed from the County.

In relation to paragraph 5 of the report (Question from Councillor Donna Ford to Councillor Duncan Enright) Councillor Enright undertook to provide a written answer outlining why, if it was the case, other than cycling groups, other groups such as local councillors, residents and parents were not involved in the consultation on the A4095/B4100 Banbury Road Roundabout in Bicester.

In relation to paragraph 7 of the report (Question from Councillor David Bartholomew to Councillor Calum Miller) Councillor Miller undertook to provide Councillor Bartholomew with a written answer giving details of the subsequent revival the of the Regional Memorandum of Co-operation which aims to control the costs of Social Care Agency Staff.

In relation to paragraph 7 of the report (Question from Councillor Ian Corkin to Councillor Calum Miller) Councillor Brighouse undertook to provide Councillor Corkin with a written answer detailing why early help assessments by health visitors were currently rated red on the risk register and were consequently behind target, and what was being done to rectify the situation.

In relation to paragraph 7 of the report (Question from Councillor Ian Corkin to Councillor Jenny Hannaby) Councillor Hannaby undertook to provide Councillor Corkin with a written answer on the delayed transfer of care figures for the county, including the number of patients currently delayed and the average length of any such delay.

Report by Director of Finance (CC10).

The report sets out the Treasury Management activity undertaken in the first half of the financial year 2021/22 in compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice.  The report includes Debt and Investment activity, Prudential Indicator monitoring and forecast interest receivable and payable for the financial year.

Council is RECOMMENDED to endorse the Council’s Mid-Term Treasury Management Review 2021/22.

Council had before it a report which set out the Treasury Management activity undertaken in the first half of the financial year 2021/22 in compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice.  The report included Debt and Investment activity, Prudential Indicator monitoring and forecast interest receivable and payable for the financial year.

RESOLVED: (on a motion by Councillor Liz Leffman, seconded by Councillor Liz Brighouse and carried nem con) to endorse the Council’s Mid-Term Treasury Management Review 2021/22.

Report by Director of Law & Governance (CC11).

Under the Local Government Act 1972 Section 85 (1), councillors who do not attend a meeting of the Council during a six-month period will cease to be a member of the Council unless the Council has approved a dispensation before the expiry of that period.  Council is asked to grant such a dispensation to Cllr Michele Paule who, for reason of ill-health, is unlikely to be able to attend a meeting of the Council prior to April 2022. 

Council is RECOMMENDED to:

(1)       approve a dispensation for Councillor Michele Paule from the statutory requirement to attend a meeting of the Council within a six-month period from the last noted attendance;

(2)       approve that the dispensation last up to and including 30 April 2022.

Under the Local Government Act 1972 Section 85 (1), Councillors who did not attend a meeting of the Council during a six-month period would cease to be a member of the Council unless the Council had approved a dispensation before the expiry of that period.  Council had before it a report which sought approval to grant such a dispensation to Cllr Michele Paule who, for reason of ill-health, was unlikely to be able to attend a meeting of the Council prior to April 2022. 

RESOLVED: (on a motion by Councillor Liz Brighouse, seconded by Councillor Duncan Enright and carried nem con)to approve:

(1)      a dispensation for Councillor Michele Paule from the statutory requirement to attend a meeting of the Council within a six-month period from the last noted attendance;

(2)      that the dispensation last up to and including 30 April 2022.

“In 2018, at COP24, the UK Government signed up to ‘domestic institutional arrangements, public participation and engagement with local communities’ so localities can play their part in delivering the UK’s ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ in the Paris Agreement.

In May 2021 the Rt. Hon. Alok Sharma MP, President of COP26,  said collaboration would be a key objective of the COP26 climate summit; “Governments, business and civil society (sometimes called ‘non- state actors’ and including local government) need to work together to transform the ways we power our homes and businesses, grow our food, develop infrastructure and move ourselves and goods around.”

Despite these agreements and statements there is still no formal relationship for partnership working between Local and National Government on climate action. 

This Council:-

(a)       notes that Cabinet has already adopted the recommendations of the ‘Pathways to Zero Carbon Oxfordshire’ report¹,  the most detailed plan ever made for the decarbonisation of Oxfordshire's economy;

(b)       adds its voice to calls by the Local Government Association and others for a joint local and national government Task Force to work towards ‘net zero’ emissions, able to set appropriate regulations, benchmarks and targets and create long-term funding mechanisms to support local communities and economies to decarbonize; and

(c)        asks the Leader to write to Alok Sharma MP, President for COP26, the Prime Minister, and the Leadership Board of the LGA, informing them of our support for such a Task Force and asking for one to be established as soon as possible.”

¹https://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/news/2021/0629-pathways-to-zero-carbon-oxfordshire.html

With the consent of Council, Councillor Sally Povolotsky moved and Councillor Liz Brighouse seconded the following motion amended by the suggestion of Councillor Robin Bennett as follows:

“In 2018, at COP24, the UK Government signed up to ‘domestic institutional arrangements, public participation and engagement with local communities’ so localities can play their part in delivering the UK’s ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ in the Paris Agreement.

In May 2021 the Rt. Hon. Alok Sharma MP, President of COP26,  said collaboration would be a key objective of the COP26 climate summit; “Governments, business and civil society (sometimes called ‘non- state actors’ and including local government) need to work together to transform the ways we power our homes and businesses, grow our food, develop infrastructure and move ourselves and goods around.”   The Glasgow Climate Pact text agreed at the COP26 summit “recognises the important role of non-Party stakeholders, including civil society, indigenous peoples, local communities, youth, children, local and regional governments and other stakeholders, in contributing to progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement;”²

Despite these agreements and statements there is still no formal relationship for partnership working between Local and National Government on climate action. 

This Council:-

(a)       notes that Cabinet has already adopted the recommendations of the ‘Pathways to Zero Carbon Oxfordshire’ report¹,  the most detailed plan ever made for the decarbonisation of Oxfordshire's economy;

(b)       adds its voice to calls by the Local Government Association and others for a joint local and national government Task Force to work towards ‘net zero’ emissions, able to set appropriate regulations, benchmarks and targets and create long-term funding mechanisms to support local communities and economies to decarbonize; and

(c)        asks the Leader to write to Alok Sharma MP, President for COP26, the Prime Minister, and the Leadership Board of the LGA, informing them of our support for such a Task Force and asking for one to be established as soon as possible.”

¹https://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/news/2021/0629-pathways-to-zero-carbon-oxfordshire.html

² https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/cop26_auv_2f_cover_decision.pdf

Following debate, the motion as amended was put to the vote and was carried by 17 votes to 0 (unanimously).

RESOLVED: (unanimously)

“In 2018, at COP24, the UK Government signed up to ‘domestic institutional arrangements, public participation and engagement with local communities’ so localities can play their part in delivering the UK’s ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ in the Paris Agreement.

In May 2021 the Rt. Hon. Alok Sharma MP, President of COP26,  said collaboration would be a key objective of COP26. The Glasgow Climate Pact text agreed at the COP26 summit “recognises the important role of non-Party stakeholders, including civil society, indigenous peoples, local communities, youth, children, local and regional governments and other stakeholders, in contributing to progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement;” ²

Despite these agreements and statements there is still no formal relationship for partnership working between Local and National Government on climate action. 

This Council:-

(a)       notes that Cabinet has already adopted the recommendations of the ‘Pathways to Zero Carbon Oxfordshire’ report¹,  the most detailed plan ever made  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90/21

“The pandemic has seen an increase in goods traffic through certain of our villages and market towns. This home delivery phenomenon has coincided with more residents taking the welcome step of increasing the number of journeys they take by bicycle and on foot. As well as serving to make our roads less safe for pedestrians and cyclists, the rise in HGV traffic has contributed to air pollution and affected the wellbeing of residents, who are subjected to the noise and vibrations emitted from larger vehicles.

Many rural roads were not built for the present volume of HGV traffic and it is reasonable to conclude that there will be adverse consequences for the surfaces of many of our highways if this increase does not abate. Moreover, it is a regrettable fact that even where weight restrictions are implemented, they are too often ignored.

This Council resolves to agree a comprehensive HGV route network for Oxfordshire and to facilitate reasonable measures to assist and encourage:

1.             Communities to report HGV restriction infringements;

2.             Thames Valley Police to take appropriate action against persistent offenders;

3.             Technology and haulage companies to incorporate this Council’s route network and advisory freight routes within their GPS systems;

4.             Delivery firms to switch increasingly to hybrid or electric vehicles; and

5.             The installation of appropriate and enforceable 20mph speed limits, together with physical highways restraints, in the areas worst affected.

6.             To implement a agreed Cross County wide network of HGV routes.”

With the consent of Council, Councillor Eddie Reeves moved and Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak seconded the following motion, amended at the suggestion of Councillor Duncan Enright as follows:

“The pandemic has seen an increase in goods traffic through certain of our villages and market towns. This home delivery phenomenon has coincided with more residents taking the welcome step of increasing the number of journeys they take by bicycle and on foot. As well as serving to make our roads less safe for pedestrians and cyclists, the rise in HGV traffic has contributed to air pollution and affected the wellbeing of residents, who are subjected to the noise and vibrations emitted from larger vehicles.

Many rural roads were not built for the present volume of HGV traffic and it is reasonable to conclude that there will be adverse consequences for the surfaces of many of our highways if this increase does not abate. Moreover, it is a regrettable fact that even where weight restrictions are implemented, they are too often ignored.

This Council resolves to base the new Freight and logistics strategy agree a comprehensive HGV route network for Oxfordshire on the principle of “avoid-switch-improve”.

Working with local firms, the Road Haulage Association and neighboring authorities, the Council will establish a Regional Network of well-serviced HGV through routes, and bring in and to facilitate reasonable measures to assistor encourage:

1.             Communities to report HGV restriction infringements;

2.             Thames Valley Police to take appropriate action against persistent offenders;

3.             Technology and haulage companies to reflect the Strategy incorporate this Council’s route network and advisory freight routes within their GPS systems;

4.             Delivery firms to switch increasingly to hybrid or electric vehicles; and

5.             The installation of appropriate and enforceable 20mph speed limits, together with physical highways restraints, in the areas worst affected.

6.             To implement a agreed Cross County wide network of HGV routes.”

Following debate, the motion as amended was put to the vote and was carried by 17 votes to 0). (unanimously).

RESOLVED:

“The pandemic has seen an increase in goods traffic through certain of our villages and market towns. This home delivery phenomenon has coincided with more residents taking the welcome step of increasing the number of journeys they take by bicycle and on foot. As well as serving to make our roads less safe for pedestrians and cyclists, the rise in HGV traffic has contributed to air pollution and affected the wellbeing of residents, who are subjected to the noise and vibrations emitted from larger vehicles.

Many rural roads were not built for HGV traffic and there will be adverse consequences for many of our highways if this increase does not abate. Moreover, it is a regrettable fact that even where weight restrictions are implemented, they are too often ignored.

This Council resolves to base the new Freight and logistics strategy for Oxfordshire on the principle of “avoid-switch-improve”.

Working with local firms, the Road Haulage Association and neighboring authorities, the Council will establish a Regional Network of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91/21

“This Council recognises that meat and dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global deforestation and that reducing consumption of these foods is a key part of tackling climate change and improving health outcomes.

The Government's independent Climate Change Committee, advises that meat consumption should be reduced by a fifth, and that public bodies should lead the way by promoting plant-based food options. Leading by example on this, and food waste, should be fundamental components of our commitment to cutting carbon emissions.

Furthermore, in the UK, only 18% of children consume the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and most young people's diets lack fibre. Providing appealing plant-based school meals along with education on healthy, climate-positive food choices are excellent ways to address these problems.

Council asks Cabinet to:

1.     Ensure that food provided at all council catered events and meetings is entirely plant-based, preferably using ingredients sourced from local food surplus organisations.

2.     Ensure that Council school meals services have plant-based menus available as part of their regular offer on at least two days per week.

3.     Work on outreach to schools and young people to actively influence and inform on food choices and their impact on the environment, health and animal welfare.

4.     Encourage and empower students to make informed decisions about the food available in their school.

5.     Inspire, promote and support initiatives surrounding food growing, preparation and waste avoidance, especially as part of school and community projects.”

Councillor Ian Middleton moved and Councillor Andrew Gant seconded the following motion:

“This Council recognises that meat and dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global deforestation and that reducing consumption of these foods is a key part of tackling climate change and improving health outcomes.

The Government's independent Climate Change Committee, advises that meat consumption should be reduced by a fifth, and that public bodies should lead the way by promoting plant-based food options. Leading by example on this, and food waste, should be fundamental components of our commitment to cutting carbon emissions.

Furthermore, in the UK, only 18% of children consume the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and most young people's diets lack fibre. Providing appealing plant-based school meals along with education on healthy, climate-positive food choices are excellent ways to address these problems.

Council asks Cabinet to:

1.     Ensure that food provided at all council catered events and meetings is entirely plant-based, preferably using ingredients sourced from local food surplus organisations.

2.     Ensure that Council school meals services have plant-based menus available as part of their regular offer on at least two days per week.

3.     Work on outreach to schools and young people to actively influence and inform on food choices and their impact on the environment, health and animal welfare.

4.     Encourage and empower students to make informed decisions about the food available in their school.

5.     Inspire, promote and support initiatives surrounding food growing, preparation and waste avoidance, especially as part of school and community projects.”

Councillor David Bartholomew moved and Councillor Eddie Reeves seconded the following amendment as shown in bold italics and stickthrough:

“This Council recognises that meat and dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and global deforestation and that reducing consumption of these foods is play a key part of tackling climate change and improving health outcomes. 

The Government's independent Climate Change Committee advises that meat consumption should be reduced by a fifth, and that public bodies should lead the way by promoting plant-based food options. leading by example on this and food waste should be fundamental components of our commitment to cutting carbon emissions. 

Furthermore, in the UK, only 18% of children consume the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and most young people's diets lack fibre. Providing appealing plant-based school meals along with education on healthy, climate-positive food choices are excellent ways to address these problems. 

Council asks Cabinet to: 

1.     Ensure that food provided at all council catered events and meetings is entirely have a plant-based option, preferably using ingredients sourced from local food surplus organisations. 

2.     Ensure that council school meals services have a plant-based menus option available as part of their regular offer on at least two days per week. 

3.     Work on outreach to schools and young people to actively influence and inform on food choices and their impact on the environment, health and animal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92/21

“This Council:

(i)         Acknowledges efforts that this Council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy;  

(ii)        Recognises that large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers make impossible for local renewable electricity generators,

(iii)       Recognises that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of renewable electricity supplier’s operation would create significant opportunities for local companies, community groups and councils to be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local people, businesses and organisations, and

(iv)   Recognises that revenues received by local companies, community groups or councils that become local renewable electricity providers could be used to help improve the local economy, local services and reduce local greenhouse gas emissions;

(iv)      Notes that the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee has recommended that a Right to Local Supply for local energy suppliers be established to address this.

Council resolves to support the Local Electricity Bill, supported by a cross-party group of over 260 MPs, which, if made law, would establish a Right to Local Supply which would promote local renewable electricity supply by making the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate to the size of the supply company.  Council further resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to:

·             inform the local media of this decision,

·             write to other local MPs, asking them to support the Bill, and

·             write to the organisers Power for People, info@powerforpeople.org.uk) expressing its support.”

Councillor Jane Murphy moved and Councillor Liz Leffman seconded the following motion:

“This Council:

(i)         Acknowledges efforts that this Council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy;  

(ii)        Recognises that large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers make it impossible for local renewable electricity generators,

(iii)       Recognises that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of renewable electricity suppliers’ operation would create significant opportunities for local companies, community groups and councils to be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local people, businesses and organisations, and

(iv)   Recognises that revenues received by local companies, community groups or councils that become local renewable electricity providers could be used to help improve the local economy, local services and reduce local greenhouse gas emissions;

(iv)      Notes that the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee has recommended that a Right to Local Supply for local energy suppliers be established to address this.

Council resolves to support the Local Electricity Bill, supported by a cross-party group of over 260 MPs, which, if made law, would establish a Right to Local Supply which would promote local renewable electricity supply by making the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate to the size of the supply company.  Council further resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to:

·             inform the local media of this decision,

·             write to other local MPs, asking them to support the Bill, and

·             write to the organisers Power for People, info@powerforpeople.org.uk) expressing its support.”

Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was carried by 16 votes to 0 (unanimously).

RESOLVED: (unanimous)

“This Council:

(i)         Acknowledges efforts that this Council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy;  

(ii)        Recognises that large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers make it impossible for local renewable electricity generators,

(iii)       Recognises that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of renewable electricity suppliers’ operation would create significant opportunities for local companies, community groups and councils to be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local people, businesses and organisations, and

(iv)   Recognises that revenues received by local companies, community groups or councils that become local renewable electricity providers could be used to help improve the local economy, local services and reduce local greenhouse gas emissions;

(iv)      Notes that the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee has recommended that a Right to Local Supply for local energy suppliers be established to address this.

Council resolves to support the Local Electricity Bill, supported by a cross-party group of over 260 MPs, which, if made law, would establish a Right to Local Supply which would promote local renewable electricity supply by making the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate to the size of the supply company.  Council further resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to:

·             inform the local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93/21

“This Council is committed to ensuring that active travel is fully inclusive all year round, including during the Winter, and accepts its responsibility to ensure that all feel safe on our streets and cycle paths.

This Council recognises the need to ensure the safety and security of our residents engaged in active travel and its responsibility in deterring crime and anti-social behaviour.

This Council further commits to maintaining Oxfordshire’s publicly maintainable footpaths, cycle paths and rights of way network to make using active travel routes safer and more secure and encourage greater use of them.

This Council resolves to ensure that all overgrowth is cleared from publicly maintainable rights of way including footpaths and cycle paths without delay and ensure that any broken lighting along footpaths and cycle paths are resolved as soon as possible. Moreover, this Council resolves to consider installing additional LED lighting in poorly lit areas and/or those along active travel routes where crime and anti-social behaviour are high or at risk of increasing. 

This Council agrees to engage more actively with stakeholders, including Network Rail, residents, landowners and businesses to ensure that they comply more fully with their obligations to clear vegetation on private land and keep public rights of way open. Failure to comply with such obligations should result in action being undertaken more promptly by this council and recharged to private landowners to ensure that all residents, but particularly disabled, elderly and vulnerable residents, are able to walk and cycle safely and securely.”

The time being 3.27 pm, these motions were considered dropped in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13.5.8.