Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve the minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on 24 March 2015 (CC1) and to receive information arising from them.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 24 March 2015 were approved and signed subject to the following addition to Minute 6/15, page 5…those opposing the amendment reminded Council of the importance of having a plan in place to prevent uncontrolled developments taking place in Oxfordshire”…

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Janet Godden and Zoe Patrick.

The Chairman reported as follows:

Council thanked Mr Robert Bullard for the dedication in his book which read as follows: “To: Oxfordshire County Council Library Services With thanks for all your wonderful resources (in particular Oxford Central Library) and endlessly helpful counter staff.”

Councillor Lindsay Gale, Cabinet Member for Cultural & Community Services thanked  Mr Bullard for his dedication and paid tribute to the Library Service Staff.

A portrait of each of the councillors had been drawn by children in schools in South Africa, to raise money for the schools.  Some 20 years ago, Keith Borien, a former Education Officer at Oxfordshire County Council had set up a link between Oxfordshire and South Africa (OCSAL) which made sure that surplus or replaced school furniture did not end up in landfill, but rather went to schools in South Africa where it was truly appreciated and greatly needed. From that start grew BEFSA, the Borien Education Fund for South Africa, which among other things organised exchanges between Headteachers in both countries, as well as fundraising and continuing the gift of furniture unwanted in our more affluent part of the world. Alderman David Turner had for many years been Chair of the Committee which related to this charity, born and nurtured by this Council. As Chairman of the Council, she very much wanted to help this charity. but it had to be in a different way as it did not really relate to people in Oxfordshire. She urged Councillors to make a donation to ‘buy  their portrait.  

The Chairman reminded members about her forthcoming Charity Dinner on 15 May 2015 to raise money for Thomley Hall in Oxford.

The Council received the following Petitions:

A Petition from the residents of Chipping Norton and surrounding area requesting that the County Council to take the HGV’s using the A44 out of Chipping Norton town centre by using the proposed lorry route and to reinstate the Small Towns Strategy in the LTP4.

A Petition from the local residents and businesses of Didcot requesting the County Council to reject the proposal for a bus lane through the pedestrianised zone in Didcot Town Centre.

10 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 Cherry to Councillor Nimmo Smith) Councillor Nimmo Smith gave an undertaking to check on the situation regarding the replacement of fading lines at the Acadamy and provide Councillor Cherry with a written answer.

The Council received the report of the Cabinet.

In relation to paragraph 2 (Flood Risk Management Consultation Responses) (Question from Councillor Coates) Councillor Rose gave an undertaking to provide an update on the funding for the second phase and provide Councillor Coates with a written answer.

In relation to paragraph 10 (Child Sexual Exploitation Update – OSCB Report and Report on CSE) (Question from Councillor Gill Sanders) Councillor Tilley gave an undertaking to rearrange the previously cancelled question and answer session on the detailed report for members.

In relation to paragraph 10 (Child Sexual Exploitation Update – OSCB Report and Report on CSE) (Question from Councillor Pressel) Councillor Tilley gave an undertaking that the Council would bid for their share of the £40m government grant for work within this area.

“This Council is concerned and alarmed at the recent number of major traffic accidents that have occurred on the A34 in the Oxfordshire County area in recent months that have caused real damage not only to the Oxfordshire economy but to that of the country.

It is recognised that much of the problems arise from the volume of heavy goods vehicles that are restricted to 60mph. Much frustration to fast lane vehicles arises when two heavy vehicles are in the process of overtaking and with vehicle governors that may well be slightly at variance causing the overtaking procedure to last much too long.

In recent times there has been talk of making heavy goods vehicles travel in convoys, however the matter is extremely urgent and this Council asks the leader to write to the Secretary of State for Transport to ask that he makes urgent representation to Highways England to request that there is an enforcement order made to restrict all heavy goods vehicles to only use the slow lane between junction 13 on the M4 to junction 9 on the M40. This measure will in all respects make these vehicles travel in convoys and make the road safer and less liable to accidents.”

With the consent of Council Councillor Greene moved and Councillor Lilly seconded his motion as amended below in strikethrough and bold:

RESOLVED:

“This Council is concerned and alarmed at the recent number of major traffic accidents that have occurred on the A34 in the Oxfordshire County area in recent months that have caused real damage not only to the Oxfordshire economy but to that of the country.

It is recognised that much of the problems arise from the volume of heavy goods vehicles that are restricted to 60mph. Much frustration to fast outside lane vehicles arises when two heavy vehicles are in the process of overtaking and with vehicle governors that may well be slightly at variance causing the overtaking procedure to last much too long.

In recent times there has been talk of making heavy goods vehicles travel in convoys, however the matter is extremely urgent and this Council asks the leader to write to the Secretary of State for Transport to ask that he makes urgent representation to Highways England to request that there is an enforcement order made to restrict all heavy goods vehicles to only use the slow inside lane in each direction between junction 13 on the M4 to junction 9 on the M40. This measure will in all respects make these vehicles travel in convoys and make the road safer and less liable to accidents.”

Following debate, the motion as amended was put to the vote and was carried by 51 votes to 0, with 9 abstentions:

RESOLVED: (by 51 votes to 0, with 9 abstentions)

“This Council is concerned and alarmed at the recent number of major traffic accidents that have occurred on the A34 in the Oxfordshire County area in recent months that have caused real damage not only to the Oxfordshire economy but to that of the country.

It is recognised that much of the problems arise from the volume of heavy goods vehicles that are restricted to 60mph. Much frustration to outside lane vehicles arises when two heavy vehicles are in the process of overtaking and with vehicle governors that may well be slightly at variance causing the overtaking procedure to last much too long.

In recent times there has been talk of making heavy goods vehicles travel in convoys, however the matter is extremely urgent and this Council asks the leader to write to the Secretary of State for Transport to ask that he makes urgent representation to Highways England to request that there is an enforcement order made to restrict all heavy goods vehicles to only use the inside lane in each directionbetween junction 13 on the M4 to junction 9 on the M40. This measure will in all respects make these vehicles travel in convoys and make the road safer and less liable to accidents.”

“After decades of a lack of support by this Council for the rail infrastructure, the promotion of the East West rail link and the developments on the Cowley branch are welcome news. However more could be achieved by a comprehensive plan encompassing the whole County, reducing strain on our road infrastructure that we have responsibility for maintaining. This could include the re-opening of stations at places like Grove/Wantage and Yarnton and the line to Witney and Carterton as well as the redoubling of the remainder of the Cotswold line within Oxfordshire.  Rail services can play an important part in the future economic and social life of the County. For example the proposed services directly to Heathrow could be extended to both Banbury and Bicester rather than terminating in Oxford.

In the meantime the Council needs to lobby the Department For Transport and others for modern electric rolling stock for the newly electrified lines to Oxfordshire.”

Councillor Johnston moved and Councillor Howes seconded the following motion as amended with Council’s agreement by Councillors Rodney Rose and Nick Hards in bold italics/strikethrough:

 TheEast West rail link, and and the developments on the Cowley branch are welcome news. Chiltern Rail, Oxfordshire Highways, DfT and other partners continue to meet to hopefully progress the Cowley Branch Line venture. However more could be achieved by a comprehensive plan encompassing the whole County, reducing strain on our road infrastructure that we have responsibility for maintaining. This could include the re-opening of stations at places like Grove/Wantage and Yarnton and the line to Witney and Carterton as well as the redoubling of the remainder of the Cotswold line within Oxfordshire.  Rail services can play an important part in the future economic and social life of the County. For example the proposed services directly to Heathrow could will be extended to both Banbury and Bicester and beyond, rather than terminating in just Oxford.

In the meantime the Council needs to lobby The Council calls on the Department For Transport and others to continue to producefor modern electric rolling stock for the newly electrified lines to Oxfordshire, whilst welcoming the recent arrival from Japan of the start of deliveries of the new trains.”

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

RESOLVED: (by 60 votes to 0)

East West rail link and the developments on the Cowley branch are welcome news. Chiltern Rail, Oxfordshire Highways, DfT and other partners continue to meet to hopefully progress the Cowley Branch Line venture. However more could be achieved by a comprehensive plan encompassing the whole County, reducing strain on our road infrastructure that we have responsibility for maintaining. This could include the re-opening of stations at places like Grove/Wantage and Yarnton and the line to Witney and Carterton as well as the redoubling of the remainder of the Cotswold line within Oxfordshire.  Rail services can play an important part in the future economic and social life of the County. For example the proposed services directly to Heathrow will be extended to both Banbury and Bicester and beyond,rather than terminating in just Oxford.

The Council calls on the Department for Transport and others to continue to produce modern electric rolling stock for the newly electrified lines to Oxfordshire, whilst welcoming the recent arrival from Japan of the start of deliveries of the new trains.”

"The Council calls on each of the candidates in the five Oxfordshire constituencies:

(a)          to speak up for local government;

(b)          to pledge to build the homes and provide the improved transport that Oxfordshire desperately needs;

(c)          to support our schools, colleges and universities;

(d)          to back a vibrant low carbon economy;

(e)          to commit to a Living Wage and a more equal society;

(f)           to promote an international, tolerant and safer county;

(g)          to respond to the needs of our scientific, automotive, agricultural and military communities;

(h)          to invest in our hospitals and the National Health Service in the county;

(i)            to support and safeguard our elderly and disabled residents, and our young people;

We expect those elected to represent Oxfordshire in the House of Commons to work tirelessly for a prosperous, fairer, greener and more beautiful Oxfordshire for all and urges every resident who can to use their vote in the General Election on May 7^th.

Councillor Tanner moved and Councillor Fooks seconded the following motion as amended with Council’s agreement by Councillor Jean Fooks in bold italics/strikethrough:

"The Council calls on each of the candidates in the five Six Oxfordshire constituencies:

(a)  to speak up for local government; to stand up for the vital importance of local government , requesting adequate funding and devolution of both powers and budgets to a local level;

(b)  to pledge to build the homes and provide the improved transport that Oxfordshire desperately needs;

(c)  to support our schools, colleges and universities;

(d)  to back a vibrant low carbon economy;

(e)  to commit to a Living Wage and a more equal society;

(f)   to promote an international, tolerant and safer county;

(g)  to respond to the needs of our scientific, automotive, agricultural and military communities;

(h)  to invest in our hospitals and the National Health Service in the county;

(i)    to support and safeguard our elderly and disabled residents, and our young people;

(j)     

We expect those elected to represent Oxfordshire in the House of Commons to work tirelessly for a prosperous, fairer, greener and more beautiful Oxfordshire for all and urges every resident who can to use their vote in the General Election on May 7^th.

Councillor David Williams moved and Councillor Coates seconded the following amendment in bold italics/strikethrough:

"This Council calls on each of the candidates in the five six Oxfordshire constituencies:

a)            to speak out up for local government and not to vote for the slow decline we have had since 1979;

b)             to pledge to build the homes and the improved transport that Oxfordshire desperately needs rather than trumpet  vague figures the private sector might  possibly achieve;

c)            to support our schools, colleges and universities by not charging fees and stop introducing academies and free schools;

d)            to back a vibrant low carbon economy with a real Green New Deal programme of activities that will deliver the targets;

e)            to commit to a living wage and a more equal society reversing the trend over the last 20 years;

f)             to promote an internationally, tolerant and safer County by not pandering to xenophobes and racists;

g)            to respond to the needs of our scientific , automotive, agricultural and military communities and all the other groups who make up our society rather than consistently doing the bidding of the business community;

h)           to invest in  our hospitals and the National Health Service by rejecting the privatisation of services completely.

i)             to support and safeguard our elderly and disabled residents and our young people not with empty rhetoric but real well funded programmes of support.

We expect those elected to represent Oxfordshire in the House of Commons to work tirelessly for a more prosperous, equal,

peaceful,  greener and more sustainable  Oxfordshire for all and urge every resident who is still registered to use their vote in the General Election on May the 7th."

Following debate, the amendment was put to the vote and was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16/14

“I move that, at the earliest possible time following the General Election, the Oxfordshire County Council decant (travel) to the House of Commons Westminster en - bloc to meet, at individual members own expense or otherwise, and to enable its unified case in relation to Oxfordshire's future to be put directly to the County's Members of Parliament. The discussions and representations to include 'cross council' concerns on present and future Government funding and policies on all matters affecting Oxfordshire's residents including: all types of infrastructure, the Council's full range of services and the discharge of its statutory duties.

Detailed organisational arrangements to be made by the relevant officers in conjunction with group leaders and other pertinent members.”

Councillor Harris moved and Councillor Williams seconded the following motion:

“I move that, at the earliest possible time following the General Election, the Oxfordshire County Council decant (travel) to the House of Commons Westminster en - bloc to meet, at individual members own expense or otherwise, and to enable its unified case in relation to Oxfordshire's future to be put directly to the County's Members of Parliament. The discussions and representations to include 'cross council' concerns on present and future Government funding and policies on all matters affecting Oxfordshire's residents including: all types of infrastructure, the Council's full range of services and the discharge of its statutory duties.

Detailed organisational arrangements to be made by the relevant officers in conjunction with group leaders and other pertinent members.”

With the consent of Council, Councillor David Williams proposed that his amendment as set out in the Schedule of Business, Annex 1 be withdrawn.

With the consent of Council, Councillor Glynis Phillips proposed that his amendment as set out in the Schedule of Business, Annex 1 be withdrawn.

Councillor Ian Hudspeth proposed and Councillor Lilly seconded the following amendmentin bold italics and strikethrough:

“I move that, at the earliest possible time following the General Election, the Oxfordshire County Council decant (travel) to the House of Commons Westminster en - bloc to meet, at individual members own expense or otherwise, and  invites all Oxfordshire’s elected Members of Parliament to County Hall to enable its unified case in relation to Oxfordshire's future to be put directly to the County's Members of Parliament. The discussions and representations to include 'cross council' concerns on present and future Government funding and policies on all matters affecting Oxfordshire's residents including: all types of infrastructure, the Council's full range of services and the discharge of its statutory duties.

Detailed organisational arrangements to be made by the relevant officers in conjunction with group leaders and other pertinent members.”

Following debate the amendment was put to the vote and was carried by 52 votes to 3, with 2 abstentions.

The substantive motion, as amended was then put to the vote and it was:

RESOLVED: (by 55 votes to 0, with 1 abstention)

I move that, at the earliest possible time following the General Election, the Oxfordshire County Council invites all Oxfordshire’s elected Members of Parliament to County Hall to enable its unified case in relation to Oxfordshire's future to be put directly to the County's Members of Parliament. The discussions and representations to include 'cross council' concerns on present and future Government funding and policies on all matters affecting Oxfordshire's residents including: all types of infrastructure, the Council's full range of services and the discharge of its statutory duties.

Detailed organisational arrangements to be made by the relevant officers in conjunction with group leaders and other pertinent members.

“Knowing the impact that the reductions in revenue support grant have had over the last 5 years on vital services and the likely impact of even stronger cuts will have on the most vulnerable in our Community  in future years, Oxfordshire County Council calls on the party leaders of the Conservative Labour and Liberal Democrats  to abandon their plans to impose even further cuts on local Government and to recognise that local Government plays a vital role in our community and should no longer bear the burden of an economic policy known as ‘Austerity’ that is of dubious merit and limited effectiveness.

The Chief Executive to write to all three party leaders with a copy of this motion.”

Councillor Williams moved and Councillor Coates seconded the following amendment:

“Knowing the impact that the reductions in revenue support grant have had over the last 5 years on vital services and the likely impact of even stronger cuts will have on the most vulnerable in our Community  in future years, Oxfordshire County Council calls on the party leaders of the Conservative Labour and Liberal Democrats  to abandon their plans to impose even further cuts on local Government and to recognise that local Government plays a vital role in our community and should no longer bear the burden of an economic policy known as ‘Austerity’ that is of dubious merit and limited effectiveness.

The Chief Executive to write to all three party leaders with a copy of this motion.”

Following debate the motion was put to the vote and was lost by 50 votes to 2.

RESOLVED: Accordingly.

“Having undertaken a deep review of the future Transport Strategy the County Council is of the opinion that one of the key issues to easing congestion on Oxfordshire roads is to encourage more travellers to take non car options such as walking, cycling and public transport by bus and train.

Knowing that choices of transport modes essentially comes down to an economic decision based on the cheapest options this Council calls on the Government to divert part of the £18billion already committed for road building to rail expansion and reductions in rail fares , bus subsidies  and new cycle support networks.

The County Council also considers that now is maybe the time to consider bringing ALL of the rail system back into public ownership and control and to end rail franchises that see large scale public funding underpinning massive profit taking by private companies.

The Chief Executive to forward copies of this motion to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Transport on the 11 May 2015.”

Councillor Coates moved and Councillor Williams seconded the following motion:

“Having undertaken a deep review of the future Transport Strategy the County Council is of the opinion that one of the key issues to easing congestion on Oxfordshire roads is to encourage more travellers to take non car options such as walking, cycling and public transport by bus and train.

Knowing that choices of transport modes essentially comes down to an economic decision based on the cheapest options this Council calls on the Government to divert part of the £18billion already committed for road building to rail expansion and reductions in rail fares , bus subsidies  and new cycle support networks.

The County Council also considers that now is maybe the time to consider bringing ALL of the rail system back into public ownership and control and to end rail franchises that see large scale public funding underpinning massive profit taking by private companies.

The Chief Executive to forward copies of this motion to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Transport on the 11 May 2015.”

Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was lost by 34 votes to 16, with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED:  Accordingly.

“The County Council is concerned at the recent report by the World Wildlife Fund Living Planet Index that 50% of wildlife has gone from the planet over the last 45 years. Clearly this includes substantial numbers of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish disappearing from, the Oxfordshire ecosystem since 1970.

One estimate for UK wildlife decline since 1970 is about a 58% reduction. The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust has said this report is valid for our area, in terms of their observations.

The County Council has already shown its concern with bee colony collapse and is pledged to support the species with a programme designed to assist bee communities to prosper. However the WWF Living Index Research suggests a deeper and even more serious concern across a wide spectrum of creatures that constitute our local Oxfordshire Wildlife.

The Council requests that the report currently being undertaken by the Local Nature Partnership is circulated to all members and considered by Cabinet to illustrate what may be done to reverse the decline in wildlife population numbers here in Oxfordshire.”

Councillor Coates moved and Councillor Williams seconded the following motion:

“The County Council is concerned at the recent report by the World Wildlife Fund Living Planet Index that 50% of wildlife has gone from the planet over the last 45 years. Clearly this includes substantial numbers of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish disappearing from, the Oxfordshire ecosystem since 1970.

One estimate for UK wildlife decline since 1970 is about a 58% reduction. The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust has said this report is valid for our area, in terms of their observations.

The County Council has already shown its concern with bee colony collapse and is pledged to support the species with a programme designed to assist bee communities to prosper. However the WWF Living Index Research suggests a deeper and even more serious concern across a wide spectrum of creatures that constitute our local Oxfordshire Wildlife.

The Council requests that the report currently being undertaken by the Local Nature Partnership is circulated to all members and considered by Cabinet to illustrate what may be done to reverse the decline in wildlife population numbers here in Oxfordshire.”

Following debate, the motion was put to the vote and was carried by 36 votes to 15, with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED: Accordingly.

“This Council notes with dismay the continued expansion of the Academy and Free Schools programme endorsed in the 2015 manifestos of the Conservative and Labour Parties. The Council calls on the Leaders of the Parties to follow the example of the Swedish Government and end this experiment in Governance and return all schools to democratic control and accountability with clear universal professional standards, commitment to a similar curriculum, non-selective criteria  and general equity in funding.

The Council is concerned at the billions of pounds that have been diverted from mainstream education to try to make Free Schools work and the dramatic impact this has had on local authority schools funding.

The Council would seek to illustrate to the Secretary of State for Education the advantages of maintaining and enhancing the ‘ Local Education Authority ’ with its excellent central role in providing collective services to schools in a wide range of areas. The Council is concerned that the obvious advantages in collectively improving the quality of local education provision provided via the LEA are being wasted in the fragmentation and atomisation that Academies and Free Schools generate.

The Chief Executive to forward copies of this motion to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Education on the 11May 2015.”

The time being 3.30pm this motion was considered dropped in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.1 set out in the Council’s Constitution.