Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors P M Black, J E Burtonshaw, J P Curtice, R Francis-Davies, T J Hennegan, P R Hood-Williams, M H Jones, E J King, D J Lewis, C E Lloyd, I M Richard, P B Smith, R V Smith, R J Stanton, G J Tanner, C Thomas and L G Thomas.

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

The Deputy Head of Legal and Democratic Services gave advice regarding the potential personal and prejudicial interests that Councillors and / Officers may have on the agenda.

 

The Head of Democratic Services reminded Councillors and Officers that the “Disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests” sheet should only be completed if the Councillor / Officer actually had an interest to declare.  Nil returns were not required.  Councillors and Officers were also informed that any declarable interest must be made orally and in writing on the sheet.

 

In accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea the following interests were declared:

 

Councillors

 

1)            Councillor J C Bayliss declared a Personal and Prejudicial Interest in Minute 29 “Swansea Local Development Plan (LDP) – Deposit for Public Consultation” and withdrew from the meeting prior to its consideration;

 

2)            Councillor J A Raynor declared a Personal Interest in Minute 29 “Swansea Local Development Plan (LDP) – Deposit for Public Consultation”.

 

Officers

 

3)            Huw Evans, Head of Democratic Services declared a Personal and Prejudicial Interest in Minute 29 “Swansea Local Development Plan (LDP) – Deposit for Public Consultation” and withdrew from the meeting prior to its consideration.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the following Minutes be approved and signed as a correct record:

 

1)           Annual Meeting of Council held on 19 May 2016;

 

2)           Ceremonial Meeting of Council held on 20 May 2016.

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services submitted an information report setting out the written responses to questions asked at the last Ordinary Meeting of Council.

1)         Condolences

 

a)            Gun Attack at Pulse Nightclub, Orlando, Florida

 

The Presiding Member referred with sadness to the recent gun attack at the Pulse Nightclub, Orlando, Florida where 49 people were killed and 53 injured.  He stated that the Rainbow Pride flag was being flown at half-mast at Council Offices as a mark of respect and solidarity for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and as a mark of remembrance and respect to those who lost their lives in the Orlando tragedy last weekend.

 

Lowering the flag is a sign of our solidarity with the LGBT Community, especially at this sad time, and also a symbol of our continued commitment to end prejudice, hatred and stigma.

 

All present stood as a mark of sympathy and respect.

 

2)         Congratulations

 

a)         Swansea and West Wales Occupational Safety Group

 

The Presiding Member stated that the Corporate Health Safety & Wellbeing Service had been shortlisted for awards in Innovative Health and Safety Training, Wellbeing and the overall shield covering all safety and wellbeing delivery by the Swansea and West Wales Occupational Safety Group.

 

The service was recognised and received awards for Outstanding Safety Performance, and for the first time received the Large Organisation shield beating Bridgend Council, Ceredigion Council, 3M’s and Dŵr Cymru who were also shortlisted. This was in addition to the recent recognition of achieving the Welsh Government Corporate Health Standard Gold award.

 

David Price Deer from Special Events was also nominated as employee of the year and came runner up in recognition of his excellent work and dedication in improving event safety for staff and the thousands of visitors who attend events staged by the Team every year.

 

Craig Gimblett, Katja Davies and Tracy Williams were present to receive the award.

 

b)           Lord Mayor’s Summer Honours Ball

 

The Presiding Member was delighted to announce that the Inaugural Lord Mayor’s Summer Honours Ball would be held at the Brangwyn Hall on Friday, 29 July 2016.  The Ball will be supporting the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund in raising money for Maggie’s Cancer Centre, The Paul Popham Fund and The Princes Gate.

 

The Honours Ball is aimed at recognising people who have made a significant difference in Swansea helping to make Swansea such a great place.  This prestigious event held at the Brangwyn Hall will see people from all walks of life honoured and recognises those who raise Swansea’s profile around the world.

 

These inaugural honours will showcase a wide range of exceptional people from the world of business, sport, the arts, charity and entertainment.  Tickets are £45 per person.

 

c)        Penllergare Valley Woods Trust – Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2016

 

The Presiding Member was delighted to announce that the Penllergare Valley Woods Trust have been given a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services 2016 in recognition of their work to restore and maintain the grounds of the former Dillwyn Llewellyn Estate, Penllergaer.

 

d)        Queen’s Birthday Honours 2016

 

The Presiding Member was pleased to congratulate the Citizens of Swansea who received awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

 

a)            Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

 

i)             Margaret Hilary Dawson, MBE.  Chief Executive and General Secretary, Workers Education Association for Wales (WEA Cymru).  For services to Education in Wales. (Swansea, West Glamorgan).

 

b)            Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

 

i)             Sidney Frederick Hugh Kidwell.  Champion for Older People in Swansea.  For services to the Community in Swansea. (Swansea);

 

ii)            Dr Susan Mary Mitchell. Head Teacher St. John Baptist Church in Wales High School, Aberdare.  For services to Education in Wales. (Swansea);

 

iii)           Helen Murray. Chair, Tŷ Olwen Trust, Morriston Hospital, Swansea.  For voluntary services to Palliative Care in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. (Swansea).

 

c)            British Empire Medal (BEM)

 

i)             Ruth Drusilla Janette Lewis. Officer-in-Charge, Loughor Division, St. John Ambulance.  For voluntary service to First Aid. (Swansea, West Glamorgan);

 

ii)            David James Edmond MacKen.  For services to St. Peters Church and to the community in Swansea. (Swansea);

 

iii)           Andrea Dawn Pridmore.  Digital Service Manager, DVLA.  For services to Public Administration and Community Music through the Swansea Silver Rhythmaires Marching Band. (Swansea, West Glamorgan).

 

3)         Corrections / Amendments to the Council Summons

 

i)          Item 10 “Councillors Allowances & Expenses 2015-2016”

Page 51 “Notes”, at bottom of Page.  Delete the sentence relating to Councillor R C Stewart and the Ospreys v Toulouse match.  Cllr Stewart did not attend and declined the invitation.

 

ii)            Item 11 “Membership of Committees”

 

a)           Communities CAC

Delete Councillor H M Morris.

Add Councillor M B Lewis.

 

b)           Prevention and Social Care Reform CAC

Delete Councillor C Anderson.

Add Councillor H M Morris.

1)            Condolences, Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen

 

The Leader of the Council referred with sadness to the death earlier that day of Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen.  Jo Cox was left bleeding on the ground after being attacked in Birstall, West Yorkshire.

 

All present stood as a mark of sympathy and respect.

 

2)            Tidal Lagoon

 

The Leader of the Council referred to a recent meeting that he’d had with the Chairman of the Independent Review into Tidal Lagoons, the Rt Hon Charles Hendry.

 

He stated that the review was assessing whether tidal lagoons can play a cost-effective role as part of the UK energy mix.  He stated that he stressed the importance of the lagoon project from the more obvious environmental wins (reduced emissions and reliable low carbon electricity), to positive impacts on the local economy and regeneration plans and beyond this to social inclusion and health benefits.

Questions must relate to matters on the open part of the Agenda of the meeting and will be dealt within a 10 minute period.

The Presiding Member reminded those people wishing to ask questions in relation to Item 9 “Swansea Local Development Plan (LDP) – Deposit for Public Consultation” that questions would only be responded to if they are in relation to the consultation process.

 

The meeting was not an opportunity to revisit the decision to include the proposed housing sites and development areas that were agreed last September.

 

A number of questions were asked by members of the public.  The relevant Cabinet Member responded accordingly.  Those questions requiring a written response are listed below:

 

1)        Lis Davies asked the Leader of the Council questions in relation to Minute 30 “Councillors Allowances & Expenses 2015-2016”.

 

“ICT Allowance.  Following the 2012 election all Councillors received £1,008 to purchase IT equipment and a further £800 over the remaining term of office, if needed.  This is in excess of £130,000.

 

Will this ICT policy still be in place following the May 2017 election?”

 

The Leader of the Council stated that a written response would be provided.

 

2)        Lis Davies asked the Leader of the Council questions in relation to Minute 32 “Councillors’ Questions”.

 

“Page 58.  Question 7.  As of April 2016 there are 128 vacant properties in the City Centre of which 33 are retail or restaurant premises in the prime and secondary retail areas (excluding the Kingsway).

 

How many vacant retail properties were there during 2011-2012 and the sequential periods between 2012 & 2016?”

 

The Leader of the Council stated that a written response would be provided.

No Public Presentations were received.

The Enterprise, Development and Regeneration Cabinet Member submitted a report which sought endorsement for the Swansea Local Development Plan (LDP) and supporting documentation for the purpose of public consultation.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1)        The Deposit LDP, comprising written statement and Proposals Map, be approved for the purpose of public consultation;

 

2)        A revised LDP Delivery Agreement be prepared and agreed with the Welsh Government to confirm the timetable for delivery of future stages of the LDP leading up to adoption of the Plan;

 

3)        The findings of the Habitats Regulations Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal be agreed;

 

4)        The consultation period be extended until 5.00pm on 12 August 2016.

The Head of Democratic Services submitted an information report which presented the amount of allowances and expenses paid to each Councillor and Co-opted Member during 2015-2016 under the Councillors Allowances Scheme.

The Transformation and Performance Cabinet Member submitted a report which sought approval of the nominations / amendment to the membership of Council Bodies.

 

He referred to the report stating that the Leader of the Council had not made any changes to the membership of the Authority’s Outside Bodies.

 

RESOLVED that the membership of the Council Bodies listed below be amended as follows:

 

1)            Communities Cabinet Advisory Committee

Delete Councillor H M Morris.

Add Councillor M B Lewis.

 

2)            Joint Resilience Committee

Add Councillors D W Cole, T J Hennegan, M H Jones, C Richards and D G Sullivan.

 

3)           Prevention and Social Care Reform Cabinet Advisory Committee

Delete Councillor C Anderson.

Add Councillor H M Morris.

 

4)            LA Governor Panel

Remove Councillor L J Tyler-Lloyd.

Add Councillor A C S Colburn.

 

5)            Trustees Panel

Remove Councillor M Lewis.

Add Councillor K E Marsh.

1)       Part A ‘Supplementary Questions’

 

Five (5) Part A ‘Supplementary Questions’ were submitted.  The relevant Cabinet Member(s) responded by way of written answers contained in the Council Summons.

 

The following supplementary question(s) required a written response.

 

a)       Question 2.  Councillor J W Jones asked:

 

“When will the priority process commence for moving the solar powered Speed Indicator Display (SID) Signs to mains electric and will Councillors be involved in the process?”

 

The Environment and Transport Cabinet Member indicated that a written response would be provided.

 

2)       Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’

 

Three (3) Part B ‘Questions not requiring Supplementary Questions’ were submitted.