Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 27 September 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 27 September 2018 were received as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

The Mayor congratulated the children of Archbishop Cranmer CofE Primary Academy who had opened the Council meeting with a number of festive songs. Since the last meeting, the Mayor had attended 29 events, nine of which were related to the centenary of the end of World War One and annual Armistice events. She made reference to the remarkable displays of remembrance both in West Bridgford and across the Borough. The Mayor also mentioned a service of personal remembrance held at St Mary’s Church in the Lace Market by her chosen charity for the year, the Nottingham Hospice, and told of a very different kind of evening at the Nottingham Goose Fair. The Mayor thanked Councillors for supporting her charity at her recent celebrity charity dinner.

The Leader started his announcements by congratulating the Chief Executive, Mr Graham, who was, this week, awarded a diploma from the Institute of Directors. The Leader went on to say that this underlines the Council’s commitment to commercialisation. He made reference to the Community Awards held the previous week and informed Councillors who were not present about the breadth of talent those nominated demonstrated. The Leader mentioned the proposal for a new Rushcliffe crematorium which had been in the press recently and encouraged all Councillors to take part in the consultation exercise and to publicise this within their communities. The Leader recalled the opening of the new Cotgrave Hub and highlighted that the new building, which brought many public services together, was already proving popular with the community. The Leader also made reference to the national budget a few weeks ago and highlighted some of the announcements that would have an impact on the Rushcliffe community and, in a similar vein, drew Councillors attention to the Case for Change document published by the County Council the previous day.

The Chief Executive brought Councillors’ attention to two of the Council’s teams who, in his opinion, had performed extremely well over the last few weeks. Firstly, the Community Development team who had delivered an excellent programme of events to commemorate the end of the first World War and the Community Awards which the Leader has already mentioned. Secondly, the Chief Executive recognised the efforts of the Council’s Facilities Team in keeping the Civic Suite functioning over the last two weeks while the Local Plan Enquiry was taking place resulting in very quick turnaround times for meetings such as this in the evenings. He wanted to record formally how grateful he was to both teams. He concluded by wishing, on behalf of the staff, all Councillors a very happy Christmas and peaceful new year.

To answer questions submitted by Citizens on the Council or its services.

There were no questions from Citizens’ to answer at this meeting.

Report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods

Councillor Mason introduced the Statement of Principles which must be reviewed and published every three years in line with the Gambling Act 2005. She outlined the steps undertaken to review the Statement including its examination by the Alcohol and Licensing Committee and the consultation process including that taken place in the county to ensure consistency across administrative boundaries. She reminded Councillors that the purpose of the document was to prevent licensed premises becoming a source of crime and disorder and encouraged Councillors to approve the Statement.

Councillor Smith seconded the proposal.

Councillor Chewings, who sits on the Alcohol and Licensing Committee, informed Councillors that the Committee had made very minimal changes to the document and that she was happy to support its adoption. Councillor R Mallender was also happy to support the revised Statement.

It was RESOLVED that the Council adopt the Statement of Principles with effect from 2 January 2019.

Report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods

Councillor Mason informed Councillors that the current statement of licensing Policy was adopted in 2014 and that legislation requires that it is reviewed every five years. A few minor changes were made following which a consultation exercise took place and then the draft document was reviewed by the Alcohol and Licensing Committee. The Statement sets out how the Council will exercise its authority to protect children and vulnerable people in the prevention of crime and disorder.

Councillor Smith seconded the proposal and stated that she was very pleased to see that this policy included a number of public health issues such as the impact of alcohol and gambling on our communities.

Councillor Chewings stated that she was happy to support the adoption of this important document.

It was RESOLVED that the Council adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy with effect from 2 January 2019.

To receive Notices of Motion submitted under Standing Order No.12

“Over recent months , the Labour controlled Nottingham City Council have made it very clear that in any Local Government Re-organisation , they will petition the Government to ensure that the City Council absorb West Bridgford, amongst other district areas,  within their City Boundaries.

To support the above, the City Council will shortly be commencing a public engagement exercise across Rushcliffe (and 3 other Districts).

In response to this action by Nottingham City Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council firmly believes that for the future prosperity and quality of life of West Bridgford residents and businesses that West Bridgford should remain and be seen as an essential part of the Rushcliffe Administrative boundaries.

In addition, with any Local Government review, the whole of the Rushcliffe area should be considered in its entirety without any fragmentation.”

Councillor S J Robinson

a.    The following Notice of Motion was proposed by Councillor S J Robinson and seconded by Councillor D Mason.

“Over recent months, the Labour controlled Nottingham City Council have made it very clear that in any Local Government Re-organisation, they will petition the Government to ensure that the City Council absorb West Bridgford, amongst other district areas, within their City Boundaries.

To support the above, the City Council will shortly be commencing a public engagement exercise across Rushcliffe (and 3 other Districts).

In response to this action by Nottingham City Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council firmly believes that for the future prosperity and quality of life of West Bridgford residents and businesses that West Bridgford should remain and be seen as an essential part of the Rushcliffe Administrative boundaries. In addition, with any Local Government review, the whole of the Rushcliffe area should be considered in its entirety without any fragmentation.”

Councillor Robinson presented the motion and explained to Council why he felt it was necessary to submit the motion at this stage. He pointed out that the desire of the City Council to extend its boundaries to include West Bridgford amongst other areas was no secret and was indeed a longstanding ambition. However, he felt that the current focus of the County Council to create a single unitary authority for the County had forced the City Council to consider its position also. He pointed out that the City Council had begun a process of consultation with Rushcliffe residents without the involvement of the Council and went on to outline a number of reasons why he felt the Council and the residents of the Borough may object to being part of the City. These included educational performance and attainment, operating losses, increasing levels of debt, poor retail experience and treatment of businesses, poor health and social care outcomes, as well as the City Council’s own proposal to make 200 staff redundant this year. He concluded that the motion he had put forward sends a clear message to the City Council – West Bridgford belongs to Rushcliffe.

Councillor Edwards pointed out that in a press statement last week the City Council had stated that it was looking to increase its area based on whole administrative boundaries and as a result was interested in talking to Gedling and Broxtowe Borough councils. He stated that the City Council had made it clear without West Bridgford other towns and villages within Rushcliffe would lack focus and identify. Councillor Edwards went on to say that he felt the process was currently lacking in widespread consultation and called upon the Leader to inform and then seek the views of Rushcliffe’s residents. He concluded by supporting the motion but called into question the grounds on which the Leader based his views.

Councillor Jones stated that he agreed with Councillor Edwards and went on to say that West Bridgford had a clear identity of its own but was lacking a strong voice in the absence of a town council.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

To answer questions submitted by Councillors under Standing Order No. 11(2)

a)         Question from Councillor M Edwards to Councillor G Moore

“What progress has been made on 3 Projects totalling £100,000 in this year's Capital Programme regarding improvements to the Sports Pavilion and the Sir Julien Cahn Pavilion in West Park, West Bridgford that were all due to commence in June?”

Councillor Moore responded that the work was in progress and would be reviewed in line with other priorities.

Supplementary question

Councillor Edwards asked if the work would be completed by the end of the financial year.

Councillor Moore replied that this would depend on the outcome of the forthcoming budget consultation workshops.