Agenda and minutes

To receive declarations of the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests from Members in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.

Councillor Liz Frost wished it to be recorded that her current employment within NHS England, could be said to give rise to a disclosable pecuniary interest under the Council’s Local Code of Conduct for Members, but that the Council’s Standards Committee did not consider that, in most circumstances, this would damage the public’s confidence in the conduct of the authority’s business and, for the avoidance of doubt, she has been granted a dispensation by the Standards Committee to speak and vote on matters related to health.

To confirm the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 17 May 2016.

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 May 2016 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Mayor.

To receive such communications or deal with such business as the Mayor may decide to lay before the Council.

There were no matters which the Mayor wished to communicate to members.

To answer written questions from Councillors

Note:  The deadline for questions is 5pm on Wednesday 13 July 2016 (17.00 hours on the third clear working day before the meeting).

Questions had been submitted to Committee and Panel Chairmen and written answers had been provided as follows:

QUESTION 1

Question from Councillor Alex Clarke to the Chairman of the Environment Committee, Councillor John Beckett

Litter collection in High Street/Market: Why is it we have only one person to cover the relatively large area of the Town Centre, who also is responsible for moving the big market bins in position – something which is complicated by the fact that, despite there being work phones provided, no system is in place for the truck team to give an advanced warning of their arrival?

Reply:

I understand that Councillor Clarke has spoken with officers prior to this question and answer and there appeared to be some confusion on roles which has now been clarified. The crews have also been briefed to ensure that all operatives are carrying out the correct procedures and tasks.

I would also like to mention Sean Winter who is our full time litter picking operative in the Town Centre.  For many years he has done an absolute sterling job. He is backed up by the mechanical sweepers who sweep the Town Centre first thing in the morning and also a part time market cleansing operative.

In addition to this, the refuse collection crews provide two waste collections during the day (morning and afternoon) and a further collection is carried out at the end of the market. The large 1100litre bins used by stall holders should only be moved by the refuse collection crews. 

I would therefore like to personally thank Sean and all the operatives in the town centre for their hard work in continuing to make Epsom a great place to live and shop.

QUESTION 2

Question from Councillor Tella Wormington to the Chairman of the Health Liaison Panel, Councillor Liz Frost

I am sure that other Councillors were as concerned as I was to read about the outcome of the recent CQC report into Epsom & St Helier Hospitals.  Can the chairman of the HLP let us know what part the Council plays in trying to ensure that services are satisfactory?

Reply:

I thank Councillor Tella Wormington for her question.

To look at the reports themselves, the CQC visits to both Epsom and St Helier Hospitals took place on seven days in November 2015 although the reports were not published until the end of May.  There is a report covering the whole trust and one focussed on Epsom.  Although the overall rating for Epsom is ‘Requires Improvement’, that is not the whole picture.  It rates SWELEOC as Outstanding.  Medical Care, End of Life Care, and Out Patients and Diagnostic Imaging were all rated ‘Good’.  Urgent and Emergency Services, Surgery, Critical Care, Maternity and Gynaecology, and Services for Children and Young People were rated as ‘Requires Improvement’.   I appreciate the concerns of fellow Councillors about the ‘Requires Improvement’ ratings, but understand that this is the rating given to the majority of hospitals.  I would also point out that many  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

To receive, consider and, where appropriate, adopt the following recommendations from Committees:

The recommendations arising from the meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 21 June 2016 were received.

Upon being put, recommendation 1 A (Revision of Contract Standing Orders) was CARRIED without a division.

RESOLVED

That the Council approve the new Contract Standing Orders and that the Constitution be updated accordingly.

To receive, consider and, if considered appropriate, adopt the report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services regarding appointments to the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Council received a report from the Head of Legal & Democratic Services regarding the Appointment of the Independent Remuneration Panel.  Upon being put the recommendations in the report were CARRIED without a division.

RESOLVED

That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, in consultation with Group Leaders, be authorised to confirm appointments to the Independent Remuneration Panel.

To receive the Annual Report of the Audit, Crime & Disorder Committee (attached)

The Annual Report of the Audit, Crime & Disorder and Scrutiny Committee was received and noted.

In pursuance of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, to consider Notices of Motions

Pursuant to FCR 79, Councillor Alex Clarke MOVED and Councillor Jane Race SECONDED, the following Motion:

“That this Council commend the efforts of Epsom General, especially the Doctors, Nurses, and Administrators of Emergency Care department, for the support and care they provide to the community of Epsom & Ewell.  They are as such a vital part of community and deserve our thanks for all their efforts.”

In accordance with the advice given by the Chief Executive, the Council RESOLVED (without a division) to debate the motion.

Councillor Tony Axelrod MOVED and Councillor Liz Frost SECONDED an amendment to substitute the following wording for the wording of the above motion:

“That this Council commend the efforts of all staff and volunteers working in Epsom Hospital for the support and care they provide to the community of Epsom & Ewell.  They are such a vital part of our community and deserve our thanks for all their efforts.”

Upon being put the amendment was CARRIED unanimously, and upon being put the motion as amended was also CARRIED unanimously.

Pursuant to FCR 79, Councillor Alex Clarke MOVED and Councillor Tina Mountain SECONDED, the following Motion:

“That this Council commend Prince Harry and the other organisers of the Invictus Games, for their service to veterans, especially those whom have spent time at Headley Court, for example Nathan Cumberland and Andy Kelsey (to name but two). “

In accordance with the advice given by the Chief Executive, the Council RESOLVED (without a division) to debate the motion.

Councillor Tony Axelrod MOVED and Councillor Martin Olney SECONDED an amendment to substitute the following wording for the wording of the above motion:

“That this Council commend Prince Harry and the organisers of the Invictus Games for their service to veterans, especially those whom have spent time at Headley Court, and further commend and thank our service charities and all Epsom and Ewell residents who volunteer for them, organise collections and donate many thousands of pounds year on year, in support of all veterans.”

Upon being put the amendment was CARRIED unanimously, and upon being put the motion, as amended, was also CARRIED unanimously.

Pursuant to FCR 79, Councillor Eber Kington MOVED and Councillor Peter O’Donovan SECONDED, the following Motion:

“This Council notes the outcome of the referendum on membership of the European Union and accepts there will be new and different challenges for local government and for our communities. In light of the decision this Council agrees to:

      i.        put in place processes and teams to ensure that nationally agreed changes affecting the powers and duties of local government can be analysed and, where appropriate, implemented as soon as practicable

    ii.        seek support and advice from the Local Government Association as well as the national Government on transitional arrangements

   iii.        respond quickly and in detail to any consultation requested by the national Government

   iv.        work with local partners and groups in our community to ensure a smooth, efficient and supportive transition over the next few years

This  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.