Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Charsley, Roxanna Fawthrop, Hastings and Milner.  Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors Bance, Grainger and Samaris Huntington-Thresher.

The Mayor to make and deliver the statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

It was moved by Councillor Alexa Michael and seconded by Councillor Michael Tickner and

RESOLVED that  Councillor Michael Turner be elected the Mayor of the Borough.

Councillor Turner made and subscribed the Declaration of Acceptance of the office of Mayor and thereupon adjourned from the Chamber in company with the retiring Mayor to receive the insignia of Officer.

In the Chair the Mayor Councillor Michael Turner

On his return to the Chamber, the Mayor expressed thanks for the honour conferred upon him, for the generous terms in which the motion had been proposed and seconded and or the manner of its reception.

On a motion by Councillor Reg Adams, which was seconded by Councillor Tom Papworth it was

RESOLVED that at the conclusion of the year of office of Councillor David McBride as Mayor of the London Borough of Bromley, the Council places on record its appreciation of the able manner in which he has presided at meetings of the Council and the distinction with which he has maintained and discharged the high traditions and responsibilities of that office.

The Council also recognises the commitment, enthusiasm and dedication with which he has carried out his Mayoral duties during his term of office.  It records with pleasure his particular interest and support of children and young people within the Borough in their schools, colleges and also in other activities and events with which they are involved.

Additionally, it notes his support for voluntary and community organisations, groups and businesses, within the Borough as well as a sincere consideration for the welfare and wellbeing of residents from all age groups throughout the Borough.

He has carried out the duties of the Mayoralty with enthusiasm and dignity and has spread knowledge of its tradition and its modern day relevance to the many schools and organisations which he has visited.

Councillor McBride has also successfully raised funds for The Biggin Hill Heritage Centre Trust through his Charity Appeal.

RESOLVED that the Corporate Seal be affixed to an engrossment of this resolution for presentation to Councillor David McBride and a Past Mayor’s Badge be presented to him in token of the appreciation hereby expressed.

Thereupon the Mayor, on behalf of the Council, invested Councillor David McBride with a badge in token of the appreciation of his services as Mayor of the Borough.

Councillor McBride expressed his thanks for the terms of the resolution and the presentation that had been made and for the support accorded to him which had contributed so greatly to his year of office as Mayor.

RESOLVED that the Council

(1)  records its appreciation of the able and courteous services of Councillor Reg Adams and Mrs Marjorie Adams who, as Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress for the year 2011/12, they represented the Mayoralty and the Council; and

(2)  to provide to them an attested copy of this resolution.

Councillor Adams expressed his thanks for the terms of the resolution and for the support accorded to him during his year of office as Deputy Mayor.

Councillor David McBride presented a Resolution to the retiring Mayor’s Chaplain.

The Mayor signified in writing his appointment of Councillor Ian Payne as Deputy Mayor.

The Deputy Mayor was invested by the Mayor with the insignia of his office and he expressed appreciation for the honour of this appointment as Deputy Mayor.

On a Motion by Councillor Carr, seconded by Councillor Colin Smith, it was

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 26^th March 2012 be submitted for confirmation at the next ordinary meeting of the Council.

In accordance with the Council’s constitutional arrangements the Leader of the Council advised of the following appointments:

Councillor Colin Smith as Deputy Leader of the Council and also Portfolio Holder for the Environment

Councillor Graham Arthur – Portfolio Holder for Resources (and Public Health matters)  

Councillor Robert Evans – Portfolio Holder for Care Services

Councillor Peter Morgan – Portfolio Holder for Renewal & Recreation

Councillor Tim Stevens – Portfolio Holder for Public Protection & Safety

Councillor Stephen Wells – Portfolio Holder for Education

RESOLVED that the appointments made by the Leader of the Council as set out above be noted.

In accordance with the agreed constitutional arrangements that the Leader of the Council may elect to address the meeting Councillor Carr made a brief statement.

He added his personal congratulations to Councillor Turner on his appointment as Mayor.

Councillor Carr reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to Building a Better Bromley and referred to the various one off initiatives reported to the last Council meeting. He emphasised the intent to bring about improvements to Town Centres across the whole of the Borough and not just Bromley Town Centre.  Whilst acknowledging the difficult financial situation over the past year work was progressing with shared service partnerships with neighbouring Boroughs and seeking other efficiencies of service.    

Councillor William Huntington-Thresher moved and Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP seconded a Motion that the appointment of Councillors to Committees and the election of Chairmen and Vice- Chairmen of Committees be approved as set out in the schedule which had been circulated.

RESOLVED that the appointments indicated in the Appendix to these Minutes be agreed.

The Scheme of Delegation to Officers sets out formal delegation of various powers to the Council’s chief officers and their staff. The Scheme was normally updated for approval at the Council’s annual meeting in May each year, although under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 any executive powers delegated to officers had to be delegated not by the Council, but by the Leader of the Council, and it was open to the Leader to table changes to the executive scheme.

The Scheme had last been updated at the Council meeting on 26^th March 2012 to take account of the new Education and Care Services Department, and only a small number of minor corrections were being proposed as set out in the report circulated.   

Attention was drawn to Appendix 2 of the report which was circulated which contained additional amendments to the Constitution as follows:-

a)  new Portfolio descriptions notified by the Leader of the Council;

b)  amended PDS Committee terms of reference; and

c)  further amendments to the Scheme of Executive and Non-Executive Delegations to Officers.

Councillor Owen moved and Councillor Mellor seconded a Motion to confirm the Scheme of Delegation of Non Executive functions, as amended and minor changes to the Constitution.

The Motion was duly adopted.

Councillor Owen moved and Councillors Wells seconded a Motion to confirm the Scheme of Delegation of non executive functions.

The Motion was duly adopted.

In accordance with the procedure adopted by Council a report was submitted setting out details of members’ attendances at Council, Committees and Sub-Committees and Executive/Portfolio Holder meetings during the Council year 2011/12.  A revised schedule was circulated at the meeting.

A Motion to note the report was adopted.

In accordance with the arrangements agreed by Council on 15^th December 2009 that Councillors appointed to serve on outside bodies with a significant role and budget should be required to provide a short written statement back to Council, a report was submitted.

A Motion to note the report was adopted.

The Mayor advised that his Chaplain would be Reverend Angela King from St Andrew’s Church, Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley.

The following dates for Member’s diaries were also reported:

The Mayor’s Civic Service would be held at St Andrew’s Church, Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley on Sunday 10^th June 2012 starting at 10am.

The Civic Reception for Voluntary Workers would be held on Thursday 19^th July 2012 and the first charity appeal fund raising dinner would be held at the ‘Con Amore’ restaurant in Bromley High Street on Tuesday 10^th July 2012.

Further information on these events would be issued shortly.