Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Auld, Beckley, Benington, Humphrys, Samaris Huntington-Thresher, Noad, Catherine Rideout, Charles Rideout and Stranger.  Apologies for lateness were received from Councillor Papworth.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Auld, Beckley, Benington, Humphrys, Samaris Huntington-Thresher, Noad, Catherine Rideout, Charles Rideout and Stranger.  Apologies for lateness were received from Councillor Papworth.

The Minutes of the last meeting were confirmed subject to some minor corrections.

The Minutes of the last meeting were confirmed subject to the following amendments:

i)  Members present to include Councillor John Getgood.

ii)  Minute 32 – Localised Pay and Conditions of Service – should read:

“LOCALISED PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE – REPORT OF THE

GENERAL PURPOSES AND LICENSING COMMITTEE

A Motion to adopt from 1^st April 2013, or the earliest possible date thereafter, localised pay and conditions of service on the following basis was duly proposed and seconded and it was agreed that the Council:”

ii)  Appendix A – Oral Questions from Members of the Public

Question 2 should be address to Councillor Colin Smith, Environment Portfolio Holder

Councillor Katy Boughey declared a non-pecuniary interest in item the second Motion to be considered under item 10 as she worked as a volunteer for the CAB.

Councillor Katy Boughey declared a non-pecuniary interest in the second Motion to be considered under item 10 as she worked as a volunteer for the Bromley CAB.

Councillor Peter Morgan during Members Questions Time declared an interest in supplementary response to Question 8 and the reference to the new Fire Station at Orpington as one of his daughters worked for Kier Property who may be involved in that development.

One member of the public attended the meeting to ask an oral question.

One member of the public attended the meeting to ask an oral question details of which are set out in Appendix A to these Minutes.

There were 15 oral Council questions received, 10 of which were responded to at the meeting.  The remaining 5 questioners would receive a written response.

These are attached at Appendices B and C.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources made a pre-budget statement.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources made a pre-budget statement regarding Pay and Conditions.  Councillor Arthur advised that following the Council decision to adopt Local Pay and Conditions from April 2013 that the Budget for the coming year, due to be presented for approval in February would include proposals for pay awards for those staff who accepted the revised contracts, which he detailed.  In addition a one off payment of £200 would be paid to staff who signed a variation of contract before 11^th March 2013 in acceptance of the Council’s decision to move to fully localised pay and conditions.

The Portfolio Holder also confirmed that the Council would implement the Merit Award payments for exceptional performance.  In addition for staff who agreed to accept the variation to their contract the Administration would guarantee that no changes would be made to their terms and conditions either in the coming year or the one that follows.  Councillor Arthur responded to questions from members.

The Council agreed to –

1)  adopt the new Council Tax Support/Reduction Scheme based on Option 1, as set out in the report, with effect from 1^st April 2013;

2)  that the Finance Director, in consultation with the Director of Resources and the Resources Portfolio Holder, be authorised to make any necessary minor changes to the Scheme as required.

A Motion to adopt the new Council Tax Support/Reduction Scheme based on Option 1, as set out in the report, with effect from 1^st April 2013 was proposed, seconded and adopted.

The recommendation was agreed.

A Motion to approve a recommendation to set a side a funding from the PCT as an earmarked reserve was moved, seconded and adopted.

Notice of 2 Motion had been received and decided upon as follows:

1)  Education Commitments (full text appended)

  The above Motion was agreed.

2)  Beckenham and Penge CAB

Moved by the Councillor Peter Fookes and seconded by Councillor John Getgood

“This Council resolves to urge the Executive to support the retention of the current base of Beckenham and Penge CAB and also to provide an outreach service to local residents.”

  The above Motion was Lost.

Notice of 2 Motion had been received and these were dealt with as follows:

1)  Education Commitments

The following Motion was proposed by Councillor Stephen Wells and seconded by Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP:-

  That this Council approves the following statement setting out the Council’s Education commitments, and encourages the Government , schools in Bromley, the Council’s Executive and the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education to take the appropriate steps to enable this philosophy to be implemented:

Preamble

The Bromley Education Commitments include some matters which are the responsibility of national government or of our schools, however we believe it is important that the parents, residents and employers we serve and the staff who implement our policies should have a clear statement of the philosophy which underpins those objectives and policies.

Every child matters and deserves a first class education to suit their individual needs and talents. A rounded education is the key to a fulfilling life. The investment we make in our schools and colleges helps to ensure a successful future for our country.

General Principles

1.  we believe in the right of parents (where practicable) to have as much choice of schools as possible including faith schools;

2.  we will support and encourage all Bromley LA schools to convert to academy status;

3.  we support the creation of ‘free schools’ and, where appropriate, will encourage local parents to apply for one;

4.  we will continue to support the expansion of selective education, including Grammar Schools, particularly in the central and northern part of the Borough;

5.  we will continue to improve the provision of SEN education in the Borough;

6.  we support the concept of an education voucher system which gives additional support to children with different educational needs, including academically gifted pupils;

7.  we will continue to encourage all Bromley secondary schools to ensure that all suitable pupils are prepared for the universities which best meet their aspirations;

8.  we support the concept of a University Technical College (UTC) providing high quality technical education for 14-19 year olds;

9.  we support the creation of ‘modern apprenticeships’ for a wide variety of skilled trades;

10.we support the concept of ‘lifelong learning’ and the important work of adult education.

Within the remaining Maintained sector

1.  we will support schools in ensuring that all teachers and other staff are competent in their role;

2.  we will support schools in maintaining good discipline;

3.  we will work to improve school governance;

4.  we will work to improve the chances for underperforming children particularly in the early years and primary years and will work to encourage the continuing development of high quality early year provision in the Borough through existing and new private and voluntary providers;

5.  we will encourage schools to identify children with exceptional talents or academic ability and ensure that their needs are provided for;

6.  we will support changes to improve the quality and rigour of the exam system;

7.  we will support measures (including reading  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

The Mayor thanked those Members who had attended his Charity Dinner at Cinnamon Culture on Wednesday 16^th January and also encouraged for support for his Quiz Evening due to take place on Friday 8^th February 2013.

The Mayor thanked those Members who had attended his Charity Dinner at Cinnamon Culture on Wednesday 16^th January and also encouraged support for his Quiz Evening due to take place on Friday 8^th February 2013.