Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nicholas Bennett JP, David Cartwright QFSM, Kira Gabbert, Charles Joel, Kevin Kennedy-Brooks, Jonathan Laidlaw, Chris Price, Mark Smith and Pauline Tunnicliffe.

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the ordinary meeting held on 24^th April 2023, the special meeting held on 10^th May 2023 and the annual meeting held on 10^th May 2023 were confirmed as a correct record.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, members of the public may submit one question each on matters relating to the work of the Council. Questions must have been received in writing 10 working days before the date of the meeting - by 5pm on Monday 3^rd July 2023. 

Questions seeking clarification of the details of a report on the agenda may be accepted within two working days of the normal publication date of the agenda – by 5pm on Tuesday 11^th July 2023. 

(a)  Questions from members of the public for written reply

(b)  Questions from members of the Council for oral reply

 (c) Questions from members of the Council for written reply

Four questions had been received from members of the public for written reply. The questions, with the answers given, are set out in Appendix A to these minutes.

Fourteen questions had been received from members of the Council for oral reply. The questions, with the replies given, are set out in Appendix B to these minutes.

Eleven questions had been received from members of the Council for written reply. The questions, with the answers given, are set out in Appendix C to these minutes.

At the request of Cllrs Simon Jeal, Alisa Igoe and Tony McPartlan, the Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, Cllr Yvonne Bear, made a statement on the removal of mobile telephone antennas from the top of Burnt Ash Heights as part of the building’s impending demolition. She explained that the masts had been removed as part of the demolition of the building and the redevelopment of the site. Planning policy did not provide for the replacement of the equipment, and any decision to do so would be a commercial decision for the mobile phone companies. The Council was working with telecoms providers to improve full fibre and mobile connectivity across the borough – this work was being led by the Economic Development Team. The Council had no powers to force telecoms providers to install equipment but where areas of poor coverage are identified officers would endeavour to  seek collaborative solutions.  The Portfolio Holder was not aware that concerns had been raised about this location, but now that she was aware officers were investigating what could be done with the telecoms providers to improve services for local residents.

In response to questions, the Portfolio Holder stated that it was in the interests of the providers to deliver good coverage. She confirmed that the Council had good relationships with the providers and officers had spoken with both telecoms companies. They were looking for temporary solutions and any developments would be reported as soon as the Council was informed. The Portfolio Holder agreed that the possibility of including relevant policies in the Local Plan could be looked at, and she re-stated that there were options being looked at with the providers.   

Report CSD23074

A motion to note the renewal of the Armed Forces Covenant was moved by Cllr Colin Smith, seconded by Cllr Mike Botting and CARRIED.

Report CSD23098

A motion to agree that a sum of £2,000k be set aside as a contribution to the Building Infrastructure earmarked reserve as detailed in paragraph 3.8.2 of the report was moved by Cllr Christopher Marlow, seconded by Cllr Colin Smith and CARRIED.

Report CSD23100

Report WITHDRAWN.

Report CSD23072

A motion to grant a waiver of the six-month attendance requirement to Cllr Jonathan Laidlaw to extend his absence for up to an additional six months was moved by Cllr Colin Hitchins, seconded by Cllr Christine Harris and CARRIED.

Report CSD23075

A motion to accept the following recommendations was moved by Cllr Colin Hitchins and seconded by Cllr Christine Harris:

(1)  The changes to proportionality involving creation of three additional Sub-Committee seats be agreed as set out in section 3 of the report.

(2)  The following changes to Committee membership be agreed –

(i)  Cllr Michael Tickner replaces Cllr Jonathan Laidlaw on Executive, Resources and Contracts PDS Committee;

(ii)  Cllr Andrew Lee replaces Cllr Jonathan Laidlaw on General Purposes and Licensing Committee;

(iii)  Cllr Dr Sunil Gupta replaces Cllr Jonathan Laidlaw on Audit and Risk Management Committee; 

(iv)  Cllr Simon Fawthrop replaces Cllr Jonathan Laidlaw on Pensions Committee.

(3)  It is noted that Cllr Jonathan Laidlaw will be appointed to Industrial Relations Sub-Committee and Rights of Way Sub-Committee by General Purposes and Licensing Committee and to Plans 1 Sub-Committee by Development Control Committee at the earliest opportunity.

On being put to the vote the motion was CARRIED.

Report CSD23096

A motion that Emma Downie and Chloe West be appointed as Employer Representatives to the Local Pension Board for four year terms of office commencing on 17^th July 2023 was moved by Cllr Keith Onslow, seconded by Cllr Christopher Marlow and CARRIED.

(A) Refugees and Asylum Seekers

The following motion was moved by Cllr Julie Ireland and seconded by Cllr Will Connolly:

“Bromley Council, like other authorities, has a responsibility to house refugees and asylum seekers. The Council recognises the importance of supporting these individuals and the local community. While the Home Office leads the support for refugees and asylum seekers, the Council plays a role in ensuring they receive the necessary local services.

Council appreciates the valuable work to set up and run the Ukrainian Support Hub and aims to expand on its success. Additionally, Council acknowledges the generosity of the voluntary sector in the borough, which is eager to collaborate with the Council in supporting the new arrivals.

Therefore, Council recommends that the Executive:

1. Establish a Support Hub Service to coordinate local services and connect refugees and asylum seekers with other available support.

2. Collaborate with local partners, including other levels of government, non-profit organisations, and community groups, to ensure the effective delivery of services and support to refugees and asylum seekers in the borough, with a particular focus on preparedness for their arrival.

3. Serve as a liaison with the Home Office regarding the welfare of refugees and asylum seekers in the borough, with a strong emphasis on monitoring the quality of services provided by the Home Office's local contractors responsible for accommodation and meals.

4. Provide public information about the Council's role in supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the borough.

5. Allocate resources from existing budget allocations to operate the Support Hub and advocate for additional funding and support from other sources.”

The following amendment was moved by Cllr Simon Jeal and seconded by Cllr Jessica Arnold:

Add the following words after the second paragraph:

“The Council’s ability to support refugees is limited by lack of government funding and processes which instead diverts money to private companies making profit from the asylum dispersal scheme, which not only raises accommodation costs for local authorities competing with them when trying to source temporary accommodation, but also results in inadequate support for refugees and asylum seekers, as recently demonstrated by people accommodated in the borough who recently presented at community food providers because they were not being provided with enough appropriate foods.

The Council resolves that the Chief Executive should write to the Home Secretary, to raise these deficiencies and call for an urgent and immediate change in contract terms with the current contract providers so that sufficient funding can  be provided directly to local councils including Bromley, who (partnering with our strong local voluntary sector) are better able to deliver a cost effective and supportive service for refugees and asylum seekers, as demonstrated through the delivery of our Ukrainian Support Hub.”

Remove the following text:

“Therefore, Council recommends that the Executive: 

1. Establish a Support Hub Service to coordinate local services and connect refugees and asylum seekers with other available support. 

2. Collaborate with local partners, including other levels of government, non-profit organisations, and community groups, to ensure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

The Mayor thanked Members for attending the Armed Forces Day Ceremony and signing of the Armed Forces Covenant on 21^st June and the Bromley Stars  evening on 7^th July. He reminded Members about the Annual Civic Reception for Volunteers on 27^th July, the Charity Ball on 21^st October and the Dinner at the East India Club on 11^th April 2024.

Events being planned included a Sunday Lunch to raise funds for Ukraine in January, a Wine Tasting in December, the Carol Service in December, a visit to the Bromley little Theatre in January and the Mayor’s Quiz in February – details would be available in due course.