Agenda, decisions and minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, a minutes silence was held in respect of the earthquake in Mexico.

The Chairman asked for nominations for a Member to join him as Vice Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

Members proposed that Councillor Crispin Raikes or Councillor Colin Winder act as Vice Chairman.

On being put to the vote there were 23 votes in favour of Councillor Crispin Raikes and 17 votes in favour of Councillor Colin Winder. 

It was therefore resolved that Councillor Crispin Raikes would act as Vice-Chairman.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cathy Bakewell, Mike Beech, Neil Bloomfield, Mike Best, Nick Colbert, Nigel Gage, Peter Gubbins, Jenny Kenton, Sarah Lindsay, Mike Lock, David Recardo, Garry Shortland and Derek Yeomans.

To approve and sign the minutes of the previous meeting held on Thursday, 17^th August 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 17^th August 2017, copies of which had been previously circulated, were approved as a correct record of the meeting and signed by the Chairman.

In accordance with the Council's current Code of Conduct (as amended 26 February 2015), which includes all the provisions relating to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI), personal and prejudicial interests, Members are asked to declare any DPI and also any personal interests (and whether or not such personal interests are also "prejudicial") in relation to any matter on the Agenda for this meeting.

Members are reminded that they need to declare the fact that they are also a member of a County, Town or Parish Council as a Personal Interest.  Where you are also a member of Somerset County Council and/or a Town or Parish Council within South Somerset you must declare a prejudicial interest in any business on the agenda where there is a financial benefit or gain or advantage to Somerset County Council and/or a Town or Parish Council which would be at the cost or to the financial disadvantage of South Somerset District Council. 

There were no declarations of interest made.

There were no members of the public present.

The Chairman reminded Members of a Workshop to be held on 2^nd October at 6.00pm to discuss the Local Plan Review issues and options consultation. 

Councillor Ric Pallister advised members that a progress report on Universal Credit would also be provided at this workshop.

The list of Chairman’s Engagements were noted.

(Voting: unanimous in favour)

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal Services advised that a revaluation support relief scheme has been introduced to support businesses that had been adversely affected by the Business Rates Revaluation. He suggested that the figures suggested met a good balance in supporting businesses. He further explained that pubs would be included within this scheme.

In response to questions from Members, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal Services confirmed that libraries do pay rates. He further confirmed that the rates charged for public conveniences cannot be amended.

The Revenues Team Leader advised that the scheme was about offering relief to businesses which had been adversely affected by the revaluation and although public conveniences and libraries were struggling, their situation had not been made worse by the revaluation.

At the conclusion of the debate, Members were content to confirm the new local discretionary rate relief, the “Non Domestic Rates Revaluation Support Relief” Scheme, as proposed.

(Voting:  unanimous in favour)

(Voting: 40 in favour, 1 abstention)

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal Services advised that the proposal was to continue the current arrangements for a Section 151 Officer/Chief Finance Officer.

There was no debate and Members unanimously confirmed that Paul Fitzgerald continue to be the Council’s designated Section 151 Officer.

(Voting: 40 in favour, 1 abstention)

(Voting: unanimous in favour)

The Director for Support Services outlined the issues which had led to the resignation of 7 Langport Town Councillors and the need for SSDC to appoint temporary councillors to allow them to progress council business until an election could be held and new Town Councillors appointed.

In response to a member’s question, he confirmed that an election had been called.

At the conclusion of the debate, Members were content to confirm the temporary appointment of Gerard Tucker, Crispin Raikes and Clare Aparicio Paul to Langport Town Council.

(Voting:  unanimous in support)

The report of Executive Decisions was noted.

There was no meeting of the Audit Committee during August 2017.

Members noted that there had been no meeting of the Audit Committee during August 2017.

Councillor Sue Steele, Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee, presented the report of the Committee. She noted the excellent work undertaken by both members and officers regarding the recent Business Rates Task and Finish group.

In response to a question, the Leader appreciated concern regarding the current demise and disengagement of operating banks and 24 hour cash machines within rural areas.  Whilst he considered the local authority to have little influence regarding this matter he would request that the Area Development teams undertake a mapping exercise on this issue.  It was also suggested and agreed that a letter be sent to the local MP and the Regulator.

There were no Motions submitted by Members.

There were no Motions submitted by Members.

There were no questions submitted under Procedure Rule 10.

There were no questions submitted under Procedure Rule 10.

Members noted that the next scheduled meeting of the Full Council was a reserve date of 19^th October 2017.  Unless there was any urgent business to progress on this date, the next scheduled meeting of the Full Council would take place on Thursday, 16^th November 2017 in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil commencing at 7.30 p.m.