Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L Bates, J Faulkner and D Foster and Anthony Goodwin Chief Executive.

The minutes of the meetings held on 14 May 2013 and 16 May 2013 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Moved by Councillor D Cook and seconded by Councillor R Pritchard)

To receive any declarations of Members’ interests (pecuniary and non-pecuniary) in any matters which are to be considered at this meeting.

When Members are declaring a pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in respect of which they have dispensation, they should specify the nature of such interest.  Members should leave the room if they have a pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in respect of which they do not have a dispensation. 

There were no Declarations of Interest.

None

(i)                 To answer questions from members of the public pursuant to Procedure Rule No. 10.

(ii)               To answer questions from members of the Council pursuant to Procedure Rule No. 11

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC                NO.1

Under Procedure Rule No 10, Mr K Forest, 64a Foxglove, Amington, Tamworth will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor D Cook, the following question:-

"Should the Council continue to maintain and improve Tamworth town centre’s future and viability in a flexible way that should vigorously resist any proposal that jeopardises those endeavours?"

The Leader of the Council, Councillor D Cook gave the following reply:

Thank you Mr Mayor.

Mr Forest, I simply have no idea what exactly your question is!

Supplementary Question:

“Whilst it is becoming clear that the town can no longer rely primarily on retailing I accept it needs to change and yet remain flexible to enable it to survive into the 21^st century. Tamworth has much to offer in its history, heritage and in many other ways. Do you agree with this personal view?”

The Leader of the Council, Councillor D Cook gave the following reply:

Mr Forest, yes.

Ventura became the retail centre of Tamworth long before I even moved to this town. To continue to believe the town centre can compete with Ventura is madness. They must instead complement each other and work as a single offer to shoppers and visitors.

Tamworth must now look to use the Town Centre in better ways. Yes we must be flexible to allow us to grab the opportunities as they arise to improve Tamworth as a whole to make it a better experience.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL                NO.1

Under Procedure Rule No 11, Councillor C Cooke will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor D Cook, the following question:-

"I’m quite sure I am not alone in being deeply concerned at the effect on Tamworth residents who claim benefits losing 25% of their Council tax benefit, alongside the possible double-whammy of losing housing benefit for surplus bedrooms in what has become known as the bedroom tax.  Will you tell me as near as possible what has been the percentage increase (if any) in -

A)    Reminder letters for non-payments sent to residents and tenants.

B)    Court costs and fees charged to residents accounts as a result of non payments.

C)    Notice of Possession/Eviction actions being taken against residents for non payments of rent.

- as a result of action by the Council’s Revenues department and/or the Council’s Housing Revenue Account, in the period April 2013 up to the latest date records are available, in comparison with the same period last year?"

The Leader of the Council, Councillor D Cook gave the following written reply after the meeting:

Thank you for your question Councillor Cooke. Of course, we are all concerned at the impact of the austerity measures on local people which is why Cabinet at it’s meeting on 30^th May considered and approved discretionary schemes to temporarily mitigate the impact of and support the transition for some vulnerable residents in implementing changes required by the Government’s Welfare Benefit Reform programme – namely:

• A Discretionary Award for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

(Report of the Leader of the Council and Solicitor to the Council and Monitoring Officer)

The Report of the Leader and Solicitor to the Council and Monitoring Officer seeking consideration to the proposals put to the Audit and Governance Committee in respect of changes to the Constitution and Scheme of Delegation was considered.

A Motion was made:

1. The council adopts the revised constitution and scheme of delegation for an interim period up to the end of September

2. A member’s seminar is arranged to enable detailed scrutiny of the new constitution.

3. Any changes from this seminar are integrated, taken to Audit and Governance and brought before council in September.

(Moved by Councillor R Pritchard and seconded by Councillor D Cook)