Meeting documents

To receive a presentation from the Chief Constable.

 

Members kindly are asked to send questions in advance to democraticservices@chiltern.gov.uk

The Chairman welcomed Francis Habgood, Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, and Superintendent Vince Grey Local Policing Area Commander to the meeting. Francis Habgood was appointed Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police in April 2015, and Vince Grey had recently been appointed the Policing Area Commander for Chiltern and South Buckinghamshire.

 

A video was shown highlighting the achievements of Thames Valley Police over the past year, and the Chief Constable gave a presentation to Members covering the following key themes:

 

·         Thames Valley Police’s commitment: working together to make communities safer

·         Examples of what Thames Valley Police had done and would be doing to keep people safe and bring offenders to justice

·         Examples of how the police were working with other partners to build strong and more resilient communities

·         Examples of how technology was being used to provide a modern police force which meets the needs of communities

 

Following the presentation the Chief Constable responded to Members’ questions that had been submitted in advance.

 

Question 1 from Councillor Peter Martin (Little Chalfont Ward): We are aware of the cost pressures you are under so can you update us on the approach you are taking to manage your resources and in particular the effect on local police stations and the opportunities for our residents to engage with their local police?

 

The Chief Constable advised that the focus was to invest in staff rather than buildings, and that technology was being utilised to enable officers to work more flexibly in the community, rather than operate from within a police station. This included attending community meetings and public events. The number of visits to police stations was also declining which reflected a growing preference for residents to communicate more electronically. There were however police stations in Amersham, Chesham and Great Missenden, and police contact would be made via the neighbourhood and problem solving teams.

 

Question 2 from Councillor Peter Jones (Ballinger, South Heath and Chartridge Ward): Are there any "Community Speed Watch" groups working in the Thames Valley Police area? In your view, are they successful?

 

Members noted that Community Speed Watch groups worked well in many areas and the police were able to support groups as required.

 

Question 3 from Councillor Liz Walsh (Amersham-on-the-Hill Ward): CDC has reviewed its fixed CCTV provision in readiness for the proposed project to merge the CCTV monitoring hubs in Buckinghamshire. As part of the Council’s proposals we would seek to install mobile and flexible CCTV systems, linked to community safety and environmental issues. We are however awaiting a decision on the hub project and would ask if you could provide any update?

 

The Chief Constable welcomed the Council’s approach to the provision of CCTV and advised that following the partnership work that had been carried out already there would be further testing which would then lead to the procurement of the new system.

 

Question 4 from Councillor Graham Harris (Chesham Bois & Weedon Hill Ward): Following the recent court cases which resulted in a perceived loss of trust in the police. Are you satisfied that community relations between the police and Asian community in Chesham have improved in the last 6 months and what more could be done?

 

It was recognised that in the past community relations with some communities had been more challenging however a lot of work had been carried out and community relations had improved significantly. There were now regular meetings between the police and the mosque in Chesham and there had also been additional police patrols during religious events. Positive feedback had been received in relation to this however the police were always looking at other ways to improve communications and welcomed any suggestions regarding this.

 

Question 5 from Councillor Jonathan Rush ((Chalfont St Peter) Central Ward): How can we better use social media to enable the community to communicate its concerns with the police and other partners?

 

Social media was recognised as a powerful communications tool when used in conjunction with other communication methods. The police were using existing social media channels as well as using online events such as “cover it live” to enhance engagement.

 

Question 6 from Councillor Jules Cook (Amersham Town Ward): There had been several issues relating to anti social behaviour (ASB) in the King George V Playing Fields and Multi-storey car park and we are aware of the involvement of many youth and community organisations in trying to resolve the issues, however what more could be done to address these issues and is any enforcement action being taken against the perpetrators?

 

The police had used problem solving teams and increased patrols to respond to the ASB referred to. CCTV had been used to help identify individuals and  the police had also been working with local schools. Enforcement was used if required, but this was only as a last resort and only once other methods had been used. ASB could also be reduced by making changes to the design of facilities such as public car parks. The police had also recommended to the Council that all public car parks be included in the Public Spaces Protection Order that placed restrictions on the misuse of vehicles and highways in certain areas. The Council had agreed this subject to consultation.  

 

The Chairman then invited any further questions from Members. The Leader extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Police Constable Simon Caddy who tragically died on Friday 26 May when the motorcycle he was riding whilst off-duty was involved in a collision with a car on the A413 in Amersham.

 

The Chief Constable responded to a question regarding thefts targeting Asian jewellery and gold. It was noted that this was a nationwide issue and that locally incidents had reduced following the work done to encourage the secure storage of valuable jewellery. There had however been some more recent thefts that were being investigated.

 

Following a question regarding how the police could work together with other organisations to reduce crime it was highlighted that working with schools was really important in reducing the use of drugs. The police had found that simultaneously targeting the suppliers of drugs and supporting drug users was effective.

 

In response to a question regarding emergency calls it was noted that there had been a 16% increase in calls to 999 in the Thames Valley. Non-emergency calls to 101 had also increased. Lots of work was being done to increase digital communications such as webchat and exploit technology in other ways to facilitate communication.

 

Following a question regarding the removal of drug suppliers the Chief Constable advised that the Police aimed to support drug users and increase hostility towards drug suppliers. The Police also worked with other organisations to support drug users in particular during the arrest of drug suppliers.

 

Superintendent Vince Grey introduced himself and invited Members to come and speak with him regarding any ideas or issues they had.

 

The Chairman then thanked the Chief Constable and Police Area Commander for coming to the meeting and answering Members’ questions.

 

Note: Councillors A Garth and E Culverhouse entered the meeting at 6.34pm and 6.40pm respectively.

To approve as a correct record and to sign the Minutes of the meetings of Ordinary and Annual Council held on 16 May 2017.

The Minutes of the meetings of Ordinary and Annual Council held on 16 May 2017 were agreed as a correct record.

 

Note: Councillor A Garth left the meeting at 7.20pm.

Councillor I Darby declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 8.3 (Revitalisation Group Update Report & Capital Grants - Minute 20 refers) due to her work involvement at Milton’s Cottage and left the room for the discussion on that item.

 

To receive any announcements from:

 

a) Chairman

b) Cabinet Leader

c) Head of Paid Service

The Chairman reported that Councillor Derek Lacey was currently in hospital awaiting an operation and wished Councillor Lacey well and a speedy recovery behalf of all Members. 

 

(a)       Chairman’s Engagements

 

A list of Engagements carried out by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council between 15 May to 2 July 2017 had been circulated.

 

(b)       Chairman’s Announcements

 

The Chairman advised that a refresher training session for Planning Committee Members would be held on 25 July at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber, King George V House. All Members were also welcome to attend.

 

The Chairman’s quiz night would be held at 7pm on Friday 27 October at Little Missenden Village Hall in support of The Gateway Club charity.

 

(c) Announcements from the Leader of the Cabinet

 

The Leader of the Cabinet reminded Members that there would be a Joint Member Session at 6.30pm on 13 September at King George V House, Amersham.

 

(d) Announcements from the Head of Paid Service

 

The Chief Executive confirmed that Steve Bambrick would join the Councils as Joint Director of Services at the beginning of August. Steve was currently Director of Services and Deputy Chief Executive at North West Leicestershire District Council.

 

The Chief Executive expressed thanks to Anita Cacchioli, Interim Director of Services, whose role finished at the end of July. The Leader also expressed thanks on behalf of all Members for helping to take the Council forward and wished Anita well for the future.

 

(e) Petitions

 

No petitions were submitted.

The Council’s Constitution required its own planning applications to be considered by the Planning Committee in public with the Committee submitting a recommendation to the Council with its view on how the application should be determined.

 

As such, Members were requested to agree the recommendation of the Planning Committee meeting held on 22 June 2017 that application CH/2016/2081/RC for a multi-storey car park on the Council’s own land in King George V Road, Amersham be approved subject to conditions, including a revised condition dealing with the fascia panels and grid/lattice metal work and increased landscaping and tree planting.

 

Councillor P Jones emphasised that the Planning Committee had recommended that there be increased landscaping and tree planting between the multi-storey car park and neighbouring properties due to the importance of screening. It was also suggested that the Council liaises with residents in nearby properties.

 

It was moved by Councillor J Gladwin, seconded by Councillor P Jones and

 

RESOLVED:

 

That application CH/2016/2081/RC for a Multi- Storey Car Park on the Council’s own land in King George V Road, Amersham be approved subject to conditions set out in the report attached as an Appendix with an amendment to Condition 2 to omit the words ”for the avoidance of doubt“ and including the following revised Condition 13: ‘Before any construction work commences, named types or samples of the facing materials, including fascia panels and grid/lattice metalwork, as well as roofing materials to be used for the external construction of the development hereby permitted shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Reason: To ensure that the external appearance of the development is not detrimental to the character of the locality’ and the provision of increased landscaping and tree planting.

 

Members considered a report seeking approval of the discretionary policies that can be exercised by the Councils, as Employers within the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The report was considered by the Joint Staffing Committee (JSC) meeting held on 3 July and a supplementary appendix had been circulated containing the minor amendments that had been made by the Committee at that meeting.

 

It was proposed by Councillor I Darby, seconded by Councillor M Stannard, and

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Local Government Pension Scheme Discretionary Policy Statement, set out below, be agreed.

 

Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013 and LGPS (Transitional Provisions, Savings and Amendment) Regulations 2014 - Required Policies

 

Additional Annual Pension - Regulation 31

 

The ability, at full cost to the employer, to grant extra annual pension - currently up to £6,500 per annum - to an active Scheme member or within 6 months of leaving to a member whose employment was terminated on the grounds of redundancy or business efficiency.

 

The Council does not adopt this discretion at this time.

 

Shared Cost Additional Pension Contribution (SCAPC) - Regulation 16(2)(e) and 16(4)(d)

 

Where an active Scheme member wishes to purchase extra annual pension - currently up to £6,500 per annum - by making Additional Pension Contributions (APCs), the Council may voluntarily contribute towards the cost of purchasing that extra pension via a Shared Cost Additional Pension Contribution (SCAPC).

 

The Council does not adopt this discretion at this time.

 

Flexible Retirement (aged 55 and over) - Regulation 30(6) etc

 

Whether to permit flexible retirement for staff aged 55 or over who,

with the agreement of their employer, reduce their working hours or grade.

 

The Council elects to adopt this discretion in accordance with the Council’s Flexible Retirement Policy and permits the member to: draw all, part, or none of the benefits accrued after 31st March 2008 and before 1st April 2014, and / or draw all, part, or none of the pension benefits accrued after 31st March 2014. The Council is unlikely to waive any actuarial reduction. However the Council elects to review each application fairly based on its circumstances and merits having regard to the Service need, compassionate grounds (as applicable) and costs. Any application to waive actuarial reduction to be subject to the consent of the Head of Paid Service, following consultation with the Joint Staffing Committee Co-Chairmen.

 

85 Year Rule Switch on - LGPS (Transitional Provisions, Savings & Amendment) Regulations 2014 Schedule 2

 

Where the member voluntarily draws their pension early (other than flexible retirement) the rule of 85 does not automatically apply. The employer may choose to switch back on the rule of 85.

 

The Council does not adopt this discretion at this time.

 

Waiving Actuarial Reductions on Voluntary Retirement - Various Regulations

 

To waive, in whole or part, actuarial reduction on benefits paid before normal retirement age.

 

The Council is unlikely to waive any actuarial reduction. However the Council elects to review each application fairly based on its circumstances and merits having regard to the Service need, compassionate grounds (as applicable) and costs. Any application to waive actuarial reduction to be subject to the consent of the Head of Paid Service, following consultation with the Joint Staffing Committee Co-Chairmen.

 

 

Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013 - Recommended Policies

 

Transfers in to Fund - Regulation 100(6)

 

The Council will decline any request to transfer in pension rights after the 12 month limit has been exceeded, unless: there is evidence that the process has commenced prior to the 12 month limit, and the application is made within 3 months of the transfer value being provided by the relevant pension provider.

 

Aggregation of Deferred Benefits - Regulation 22(7) & (8)

 

The Council will decline any request to extend the 12 month deadline for non-aggregation of deferred pensions into a concurrent or new LGPS employment unless: there is evidence that the process has commenced within the 12 month limit, and the application is made within 3 months of the employee being provided with the relevant pension information by the relevant pension provider.

Local Government Pension Scheme - Other Required Policies

 

Local Government (Discretionary Payments) (Injury Allowances) Regulations 2011

 

The Council elects not to have an Injury Allowance scheme at this time.

 

The Local Government (Early Termination of Employment) (Discretionary Compensation) (England and Wales) Regulations 2006

 

Regulation 5 - Redundancy Payments to be based on Actual Pay

 

The Council adopts this discretion in accordance with its current Redundancy Policy stating that the weekly pay limit shall not apply.

 

Regulation 6 - Discretionary Termination Payments

 

The Council will exercise this discretion in exceptional or extenuating circumstances only. Each case will be considered fairly, on its merits and subject to the consent of the Joint Staffing Committee, ensuring no serious loss in confidence in the Public Service and that any payment is affordable.

 

Deferred Benefits - Ceased active membership between 1st April 2008 and 31^st March 2014 - Regulation 66 of the LGPS (Administration) Regulations 2008

The Council adopts the discretion to grant early release of deferred pension. The Council is unlikely to waive any actuarial reduction. However the Council elects to review each application fairly based on its circumstances and merits having regard to compassionate grounds (as applicable) and costs. Any application to waive actuarial reduction to be subject to the consent of the Head of Paid Service, following consultation with the Joint Staffing Committee Co-Chairmen.

 

Local Government Pension Scheme - Other Recommended Policies

 

Deferred Benefits - Ceased active membership prior to 1st April 1998

- Regulation D11(2)c LGPS Regulations 1995

 

The Council adopts the discretion to grant early release of deferred pension on compassionate grounds. The Council is unlikely to waive any actuarial reduction. However the Council elects to review each application fairly based on its circumstances and merits having regard to compassionate grounds (as applicable) and costs. Any application to waive actuarial reduction to be subject to the consent of the Head of Paid Service, following consultation with the Joint Staffing Committee Co-Chairmen.

 

 

Each year Councils needed to consider whether they wish to offer a pay increase to staff.  Local Government has a collective bargaining system by which representatives of the employers meet with the trade union representatives regularly to discuss pay and conditions of service. This arrangement was called the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services.  Under the terms of the Collective Agreement between Chiltern and South Bucks District Councils and UNISON of 1^st July 2014 (which applied to all posts below Head of Service level) it was agreed in July 2017 that the Councils would review the Councils’ pay arrangement with a view to moving to locally determined pay.

 

The Joint Staffing Committee meeting held on 3 July 2017 considered and recommended the proposed arrangements for a locally determined pay mechanism, and subject to the Councils’ agreement, the next step was to put the proposed locally determined pay mechanism to UNISON.

 

It was proposed by Councillor I Darby, seconded by Councillor M Stannard, and

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the arrangements for a locally determined pay mechanism, as set out in the report, be agreed.

The Cabinet meeting on 11 July 2017 received a report providing an update on the current position regarding the development of the Amersham Multi Storey Car Park that would provide a total of 1,046 car park spaces, representing an increase of 366 on the current 680 spaces. The Cabinet approved the final business case and confirmed that contracts for construction under the SCAPE Framework agreement could be signed. The Cabinet also recommended to Council that £10,800,000 be added to the capital programme for the construction of Amersham Multi Storey Car Park Project.

 

At the Cabinet meeting it was also noted that the relaying of the surface on the top floor had been included in the project costs because it was more cost efficient to carry the work out at the same time. It was therefore suggested that this be included as part of contract but listed as a separate project cost for the purpose of the business case. As such, it was proposed that the recommendation to Council be amended to include the resurfacing of the car park roof as part of the project.

 

In response to a question regarding the consideration of new vehicle technology and how this could be incorporated into the design and construction of the new car park it was noted that that this had been considered and that potential funding sources that may be available were being explored.

 

It was proposed by Councillor M Smith, seconded by Councillor M Stannard, and

 

RESOLVED:

 

That £10,800,000 be added to the capital programme for the construction of the Amersham Multi Storey Car Park Development Project and resurfacing of the roof of the Multi Storey Car Park.

 

The Council was required to have an enforcement policy and have mechanisms in place to engage with those organisations that it regulated in the review of its policies and service standards. Following consultation with internal and external bodies the Cabinet considered the proposed policy at the meeting held on 27 June 2017 and recommended that the policy been agreed by the Council.

 

It was proposed by Councillor L Walsh, seconded by Councillor I Darby, and

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the draft Corporate Enforcement Policy for regulatory compliance

and enforcement services, as detailed in Appendix 1, be approved.

The Cabinet at the meeting held on 27 June considered a proposal to support three Revitalisation Group projects that would help lever in additional partnership project funding into the district and support the delivery of the revitalisation groups’ work. As such, the Council were asked to agree that £7,800 be transferred from the Capital Reserves into the approved Capital Programme list to support the Revitalisation Group projects.

 

It was proposed by Councillor L Walsh, seconded by Councillor M Stannard, and

 

RESOLVED:

 

That £7,800 from the Capital Reserves be transferred into the approved Capital Programme list and be used to support the following Chiltern District’s Revitalisation Groups projects detailed in Appendix 1:

 

a)     Little Chalfont - village centre notice boards project (£3,000)

b)    Chalfont St Giles - contribution to Milton’s Cottage secondary glazing (£2,800)

c)     Great Missenden & Prestwood villages - community cycle parking project (£2000)

 

All awards are subject to planning consent, if required, and confirmation that on-going maintenance and insurance obligations will not be the responsibility of the Council.

 

Note: Councillor I Darby left the meeting during consideration of the above item.

To receive and consider verbal update reports (if any) from the Members listed above, and to answer questions on any of those reports from any Member of the Council in accordance with Rule 9.1 of the Procedural Rules.

a) Councillor Isobel Darby

 

Modernising Local Government

Members noted that a letter had been sent to the Secretary of State seeking an update on their decision following the submission of the districts’ proposal for modernising local government in Buckinghamshire. The Leader provided  reassurance that the Council would continue to build on the shared services work pending the Minister’s decision.

 

Grenfell Tower Fire

The Leader, after reflecting on the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, confirmed that the Council did not own or manage any high rise accommodation. The Council was however working closely with its registered social landlords to ensure that robust fire prevention measures were in place. All landlords and tenants were being contacted to check that they knew what to do in an emergency and a press release to that effect would also be issued.

 

It was noted that the Council planned for emergencies and the need to be flexible, have up to date contact information and close links with other organisations was especially important in emergency situations. The Council would be in contact with partner organisations to check that the plans in place were effective.

 

b) Councillor Liz Walsh - Community Cards Scheme 2017

 

Amersham and Burnham schools were this year’s winners of the Community Cards Scheme and their prize was a day trip to Legoland. Other class and individual prizes were also awarded. All participants were congratulated on taking part in the Scheme.

 

c) Councillor Mike Smith - Aylesbury Crematorium

 

The construction of a new Crematorium in Aylesbury was progressing well following a number of legal issues which had now been resolved. The tenders for the project were currently being analysed. 

 

d) Councillor Nick Rose - HS2 Funding and Information Events

 

·        5 July 6.00 - 8.00pm, Council Chamber, Chiltern District Council

·        18 July 6.00-8.00pm, Room 6, South Bucks District Council

 

HS2 funding and information events were being held on the above dates for community groups and Town/Parish Councils in Chiltern and South Bucks. They would cover the funding available from HS2 through their Community and Business funds as well as covering general funding advice.

The Chairman of the Council; Cabinet Leader or a Cabinet Member; or Chairman of any Committee to receive a question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the District. Questions must be given in writing to the proper officer 3 clear days before the meeting, or if it relates to urgent business by 4pm on the day of the meeting, in accordance with Rule 9.2 of the Council Procedure Rules.

There were no questions.

To receive petitions and/or deputations (if any) from members of the public including provisions allowing members to ask questions of clarification at the discretion of the Chairman and restrictions on deputations covering the same subject or by the same speakers.

No petitions were received.

To receive reports about and receive questions and answers relating to any joint arrangements or external organisations.

There were no reports.

Written notice of every motion, signed by at least 2 Members, must be delivered to the proper officer at least 7 clear days before the meeting

No Motions had been received.