Meeting documents

The Chairman gave a warm welcome to all those present at the meeting, and congratulated Members on their election to the Council, following the District Council Elections on 7 May 2015.  She then invited all Members to briefly introduce themselves.

The Chairman listed a number of events that had taken place since the last meeting of Full Council in April.

(a)       ANZAC DAY

This had been commemorated on 25 April. A ceremony at Wycombe Hospital had taken place where wreaths had been laid.  The Chairman thanked Kevin Taylor for arranging the ceremony.

(b)       Annual Scouting Dinner

This had included the presentation of awards to various individuals within the Scouting Movement.

(c)        Election 2015

The Chairman took the opportunity to express her personal thanks to the Chief Executive, and all her staff who helped at the polling stations and at the count.  The Chairman also wished the Chief Executive to relay her thanks on behalf of the whole to all who had worked so hard on the elections.

(d)       Lord Carrington

The Chairman reported that Lord Carrington had opened the War Office Gates at Wycombe Abbey School.  This was followed by a civic service of commemoration.

(e)       Royal Garden party

It was reported that the Chairman and Consort had attended at Buckingham Palace on 20 May for this lovely event.

(i)        To elect the Chairman of the Council for the year 2015/2016.

(ii)      The Chairman of the Council to invite nominations for the election of Chairman for 2015/2016.

(iii)     Councillor Mrs J Teesdale, seconded by Councillor A Green, to propose that Councillor I L McEnnis be elected Chairman of the Council for 2015/2016.

(iv)     The Chairman of the Council to ask if there are any other nominations.

(v)      The Chairman of the Council to put the nomination(s) to the meeting.

(vi)     The Chairman of the Council to declare Councillor I L McEnnis duly elected.

(vii)    Councillor I L McEnnis to accept office and make the necessary declaration and to be presented with the Chairman’s Chain.

(viii)  Mrs McEnnis to be presented with the Chairman’s Consort’s badge and a bouquet.

(ix)     The incoming Chairman of the Council to address the Council.

(x)      Vote of thanks to the retiring Chairman, Councillor Mrs L M Clarke OBE to be proposed by Councillor R H W Gaffney and seconded by Councillor D Carroll.

(xi)     Councillor Mrs L M Clarke OBE to respond.

(xii)    The Chairman of the Council to present to Councillor Mrs L M Clarke OBE a past Chairman’s badge, and to Mr Clarke a gift.

It was proposed by Councillor Mrs J E Teesdale that Councillor I L McEnnis be elected as Chairman of the Council for 2015/16 Municipal Year.

The proposer provided a brief history of Councillor McEnnis’s background, referring to his career in the Royal Air Force and Ministry of Defence.  He had also been Mayor of High Wycombe in 2002/03, and Chairman of the Council in 2011/12 and then again in 2013/14.  He also served on the Board of Directors of Red Kite, and Wycombe Airpark Conultative Committee.

Councillor Mrs J E Teesdale also referred to his wife Sarah, a good friend who would make a very good consort, working well together with Councillor McEnnis as part of a team to assist him in continuing to serve the District.

Councillor A R Green rose to second the proposal, stating that he concurred with all that had been said, and that Councillor McEnnis was indeed a very experienced Councillor and Chairman leaving no doubt that he would uphold the high standard expected of all Chairmen.

There being no other nominations, it was:

RESOLVED: That Councillor I L McEnnis be elected as Chairman for 2015/16.

Councillor I L McEnnis thereupon accepted Office, made the necessary declaration and was presented with the Badge of Office, and Mrs S McEnnis was presented with the Chairman’s Consort’s Badge and a bouquet.

Councillor I L McEnnis in the chair

The Chairman addressed the meeting and thanked the Council for electing him.  He also thanked the proposer and seconder for their kind words, and the people of Chiltern Rise together with the outgoing Chairman and her Consort Marten.  He also expressed his thanks to Chief Executive in her capacity of Returning Officer for the sterling work she had undertaken during the elections.

The Chairman welcomed back returning Councillors, and passed on his commiserations to those who had been unsuccessful. The Chairman stated that he felt very privileged and honoured on being elected and would do his utmost to uphold the reputation of the Council, asking the Council for its support in helping him to fulfil this huge responsibility.

The Chairman informed the Council that the theme for the current year would be both Youth and Community and Housing.  He stated that he wished to see an active participation by the Youth of the District within the community.  In addition, he emphasised the importance of Housing for all, including the homeless, the vulnerable and young people.

Councillor R H W Gaffney proposed a vote of thanks to the outgoing Chairman, who he said had achieved so much during her 25 years of service to the Council.  He commended Councillor Mrs L M Clarke OBE for all her successes, her dedication and hard work.

Councillor D J Carroll seconded the vote of thanks, stating that Councillor Mrs Clarke had a great passion for Wycombe and had achieved a great deal whilst fulfilling her duties in her previous roles. This included 8 years as Leader of the Council.  He also took  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To appoint the Vice-Chairman of the Council for the year 2015/2016.

(i)      The Chairman of the Council to ask for nominations for Vice-Chairman for the year 2015/2016.

(ii)     Councillor R Scott, seconded by Councillor H L McCarthy to propose that Councillor Mahboob Hussain (JP) be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2015/2016.

(iii)    The Chairman of the Council to ask if there are any other nominations.

 (iv)   The Chairman to put the nominations to the vote.

(v)     Councillor Mahboob Hussain (JP) to accept office and sign the necessary declaration and to be presented with the Vice-Chairman’s badge.

It was proposed by Councillor R J Scott that Councillor Mahboob Hussain JP be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2015/16.

 Councillor Scott gave a brief account of Councillor Mahboob Hussain`s history during his time at Wycombe since 1999. Councillor Scott stated that he had no hesitation in commending his appointment. This was seconded by Councillor H L McCarthy who stated that Councillor Mahboob Hussain was a hardworking and committed Member, working for the good of the Town.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Mahboob Hussain JP be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2015/16.

Councillor Mahboob Hussain JP thereupon accepted Office, made the necessary declaration and was presented with the Vice-Chairman’s Badge of Office.

To elect the Executive Leader of Council for the period 2015/2019 in accordance with Standing Order 5.

(i)      The Chairman of the Council to ask for nominations for the Leader of the Council from the Conservative Group as the party with the clear political majority.

(ii)     Councillor Mrs A Jones, seconded by Councillor D Barnes, to propose that Councillor Ms K S Wood be elected Leader of the Council for the period 2015/2019.

(iii)    Councillor Ms K S Wood to accept office and sign the necessary declaration.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the Chairman of the Council invited nominations for the election of Executive Leader of the Council for the period 2015/19.

It was proposed by Councillor Mrs G A Jones and seconded by Councillor D H G Barnes, that Councillor Ms K Wood be elected as Executive Leader of the Council for the period 2015-19.

Councillor Mrs G A Jones gave a brief background to Councillor Ms K Wood’s history, since 2006 when she first became a Member of the Council as the result of a bye-election. Councillor Mrs Jones stated that she highly commended her appointment to the role at which she would excel.

Councillor Barnes emphasised that it was a pleasure to second the proposal, for Councillor Ms K Wood who was a hardworking, dedicated and determined lady, extremely active within the District and Parish areas.

There being no other nominations, it was:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Ms K Wood be elected as Executive Leader of the Council for the period 2015/19.

Councillor Ms K Wood thereupon accepted Office and signed the necessary declaration.

To receive the formal report of the Returning Officer following the District Council Elections held on 7 May 2015.

The formal report of the Returning Officer in respect of the District Council Elections held on 7 May 2015 was received as follows.

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Honorary Aldermen:  E H Collins, M B Oram and Mrs K M Peatey. Councillors: G C Hall, C B Harriss and R Wilson.

To receive any disclosure of disclosable pecuniary interests by members relating to items on the agenda.  If any Member is uncertain as to whether an interest should be disclosed, he or she is asked if possible to contact the District Solicitor prior to the meeting.

Members are reminded that if they are declaring an interest they should state the nature of that interest whether or not they are required to withdraw from the meeting.

No Declarations of Interest were received.

To receive such communication as the Chairman of the Council may wish to make.

(a)     Rural Forum

The Chairman made an announcement regarding the forthcoming meeting of the Forum on 18 June 2015.  This would consist of a Farm Visit to Bencombe, and all Members were encouraged to attend.

(b)     RAF Annual Reception

This was to be held on 3 June 2015 at 6.30pm.

(c)     Marlow Town Regatta

The Chairman reported that this would take place on 30 June 2015.

To receive formal notification of the Group Leaders and Deputy Leaders of the political groups for the year 2015/2016.

Group                                             Leader                    Deputy Leader

Conservative                                 Cllr Ms K Wood     Cllr D Barnes

Labour                                            Cllr R Raja              Cllr K Ahmed

East Wycombe Independent      Cllr M Knight         Cllr Ms J Wassell           

Independent                                  Cllr A Turner          Cllr G Hall

The Council received formal notification that the Group Leaders and Deputy Leaders of the Political Groups for the year 2015/16 would be as follows.

Group                                             Leader                    Deputy Leader

Conservative                                 Cllr Ms K Wood     Cllr D Barnes

Labour                                            Cllr R Raja              Cllr K Ahmed

East Wycombe Independent      Cllr M Knight         Cllr Ms J Wassell           

Independent                                  Cllr A Turner          Cllr G Hall

The Executive Leader is required to submit to the Annual Meeting of the Council:

•        details of the Executive ("Cabinet") positions and post holders

•        details of any Cabinet committees

•        responsibilities and schemes of delegation for executive arrangements’

•        details of any joint arrangements

•        appointments to outside bodies within the Cabinet’s functional areas for the forthcoming year

The matters set out in (i) to (viii) below are therefore approved and submitted to the Council in order to comply with the Council’s approved Leader and Cabinet Executive political management model and the Council’s approved Constitution.

(i)      (a)     To note that the Executive Leader has appointed Councillor ­D Barnes as Deputy Executive Leader for the purpose of carrying out the Leader’s statutory functions (including e.g. appointing and removing Cabinet Members and Deputy Executive Leader, delegating executive functions to Cabinet, to Cabinet Members or to officers, agreeing or objecting to senior appointments and dismissals);

          (b)     To note that the Leader has appointed Councillor D Barnes as Deputy Leader for the purpose of carrying out the remaining (Portfolio) functions of the Leader as set out in the terms of reference and responsibilities of Cabinet Members in the event that the Leader is unable to act through absence, illness, legal disability or conflict of interest, or the circumstances are so urgent that it is appropriate for a Deputy Leader to take a decision in order to protect the interests of the authority or its area.

          (c)     To note that the Leader of the Council has made the following appointments in respect of Cabinet positions and post holders.

(ii)     Cabinet positions and post holders

(iii)    Cabinet terms of reference and responsibilities of individual portfolio holders

These are to be as set out in Part 2 of the Constitution.

(iv)    Cabinet Committee terms of reference

There will be no Cabinet Committees in 2015/2016.

(v)     Schemes of  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

The Executive Leader of the Council was required to submit to the Annual Meeting of the Council, details of the Cabinet positions and postholders, details of any Cabinet Committee, the responsibilities and schemes of delegation for Executive arrangements, details of any joint arrangements and appointments to outside bodies within the Cabinet’s functional areas for the forthcoming year.

The matters set out in (i) to (viii) below were therefore approved and submitted to the Council by the Executive Leader of the Council in order to comply with the Council’s approved Leader and Cabinet Executive political management model and the Council’s approved Constitution.

Prior to presenting her report, the Leader took the opportunity to thank the whole Council, and congratulated the newly elected Chairman, wishing him a successful year.  The Leader said that she was truly delighted and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve in this important role, and to work with the diverse communities and cultures within Wycombe, which she was extremely proud to call home.

The Leader highlighted that she was keen to engage more closely with younger people across the district, create and develop further opportunities for business and to ensure the protection of the Greenbelt running through the district.

(i)     (a)     To note that the Executive Leader had appointed Councillor ­D Barnes as Deputy Executive Leader for the purpose of carrying out the Leader’s statutory functions (including e.g. appointing and removing Cabinet Members and Deputy Executive Leader, delegating executive functions to Cabinet, to Cabinet Members or to officers, agreeing or objecting to senior appointments and dismissals);

          (b)     To note that the Leader had appointed Councillor D Barnes as Deputy Leader for the purpose of carrying out the remaining (Portfolio) functions of the Leader as set out in the terms of reference and responsibilities of Cabinet Members in the event that the Leader is unable to act through absence, illness, legal disability or conflict of interest, or the circumstances are so urgent that it is appropriate for a Deputy Leader to take a decision in order to protect the interests of the authority or its area.

          (c)     To note that the Leader of the Council had made the following appointments in respect of Cabinet positions and post holders.

(ii)     Cabinet positions and post holders

Committees of the Council were appointed annually under Section 102 of the Local Government Act 1972.

In accordance with Sections 15 to 17 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, it was duty of the Council (save in relation to certain Committees where different arrangements were approved by the Council) to make appointments to Committees which reflected the representation of different political groups on the Council and in accordance with the wishes of those political groups.

RESOLVED: That (i) the following Committees be appointed with the memberships as set out below in accordance with political balance requirements as notified by Group Leaders.  The terms of reference as set out in Parts 1 and 2 of the Constitution;

(ii)     the appointments be for the forthcoming Council year; and

(iii)    the positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman be as set out.

NB: The Leaders of EWIP and the Independent Group had agreed to "share" seats allocated to their Groups between them. Therefore a seat shown as allocated to these Groups may in some cases be taken up by a Member from the other Group.

(i)      Improvement and Review Commission

(ii)     Standards Committee

(iii)    Planning Committee

To confirm formally, that the appointments detailed in item 10, as set out in Part 2 of the Constitution be approved.

RESOLVED: That the Scheme of Delegation Non-Executive Functions as set out in Part 2 of the Constitution be approved.

Members and guests are invited to join the Chairman and Honorary Aldermen for refreshments.

The Chairman and Honorary Aldermen invited all Members and guests to join them for refreshments at the close of the meeting.