Meeting documents

To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by the deadline of noon on Thursday 1 December 2016.

The following Notice of Motion was submitted by Councillor R Raja and seconded by Councillor S Graham:

"In view of the opportunity being presented by the reorganisation of local government in Buckinghamshire, this Council resolves to take all necessary steps to ensure that a unitary authority, capable of delivering the statutory services to the local residents, is created which not only balances the financial /economic criteria against democratic and accountability considerations but also takes account of the projected growth in population and will ensure  proper investment in housing and infrastructure for an efficient delivery of the services needed to support the wellbeing of the people of the District."

A motion was submitted by Councillor R Raja and seconded by Councillor S Graham:

"In view of the opportunity being presented by the reorganisation of local government in Buckinghamshire, this Council resolves to take all necessary steps to ensure that a unitary authority, capable of delivering the statutory services to the local residents, is created which not only balances the financial /economic criteria against democratic and accountability considerations but also takes account of the projected growth in population and will ensure  proper investment in housing and infrastructure for an efficient delivery of the services needed to support the wellbeing of the people of the District."

In proposing the motion, Councillor Rafiq stated that whilst there was consensus on the need to replace the current Local Government structure, there was little consensus about the way forward between the County and the 4 district Councils concerned. Councillor Raja made reference to the 2 reports issued on the subject first by the County Council in September, followed by the District Councils.

He went onto state that despite the projected growth in population he saw no evidence within the reports of the likely consequences having been addressed. Including the increased housing demand expected to rise by 21% over a 20 year period, and demand for the already constrained adult and social care/children`s services. Instead he felt that the financial analysis seemed to be based on a set of static assumptions

In summing up he concluded that it would be a dereliction of duty if the Council did not take all necessary steps to ensure that a unitary authority capable of delivering the statutory services to local residents was created.   

Councillor S Graham in seconding the motion, echoed the sentiments of the proposer, stating that following the publication of two costly reports it was imperative that the County and District Councils should work together in order to reach the right conclusion for the people of Bucks.  

He encouraged openness and honesty with residents and emphasised that false promises and assumptions must not be made as was the case during the Brexit campaigns in June.

Councillor Mrs L M Clarke commented that Members should not lose sight of the fact that they were present as Wycombe District Councillors, and not as Bucks County Councillors.

Councillor Mrs L Clarke rose to support the motion and requested a recorded vote. This was seconded and in accordance with Standing Orders, was also supported by at least 7 other Members.

The motion was then put to a recorded vote.

In accordance with subsection (7) of the Council`s Standing Order 16 (voting) the voting of the Members in respect of the motion was recorded as follows:

In favour of the motion

Councillors: Mrs J Adey, K Ahmed, Z Ahmed, D Barnes, S Broadbent, Miss S Brown, H Bull, Mrs L Clarke, M Clarke, A Collingwood, M Davy, C Etholen, R Farmer, R Gaffney, S Graham, A Green, G Hall, M Hanif, M Harris, C Harriss, A Hill, A Hussain, Maz Hussain, D Johncock, D Knights, Mrs J Langley, T Lee, Mrs W Mallen, N Marshall, H McCarthy, I McEnnis, R Newman, Mrs C Oliver, B Pearce, G Peart, R Raja, S Raja, S Saddique, J Savage, R Scott, D Shakespeare, Mrs J Teesdale, N Teesdale, A Turner, P Turner, D Watson, R Wilson, Miss K Wood and L Wood.    

Against the motion

Councillor Mrs G A Jones,

Abstentions

Councillors: Ms A Baughan, M Hussain (JP) M Knight, Ms J Wassell.

In favour – 49

Against – 1

Abstentions – 4

The motion was therefore carried

(Councillor C Whitehead had left the meeting when the above vote was taken.)