Minutes of the meeting of Perton Parish Council
held on Monday 9th November 2020, 7.00pm

Meeting held virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Members were informed that the meeting would be recorded and deleted once minutes were approved.

PRESENT:
Councillors Mrs PA Allen (Chairman), D Glynn (Vice- Chairman, {part of the meeting}), AA Bourke,
R Bradley, N Caine, P Davis, Mrs L Dew, K Elder, Mrs R Heseltine, Mrs A James, C Rathbone, J Sherlock,
J Turner, Mrs B Walters

Parish Clerk Mrs B Hodgetts
Admin Assistant Mrs L Higgins

Members of the public – Two plus Staffordshire County Councillors Mr D Williams (Cabinet member for Highways and Transport and Mrs V Wilson and Cabinet for Communities & Culture (part of the meeting)

Resolved to change the order of business, standing order 10a vi)

68/20 – APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
No apologies received.

69/20 – POLICE MATTERS AND REPORT
A written report received from PCSO A Tooth was accepted for information and a copy attached to these minutes.

70/20 – DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER INTERESTS
The following declarations were made:
• Item 73/20 b) – Perton Playing Fields grant payment (transaction number 4201) – Cllrs Mrs P Allen,
• N Caine, P Davis, D Glynn, Mrs L Dew, K Elder, Mrs R Heseltine, C Rathbone, J Sherlock N Caine

67/20 – PUBLIC OPEN SESSION
The resident raised several issues with the grounds maintenance . The routine weed spraying and removal of weeds especially in the gutters and kerb stones is not sufficient. Unfortunately the weedkiller solution that can be used is a very weak solution. Cllr Williams confirmed that further funding had been made available to the District Council. A new head for the sweeper will remove more weeds than the brush, but this will not help the weeds on top of the kerb stones.
Unfortunately, the budget for grounds maintenance does not allow for aesthetic work only the statutory duties.
Rear of bus shelters should be strimmed when grass cutting, two more cuts have been authorised this year with the District Council. If the strimming is not done then County should be made aware.
The following further issues were raised by Councillors:
• Grass and weeds around the traffic lights
• The speed reductions pillows at the St. Andrews chicane are not working, cars can go either side or in between the bumps. Clerk to send further information to Cllr Williams.
• Perton Bus Lane, an ANPR camera will be installed in the first quarter of the new financial year 2021/22
• St. Andrews Drive – pot holes and chicane issues.
• Severn Drive – There are scheduled road repairs due, It is not known if this covers the anti – skid surface at the crossing. The change of Right of Way should also be looked at. Clerk to forward details to Cllr Williams.
• Routine gritting of the Parkway. This cannot be guaranteed would depend on resources. All A roads will be done, will try and get B roads as well. Grit boxes will be filled. Salt is very good on the road, do not need to use much, but it does not work very well with snow.
• For sale signs on the Parkway – District Council Enforcement are dealing with this matter.
• Weeds and leaves on the A41 from the boundary of Wolverhampton through to Wergs. District Council have an additional sweep scheduled
• Potholes, unfortunately the concentration is on category 1 and 2, there is not the funding for category 3. The white lines around a pothole does not mean it is marked for repair it is marked to show that the inspector has been and assessed and is added to the database.
• Each County Councillor has a Divisional Highway Programme (DHP) amount between £7.500 – £10,000 each year to look at issues within their ward.
• Changes to the traffic lights and crossing on the A41 has been brought forward to this financial year and will be completed before April 2021.
• Heath House Lane the over grown paths will be looked at by Street Scene and the gullies unblocked. LED lighting is scheduled for the future, the lighting is adequate at the moment.
• The County Council could assist the Parish Council in looking at the options for school transport for those that do not get free transport to school, but they could not contribute financially.
The County Council would like to ask Parish Council and community groups to help and contribute with the maintenance of safe areas.

Various traffic issues in Trescott were discussed.
• Cllr Wilson will look into the feasibility of a warning sign to be installed along the Bridgnorth Road. Feasibility of additional signage at Wrottesley Park Road, Bluebell walk exit.
• The speed cameras are the responsibility of the Safer Roads Partnership.
• Cllr Williams will see if the site can be assessed for double white line criteria.
• If the speed limit were to be reduced it would require a traffic regulation order which would cost between £6 ,000 – £8,000. It would be possible for the parish council to contribute.
• County Council do not have the funding for additional lighting.
• Footpaths – District have been given extra money to allow for clearing of footpaths. They are working with DC, PC and voluntary organisations.
• Near misses need to be reported to the Police to build up a picture of dangerous roads.
• Councillors to arrange a site meeting.

74/20 – STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
a) Report from County Councillor was received for information. Copy attached to these minutes
b) A funding application to Staffordshire County Council ‘Doingourbit’ to be submitted by a new support group set up following approval from Parish Council in December 2019. The group are planning to provide activity bags to adult residents to support mental health and well being during the winter lockdown. The library will also be starting a jigsaw library. Permission to was sought for the Parish Council to hold the £2,500 funds should the application be successful. It was Resolved that the Parish Council would hold the money in the Co-op account.
c) Highway issues were discussed as part of the public session.
d) Trescott road and pavement issues were discussed in the public open session.
Thanks were given to the County Councillors present who left the meeting at 8.20pm

Chairman imposed Standing Orders 8.20pm.

71/20 – REQUESTS FOR CODE OF CONDUCT DISPENSATIONS
No requests for dispensation received.

72/20 – MINUTES
a) Resolved that the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 14th October 2020 were a true and correct record. The Chairman to sign in the Clerk’s office as soon as practical.
b) Noted for information the minutes of the following committees:
• Human Resources Committee meeting held on 14th October
• Finance Committee meeting held on 3rd November 2020

73/20 – FINANCE
a) Paid Expenditure Transactions between 01/10/20 and 31/10/2020

Cheque Tn no Gross Details
Contra Entry 4177 -£24.03 Npower Business Contra 4176, Electricity supply 4 Aug to 3 Sept
DDbRates10 4178 £1,435.00 South Staffordshire Council Rates October
DDbWebsite10 4179 £30.00 Kalidescope Website & email hosting/maintenance
BacsSPS 4180 £110.00 Staffordshire Property – replace window winder LSH
BACSMGD 4181 £196.00 MGD Solutions graffiti removal
BacsOP 4182 £147.60 Online Playgrounds wetpour repair kit
DDbASH10 4183 £124.63 Ash Waste Services General & recycle waste
BacsHAGS 4184 £222.00 HAGS-SMP Ltd Replacement seesaw seat
BacsESPO 4185 £216.00 ESPO Replacement Laminator
BacsAE09 4186 £84.00 Acquiesce Environmental Legionella monitoring and testing Sep
BacsSPCA 4187 £25.00 Staffordshire Parish Councils Ass Training Explore Chairmanship Skills
BacsCP 4188 £120.00 Connect Pages Newsletter
BacsDtE09 4189 £108.00 Down to Earth Grass cutting – playground 17th Sept
BacsJEH&S 4190 £300.00 John Ellis Associates Qtrly H&S consulltancy
BacsIR10 4191 £3,135.20 Inland Revenue Tax & NI – September
BacsPen10 4192 £3,491.10 Staffordshire County Pension – September
BacsBT09 4193 £92.76 British Telecom BT OneBill
BacsSalaryM07 4200 £10605.18 Salaries Month 07 (October)
BACSPPFA 4201 £2000.00 Perton Playing Fields Association – half yearly grant (1st instalment)
Total £23,303.18

b) Cash book received and noted for information
c) Income statement received and noted for information.
d) Expenditure and budget to date received and approved. Copy attached to these minutes.
e) Resolved to accept the revised income and expenditure budget taking into account the lack of income due to the lockdown restrictions.
f) External audit report for financial year 2019/20 accepted for information
g) External audit reported matters accepted for information.

75/20 – SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COUNCIL
District Councillor written reports were accepted for information, copy attached to these minutes.

Additional Comments
Cllr N Caine informed the meeting that he had sprayed dog fouling stencils in Browning Grove, also put up posters in the area. He has also been liaising with the District Council over various grounds maintenance issues.

The Chairman reported that the Local Plan discussions are in progress. The Government white paper comments have been submitted.. The over grown footpaths in Kingswood and Trescott have been reported. One planning application in Kingswood was refused. A lot of training courses are taking place virtually.

Cllr Mrs R Heseltine added that if anyone has concerns or questions contact the District Council on 01902 696000. Construction of the Hub at the Council Offices in Codsall can continue under the restrictions.

76/20 – CLERKS REPORT
Weekly reports having previously been distributed were noted for information.

77/20 – POLICIES FOR REVIEW
Resolved that the following policies were reviewed with no amendments:
a) Bullying & Harassment
b) Bus shelter
c) CCTV
d) Code of Conduct for Councillors
e) Equal Opportunities
The consultation reviewing the Code of Conduct has closed.

78/20 – SKATEPARK
Resolved to put this project on hold until 2021/22 budget and to complete a full needs review.

79/20 – NALC – Rebuilding Communities
A report previously distributed was accepted for information, copy attached to these minutes.

80/20 – ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
A report previously distributed was accepted for information, copy attached to these minutes.
It was surprising how much work had taken place even through lockdown.
81/20 – PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE
An update on the Parish Council website was given. The Parish Council current site is not accessible under the new guidelines for Local Government. Staffordshire County Council can support parishes with new websites, unfortunately this is currently on hold due to Covid. Once the service is up and running again in the next financial year it can be discussed further.
82/20 – PLAY AREA INSPECTION
Resolved to accept the inspection report. All items were either low or very low. There are a couple of issues that can be dealt with by the caretakers.
83/20 – BLACK POPLAR TREES
Whips 50-90cm have been sourced costing £3 each for delivery in September to December 2021. Resolved to purchase 60 trees and agree planting sites with the District Council.
84/20 – COVID – PERCY COBRA STONES
The stones have been collected ready for varnishing and cementing in place.. The site approved by SSDC is next to the children’s play area. There are mature bushes which will allow the snake to wind around the area. Resolved not to have sponsorship, but could consider having a competition, Resolved to look at for the next meeting. Additional stones can be added during the second lockdown, to advertise that they can be delivered to the Civic Centre.
9.40pm Resolved to move standing order 10a x) to allow further time to complete the agenda
85/20 – DONATIONS TO FOOD BANK
Food parcels have been delivered to several households since the end of September. Resolved to donate £250 each to The Well and Kingsway Food bank

86/20 – LITTER PICKING
Resolved to hold an event sometime in early 2021 to promote litter picking. Keep Britain Tidy, Great British Spring Clean could be held in June 2021. There are several residents that collect litter independently, Resolved the parish could provide some equipment, to advertise on Facebook. To review at the next meeting

87/20 – DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 14th December 2020 at 7.00pm

CONFIDENTIAL AGENDA
PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSION TO MEETINGS) ACT 1960
In pursuance of the powers contained in section 1 of the above act, I move that the press and public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the business about to be transacted is of a confidential nature and that publicity will be prejudicial to the public interest.
88/20 – STAFF
Resolved to approve staffing arrangements during Covid-19 lockdown restrictions

Crime & Disorder Implications Section 17 of the Crime & Disorder Act 1998
Where relevant any decisions made at the Parish Council meeting have taken this duty of care into consideration.

Meeting closed at 9.51pm

Signed ………………………………………………………………… Date: …………………………………………
Chairman

FINANCIAL BUDGET – REVISED BUDGET (November 2020)
Agenda item 73/20e

Actual to-date
RECEIPTS Current Budget REVISED Budget Total Net(£)
Balance Carried forward 144119.00 141572.00
2 Litter – Agency Fee 0.00 0.00 1,146.06
3 VAT Reclaimed 1,000.00 5,428.00 5,812.23
4 Precept 210,000.00 210,000.00 210,000.00
6 Public Sector Deposit Fund Interest 800.00 300.00 259.12
8 Funding S106 139,760.00 0.00 0.00
9 Miscellaneous 0.00 0.00 499.17
15 Covid-19 Community Support Hub 0.00 5,000.00 4,758.14
52 Deposit – Room Hire (Refundable) 2,000.00 0.00 0.00
54 Hire of Rooms 34,000.00 10,000.00 6,725.80
55 Miscellaneous 631.00 2,380.00 631.26

TOTAL Parish & Civic Centre 532,310.00 374,680.00 229,831.78
EXPENDITURE Current Budget REVISED Budget Total Net(£) Available Budget Changes+/-
Parish Council
101 Salaries 174,400.00 164,400.00 96,905.54 67,494.46 -10,000.00
102 Litter 12,400.00 12,400.00 6,479.75 5,920.25 0.00
103 Litter Warden 250.00 240.00 3.60 236.40 -10.00
104 Advertising & Signage 500.00 500.00 100.00 400.00 0.00
105 Audit 1,000.00 1,000.00 160.54 839.46 0.00
106 Bus Shelter Maintenance 1,000.00 200.00 0.00 200.00 -800.00
107 Members’ Allowances + Chairman’s Allowance 15,616.67 15,616.67 8,697.32 6,919.35 0.00
108 Christmas Decorations 2,000.00 2,500.00 0.00 2,500.00 500.00
110 Civic Awards 150.00 150.00 0.00 150.00 0.00
112 Computers 2,500.00 2,000.00 1,521.03 478.97 -500.00
114 Contingency 10,600.00 10,600.00 0.00 10,600.00 0.00
116 Equipment 0.00 300.00 286.23 13.77 300.00
117 Events 1,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1,000.00
118 Graffiti Removal 2,000.00 1,000.00 588.00 412.00 -1,000.00
119 Grants & Donations 3,083.33 2,083.33 750.00 1,333.33 -1,000.00
119/1 Grants PPFA 6,500.00 4,500.00 2,000.00 2,500.00 -2,000.00
120 Play Area Grounds Maintenance & Inspection 1,100.00 1,100.00 950.00 150.00 0.00
121 H&S Consultancy Services 2,500.00 2,500.00 900.00 1,600.00 0.00
122 Insurance Renewal * 3,500.00 3,500.00 3,485.78 14.22 0.00
124 Miscellaneous 110.00 430.00 429.54 0.46 320.00
127 Notice Boards 500.00 250.00 0.00 250.00 -250.00
128 Play Area / Outdoor Activities 2,000.00 2,000.00 1,196.22 803.78 0.00
129 Photocopier * 1,000.00 1,000.00 426.40 573.60 0.00
130 Postage * 100.00 100.00 33.80 66.20 0.00
131 Premises Licence Fee 200.00 200.00 0.00 200.00 0.00
133 Staff / Cllr. Training 1,500.00 1,500.00 447.44 1,052.56 0.00
135 Stationery * 550.00 300.00 72.95 227.05 -250.00
137 Subscriptions 1,500.00 1,500.00 770.00 730.00 0.00
139 Telephone & Broadband * 1,500.00 1,120.00 540.73 579.27 -380.00
141 Website 1,500.00 500.00 258.33 241.67 -1,000.00
142 Ringfenced Items – see below 199,960.00 65,200.00 17,702.77 47,497.23 134,760.00
145 War Memorial Maintenance 500.00 200.00 0.00 200.00 -300.00
146 Flowers tubs & hanging baskets 3,500.00 3,500.00 3,298.93 201.07 0.00
149 Partnership Working 6,100.00 6,100.00 0.00 6,100.00 0.00
150 Covid-19 Community Support Hub 0.00 57.96 57.96 0.00 57.96
151 Skatepark 20,000.00 20,000.00 250.00 19,750.00 0.00
152 Co-op: Covid-19 Comm Support Hub R/Fenced 5,000.00 4,942.04 1,987.82 2,954.22 -57.96
153 Covid-19 PPE 2,000.00 2,000.00 740.08 1,259.92 0.00
202 Advertising 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -100.00
203 Automatic Doors 1,000.00 500.00 0.00 500.00 -500.00
204 Boilers 1,000.00 1,000.00 80.00 920.00 0.00
205 CCTV Cameras 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
206 Computers 1,000.00 1,000.00 749.17 250.83 0.00
207 Consumables 1,500.00 500.00 292.81 207.19 -1,000.00
208 Drinks Machine 800.00 600.00 283.12 316.88 -200.00
209 Electricity 7,000.00 6,000.00 2,120.06 3,879.94 -1,000.00
210 Electrical Inspection 1,000.00 200.00 105.45 94.55 -800.00
211 Equipment 100.00 100.00 37.89 62.11 0.00
213 Fire & Security 2,000.00 2,000.00 906.78 1,093.22 0.00
214 Fire Extinguisher Maintenance 250.00 250.00 0.00 250.00 0.00
215 Gas 4,000.00 4,000.00 895.23 3,104.77 0.00
216 General Maintenance 2,500.00 2,500.00 1,715.47 784.53 0.00
218 Kitchen 200.00 100.00 29.91 70.09 -100.00
219 Lifts 1,000.00 1,000.00 785.25 214.75 0.00
220 Performing Rights Society & PPL 500.00 500.00 0.00 500.00 0.00
221 Miscellaneous 100.00 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00
224 Rates 14,600.00 14,600.00 10,041.25 4,558.75 0.00
225 Refreshments 40.00 40.00 0.00 40.00 0.00
226 Refund of Deposits 2,000.00 500.00 470.00 30.00 -1,500.00
227 Refuse Collection 2,000.00 1,700.00 457.08 1,242.92 -300.00
232 Water & Sewerage 2,000.00 2,000.00 348.12 1,651.88 0.00

TOTAL Parish & Civic Centre 532,310.00 374,680.00 170,358.35 204,321.65 157,630.00

142 Ringfenced items Budget REVISED Budget Total Net(£) Available Budget Changes+/-
142/1 Operating Reserve 20,000.00 20,000.00 0.00 20,000.00 0.00
142/2 Youth 18,000.00 18,000.00 0.00 18,000.00 0.00
142/3 Youth Grant S106 60,000.00 0.00 0.00 – -60,000.00
142/4 Future Elections 4,000.00 4,000.00 0.00 4,000.00 0.00
142/5 Allotments S106 74,760.00 0.00 0.00 – -74,760.00
142/6 Civic Centre Maintenance/Refurb 23,200.00 23,200.00 7,702.77 5,497.23 0.00
142/7 Commemorative Events 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
199,960.00 65,200.00 17,702.77 47,497.23 -134,760.00

150 Covid-19 Community Support Hub 0.00 57.56 57.96 -0.40 57.56
152 Co-op: Covid-19 Comm Support Hub R/Fenced 5,000.00 4,942.04 1,987.82 2,954.22 -57.96

Agenda item 69/20
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING CRIME REPORT 12/10/2020 –09/11/2020
Public bodies can only disclose information if they have the power to do so. Section 115 of the Crime and Disorder Act provides a power to exchange information where disclosure is necessary to support the local Crime Reduction Strategy and Partnership in achieving the aims of the Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy and objectives outlined within it.
The degree of disclosure that takes place must be proportionate and relevant to the level of social ill or criminality it is intended to counter or prevent.
The information is only to be processed in relation to crime and disorder purposes. Information will be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, the Human Rights Act 1998 and any other relevant legislation governing disclosures and will ultimately be disposed of in a secure manner.
• Main headlines since the last meeting:
• We have THREE burglaries, ONE entry was gained into property but nothing taken one, a safe was taken and finally, ONE break no entry was gained just damaged garage door before alarm sounded.
• We have had TWO theft from vehicles
• FIFTEEN ASB calls these include neighbour disputes youth and adult related issues, drugs and nuisance vehicles.
Any questions that haven’t been covered please drop me an email and I will get back to you as soon as I can?
PCSO 16722 Ashley Tooth
Agenda item 74/20 a)
County Councillor report
Keith James member for Perton & Pattingham – Monthly Report
The County Council are continuing to provide assistance to Parish Councils that apply for Covid 19 support to allow those organizations that are providing food parcels to people that are identified for help at this time. This funding for those residents will enable Parish Councils to do their bit for their Communities.
It is encouraging that County Councillors will be joining Perton Parish Council on line to discuss issues that affect Perton shown on the list of Highway issues in the Agenda of the on line. The Highways Manager has responded in connection with the effect of spraying the roads in Perton to show that the problem of weed spraying is controlled by the regulations covering the use of chemicals being applied.
The County Highways have been contacted on Severn Drive improvements that were raised at the last Parish meeting. I sent an e mail to request a visit for an assessment of the condition of the road surface there and they have issued a notice to carry out work there.
The requested signage for pedestrians crossing Wrottesley Park Road out of Bluebell Wood to Cranmoor is ongoing and I have agreed this should be provided from my Divisional Highway Fund for the work involved.
A Planning Notice has been received for work on the treatment plant at the Wergs Station in Dippons Lane in Perton. Plans are available on the County Council Website.

Agenda item 75/20
District Councillor reports
Mrs Rita Heseltine Member for Perton Lakeside – Monthly Report
This has been a very busy period and since the last Parish Council meeting I have attended the following:
Informal Cabinet: 4
Covid Outbreak Daily Briefing: 19
Local Outbreak Control Board: 4
Covid 19 Local Outbreak Control Group South Staffordshire
Lead Member Briefing: 2
Planning
Overview and Scrutiny
Special Council
Test and Trace: 4
RPP Briefing
Quarter 2 Budget Meeting
Health and Safety Steering Group
Community Recovery Plan
Community Safety
Localities for Growth
Chaired a Briefing for Locality 3 members
Met with Chair and Officers (Pre -meeting) re: Locality 4 Forum. This forum will take place on Wednesday November 11th.
Member Briefings: Climate Change, Cyber Security, Audit and Fraud Awareness.
On October 20th the Clerk, myself and a couple of other Parish Councillors met with John Davis from the District Council to discuss several issues with regards to grounds maintenance and the installation of Percy the Perton Covid Cobra to a permanent location. A site has been agreed upon and the collection of Percy’s many stones has begun. The following actions were completed the next day: Cutting back of the pathways in Bluebell Walk, clearing the vegetation from around the lifebelts at the Lower Lake, removing the old litter bin from its location at the Lower Lake . I met with John the next day due to some other issues with the result that by the following lunch time the overgrown walkway near to Cloverdale had been cut back and an extra litter bin had been installed near to the Cloverdale walkway. The need for an extra bin to be placed in this area has been obvious for some time. The nearest bins are located at the end of the walkway leading from the Parkway to Lytham Road and near to the bridge across the Parkway. Hopefully, having another bin in this location will help prevent littering and, in particular, encourage the irresponsible dog owners/walkers who do not clean up after their dog or think it’s OK to leave full poo bags lying around to actually bin it!

October 22nd Councillors Phil Davis, Nigel Caine and myself distributed gallon containers of hand sanitiser to 4 local businesses in Anders Square. The sanitiser had been donated by the District Council. Please try to support our local shops/businesses as much as you can during these difficult times.
Stay Safe and remember. HANDS FACE SPACE

Cllr Philip Davis Member for Perton Dippons – Monthly Report
Since my last report I have attended the following meetings and briefings.
Tuesday 13th October Virtual RPP meeting. The purpose of this was for officers to outline budget proposals /ideas for 2021.
Wednesday 14h October Virtual Council. This was to approve changes in Licensing laws for taxi operatives regarding the status of DBS regulations.
Thursday 15th October virtual meeting re climate change and the council’s approach to this subject. A most interesting and enlightening briefing.
Tuesday October 20th .I attended the virtual Planning Committee meeting.
Wednesday 21st October Overview and Scrutiny committee.
Thursday 22nd October Locations for growth discussion.
Tuesday 27th October I was invited to The Kingswood Centre along with Gavin Williamson MP to explore the possibilities of funding and support for the centre. Like many other charities and groups, it is struggling financially at present. Gavin has promised to explore the options of help for the centre.
Tuesday 27th October I attended a virtual training on the subject of cyber security. The presentation showed the measures taken by SSDC IT officers to protect the District Council IT systems.
October 29th.I joined a training session virtually, the subject of which was Audit Fraud and awareness. There were several startling topics. One of the most prominent was the fact that during the pandemic very many illegal businesses’ have been created solely to obtain government grants and any other funding available. Members can rest assured that the team at SSDC are doing an incredible job in helping prevent criminals accessing such funding.
District Councillor Anthony Bourke – Member for Perton East – Monthly Report
12th Oct Member Training – Corporate Health & Safety Including Member Safety
Covered District Council responsibilities on Health and Safety. Also went through before and during Lockdown in particular supporting those staff working from home. We were taken through the health and safety checks that the Council’s Leisure Centres went through to become Covid friendly.
13th Oct Members Briefing – RPP (Resource, Planning and Prioritisation)
This was a meeting to start the budget process for the next financial year 2021-2022.
14th Oct Special Full Council Meeting
Main purpose of this meeting was to agree a Taxi Licencing Policy Amendment.
15th Oct Member Briefing – Climate Change Strategy
In Sept 2019 SSDC declared a Climate Change Emergency as a result of a proposal by the Green Party Councillors. This session was to update Councillors on the work done since then. The Council now has a draft Climate Strategy – priorities included, raising awareness within the Community, encouraging partners and look in house within our own organisation for better climate friendly practices.
21st Oct Overview and Scrutiny meeting
Meeting discussed the District Councils response to the Covid-19 Crisis, for example the challenge of distributing over £18m grants to local businesses in a prompt and efficient manner. Also, the challenges of working from home for staff including the welfare support given to staff.
22nd Oct Members Briefing – Locations for Growth
Confidential briefing on the new District Council Local Plan
27th Oct Member Training – Cyber Security
Councillor training on the everchanging security risks of being online.