Council and democracy

Before the start of the meeting, the Mayor invited Reverend Canon Darren Barlow to lead those present in prayer.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council, held on 27 January 2016.

The Minutes of the meeting of Council, held on 27 January 2016, were approved as a correct record.

For accuracy Councillor Hebb stated that his Motion in Item 136 on Page 20 of the minutes should be corrected by replacing the word “fares” to read “fairness” as the discussion was on the concept of fairness in terms of the fairness commission.

To receive additional items that the Mayor is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Deputy Mayor informed the Council that she had not agreed to the consideration of any items of urgent business.

To receive any declaration of interests from Members.

Councillor Gledhill declared a non-pecuniary interest on Item 22, Motion 1, as his partner travels on C2C.

Councillor Pothecary declared a non-pecuniary interest on Item 22, Motion 1, as she is a commuter on C2C.

Councillor C Holloway declared a non-pecuniary interest on Item 22, Motion 1, as he is a commuter on C2C.

Councillor Aker declared a non-pecuniary interest on Item 22, Motion 1, as he is a commuter on C2C.

Councillor Gerrish declared a non-pecuniary interest on Item 22, Motion 1, as he is a commuter on C2C.

Firstly the Deputy Mayor invited all those present to reflect and remember Thurrock’s fallen during World War One.

The Deputy Mayor stated on behalf of the Mayor that young people across Thurrock’s senior schools were making collages of images depicting what they saw as representing Thurrock. These would be displayed in the Mayor’s Parlour during April.

The Mayor attended a meeting with the Rotary Club of Mardyke Valley who were organising a Cycle Marathon in June and encouraged Councillors to support and sponsor cyclists.

The Mayor also held a thank you lunch for Officers to formally acknowledge their help and support shown to the Mayor over the past 8 years as a Councillor.

The Deputy Mayor also stated that Thames 21 would be at Grays Beach this Saturday from 10.00am-1.00pm, they were a group that try to keep UK rivers clean.

Finally, the Deputy Mayor took the opportunity to thank David Bull for his contribution and hard work to the Council and wished him well in the future.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor J. Kent, reiterated the Deputy Mayor’s comments and thanked David Bull on the great achievements he had made since joining the Council in 2012. Councillor Kent stated that he would miss David’s advice, enthusiasm and wished him well in his retirement.

Councillor J. Kent commented on the Lower Thames Crossing and reiterated the important points made at Council in January. Thurrock Council remained opposed to any further Thames Crossing  in Thurrock and that it did not matter if it was Option C or  A, Route 1, 2, 3 or 4; these proposals were no good for Thurrock. He stated that the Government and Highways England appear to be thoroughly confused on what they were consulting on and with the consultation process being launched on the 26 January 2016 it was clear that Option A had been dropped and was not part of the consultation process.

Councillor J. Kent stated that he had written to the Secretary of State to ask that the consultation process period be extended but had not received a reply. Since then the Transport Minister, Andrew Jones, has declared that Option A was still being considered by the Government. It was suggested that Councillor J. Kent write again to the Secretary of State to demand that the consultation process be stopped right now so that all Options could be looked at again and considered.

Councillor J. Kent reminded Members of the consultation taking place on Thursday 25 February at the London Cruise Terminal and urged members and residents to attend.  

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 2 (Rule 14) of the Council’s Constitution.

A copy of the transcript of questions and answers can be viewed under the relevant meeting date at http://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/thurrock and were attached at Appendix A to these minutes.

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 2(Rule 14) of the Council’s Constitution.

The Deputy Mayor informed Members that, in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, the requisite notice had not been given by any councillors or members of the public that they wished to present a petition at the meeting.

Members received a report on the status of those petitions handed in at Council Meetings and Council Offices over the past six months.

The Council are asked to agree any changes to the appointments made to committees and outside bodies, statutory and other panels, as requested by Group Leaders.

There were no changes to appointments to Committees, Outside Bodies, Statutory and Other Panels declared.

Joseph Kaley, Chair of Children in Care Council, thanked the Members for allowing him the opportunity to speak to them about the Children in Care Pledge. He explained that the Pledge was a very important document representing the Young People of Thurrock, particularly those that did not have the courage to speak out. The Pledge had been adopted by Thurrock Council to ensure that social workers provided the care and support required to all children in the borough and encouraged all Members in their role as corporate parents to sign-up to this Pledge.

Councillor Okunade thanked Joseph Kaley for coming to Council to speak to Members and stated that this was a Government initiative with a promise between Thurrock Council and the Young Children in Thurrock.

Councillor Halden congratulated Joseph on his speech and commented on the Children’s Voice element of the Pledge and asked how the Council were listening to that Voice.  Councillor Halden stated that he was proud of the cross party commitment and the interaction between Members through the Corporate Parenting Committee.

Councillor S. Little also thanked Joseph on his eloquently delivered speech and stressed as a council, on any overview and scrutiny committee the pledge should be addressed. Councillor S. Little confirmed that the “Staying Put Policy”, offering support to Looked After Children even when at university, is not quite here yet but that the Policy for savings and bank accounts of Looked After Children was in place.

Joseph Kaley commented that it should be the Council’s focus on getting the Staying Put Policy right to ensure that the professionalism and passion of Foster Carers were taken into consideration.

The Deputy Mayor invited the Leader of the Council to introduce the budget and advised that he had 20 minutes to do so.

Councillor J. Kent

I have to say Madam Deputy Mayor, that setting the Council’s budget becomes increasingly difficult year on year, and I want to start by thanking Sean Clark and his officers, in fact all Senior Offices and Senior Members for their work over many many months that they have put in to getting the proposals and recommendations that we have before us this evening.

This year has been different in many ways. For a start we have a three way political split in the council, and yet despite that we have seen unprecedented co-operation from both the opposition groups in overseeing the necessary and difficult decisions the council has had to take.

The Leaders and Deputy Leaders of the Conservative and UKIP parties have joined with me and Councillor Barbara Rice, and the individual portfolio holders, in examining pretty much every line of each directorate's budget.

Between us we sought out ways of reducing spending while protecting the front line as far as possible. And then there was the overview and scrutiny process. These cross-party committees have looked over these proposals, suggesting changes and tweaks, but in the main have backed our suggestions and proposals.

We also have to look at how the rules have changed. From 2010 onwards the national government was putting pressure on councils to maintain council tax levels whilst at the same time cutting grants and offering what they call a council tax freeze grant, usually the equivalent to around one per cent on council tax. We took this bribe each year – bar one.

But now the government has changed so have the rules. The new, Conservative Government has ushered in the era of – what it calls – “Financial Self Sustainability”. They say that ever council in the country is being expected to raise council tax by very nearly two per cent and those with social care responsibilities such as us here in Thurrock, should add a further two per cent – the Social Care precept.

Madam Deputy Mayor, in helping decide on the level of Council Tax increase we asked the cross party Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee to look at all the issues and come up with a recommendation on the way forward.

I am really grateful to Councillors Hebb and Snell – as the Chair and Vice Chair of that committee – for undertaking that task, for taking it seriously and for their committee unanimously agreeing the recommended increase that we have before us this evening.

So led by Cabinet and endorsed by Councillors from all three of the major parties here in Thurrock – Labour, Conservative, UKIP – we have jointly come to the conclusion that if Thurrock Council is to be able to continue providing the services that people rely on – supporting the vulnerable, supporting families, supporting the young and the old –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 148.

Councillor J. Kent, Portfolio Holder for Finance, presented the report that set out the proposals for the Housing Revenue Account based budget for 2016/17 and highlighted the proposals for rent and service charges. The report also identified the changes within the base budget between 2015/16 and 2016/17.

In July 2015, the Government announced key policy changes that impacted the Housing Revenue business plan and these were:

•           1% reduction in social rents for four years from 1 April 2016

•           Pay to Stay proposals from 2017/18

•           The disposal of high value properties as they become vacant

Councillor J. Kent referred Members to the six recommendations in the report to which he proposed were accepted. These recommendations had been through the Overview and Scrutiny and Cabinet process.

Councillor J. Kent stated that when the item was discussed by Cabinet the Shadow Portfolio Holder for Housing was not present, no questions or no calls-ins were made.

Councillor Ojetola apologised for arriving late into the Council Chambers.

Councillor Ojetola stated that he had taken the comments on board and that he did not attend Cabinet anymore as no real answers were given. The ‘Call In’ process was used recently at the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the proposed demolition of Seabrooke Rise Flats. Councillor Ojetola commented that help should be given to those on the housing waiting list as required and as and when homes became available.

Councillor G. Rice stated that in 1979 Thurrock Council had reached the gold standard with 25,000 council homes in the borough until Margaret Thatcher decided to sell them off but not having the opportunity to replace them. In 1979, it took six months for a married couple to have a council house compared to the waiting list of 6,500 people today, which was a disgrace.

Councillor Redsell asked what action was being taken to clear the traveller’s site on Gammon Fields.

Councillor Worrall updated Members on the exemption in the 1 per cent reduction in rents; an initial meeting had taken place with DCLG but confirmed very little information was available and that proof of significant hardship would need to prove to warrant this 1 per cent reduction. Councillor Worrall stated that details had been released that increase to the rent could be made to Sheltered Housing Accommodation, which would mean that extra rent could be made to old age pensioners not nobody else. As a Cabinet it was decided not to penalise old age pensioners and those living in sheltered housing accommodation.

Councillor Hebb stated that young people should be given the opportunity to the ‘Right to Buy’ scheme and not feel they have to live off the welfare state system.

Councillor Kerin stated that with the increase in the Joint Income to £30,000 some residents might feel that working extra hours might result in them losing their homes.

Councillor Halden called a Point of Order at 8.56pm to go straight to the vote.

Councillor B. Rice explained to Members how hard it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 149.

Councillor J. Kent, Leader of the Council, presented the report which set out the Annual Borrowing and Investment Strategy and the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision Statement. It was stated that the function had again contributed towards protecting front line services and would be used to facilitate the housing development programme for the borough; thorough building schemes such as Gloriana.

Councillor J. Kent stated that it was unfair for Councillor Hebb to ask why the Council were not doing more to help residents buy their own homes when schemes like Gloriana and Shared Equity were available.

Councillor J. Kent summed up by stating that the report was important in what it aimed to achieve and deliver and therefore he moved the recommendations.

Councillor Gledhill thanked Sean Clark for the excellent report and that it delivered what the borough needed to improve, which in turn would improve the business rate income.

Councillor Ray thanked Councillor J. Kent for his presentation and Sean Clark for the thorough report.

Upon being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in favour of the recommendations, whereupon the Deputy Mayor declared this to be carried.

RESOLVED

1.         That the Council approve the Treasury Management Strategy for 2016/17 and its application to 2015/16 including approval of the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement for 2016/17 and its application to 2015/16.

2.         That the Council approve the adoption of the Prudential Indicators as set out in the report.

3.         That the delegate the approval of any changes to the Prudential Indicators to Cabinet where required due to the delivery mechanism for affordable homes in the borough as outlined in the report

4.         That the Council note the revised 2015/16 and 2016/17 Treasury Management projections as set out in the report.

Councillor Speight, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, introduced the report following the 12 February 2014 Cabinet giving authorisation for the preparation of a new Local Plan to guide the future development of Thurrock.

The preparation and publication of the Thurrock Local Plan Issues and Options (Stage 1) Consultation represented the first key stage in the plan making process and provided the local community and stakeholders with their first opportunity to help shape the future development of the borough.

Councillor Speight stated that a draft Thurrock Design Strategy for public consultation will also be published. The intention of this Strategy was to promote the higher standards of design in Thurrock and provide detailed guidance to developers and landowners.

The consultation of both the Issues and Options and the Strategy would run for a six week period beginning on Friday 26 February.

Councillor Hebb stated that every resident in Thurrock needed to be engaged and encouraged to read and contribute to the consultation process.

Councillor S. Little asked how specifically the engagement of residents in rural communities would take place.

Councillor Ojetola welcomed and thanked the portfolio holder for his report and stated that on Planning Committees discussions had taken place on grey areas of the development plan and that it was a good opportunity for everyone to contribute to the way forward. Councillor Ojetola also wished David Bull a well-deserved retirement.

Councillor Gledhill also thanked David Bull for his hard work and was sorry to see him go.

Councillor Gledhill stated his support for the recommendation and that it was important for the Council to get the consultation right and obtain as many views of local residents as possible.

Councillor Hamilton asked for an update on the renovation the State Cinema in Grays. Councillor Speight would provide an update outside of the committee.

Councillor Jones stated that it was an excellent report and  that Officers had attended local forums and explained to residents in rural areas in the past, which he felt might help Cllr S. Little’s community.

Councillor Speight would liaise with Councillor S. Little on how best to consult with rural communities outside of the committee.

At 9.16pm, the Deputy Mayor moved a motion to suspend Council Procedure Rule 11.1 to allow the meeting to continue beyond the 2.5 hour time limit until completion of business. Members indicated their agreement to the proposal.

Councillor G. Rice stated how important this document was and how it attracted a high network of families; with regard to the timetable could this Plan move forward before the Lower Thames Crossing or Option D had been agreed. Councillor Speight stated that the consultation paper consisted of 40 questions some of which related to the Lower Thames Crossing. Councillor Speight would provide an update in writing of progress to Members once this information was to hand.

Councillor Speight also stated that outreach work was to take place with proposed road shows. Dates and times of these roadshows were not known at present but these would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 151.

Councillor J. Kent, Leader of the Council, introduced the interim report following a governance review where the constitution working group had met over the last year to discuss best practices and potential protocols.

It was recommended that the setting of the Council Tax Base and the Determining the Collection Fund Balance should be delegated to the section 151 Officer.

Members were then referred to 14 other areas of the constitution working group which they seek the permission of Council to continue investigating and exploring before coming back to Council. 

Councillor Ojetola thanked the Constitution Working Group for their hard work, time and openness. It was suggested that a time frame be added to the recommendations and asked that this item be returned to Council for an update.

Councillor Ray, as a member of the Constitution Working Group, thanked all Members that turned up the meetings. He noted that no UKIP member was on this group.

Councillor J. Kent agreed the urgency of this document but due to time constraints this item might not appear on the agenda in time for Annual Council. It was recommended that it was brought back in September 2016.

Upon being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in favour of the recommendations, whereupon the Deputy Mayor declared this to be carried.

RESOLVED

1.         That the options discussed at Constitutional Working Group set out in the report were investigated further for best practice and that potential protocols, changes to procedures or draft amendments to the Constitution be developed for consideration where appropriate.

2.         That the pursuant to the recommendation that the function of setting the Council Tax Base and Determining the Collection Fund Balance be delegated to the section 151 Officer.

Councillor J. Kent, Leader of the Council, directed Members to the report in the agenda and reiterated that no matter what the status of a school was in the borough, the Council remained determined to work with everyone at that place of learning and offer help where required to ensure that school was as good as it could be.

Councillor J. Kent briefly commented on:

•           Thurrock Education Alliance - excellent progress in developing strong partnership work both between schools of all types and the Council.

•           Thurrock Education Awards - how pleased Councillor J. Kent was to see so many Members at the awards in November which were a true celebration of the success of the Council schools.

•           Early Years - Continue to improve and shows a further rise in pupils achieving a Good level of Development.

•           Key Stage 1 - At, or very close, to the national average.

•           Young People Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) – Confident that each NEET in the borough is known to the Council and that the number of under 16s is below average.

•           Continuation of the Arts and Cultural Entitlement – There were now 28 schools involved in the pathfinder programme commissioned by the Royal Opera House.

•           GCSE Results – Saw a dip locally and nationally following the change in grade boundaries.

Councillor Ojetola left the Council Chambers at 9.30pm

Councillor Gledhill stated that 1 in 5 jobs were logistically based in Thurrock and asked the Leader of the Council what help was available to re-train adults or those later in life to find logistic or non-logistic employment. Councillor J. Kent stated that the Council was working with the Thurrock Business Board and industrial experts in the borough, including the Ports, to get a logistic academy up and running to enable adults to re-train.

Councillor Halden asked what plans were in place in helping smaller schools or those schools that standalone to help nurture relationships with each other.

Councillor J. Kent stated there were some small schools in close proximity to each other which some have already federated but stated that it would be a real mistake for the Council to be prescriptive about the right size of a multi academy trust. The Council would offer any help, guidance or support for those schools that would like to merge.

Councillor S. Little asked with INSPIRE what specific schemes were available for Thurrock care leavers. Councillor J. Kent referred to a scheme promoted by The Prince’s Trust who work with all care leavers; the Princes Trust had invited Members to see The Prince’s Trust in action and would encourage all Members to do this.

Councillor Kerin asked for information on the regional school commissioner responsible for raising standards in the Academy in Thurrock. Councillor J. Kent stated that academies were not accountable to local authorities or to the minister but accountable to the regional school commissioner for the east, Tim Culson, based in Cambridge who had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 153.

Councillor Pothecary introduced the report which covered a very wide range of statutory services with the overall aim of protecting the public and developing the community in Thurrock. In doing so, Councillor Pothecary highlighted some of the key achievements of the Portfolio:

•           Public Protection brings together a number of services designed to keep Thurrock residents safe and include Environmental Protection, Civil Protection, Thurrock Community Safety Partnership, Trading Standards, Licensing, Health and Safety and the Food Safety Team.

•           Highlight from this year is the focus on pursuing Fly Tippers – With the result of 13 offences so far this year with further prosecutions in the pipeline.

•           Excellent work on trading standards – from faulty hover boards to unhealthy, illegal imported puppies, work continues by the team to keep Thurrock residents safe.

•           A large part of this role has been working with Essex Police and holding them to account.

•           As Portfolio Holder, attending on the Police & Crime Panel in Chelmsford holding the Police Crime Commissioner to account on Thurrock’s behalf.

•           Concerns over the recent inspection on the Essex Police which echoed some of the major concerns of Thurrock on Police cuts.

•           Parking regulation and enforcement management – An increase in train commuters parking in residential areas has resulted in the implementation of resident parking permits.

•           Community development across the borough to build really strong communities.

Councillor Gledhill asked how the Council could force landlords and owners of public living spaces to clean up rubbish.

Councillor Roast suggested that the Council invite the Chief Constable and the Crime Commissioner back to Council to discuss what plans they have to keep Thurrock residents safe.

Councillor Pothecary apologised for not being at January Council and if Members were in agreement she would invite the Chief Constable and the Crime Commissioner back to Council.

Councillor Hague left the Council Chambers at 9.48pm

Councillor Cherry commented on the nuisance of quad bikes in the Chadwell St Mary Ward and asked what more could the portfolio holder do to stop this. Councillor Pothecary agreed that it was anti-social behaviour taking place in public spaces and that communication with Essex Police had taken place. Councillor Pothecary urged residents to report every incident as the Police were looking for trends in data.

Councillor Cherry asked what measures were being taken to secure Claudian Way against Traveller incursions. Councillor Pothecary did not have this information to hand but would supply Councillor Cherry with an update.

Councillor Kerin asked the portfolio holder what the pollution levels were in London Road, Grays. Councillor Pothecary stated that London Road was one of the worst areas for bad air population and that an Air Pollution Plan was in place.

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 2 (Rule 14) of the Council’s Constitution.

The Mayor informed the Chamber that one question to the Leader of the Council had been received and no questions to Cabinet Members, Committee Members appointed to represent the Council on a Joint Committee were received.

A copy of the transcript of questions and answers can be found at Appendix A of these minutes.

A report from Councillor Cathy Kent regarding Coalhouse Fort was tabled at the meeting.

The Minutes of Committees, as set out in the Agenda, were received.

Members received an information report updating them on progress in respect of Motions resolved at Council over the past year.

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 2 (Rule 15) of the Council’s Constitution.

Councillor Aker introduced his Motion and requested that it be altered to accommodate Councillor Gerrish’s amendment but to change the word “or” for “and”. Councillor Aker felt that this was a small change which had a significant impact. The meeting agreed to this alteration and it was seconded by Councillor Snell.

The Motion therefore read as follows:

“Thurrock Council calls on C2C rail company to return to its pre-December 13th timetable and to swiftly add sufficient carriages to the current timetable to adequately cover the demand for services in Thurrock”.

Councillor Aker stated that the Motion had been raised due to the chaos the changes to the C2C timetables on the 13 December 2015 had caused residents. Councillor Aker confirmed that he met with C2C in December who promised flexibility in elements of the timetable and that more carriages would be provided.

Councillor Aker urged Members to put pressure on C2C to deal with these issues now and to seek advice from the legal team to identify if C2C were in breach of the franchise agreement.

Councillor Gerrish proposed the tabled amendment which read as follows and was seconded by Councillor J. Kent:

“Thurrock Council calls on C2C rail company to return to its pre-December 13th timetable or to swiftly add sufficient carriages to the current timetable to adequately cover the demand for services in Thurrock”.

Councillor Kent supported the amendment which sent a clear message to C2C that since the franchise of C2C the service had worsened.

Councillor G. Rice, as a commuter on C2C, stated the service was unacceptable and had concerns over the safety of passengers and urged the Chief Executive to meet with C2C.

Councillor Gerrish provided the Members with figures on the current number of peak time trains and carriages for Grays, Chafford Hundred and Ockendon stations.

Councillor B. Little stated the only agenda item on the Planning Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee in March was C2C. Unfortunately no representative from C2C was available to attend. It was apparent that the changes in the timetable and the number of carriages had not worked. Items of work proposed by C2C on signalling and a dual line were in the pipeline.

Councillor B. Little stated that emergency steps needed to be done by C2C to ensure the safety of Thurrock residents.

Councillor Halden supported Councillor Gerrish’s Motion and that C2C needed to act before the summer on health and safety grounds to ensure the safety of passengers.

Councillor Worrall stated that consideration should be given to those residents who did not have their own transport and with the growth in the Tilbury Docks area the need for more carriages was essential.

Councillor Ray stated that C2C had confirmed that they had reached their maximum capacity and that work was proposed on the braking systems and extending tracks.

Councillor Gledhill stated that it was unacceptable that C2C were not able to attend the Overview & Scrutiny in March and that C2C should be made accountable for these  ...  view the full minutes text for item 159.

The Motion, as printed in the Agenda, was proposed by Councillor Jones and seconded by Councillor Snell who reserved his right to speak later. The Motion read as follows:

In light of recent events where the Borough of Thurrock was brought to a virtual standstill on the 28th January and 9th February because of events relating to the Dartford crossing, we request that Thurrock Council send a letter to both Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue Services to rethink their proposals to drastically cut essential services to the borough of Thurrock and work with Highways England on an action plan to combat the chronic congestion that affects the whole Borough during such incidents.

A proposed amendment to Motion 2 had been submitted by Councillor Gledhill and seconded by Councillor Halden.

In light of recent events where the Borough of Thurrock was brought to a virtual standstill on the 28th January and 9th February because of events relating to the Dartford Crossing, we request that Thurrock Council send a letter to both Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue Services to work with Thurrock Council and Highways England on an action plan to combat the chronic congestion that affects the whole Borough during such incidents.

Councillor Gledhill thanked Councillor Jones for putting the Motion forward. The amendment was proposed to differentiate the interpretation of the need of change for the two services and how they should be working with external partners to ensure they were able to implement the efficiencies they proposed. Councillor Gledhill reminded Members of the two recent congestion incidents and stated that having reductions in the Police and Fire Services would not have made any difference in these situations and that the Government could not be blamed for high winds and diesel spills.

Councillor Gledhill stated that the proposals for change that have been put forward would not affect their ability to respond to calls and stated what needed to be done was for the  Police, Fire Service, Thurrock Council and Highways England to get together to talk and ensure when incidents like these happen they were dealt with appropriately.

Councillor C. Holloway stated he was in support of the original Motion, as further retraction of services would affect the health and safety of the borough.

Councillor Speight stated that he agreed with the original Motion, it covered all the ground needed but stated that any further discussions should be wider ranged across the borough to ensure that the Ports were included in strategic discussions.

Councillor Hebb stated that having a plan between the Council, Highways England and the emergency services was vital and supported Councillor Gledhill’s amendment.

Councillor J. Kent, spoke against Councillor Gledhill’s amendment and confirmed that the Chief Executive had met with the Police at a high level since those two incidents to look at a plan to get police officers onto key roundabouts and junctions and keep the traffic flowing. Councillor J. Kent stated that this could not be done if cuts  ...  view the full minutes text for item 160.