Agenda and minutes

As there was no legislation in place for the Town Council to hold virtual meetings, and because of the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, the Stronger Communities Committee formed virtually as an Advisory Committee. Any recommendations outside of the current work programme, budget or policy would require ratification at the Full Council meeting held on 14 February 2022.

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Democratic & Legal Services Officer (democracy@witney-tc.gov.uk) prior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 30(a)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role  ...  view the full agenda text for item SC28

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ashbourne, Eaglestone and Prosser.

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any items under consideration at this meeting in accordance with the Town Council’s Code of Conduct.

Councillor Collins declared a pecuniary interest in Item No. 11 – Finance & Budget Report by virtue of being an employee of West Oxfordshire Community Transport who received funding from the Town Council. Councillor Collins indicated he would leave the meeting if there was any discussion regarding that part of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC29

a)            To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2021.

b)            Matters arising from the minutes not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (Questions on the progress of any item).

Councillor Collins clarified that his declaration of interest made at the meeting was pecuniary due to being employed by West Oxfordshire Community Transport.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2021, as amended, were adopted and signed as a correct record by the Chair.

Minute SC573 – Public  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC30

The meeting will adjourn for this item.

Members of the public may speak for a maximum of five minutes each during the period of public participation, in line with Standing Order 42.  Matters raised shall relate to the following items on the agenda.

The Committee adjourned for this item.

Mr Jeff Hunter representing Courtside CIC who operate facilities at The Leys addressed the committee in respect of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The Committee reconvened following public participation.

To receive the minutes of the meetings of the Platinum Jubilee Working Party held on 8 December 2021 and 18 January 2022.

The committee considered the minutes of the Platinum Jubilee Working Party held on 8 December 2021 and 18 January 2022.

Councillor Aitman, Chair of the Working Party, outlined discussion that had taken place and thanked Mr Hunter for his offer to help the Town Council with the celebrations. Members concurred  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC32

To receive and consider the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

The Committee considered the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

Members thanked officers for the recently published newsletter which had been very informative and well received. A quote had been sought for the next publication and the committee was being asked to approve the costs within the existing budget  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC33

To receive and consider the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer.

The report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer was considered.

Members considered the content of the annual satisfaction survey and areas to focus on. It was agreed that the survey needed to have broad strategic aims, be within the remit of the Town Council and for it to be clear  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC34

To receive and consider the report of the Operations & Estates Advisor.

The report of Operations & Estates Advisor was received.

Members thanked Mr Taylor for his fundraising for the purchase of a defibrillator and cabinet at the Lake & Country Park. It was noted that Bouyges E&S Solutions UK Ltd had also undertaken installation work free of charge as part of its  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC35

To receive and consider the report of the Projects Officer.

The report of the Project Officer was considered.

The committee expressed their support for the installation of cycle racks and a bin at the Burwell bus shelter as it was considered that its proximity to the local shops and providing safe cycle parking for shop and bus users made it  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC36

To receive and consider the report of the Projects Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Project Officer.

Members expressed their support for the installation of an information board and it was noted that the proposed cost was within budget and the plastic used was recycled. The committee agreed the proposed wording but it was requested that, if  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC37

To consider the report of the Town Clerk.

Consideration was given to the report of the Town Clerk seeking a review of budgets allocated to the committee in light of decisions taken by the Council when setting its precept.

Members noted the present position and it was suggested that the £10k currently allocated in the revenue budget for  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC38