Agenda and minutes

To consider apologies and reasons for absence.

Committee members who are unable to attend the meeting should notify the Committee Clerk derek.mackenzie@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 is to replace ordinary  ...  view the full agenda text for item SC601

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ashby, Cherry, Aitman and Bailey. Cllr G Doughty attended as a substitute for Cllr Ashby.

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.

There were no declarations of interest from members or officers.

a)            To adopt and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th September 2023

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

The minutes of the meeting of the Stronger Communities committee held on 18 September 2023 were received.

Updates were provided on:

SC485 – The Chair advised members that Councillor Aitman had confirmed that Witney Music Festival would be applying to the West Oxfordshire District Council’s Westhive scheme for additional funding  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC603

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.

There was no public participation.

To receive the report of the RFO.

The Committee received the report of the Responsible Financial Officer along with a verbal update from the Town Clerk.

In addition to hearing about revenue growth items and special revenue/capital projects, Members discussed the request from West Oxfordshire District Council for a contribution of £10,000 toward the costs of running  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC605

To receive the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

The Committee received the report of the Deputy Town Clerk which provided the outcomes of the resident’s satisfaction survey.

Members were pleased to see the very positive responses to the Foral Display and Christmas Lights and the action that had already been taken to address concerns about the Bus Shelter  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC606

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

The Committee received the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer which provided an update ahead of the preparation of the Spring 2024 Newsletter to residents and the Council’s 50^th Anniversary in 2024.

Members discussed the items covered in the report and were very keen to commence campaigns to  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC607

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

The Committee received the report of the Communications & Community Engagement Officer outlining upcoming Community events.

Members had numerous ideas for how the council could mark the 50^th Anniversary of becoming a Town Council, such as the launch of an annual speaking and debate competition for school children, a 50  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC608

To receive the notes of the Witney Town Partnership meeting held on 19 September 2023.

Members received a verbal update from the Town Clerk/C.E.O following the meeting of the Witney Town Partnership held on 19 September 2023.

Members were advised that the next meeting was due to be held later that week and that stakeholders in the Partnership had recently carried out a walk around  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC609

To receive the notes of the Youth Council task and finish group held on Monday 6 November and consider any recommendations contained therein.

The Committee received notes of the Youth Council Task & Finish Group meeting held 6 November 2023.

Resolved:

That, the summary notes of the meeting be noted and the recommendations therein be approved.

To consider whether it is beneficial for the Town Council to partner with Experience Oxfordshire.

Ther Committee received correspondence from Experience Oxfordshire and considered if the Council should sign up to the scheme.

Members discussed the benefits which included the promotion of events in Council venues, particularly given that the Corn Exchange had had to cancel a recent event due to low uptake of ticket  ...  view the full minutes text for item SC611