Agenda and minutes

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 is to replace ordinary Councillors at a meeting of a Committee if ordinary Councillors of the Committee have confirmed to the Proper Officer before the meeting that they are unable to attend.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ashbourne, Bolger, Butterfield, Eaglestone, Gwatkin, Jones and King

Members are reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in any of the 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.

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 and consider the report of the Town Clerk/RFO along with the draft revised revenue budget for 2021/22 and the estimates for 2022/23, and the revised Capital, Special Revenue & Revenue Growth Projects Programme for 2021/22, and estimates for 2022/23.

Members received and considered the report of the Town Clerk.

In response to a question clarification was given on the budget allocation for the operation of the splash park at The Leys.

A member said that the Conservative Group would like to see a more detailed Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and thanked the Town Clerk for her hard work in preparing the budget.

In response a Labour member acknowledged the concern but emphasised the unique situation over the past 18 months that had meant income and expenditure was more difficult to predict.

It was proposed by Councillor Enright and seconded by Councillor Collins that the Precept increase should be in line with inflation and therefore be set at 4.9%.

It was highlighted that this would mean that further savings would be required and each committee would need to review priorities to meet the new budget parameters if adopted. Members indicated that the budget would need to be strictly adhered to and it was important to maintain a healthy reserve.

On being put to the vote the proposition was carried with six members voting for, one member voting against and three abstentions.

Resolved: that the report be noted and:-

1.       that the revised budget for 2021/2022 as presented be adopted; and

2.       that the estimated budget for 2022/23 be further scrutinised by the spending Committees during the next cycle of meetings in order to identify savings to fit the budget into the parameters now agreed on the level of Precept increase – limited to 4.9%.

To receive and consider the report of the Town Clerk/RFO and if appropriate, declare the Precept for 2022/23.

The Council received and considered the report of the Town Clerk.

The proposal was to increase the precept by 4.9% which equated to £167.01 per annum for a band D property.

Resolved:

that the report be noted and that the Town Clerk be authorised to sign and serve a precept on the West Oxfordshire District Council, in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), requiring the District Council to pay the Town Council the sum of £1,829,398 in respect of Council Tax for the town during the financial year 2022/23.

Members should note the creation of a 20mph Speed Restriction Working Party to establish details of a pilot scheme in Witney in conjunction with Oxfordshire County Council. Those nominated at the meeting under minute no P644 were Councillors J Aitman, T Ashby, L Duncan, A Prosser and R Smith together with Councillor Andrew Coles (Chair of Witney TAC). If any other members would like to join this Working Party, they should declare their interest.

The Chair of the Committee presented the above minutes to Council and moved their acceptance.

It was reported that, at a recent District Council planning meeting, the Town Council had been commended on the quality of its responses to planning consultations. Members thanked officers for their support at meetings and expertise in dealing with planning submissions.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the Climate, Biodiversity & Planning Advisory Committee meetings held on 14 December 2021 and 4 January 2022 be received and any recommendations therein approved.

To consider whether the Council’s cyclical Committee meetings should be held virtually from January 2022 onwards.

This would mean committees revert to being advisory and would re-affirm delegations in place to the Town Clerk on any other urgent matters.

The Council considered whether committee meetings should be held virtually from January 2022 meaning they would revert to being advisory with delegations in place for urgent matters.

Members considered that this should be supported as it allowed members and others who could not attend ‘in person’ meetings to participate. It was suggested, and agreed, that the situation should be reviewed at each future Council meeting.

Resolved:

1.       That, the Council’s cyclical committee meetings be held virtually from January 2022 and be advisory with delegations to the Town Clerk on any other urgent matters; and

2.       That, the situation regarding meetings be reviewed at each future Council meeting.