Agenda and draft 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.ukprior to the meeting, stating the reason for absence.

Standing Order 30(d)(v) permits the appointment of substitute Councillors to a Committee whose role is to replace ordinary  ...  view the full agenda text for item H279

An apology for absence was received from Councillor O Collins, Councillor G Meadows attended as a substitute.

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.

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2025/26 Municipal Year.

The Chair called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor J Treloar or O Collins be elected. There being no other nominations a vote was taken. The result being unanimous in favour of Councillor Treloar.

Resolved:

That, Councillor J Treloar  ...  view the full minutes text for item H281

a) To receive and consider the minutes of the Halls, Cemeteries and Allotments Minutes held on 17 March 2025;

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

The minutes of the Halls, Cemeteries & Allotments Committee meeting held on 17 March 2025 were received.

H154 – The Town Clerk reported that Witney Allotment Association had been written to requesting that they update their waiting list. Whilst a response had been received from WAA North a response was awaited  ...  view the full minutes text for item H282

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.

The Committee received representations from two members of Witney Allotment Association South Sub-Committee concerning Agenda Item 11.

The Town Clerk read a statement forwarded by the Site Representative of Lakeside Allotments which detailed their thoughts on the officer’s report to be considered under agenda  ...  view the full minutes text for item H283

To receive and consider the report of the Operations Manager.

With the permission of the Chair, the item was moved up the agenda so that the members of public present could hear the discussion and outcome.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Operations Manager as well as hearing earlier the words of the Site Representative for Lakeside  ...  view the full minutes text for item H284

The Members of the public left the meeting along with the Operations Manager at 6:45pm

To note (formulate or delegate a response if appropriate) the upcoming EHRC public consultation following the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of "sex" under the Equality Act 2010, and to consider any implications for the provision of single-sex and staff toilet facilities at the Corn Exchange and other public  ...  view the full agenda text for item H285

With the permission of the Chair, the item was moved up the agenda.

The Committee had been asked to note the intention that EHRC were imminently to issue a public consultation following the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of "sex" under the Equality Act 2010 and to consider any  ...  view the full minutes text for item H285

Cllr A Bailey left the meeting at 7:05pm

To review the Committee Terms of Reference (TOR) if appropriate.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

It was proposed by Cllr R Smith, seconded by Cllr J Robertshaw that the following recommended changes to the current Terms of Reference be made.

• (e) To oversee the management of Hailey Road, Lakeside, Newland and Windrush Place  ...  view the full minutes text for item H286

To receive and consider the report of the Town Clerk/C.E.O concerning the priorities of this Committee during 2025/26.

The Committee received the detailed report of the Town Clerk/CEO along with a verbal update concerning the Committee Objectives & Work Plan for 2025/26.

No additional objectives or changes were request by Members.

Resolved:

That, the Committee Objectives & Work Plan for 2025/26 be noted.

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Venue & Events Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of new Venue & Events Officer and offered him their best wishes.

The V&EO answered Members’ questions which related to clarification of the maintenance of the charity clothes bank at Burwell Hall as well as outlining the need for changes to the Corn  ...  view the full minutes text for item H288

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Venue & Events Officer.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Venue & Events Officer which provided an update on the activity of the Corn Exchange events.

Members were pleased to receive the updated data on the attendance figures as requested by them previously and to hear of new events that were being  ...  view the full minutes text for item H289