Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council

DONCASTER METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL MEETING

8TH MARCH, 2012

A MEETING of the COUNCIL was held at the MANSION HOUSE, DONCASTER, on THURSDAY, 8TH MARCH, 2012, at 2.00 p.m.

PRESENT:

Chair - Councillor Eva Hughes Vice-Chair - Councillor Chris Mills Mayor - Peter Davies Deputy Mayor - Councillor Patricia Schofield

Councillors Patricia Bartlett, Joe Blackham, Susan Bolton, Andrew Bosmans, Elsie Butler, Paul Coddington, Richard Cooper-Holmes, Tony Corden, Linda Curran, Eddie Dobbs, Bob Ford, Marilyn Green, Stuart Hardy, Barbara Hedley, Rachel Hodson, Charlie Hogarth, David Holland, Sandra Holland, Moira Hood, Barbara Hoyle, Mick Jameson, Bob Johnson, Alan Jones, Glyn Jones, R. Allan Jones, Ros Jones, Ken Keegan, Ted Kitchen, Pat Knight, Sue Knowles, Chris McGuinness, John McHale, Hilary McNamee, Bill Mordue, John Mounsey, Ray Mullis, David Nevett, Susan Phillips, Pat Porritt, Cynthia Ransome, Tony Revill, Kevin Rodgers, John Sheppard, Mark Thompson, Sue Wilkinson, Jonathan Wood, Yvonne Woodcock and Doreen Woodhouse.

APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Jill Arkley-Jevons, Joe Blackham, Marilyn Green, Cliff Hampson, Karen Hampson, Stuart Hardy, Beryl Harrison, Barbara Hedley, Deborah Hutchinson, Barry Johnson J.P., Jane Kidd, Margaret Pinkney, Craig Sahman, Eric Tatton-Kelly, Austen White and Martin Williams.

109. DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTEREST

Councillor Andrew Bosmans declared a Personal interest in Agenda Item No. 12, ‘Appointments of Outside Bodies – Robin Hood Airport Consultative Committee Noise Monitoring and Environment Sub-Committee’, by virtue of being the Chair and member of the Friends of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Councillor Glyn Jones declared a Personal Interest in Agenda Item No. 6, ‘Corporate Plan 2012/13’, by virtue of working for an organisation which was funded the ‘Big Lottery’ which assisted people with personalisation in Doncaster and Rotherham.

A.1 110. TO RECEIVE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR OF COUNCIL, THE MAYOR, MEMBERS OF THE CABINET OR THE HEAD OF THE PAID SERVICE

The Chair of Council, Councillor Eva Hughes, announced that a Doncaster Council tenant, who had worked tirelessly for her local community, had won a prestigious award. Mavis Williams who is 86 years old from Wheatley, had been awarded the title ‘Tenant of the Year’ for the Northern Region in the awards run by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service. Mavis would now go into the national finals to try and clinch the national title. Despite periods of ill health, much of Mavis’ retired life had been dedicated to working for the benefit of tenants and residents in Doncaster. Therefore, on behalf of the Council, the Chair of Council congratulated Mavis on her recent achievement and sent her the Council’s best wishes for success in the national final.

In addition, the Chair announced that at her Charity Ball on the 24th February, 2012 at Scarborough Barracks, over £3,500 was raised. She thanked all of those that came to the Ball, who gave donations and paid for Auction Items.

The Chair of Council also drew Members attention to the presence at today’s meeting of one of the Independent Standards Committee Members, Gary Swann, who was sat at the back of the Chamber.

111. COUNCIL TAX AND STATUTORY RESOLUTIONS 2011/12

Councillor Mark Thompson, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Environment and Sustainability, Waste Disposal and Recycling, presented a report which sought approval of a total level of Council Tax for 2012/13 for Doncaster residents and to approve statutory resolutions in respect of the Revenue Budget and Council Tax for 2012/13, in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992. Members noted that the Localism Act 2011, had made significant changes to the Local Government Finance Act 1992, and now required the Council to set a Council Tax requirement for 2012/13.

It was reported that at its meeting on 23rd February, 2012, the Council considered amendments to the Executive’s Revenue Budget proposals for 2012/13. Subsequently, a Reconvened Council meeting was held on 5th March, 2012, to consider the Executive’s amended Revenue Budget proposals for 2012/13. The report set out the statutory resolutions for approval based on the original budget proposals put forward by the Executive. An addendum to the report with revised figures, was issued to all Elected Members prior to this meeting. Members were informed that the Executive’s original Revenue Budget proposals were based on a revenue expenditure budget of £485.7m covering all funding sources including Formula Grant, Council Tax, Collection Fund surplus, Specific Grants, Fees and Charges, Uncommitted Reserves and Other Income.

A.2 The precepts and Council Tax set by the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority and the South Yorkshire Police Authority, were outlined in paragraph 8 of the report, which represented a 3.95% increase from 2011/12 for a Band D property. When the Joint Authority Council Tax increases were combined with the tax freeze for Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, this represented a 0.59% increase from the 2011/12 Council Tax for Doncaster Residents for a Band D property of £1,301.80.

A vote was taken on the recommendations contained in the report, which was declared as follows:-

For - 48

Against - 0

Abstain - 0

On being put to the meeting, the recommendations contained in the report were CARRIED by 48 votes to 0 (0 Abstentions).

RESOLVED that the level of the Council Tax for 2012/13 and the appropriate statutory resolutions, as set out below, be approved:-

(1) that it be noted that the Council has calculated the amount of 85,505 as its Council Tax Base for the year 2012/2013 in accordance with Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended, and Regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, as amended:-

(a) 85,505 being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended, and Regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, as amended, as its Council Tax Base for the 2012/2013 year.

A.3 (b) Part of the Council’s Area Tax Base

Adwick on Dearne 112 Armthorpe 4,088 Askern 1,397 Auckley 1,133 Austerfield 205 Barnburgh and 654 Harlington Barnby Dun with Kirk 2,733 Sandall Bawtry 1,338 Blaxton 403 Braithwell with 426 Micklebring Brodsworth 824 Burghwallis 127 Cantley with Branton 1,025 Clayton with Frickley 96 Conisbrough Parks 124 Denaby 125 Edenthorpe 1,425 Edlington 1,928 Finningley 581 Fishlake 247 Hampole and 84 Skelbrooke Hatfield 4,392 Hickleton 106 High Melton 106 Hooton Pagnell 91 Loversall 57 Moss and District 287 Norton 1,446 Owston 58 Rossington 3,667 Sprotbrough and 3,885 Cusworth Stainforth 1,532 Stainton 102 Sykehouse 181 Thorne - Moorends 4,649 Thorpe in Balne 78 Tickhill 2,083 Wadworth 403 Warmsworth 1,168

A.4 being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amounts of its Council Tax Base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more parish precepts relate.

(2) Calculate that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2012/13 (excluding parish precepts) is £94,201,583;

(3) that the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2012/2013 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:-

(a) £707,174,924 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all Parish Precepts; (Gross expenditure of the Council, including Schools, the Housing Revenue Account and Parishes).

(b) £611,029,417 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act; (Total Income including Formula Grant).

(c) £96,145,507 being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year; (Council Tax requirement including Parishes).

(d) £1,124.44 being the amount at 3(c) above divided by the amount at 1(a) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year; (including Parish Precepts).

(e) £1,943,924 being the aggregate amount of Parish Precepts referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act.

(f) £1,101.71 being the amount at 3(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 3(e) above by the amount at 1(a) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in

A.5 those parts of its area to which no Parish Precept relates; (Council Tax at Band D for Doncaster M.B.C. services).

(g) Part of the Council’s Area £

Adwick on Dearne 1132.07 Armthorpe 1152.71 Askern 1166.18 Auckley 1126.42 Austerfield 1142.60 Barnburgh and Harlington 1147.58 Barnby Dun with Kirk Sandall 1136.84 Bawtry 1121.14 Blaxton 1153.22 Braithwell with Micklebring 1113.45 Brodsworth 1135.63 Burghwallis 1133.21 Cantley with Branton 1127.47 Clayton with Frickley 1138.17 Conisbrough Parks 1127.92 Denaby 1114.46 Edenthorpe 1130.48 Edlington 1163.43 Finningley 1139.43 Fishlake 1242.60 Hampole and Skelbrooke 1105.83 Hatfield 1140.14 Hickleton 1154.77 High Melton 1124.35 Hooton Pagnell 1140.17 Loversall 1117.50 Moss and District 1121.92 Norton 1139.75 Owston 1114.64 Rossington 1133.73 Sprotbrough and Cusworth 1142.31 Stainforth 1203.86 Stainton 1125.19 Sykehouse 1143.15 Thorne - Moorends 1180.38 Thorpe in Balne 1120.94 Tickhill 1121.87 Wadworth 1127.76 Warmsworth 1135.96

A.6 being the amounts given by adding to the amount at 3(f) above the amounts of the parish precepts relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council's area mentioned above divided in each case by the amount at 1(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which Parish Precepts relate.

(h)

BAND A BAND B BAND C BAND D BAND E BAND F BAND G BAND H Part of the Council's Area £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ DONCASTER 734.47 856.89 979.30 1101.71 1346.53 1591.36 1836.18 2203.42 (except where specified below) Adwick on Dearne 754.71 880.50 1006.29 1132.07 1383.64 1635.21 1886.78 2264.14 Armthorpe 768.47 896.56 1024.63 1152.71 1408.86 1665.03 1921.18 2305.42 Askern 777.45 907.03 1036.61 1166.18 1425.33 1684.48 1943.63 2332.36 Auckley 750.94 876.11 1001.26 1126.42 1376.73 1627.05 1877.36 2252.84 Austerfield 761.73 888.69 1015.65 1142.60 1396.51 1650.42 1904.33 2285.20 Barnburgh and Harlington 765.05 892.57 1020.07 1147.58 1402.59 1657.62 1912.63 2295.16 Barnby Dun with Kirk Sandall 757.89 884.21 1010.53 1136.84 1389.47 1642.10 1894.73 2273.68 Bawtry 747.42 872.00 996.57 1121.14 1370.28 1619.43 1868.56 2242.28 Blaxton 768.81 896.95 1025.09 1153.22 1409.49 1665.76 1922.03 2306.44 Braithwell with Micklebring 742.30 866.02 989.74 1113.45 1360.88 1608.32 1855.75 2226.90 Brodsworth 757.08 883.27 1009.45 1135.63 1387.99 1640.36 1892.71 2271.26 Burghwallis 755.47 881.39 1007.30 1133.21 1385.03 1636.86 1888.68 2266.42 Cantley with Branton 751.64 876.93 1002.20 1127.47 1378.01 1628.57 1879.11 2254.94 Clayton with Frickley 758.78 885.25 1011.71 1138.17 1391.09 1644.02 1896.95 2276.34 Conisbrough Parks 751.94 877.28 1002.60 1127.92 1378.56 1629.22 1879.86 2255.84 Denaby 742.97 866.81 990.63 1114.46 1362.11 1609.78 1857.43 2228.92 Edenthorpe 753.65 879.27 1004.87 1130.48 1381.69 1632.92 1884.13 2260.96 Edlington 775.62 904.89 1034.16 1163.43 1421.97 1680.51 1939.05 2326.86 Finningley 759.62 886.23 1012.83 1139.43 1392.63 1645.84 1899.05 2278.86 Fishlake 828.40 966.47 1104.54 1242.60 1518.73 1794.87 2071.00 2485.20 Hampole and Skelbrooke 737.22 860.09 982.96 1105.83 1351.57 1597.31 1843.05 2211.66 Hatfield 760.09 886.78 1013.46 1140.14 1393.50 1646.87 1900.23 2280.28 Hickleton 769.84 898.16 1026.46 1154.77 1411.38 1668.00 1924.61 2309.54 High Melton 749.56 874.50 999.42 1124.35 1374.20 1624.06 1873.91 2248.70 Hooton Pagnell 760.11 886.80 1013.49 1140.17 1393.54 1646.91 1900.28 2280.34 Loversall 745.00 869.17 993.34 1117.50 1365.83 1614.17 1862.50 2235.00 Moss and District 747.94 872.61 997.26 1121.92 1371.23 1620.55 1869.86 2243.84 Norton 759.83 886.48 1013.11 1139.75 1393.02 1646.31 1899.58 2279.50 Owston 743.09 866.95 990.79 1114.64 1362.33 1610.04 1857.73 2229.28 Rossington 755.82 881.79 1007.76 1133.73 1385.67 1637.61 1889.55 2267.46 Sprotbrough and Cusworth 761.54 888.47 1015.39 1142.31 1396.15 1650.00 1903.85 2284.62 Stainforth 802.57 936.34 1070.10 1203.86 1471.38 1738.91 2006.43 2407.72 Stainton 750.12 875.15 1000.17 1125.19 1375.23 1625.28 1875.31 2250.38 Sykehouse 762.10 889.12 1016.14 1143.15 1397.18 1651.22 1905.25 2286.30 Thorne - Moorends 786.92 918.08 1049.23 1180.38 1442.68 1704.99 1967.30 2360.76 Thorpe in Balne 747.29 871.85 996.39 1120.94 1370.03 1619.14 1868.23 2241.88 Tickhill 747.91 872.57 997.22 1121.87 1371.17 1620.48 1869.78 2243.74 Wadworth 751.84 877.15 1002.46 1127.76 1378.37 1628.99 1879.60 2255.52 Warmsworth 757.30 883.53 1009.74 1135.96 1388.39 1640.83 1893.26 2271.92

A.7 being the amounts given by multiplying the amounts at 3(f) and 3(g) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in Section 5(1) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands.

(4) that it be noted that for the year 2012/13 the South Yorkshire Police Authority and the South Yorkshire Fire and Civil Defence Authority have stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:-

Precepting Authority Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ South Yorkshire 91.70 106.98 122.27 137.55 168.12 198.68 229.25 275.10 Police Authority

South Yorkshire Fire 41.69 48.64 55.59 62.54 76.44 90.34 104.23 125.08 & Civil Defence Authority

(5) that, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at 3(h) and 4 above, the Council, in accordance with Section 30 and 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2012/2013 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:-

A.8 BAND A BAND B BAND C BAND D BAND E BAND F BAND G BAND H Part of the Council's Area £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ DONCASTER 867.86 1012.51 1157.16 1301.80 1591.09 1880.38 2169.66 2603.60 (except where specified below) Adwick on Dearne 888.10 1036.12 1184.15 1332.16 1628.20 1924.23 2220.26 2664.32 Armthorpe 901.86 1052.18 1202.49 1352.80 1653.42 1954.05 2254.66 2705.60 Askern 910.84 1062.65 1214.47 1366.27 1669.89 1973.50 2277.11 2732.54 Auckley 884.33 1031.73 1179.12 1326.51 1621.29 1916.07 2210.84 2653.02 Austerfield 895.12 1044.31 1193.51 1342.69 1641.07 1939.44 2237.81 2685.38 Barnburgh and Harlington 898.44 1048.19 1197.93 1347.67 1647.15 1946.64 2246.11 2695.34 Barnby Dun with Kirk Sandall 891.28 1039.83 1188.39 1336.93 1634.03 1931.12 2228.21 2673.86 Bawtry 880.81 1027.62 1174.43 1321.23 1614.84 1908.45 2202.04 2642.46 Blaxton 902.20 1052.57 1202.95 1353.31 1654.05 1954.78 2255.51 2706.62 Braithwell with Micklebring 875.69 1021.64 1167.60 1313.54 1605.44 1897.34 2189.23 2627.08 Brodsworth 890.47 1038.89 1187.31 1335.72 1632.55 1929.38 2226.19 2671.44 Burghwallis 888.86 1037.01 1185.16 1333.30 1629.59 1925.88 2222.16 2666.60 Cadeby 867.86 1012.51 1157.16 1301.80 1591.09 1880.38 2169.66 2603.60 Cantley with Branton 885.03 1032.55 1180.06 1327.56 1622.57 1917.59 2212.59 2655.12 Clayton with Frickley 892.17 1040.87 1189.57 1338.26 1635.65 1933.04 2230.43 2676.52 Conisbrough Parks 885.33 1032.90 1180.46 1328.01 1623.12 1918.24 2213.34 2656.02 Denaby 876.36 1022.43 1168.49 1314.55 1606.67 1898.80 2190.91 2629.10 Edenthorpe 887.04 1034.89 1182.73 1330.57 1626.25 1921.94 2217.61 2661.14 Edlington 909.01 1060.51 1212.02 1363.52 1666.53 1969.53 2272.53 2727.04 Finningley 893.01 1041.85 1190.69 1339.52 1637.19 1934.86 2232.53 2679.04 Fishlake 961.79 1122.09 1282.40 1442.69 1763.29 2083.89 2404.48 2885.38 Hampole and Skelbrooke 870.61 1015.71 1160.82 1305.92 1596.13 1886.33 2176.53 2611.84 Hatfield 893.48 1042.40 1191.32 1340.23 1638.06 1935.89 2233.71 2680.46 Hickleton 903.23 1053.78 1204.32 1354.86 1655.94 1957.02 2258.09 2709.72 High Melton 882.95 1030.12 1177.28 1324.44 1618.76 1913.08 2207.39 2648.88 Hooton Pagnell 893.50 1042.42 1191.35 1340.26 1638.10 1935.93 2233.76 2680.52 Loversall 878.39 1024.79 1171.20 1317.59 1610.39 1903.19 2195.98 2635.18 Moss and District 881.33 1028.23 1175.12 1322.01 1615.79 1909.57 2203.34 2644.02 Norton 893.22 1042.10 1190.97 1339.84 1637.58 1935.33 2233.06 2679.68 Owston 876.48 1022.57 1168.65 1314.73 1606.89 1899.06 2191.21 2629.46 Rossington 889.21 1037.41 1185.62 1333.82 1630.23 1926.63 2223.03 2667.64 Sprotbrough and Cusworth 894.93 1044.09 1193.25 1342.40 1640.71 1939.02 2237.33 2684.80 Stainforth 935.96 1091.96 1247.96 1403.95 1715.94 2027.93 2339.91 2807.90 Stainton 883.51 1030.77 1178.03 1325.28 1619.79 1914.30 2208.79 2650.56 Sykehouse 895.49 1044.74 1194.00 1343.24 1641.74 1940.24 2238.73 2686.48 Thorne - Moorends 920.31 1073.70 1227.09 1380.47 1687.24 1994.01 2300.78 2760.94 Thorpe in Balne 880.68 1027.47 1174.25 1321.03 1614.59 1908.16 2201.71 2642.06 Tickhill 881.30 1028.19 1175.08 1321.96 1615.73 1909.50 2203.26 2643.92 Wadworth 885.23 1032.77 1180.32 1327.85 1622.93 1918.01 2213.08 2655.70 Warmsworth 890.69 1039.15 1187.60 1336.05 1632.95 1929.85 2226.74 2672.10

112. CORPORATE PLAN 2012/13

A.9 It was reported that the Corporate Plan had been kept up to date throughout the year, but only ran until the end of this financial year. It had therefore been revised in order to reflect the progress that had been made and to capture the latest priorities, and issues the Council faces during 2012-13.

Members noted that the revised Corporate Plan, as attached as the Appendix to the report, provided a summary of the Council’s key priorities and how they fitted together. However, rather than contain all the detail, the Corporate Plan would link to further information and plans.

Members were informed that the key objectives for delivering the priorities in the Corporate Plan, had been provided by the relevant lead Directorates. These objectives formed the basis of the 2012/13 Directorate Planning process which included developing associated measures of success, actions and risks.

A vote was taken on the recommendations contained in the report, which was declared as follows:-

For - 48

Against - 0

Abstain - 0

On being put to the meeting, the recommendations contained in the report were CARRIED by 48 votes to 0 (0 Abstentions).

RESOLVED that the Corporate Plan 2012/13, be approved.

113. ADOPTION OF THE BARNSLEY, DONCASTER AND ROTHERHAM JOINT WASTE PLAN AS PART OF DONCASTER’S LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

The Council considered a report, presented by Councillor Mark Thompson, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Environment and Sustainability, Waste Disposal and Recycling, which sought approval to adopt the Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham Joint Waste Plan, as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report. It was noted that the Joint Waste Plan had been found to be sound subject to making a number of significant changes by an independent Planning Inspector, following an examination in public, as detailed within Appendix 2 of the report.

It was reported that once adopted, the Joint Waste Plan would form part of the Statutory Development Plan (Local Development Framework) of each of the three Authorities, and would sit alongside each of the Core Strategies. It was anticipated that the Joint Waste Plan would be formally adopted at Full Council in each of the three Authorities.

A.10 Members noted that the Joint Waste Plan took a comprehensive view of the full range of strategic waste management related development to 2026 and covered all types of waste, and not just the municipal waste. The key points to note were the four strategic waste management sites at Hatfield Power Park, Sandall Stones Road, Kirk Sandall, adjacent to Tata Steelworks at Aldwarke in Rotherham and Bolton Road, Manvers. Whilst these four sites had been retained throughout the examination process, a significant change was that the Aldwarke site was now to be shown as a reserve site. In addition to the four strategic sites, the Joint Waste Plan ‘safeguarded’ a number of important existing sites, one of which was the present Grange Lane Transfer Station, and that the Plan had policies for waste related development, including development on non-strategic sites, against which future waste management proposals would be assessed.

Members noted that Bolton Road, Manvers, which was located in Rotherham MBC, but near the Barnsley and Doncaster boundaries and visible from Bolton upon Dearne, was the preferred site for the municipal PFI waste project and therefore, the one that had received the most publicity throughout the process. The planning application for this site had been submitted to Rotherham MBC. The Joint Waste Plan did not carry full weight as a material consideration in determining the planning application until adopted. However, significant weight could be given as the Inspector’s report had been received and was favourable.

RESOLVED that

(1) the Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham Joint Waste Plan, be adopted; and

(2) authority be given to the Assistant Director (Development) to carry out all steps required for formal adoption of the Joint Waste Plan in accordance with the planning regulations.

114. PAY POLICY STATEMENT 2012/13

The Council considered a report, presented by Councillor David Holland, Vice-Chair of the Employee Relations Committee, which sought approval of the Council’s Pay Policy Statement.

It was reported that in March 2011, the Hutton Review of Fair Pay, made several recommendations for promoting pay fairness in the public sector by tackling disparity between the lowest and highest paid. Subsequently, Local Authorities were now required under Section 38(1) of the Localism Act 2011, to prepare a Pay Policy Statement which must clearly detail the Council’s policy for the pay of the workforce, particularly senior staff and lowest paid employees.

A.11 Members noted that the provisions of the Localism Act did not apply to the employees of Local Authority Schools and therefore, unless they were centrally employed, teaching staff were not within the scope of the policy. Each Local Authority was an individual employer in its own right and had the autonomy to make decisions on pay that were appropriate to local circumstances, and which delivered value for money for local taxpayers. The provisions of the Localism Act did not seek to change this or, to determine what decisions about pay should be taken, but they did require each Local Authority to be more open about their own policies in relation to pay, and how related decisions were made.

Councillor Kevin Rodgers MOVED a Motion that the following sentence be inserted after the words ‘this policy statement’, within the section headed ‘Policy on the relationship between Chief Officer remuneration and that of other staff’ on pages 124 and 125 of the Appendix to the report:-

“The Employee Relations Committee should consider the possibility of adopting a specific pay ratio policy and the issue of a Living Wage policy as resolved at the Council meeting on the 19th January, 2012.”

The Motion to amend the Appendix to the report, was SECONDED by Councillor Rachel Hodson.

A vote was taken on the Motion proposed by Councillor Kevin Rodgers, which was declared as follows:-

For – 37

Against – 10

Abstain – 1

On being put to the meeting, the Motion to amend the Pay Policy Statement, proposed by Councillor Kevin Rodgers, was declared CARRIED by 37 votes to 10 (1 Abstention).

A vote was then taken on the Substantive Motion, which was declared as follows:-

For – 44

Against – 3

Abstain – 0

On being put to the meeting, the Substantive Motion was declared CARRIED by 44 votes to 3 (0 Abstentions).

A.12 RESOLVED that the Pay Policy Statement be approved for adoption on 1st April, 2012, subject to the following sentence being inserted after the 5th sentence in the section headed ‘Policy on the relationship between Chief Officer remuneration and that of other staff’, as set out at the Appendix of the report:-

115. PROPOSED DIARY OF MEETINGS – 2012/13

The Council considered a report which proposed a provisional schedule of meetings for the 2012/13 Municipal Year, prior to formal determination at the Annual Council Meeting on 18th May, 2012. The proposed Diary of Meetings for the 2012/13 Municipal Year, was attached at Appendix A to the report, for Members information.

RESOLVED

(1) that the proposed Diary of Meetings for the 2012/13 Municipal Year, commencing on 7th May, 2012, as attached at Appendix A, be noted;

(2) to note that the final version of the Diary of Meetings will be presented to the Annual Meeting of Council in May, 2012; and

(3) to note that Council will review whether to hold evening meetings of Council and any of its Committees at its Annual Meeting.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 20.5, Councillor Mark Thompson requested that his dissent in respect of the above decision (3), be recorded.

116. DONCASTER CHILDREN’S BOARD UPDATE (Minute No. 77 – 8th December, 2011)

Further to the above Minute, the Chair of Council invited the Chair of the Doncaster Children’s Board, Peter Kemp, to present the report. A copy of the report by the Chair of the Doncaster Children’s Board, was attached at Appendix A.

Members noted that the report provided a summary from the Chair of the Doncaster Children’s Board, with regard to the current progress of the performance and quality of the Council’s Children’s Services. The report highlighted the significance of improved partnership working and system wide leadership in pursuing the outcomes of the Improvement Plan and provided an overview of progress made in key performance areas.

A.13 Members were encouraged by the progress made and expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Peter Kemp, for his leadership and significant contributions to the work undertaken to improve the performance and quality of the Council’s Children’s Services.

Peter Kemp duly responded and stated that the work that had been showcased had been the result of a combined effort by staff and he paid tribute to the efforts of all staff who had contributed to this work. Peter Kemp also expressed his gratitude to Elected Members for their support and contributions made towards the improvement of Children’s Services.

RESOLVED that the report on the Doncaster Children’s Board from the Chair of the Doncaster Children’s Board, Peter Kemp, be noted.

117. INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARDS – DANVM DRAINAGE COMMISSIONERS AND DONCASTER EAST BOARDS (Minute No. 49 – 15th September, 2011)

Further to the above Minute, the Council considered a report, presented by Roger Harvey, Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer, which sought the appointment of representatives to serve on the Doncaster East Drainage Board and the Board of Danvm Drainage Commissioners, following the amalgamation of the existing Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs).

It was reported that at its meeting on 15th September, 2011, Council considered appointments to the Shadow Doncaster East Drainage Board and the Shadow Board of Danvm Commissioners, which were established to oversee the amalgamation of the 14 IDBs within the Borough until 31st March, 2012.

Members were informed that the newly amalgamated Boards of Doncaster East Drainage and the Danvm Commissioners, would be formally constituted from 1st April, 2012. Therefore, the Council was requested to appoint 13 representatives to the Doncaster East Drainage Board and 6 representatives to the Board of Danvm Commissioners, for the period 1st April, 2012 to 31st October, 2013. The representatives appointed would have voting rights and would have liability insurance.

Members noted that the amalgamation of the IDBs should deliver a more strategic approach to water management and drainage across the whole Borough. IDBs were part of a wider group of bodies that the Council contributed to such as the Multi-Agency Flood Forum and the Operational Drainage Group, as part of its overarching role as Lead Local Flood Authority.

It was MOVED by Councillor Sandra Holland and Seconded by Councillor Glyn Jones, that the following representatives be appointed to the Doncaster East Drainage Board:-

A.14 Councillor Joe Blackham Jeff Bloor Roni Chapman Councillor Eddie Dobbs John Hoare Ken Knight Councillor Chris McGuinness Councillor Hilary McNamee Roger Mitchell Martin Oldknow Councillor Tony Revill Stuart Widdowson Sue Wilkinson

On being put to the meeting, the Motion MOVED by Councillor Sandra Holland, was declared CARRIED.

It was MOVED by Councillor Sandra Holland and Seconded by Councillor Glyn Jones, that the following representatives be appointed to the Board of Danvm Drainage Commissioners:-

Terry Grady Les Hunt Councillor Ted Kitchen Councillor Kevin Rodgers Tony Sockett Neville Thornton

RESOLVED that

(1) the following representatives be appointed to the Doncaster East Drainage Board for the period 1st April, 2012 to 31st October, 2013:-

Doncaster East Drainage Board

Councillor Joe Blackham Jeff Bloor Roni Chapman Councillor Eddie Dobbs John Hoare Ken Knight Councillor Chris McGuinness Councillor Hilary McNamee Roger Mitchell Martin Oldknow Councillor Tony Revill Stuart Widdowson Sue Wilkinson

A.15 (2) the following representatives be appointed to the Board of Danvm Drainage Commissioners for the period 1st April, 2012 to 31st October, 2013:-

Board of Danvm Drainage Commissioners

Terry Grady Les Hunt Councillor Ted Kitchen Councillor Kevin Rodgers Tony Sockett Neville Thornton

118. APPOINTMENT OF OUTSIDE BODIES – ROBIN HOOD AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE NOISE MONITORING AND ENVIRONMENT SUB-COMMITTEE

The Council considered a report, presented by Roger Harvey, Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer, which sought the appointment of six representatives to serve on the Robin Hood Airport Consultative Committee Noise Monitoring and Environment Sub- Committee.

It was reported that notification had been received from the Robin Hood Airport Consultative Committee that at its Annual General Meeting held on 19th January, 2012, it was agreed to merge the Noise Monitoring and Community Sub-Committees, to form the Noise Monitoring and Environment Sub-Committee. Therefore, the Council had been requested to appoint representatives drawn from the Armthorpe, Finningley, Hatfield, Rossington and Torne Valley Wards. This was an annual appointment, but due to the impending Annual Meeting, it was recommended that these appointments be made for the period 8th March, 2012, until the Annual Meeting of Council in May, 2013.

It was noted that Members appointed to this outside body would have voting rights and the Sub-Committee would exercise the environmental monitoring responsibilities of the Airport Consultative Committee (ACC). The Sub- Committee would also consider those activities at the Airport which had an environmental impact, it would make recommendations to the ACC where appropriate and it would also act as a link with local communities.

RESOLVED that the following Councillors, drawn from the Armthorpe, Finningley, Hatfield, Rossington and Torne Valley Wards, be appointed to the Robin Hood Airport Consultative Committee Noise Monitoring and Environment Sub-Committee, for the period 8th March, 2012 to the Annual Council meeting in May, 2013:-

A.16 Councillor Tony Corden (Armthorpe Ward) Councillor Yvonne Woodcock (Finningley Ward) Councillor Pat Knight (Hatfield Ward) Councillor Hilary McNamee (Rossington Ward) Councillor Barbara Hoyle (Torne Valley)

119. QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC IN ACCORDANCE WITH COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 12

A. Question from Mr. Tony McCready BSc, 45 Wicklow Road, Intake, Doncaster, DN2 5JZ to Peter Davies, Mayor of Doncaster:-

“96 volunteer Snow Wardens have been active in the City of Sheffield, helping to assist in the de-icing of driveways, pavements, T-junctions; supporting the elderly and topping up wild bird feeder holders. The local city council provided, granulated rock salt, water repellent gloves, snow shovels, ice-grip footwear and high-viz. The east wind from the Siberian massif was causal to the 10cms of snowfall in early February. Can the Elected Mayor quantify the number of Snow Wardens active in the borough of Doncaster and will they be effective in extreme weather conditions, aged 60 years and over?”

The Mayor of Doncaster gave the following response:-

“Thank you for your question Mr. McCready.

The Snow Wardens were introduced for the first time this year. The Wardens were trained in dealing with snow removal from footways in the neighbourhoods while our fleet of gritters and ploughs dealt with the roads, and other staff dealt with the highest priority footways.

All the Wardens received training on how to clear snow, spread salt, health and safety. They were provided with a high visibility tabard, gloves, over shoes, salt and a shovel.

The introduction of the scheme was moderately successful and we will continue with it next year. Further press releases and requests for Wardens will be undertaken to try and increase the numbers of Wardens within the neighbourhoods. We received 26 initial responses and trained 9 Wardens who were active during the recent snow falls. Age was not a consideration. The Council has worked on the principle that as long as these people feel capable of participating, then age should not be an issue. In terms of Sheffield, they always get more snow than Doncaster and more serious problems in this respect, and I am not surprised that they have more volunteers. I know that you are a Snow Warden and I congratulate you for volunteering, and for your public spiritedness.”

A.17 In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.10, Mr. McCready asked the Mayor of Doncaster the following supplementary question:-

“I would like to ask why there was no communication to the volunteer Snow Wardens regarding the presence of the media at their induction. Why was there a lack of transparency in this respect?”

The Mayor of Doncaster gave the following response:-

“I was not aware that the TV cameras were present on that day. If people were upset, I sincerely apologise for this. In future, the Council needs to speak to the people involved and I will bear this in mind for future events.”

120. QUESTIONS BY ELECTED MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULES 14.2 AND 14.3

A. Questions on Notice

No question on notice from Elected Members had been received for this meeting.

B. Questions Without Notice

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.2, the Chair accepted the following questions from Elected Members during “Question Time”:-

A. Questions to Peter Davies, Mayor of Doncaster

Q. Councillor Ros Jones asked the Mayor of Doncaster:-

“Can you explain to the young people and residents of Askern, why you are going ahead with the closure of the current Askern Youth Club premises, without ensuring that the place you want to host the Youth Club from is financially viable? Shakers is known as a pub with no beer and is a place were the young people want to meet. Shakers is run by volunteers and survives on a ‘shoe string’, as grants have dried up. Why Mayor can’t we have a win, win situation by you having a building to sell and for Shakers to be given the current budget. You are well aware that children with disabilities are being transferred to Shakers, which will add to the running costs. Can you make sure the funding is transferred to Shakers. I believe Shakers has gone someway to assist in reducing the anti-social behaviour in our ward. The 2 payments to Shakers currently proposed, do not equate to the current revenue budget for the Youth Centre premises. We need to ensure that places like Shakers continue to exist for young people”

A.18 A. The Mayor of Doncaster gave the following response:-

“I have to look after the Youth Service for the whole of Doncaster, not just for Askern. The Youth Centre was not being used so is being transferred to Shakers. We are paying £5k to transfer Youth Service provision to Shakers and another £11k for students from the Nexus Centre to be transferred. A considerable amount of money has been spent by the Council and is being put into Shakers. I can’t put all the money into Shakers, when there are other Youth Centres in Doncaster.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.7, Councillor Ros Jones asked the Mayor of Doncaster, the following supplementary question:-

Q, “I hear what you have said Mayor Davies, but no other Youth Service in the Borough has taken a hit. If you can identify the other areas of the youth service that have been hit, I will bow to your greater knowledge on this issue?”

The Mayor of Doncaster gave the following response:-

A. “Thank you Councillor Jones for your supplementary question, but as I don’t have the information you have requested at this meeting, I will provide you with a written response. As mentioned previously, everyone has to take a hit. Askern Youth Club has been treated very well. If Shakers does get into a dreadful situation, we would then look at the position at that time. No one wants to see Youth Services withdrawn in the Town.”

Q. Councillor Kevin Rodgers asked the Mayor of Doncaster:-

“Do you think that jettisoning parts of the democratically decided Revenue Budget demonstrates good and inclusive governance on your part, and do you think this instils trust across the Council?”