Agenda Item
FULL COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of North Norfolk District Council held on 14 December 2011 at the
Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer at 6.00 pm.
Members Present:
Mrs S A Arnold
Mr M Baker
Mrs L Brettle
Mr B Cabbell Manners
Mrs A ClaussenReynolds
Mr N D Dixon
Mrs H Eales
Mrs A M Fitch-Tillett
Mr T FitzPatrick
Mrs V Gay
Mrs A Green
Mrs P Grove-Jones
Mr B Hannah
Officers in
Attendance:
Also in
Attendance:
81.
Mr P W High
Mr T Ivory
Mr K E Johnson
Mr G R Jones
Mr J H A Lee
Mr N Lloyd
Mrs B A McGoun
Mrs A Moore
Mr P W Moore
Mr W J Northam
Mr R Oliver
Miss B Palmer
Mr J H Perry-Warnes
Mr R Reynolds
Mr J D Savory
Mr E Seward
Mr R Shepherd
Mr B Smith
Mr R Smith
Mr R Stevens
Mrs A C Sweeney
Mr P Terrington
Mrs V Uprichard
Mrs L Walker
Mr S Ward
Mr G Williams
Mr J A Wyatt
Mr D Young
The Chief Executive, the Deputy Chief Executive, the Strategic Director –
Community, the Strategic Director – Environment, the Strategic Director –
Information, the Organisational Development Manager, the Acting Financial
Services Manager and the Democratic Services Officer (ED)
The press and members of the public (for minutes 81 – 100)
PRESENTATION TO THE NORTH NORFOLK INFORMATION CENTRE, CROMER
The Chairman congratulated the North Norfolk Information Centre in Cromer, which had won
the award for Best Visitor Information at the EDP Tourism Awards. The staff were praised for
their dedication and hard work and presented with their award.
82.
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATIONS
Mrs A Fitch-Tillett and Mrs J Fisher had been appointed to the Regional Floods and Coastal
Committee. It was hoped that they would be able to make a valuable contribution to the
Committee and make representations on behalf of the coastal wards of the District.
Full Council
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14 December 2011
5
83.
PRAYERS
The Meeting began with prayer led by Father Denys Lloyd, Parish Priest, Our Lady and St
Joseph, Sheringham and Cromer.
83.
TO RECEIVE DECLARATION OF INTERESTS FROM MEMBERS
Member(s)
Item
Interest
Mrs A Claussen- 88
Reynolds
Appointment to the Board of the
Fakenham Area Partnership
Personal – is the
nominated candidate
Mr B J Hannah
Determination of Council Tax
Personal – are
Members of Norfolk
County Council
Mr G R Jones
Minute
No.
91, 92
95
Mr J H PerryWarnes
84.
Establishment of Big Society
Fund
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Mr R Price, Mr N Smith, Mrs H Thompson and Mr R
Wright
85.
MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of Full Council held on 19 October 2011 were approved as a
correct record.
86.
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
There was 1 item of urgent business:
JW Automarine, Factory Extension, Enterprise Way, Fakenham
The appraisal of the tenders for the construction of an extension to the factory owned by
NNDC at Enterprise Way, Fakenham showed that the lowest tender submitted represented
the best value for money. The business was urgent because of the volatile price of steel and
the need to ensure orders were placed prior to Christmas to ensure prices did not increase
further and timescales were delayed.
RESOLVED
That Tender A was accepted for the construction work for the Factory Extension at JW
Automarine, Enterprise Way, Fakenham
87.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
Mr Brian Ridd of Holt Road Cromer had requested to speak in support of the Motion relating to
road safety on the Holt Road, Cromer. It was agreed that this item would be heard earlier to
accommodate him.
Full Council
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14 December 2011
88.
APPOINTMENTS
a) Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds to replace Mr S Ward on the Board of the Fakenham Area
Partnership
RESOLVED
that Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds be appointed to the Board of the Fakenham Area Partnership
b) Mr T FitzPatrick to the Wells Area Harbour Users’ Advisory Committee
RESOLVED
that Mr T FitzPatrick be appointed to the Wells Area Harbour Users’ Advisory Committee
89.
FORMATION OF THE INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION PANEL TO REVIEW THE
MEMBERS’ SCHEME OF ALLOWANCES
The North Norfolk District Council Members’ Scheme of Allowances was now due for review.
An Independent Remuneration Panel must be convened to undertake the review and report its
findings and recommendations to Full Council. The revised Scheme should be adopted from
May 2012.
RESOLVED
a)
b)
c)
d)
To approve the appointment of representatives to the Independent Remuneration Panel
That those representatives be Paddy Seligman, John Wollacombe and Richard Draper
To approve the Terms of Reference for the Independent Remuneration Panel
That any representations that Members wish the Independent Remuneration Panel to take
into consideration should be made in writing through the Group Leaders to the Chief
Executive, by 6 January 2012.
e) That the Independent Remuneration Panel reports its findings and recommendations for
consideration by Full Council at its meeting in February 2012
90.
DRAFT PROGRAMME OF MEETINGS 2012/2013
The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee commented that several of the
meetings scheduled were the day prior to the Full Council meeting. It was intended that he
would meet with the Leader in early 2012 to discuss the scheduling of Cabinet and Overview
and Scrutiny meetings and there may be a request to change the dates of some of the
meetings at a later date.
RESOLVED to
adopt the Programme of Meetings for 2012 – 2013
91.
DETERMINATION OF COUNCIL TAX DISCOUNTS RELATING TO SECOND HOMES AND
LONG TERM EMPTY PROPERTIES FOR 2012/13
RESOLVED that
under section 11A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as enacted by section 75 of the
Local Government Act 2003, and in accordance with the provisions of the Council Tax
(Prescribed Classes of Dwellings)(England) Regulations 2003 as amended, the Council
determines that:
Full Council
3
14 December 2011
DETERMINATION OF COUNCIL TAX DISCOUNTS RELATING TO SECOND HOMES AND
LONG TERM EMPTY PROPERTIES FOR 2012/13
(Continued)
(i) the council tax discount for dwellings defined as being within Class ‘A’ under regulation
4 of the Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings) (England) Regulations 2003
remains at 50% for the year 2012/13
(ii) the council tax discount for dwellings defined as being within Class ‘B’ under regulation
5 of the Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings)(England) Regulations 2003 be
reduced to 10% for the year 2012/13 with the exceptions of:
92.
a)
those dwellings that are specifically identified under regulation 6 of the Council
Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings)(England) Regulations 2003, which will
retain the 50% discount; and
b)
those dwellings described or geographically defined at Appendix B, which, in
the reasonable opinion of the Deputy Chief Executive, are judged not
structurally capable of occupation all year round and were built before the
restrictions of seasonal usage were introduced by the Town and Country
Planning Act 1947, which will retain the 50% discount.
(iii)
the council tax discount for dwellings defined as being within Class ‘C’ under regulation
7 of the Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings)(England) Regulations 2003 be
removed for the year 2012/13, thereby making the full council tax charge payable after
the six month exempt period.
(iv)
in accordance with section 11A(6) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as
enacted by section 75 of the Local Government Act 2003, these determinations shall
be published in at least one newspaper circulating in North Norfolk before the end of
the period of 21 days beginning with the date of the determinations.
DETERMINATION OF THE COUNCIL TAX BASE FOR 2012/13 AND THE TREATMENT OF
SPECIAL EXPENSES
RESOLVED that
a) That the calculations set out in this report used to produce the Council’s tax base be
approved, and the tax base for 2012/13 be determined as 41,366.
b) That the tax base for each parish area for the financial year 2012/13 be as set out at
paragraph 3.1.
93.
RECOMMENDATION FROM LICENSING AND APPEALS COMMITTEE 19 SEPTEMBER
2011
Minute 19 LICENSING OF SEXUAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUES (SEVs)
RESOLVED
To adopt the relevant new provisions for the regulation of lap dancing and other sexual
entertainment venues
(This to take effect from 1 April 2012)
Full Council
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14 December 2011
94.
RECOMMENDATION FROM CABINET 31 OCTOBER 2011
HALF YEARLY TREASURY MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR 2011/12
RESOLVED
To approve the Half Yearly Treasury Management Report for 2011/12
95.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 28 NOVEMBER 2011
Minute 65: 2011/12 REVISED BUDGET
The Acting Financial Services Manager advised Members that there was a minor amendment
to the car parking fees at Holt Country Park. An updated schedule of charges had been
provided.
RESOLVED
To approve:
1. The revised revenue budget for 2011/12;
2. The revised transfers to and from reserves included at Appendix C of the report;
3. The transfer of the forecast surplus of £172,488 to the Organisational Development
reserve;
4. The revised capital programme and associated financing as included at Appendix E;
5. The scale of fees and charges from 1 April 2012 included at Appendix D;
6. Delegated authority for setting the fees and charges for waste be given to the Strategic
Director for Environment, Deputy Chief Executive and relevant Portfolio Members.
Minute 66: PROPOSED SAVINGS REPORT – 2012/13 BASE BUDGET
Several Members raised concerns regarding the proposal to move to a two-tier car park
charging system:
a) Mr P Terrington, a Member for Priory Ward, said that the town did not have a supermarket
or any large chain stores that provided free parking and the independent shopkeepers felt
the increase would be detrimental to their trade.
b) There was deprivation in all areas of the district and to expect just 5 towns to fund the
increase in charges was unfair.
c) The proposal to roll-out the mini-stay option across all the district’s car parks was praised.
d) It was unlikely that £100,000 would be generated through the increased charges. People
would look for alternative places to park.
RESOLVED
1. To agree the savings and additional income as identified within Table 1 of the report
2. To note the updated position in relation to the management structures and prioritisation
workstreams
3. To fund any ‘one-off’ costs in relation to staff restructuring through the use of the
Restructuring and Invest to Save Proposals reserve
4. that a new reserve is established for the ‘New Homes Bonus’ and that the allocation for
2012/13, estimated to be £595,700 is transferred to this reserve.
Members of the Liberal Democrat Group abstained.
Full Council
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14 December 2011
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 28 NOVEMBER 2011
(Continued)
Minute 68: REVENUES AND BENEFITS SHARED SERVICE
a) A Member asked whether the proposed new software system would provide any savings in
relation to dealing with fraudulent claims. The Deputy Chief Executive said that the joint
working arrangement would make processing more efficient and fraudulent claims would
be detected earlier so the delay in clawing back money would be reduced.
b) A concern was raised regarding the lack of information for the cost of the high-speed link
between Cromer and King’s Lynn. The Deputy Chief Executive said that there was
contingency within the capital programme to cover the costs and it was hoped that there
would be a pipe and an internet connection provided.
RESOLVED
1. To agree the revised financial information within the business case as
updated verbally at the meeting regarding an additional £72,000 set up for
back fill.
2. That Council approve the Heads of Terms for the Partnership agreement
and give approval for the Portfolio Holder for Revenues & Benefits and the
Deputy Chief Executive to continue to develop and complete the Partnership
Agreement. To give delegated authority to the Leader of the Council and
Portfolio Holder for Revenues & Benefits and the Deputy Chief Executive, to
develop a shared service model following full consultation and report back to
Cabinet.
3. That Council agrees to entering into a contract with Civica for the provision
of a software system; an outline of the legal obligations to be presented to
Council.
4. To continue to explore the infrastructure requirements with BT and
BCKLWN and recommend to Council the infrastructure requirements and
associated costs.
5. To approve the proposals for BCKLWN to host the ICT infrastructure and
business system and for NNDC to host any proposed shared management
structure.
6. To delegate authority to the Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holder for
Revenues and Benefits and the Deputy Chief Executive, to agree proposed
service level agreements with customer services and other support services.
Minute 67: TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STATEMENT AND INVESTMENT
STRATEGY 2011/12 TO 2013/14 – AMENDMENT
Mrs B McGoun expressed a concern about reducing the minimum long-term credit rating for
investment counterparties from A+ to ARESOLVED
That the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Strategy 2011/12 to
2013/14 is amended by reducing the minimum long-term credit rating for investment
counterparties from A+ (or equivalent) to A- (or equivalent)
Full Council
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14 December 2011
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 28 NOVEMBER 2011
(Continued)
Minute 70: THE COUNCIL’S APPROACH TO LOCALISM AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
A BIG SOCIETY FUND
The Portfolio Holder for Localism introduced this item. He explained that a detailed proposal
outlining the governance and operational processes would be put forward in February 2012,
following consultation with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. There had been several
very productive meetings with the Local Area Partnerships (LAPs) and charitable
organisations to ensure they were aware of the proposals and to reiterate support for the work
they had done to date. He stressed that if the proposed money for the Big Society Fund was
not ring-fenced now then that opportunity would be lost and the funding would be added to
general revenue.
Members discussed the recommendations:
a) The loss of funding to the LAPs could damage the Big Society in action. They should be
supported during the transition period and the principle of their aims and work should be
preserved.
b) There was a concern that the framework for supporting communities to carry out their work
would be removed if the LAPs folded. It would be better to continue to support them as
they were the ideal vehicle for achieving the aims of the Big Society.
c) The Leader said that she was in the process of meeting with all the LAPs to stress that the
Council fully supported what they had been doing. The LAPs were very receptive and were
already preparing to adapt to a change in their funding.
RESOLVED
1. To support the proposal for North Norfolk Community Partnership to be reconfigured from
being a formal committee to become a standing conference with an annual summit for the
strategic partners operating in North Norfolk and a 6 monthly review meeting.
2. To support Holt Town Council in becoming a pilot for a neighbourhood plan, regardless of
whether or not the Town Council is able to secure central Government funding, with any
funding coming from the Council’s resources if necessary.
3. That a Big Society fund is established from the return of the second home council tax
income and any uncommitted funds from this year allocated to this fund through the
establishment of an earmarked reserve.
4. That the principles of the Big Society fund are agreed as outlined within Appendix L and a
policy developed which will provide more detail on the operation of the grant scheme.
5. That the fund is split between revenue and capital based upon an indicative allocation of
£500,000 for revenue and £200,000 for capital projects.
Minute 71: NORTH NORFOLK SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN: KELLING TO
LOWESTOFT NESS
RESOLVED
1. That the provisions in SMP6 relating to North Norfolk District Councils Coast Protection
responsibility (Kelling Hard to Cart Gap) be approved and that delegated authority be given to
the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Coast and the Chief Executive to adopt the full SMP6
Full Council
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14 December 2011
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET 28 NOVEMBER 2011
(Continued)
following its approval by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Waveney District Council and the
Environment Agency.
2. That an Integrated Coastal Management Plan process be commenced to be overseen by
the Council’s Coastal Management Board.
Minute 73: REVIEW OF THE DISCRETIONARY COMPENSATION POLICY FOR STAFF
UNISON had provided a response to the proposal. They requested that Members’ attention
was drawn to the following points:
a) Is concerned that North Norfolk employees may be put at a disadvantage in the event of
any changes in service delivery arising from joint working with other local authorities (in
essence it would be potentially cheaper to make an employee of this Council redundant
rather than an employee of another authority where the multiplier for discretionary
compensation is higher).
b) Considers the timing of this proposal to be unfortunate (staff will inevitably link the
reduction in the ‘enhanced multiplier’ for compulsory redundancy to the re-structure of
senior management).
RESOLVED
That (subject to consideration of the formal consultation of the formal consultation response
from UNISON) to amend the Discretionary Compensation Policy as outlined within the report.
96.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 13
DECEMBER 2011
The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee praised the constructive dialogue on
the Cabinet recommendations for the Council’s approach to Localism and the establishment of
a Big Society Fund. He explained that the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee reflected their concerns but also looked forward to the future. The Committee
welcomed the proposal from the Portfolio Holder for Localism to work together on the
governance and operational processes and criteria. He added that he could see no reason
why the LAPs could not apply for funding from the Big Society Fund.
RESOLVED
a) That all major policy proposals should be subject to timely consultation and engagement
with key stakeholders before decisions are formulated and taken by Cabinet and Council.
b) To approve the ring-fencing of the money for the Big Society Fund.
c) That a further report should be brought to Cabinet and Full Council in February, and to the
Overview and Scrutiny Committee for pre-scrutiny in January
97.
TO RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE UNDERMENTIONED COMMITTEES
To receive the approved minutes of the undermentioned committees:
a)
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 20 July 2011
b)
Licensing and Appeals Committee – 19 September 2011
c)
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 20 September 2011
d)
Cabinet – 3 October 2011
e)
Special Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 4 October 2011
f)
Development Committee – 13 October 2011
g)
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 18 October 2011
h)
Cabinet – 31 October 2011
i)
Development Committee – 10 November 2011
Full Council
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14 December 2011
98.
REPORTS FROM THE CABINET OR MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
Mr T FitzPatrick
a) The EDP award for the Tourist Information Centre was well deserved. The staff should be
praised for all their hard work and dedication.
b) The North Norfolk Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) initiative had been launched on
Tuesday 29 November. The event announced a comprehensive package of projects
around the North Norfolk coast valued at more than £2.4m.
99.
NOTICE(S) OF MOTION
The following notice of motion was proposed by Mr K Johnson and seconded by Mrs S Arnold:
This Council supports the residents living on the A148 Holt Road between Cromer and
Aylmerton in their calls for improved road safety. In particular, this Council supports
residents’ calls for:
1. A pedestrian footbridge over the railway line.
2. A roundabout at the junction of the A148 and the Felbrigg Road.
3. A review of the speed limit between Cromer and Aylmerton.
At a time of economic difficulty this Council recognises that funding for these measures
is not readily available and commits itself to working with the community and Norfolk
County Council to explore whether funding can be realised through other means,
including the new powers granted to local authorities and communities in the Localism
Act.
The motion was debated:
a) Mr K Johnson said that Cromer town had struggled for several years with the increased
volume of traffic coming via the A148. He suggested that a Local Plan could be produced
which could attract Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding. He added that on-street
parking income was ring-fenced for traffic management and this offered further
possibilities for funding any improvements. A competition could be launched to come up
with an iconic design for a footbridge.
b) Mrs S Arnold said that the Development Committee fully supported the Motion. A local
resident had attended a recent committee meeting and made a very impassioned plea on
behalf of campaigners. She added that the mini-roundabouts in Roughton worked very
well.
c) Brian Ridd spoke on behalf of residents along the Holt Road. They fully supported the
Motion.
d) Mrs H Eales spoke on behalf of the residents in her ward who were affected. She fully
supported the Motion.
RESOLVED
To support the Motion
100.
LIST OF SEALED DOCUMENTS
RESOLVED that
the list of sealed documents be received.
Full Council
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14 December 2011
101.
NNDC – TOP MANAGEMENT REVIEW PART ONE
The Chief Executive requested that the Strategic Directors leave the room before this item
was introduced.
The report presented the case for change to the Council’s top management structures.
Revised arrangements would be financially sustainable, fit for purpose and designed to deliver
the corporate agenda through to 2015. The proposals were part of a package of measures
aimed at bringing greater stability, certainty and confidence to the organisation during a period
of volatility in local government and would be introduced in parallel with the updated
performance framework that was being developed alongside the new corporate plan.
There were two phases to the review:
a) A reduction in the membership of the existing Corporate Management Team (CMT) from 5
to 3, with the new membership comprising the posts of Chief Executive and two Corporate
Directors and the rebranding of the team as the Corporate Leadership team (CLT)
b) A review of the Senior Management Team (SMT) with the intention of reducing the number
of posts, a change in responsibilities and the number of direct responsibilities to CLT.
The Chief Executive said that the revised structure would be more flexible and would provide
the opportunity to review the way in which the Council managed its services. There was a
target saving of £150,000. He suggested that this was a minimum and that there was a
possibility of increasing that saving. This would give the Council more choice. The money
could be set aside to cushion against future cuts or used to fund a shortfall in existing
services. He concluded by saying that he believed that the existing CMT had the competence
and experience to take the proposals forward.
Members discussed the report:
1. There was a concern that the posts of the corporate PAs would be under threat. The Chief
Executive explained that their roles already covered shared support across senior
management and it was likely that the new SMT would continue to need such support.
2. Further clarification was sought regarding the meaning of the term ‘cross-cutting
organisational theme’. The Chief Executive said that it was intended that they would be
quite broad themes and could take on a number of forms. The new CLT would decide on
the format following the selection process.
RESOLVED
a) to approve:
The reformatting of CMT, ensuring that the team has sufficient capacity to deliver the
corporate agenda, set strategic direction and meet our core statutory responsibilities. It is
proposed that CMT be rebranded as the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) and that its
membership be revised to comprise the posts of Chief Executive and two Corporate Directors,
each assuming responsibility for a cross-cutting organisational theme to be shaped by the
team following the selection process.
b) To note
that phase two of the review will comprise the following actions to be undertaken by CLT in
consultation with the Cabinet. A report detailing the complete revised top management
structure and associated responsibilities will be brought to Council at the April 2012 meeting.
Full Council
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14 December 2011
NNDC – TOP MANAGEMENT REVIEW PART ONE
(Continued)
1. A comprehensive review of service management structures which will reduce the number
of direct reports to CLT through a combination of revised responsibilities, shared or
alternative service solutions and role adjustment. This review will take
place between
early January and the end of March, 2012.
2. A relaunch of SMT and a redefining of its role and purpose to maximise capability and
build capacity
3. The clarification of our stance on corporate and senior management joint-working with
other councils
4. The implementation of a phased delivery plan to achieve the above, linked to the roll out of
the new corporate plan for 2011/12-2015.
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED
“That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be
excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that they
involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 4 of Part 1 of
Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”
102.
TOP MANAGEMENT REVIEW PHASE 1, PART 2 - IMPLEMENTATION
Agreeing the baseline for the selection process
The Chief Executive left the room for this item.
Report of the Leader of the Council:
a) Ring fencing the selection process
The Leader outlined the objectives of the top management review and advised Members
that she was satisfied that the current CMT included individuals with the necessary levels
of competence and experience from whom the new CLT could be selected.
A Member asked whether it was legitimate for the Council to limit appointments to within
the organisation. The Organisational Development Manager said that it was permitted
within the terms of the constitution.
RESOLVED
That the selection process for the CLT be ring fenced to the current members of CMT
b) The Chief Executive
The Leader explained that during the preceding 2 months, a mutual agreement had been
reached with the Chief Executive. It was proposed that he would take early retirement in
exchange for a severance package and a lump sum payment. Members had been
provided with the details of the offer to the Chief Executive. The Leader said that she felt
the proposal represented a sound financial solution for the Council and that an opportunity
Full Council
11
14 December 2011
TOP MANAGEMENT REVIEW PHASE 1, PART 2 – IMPLEMENTATION (Continued)
now existed to facilitate the transition to the new structure with reduced fallout and
implications for the Team.
RESOLVED
To approve the offer to the Chief Executive of early retirement and a lump sum
payment in the interests of the efficiency of the organisation and subject to the
financial settlement outlined in the business case summary attached to the report
c) Pay scale for the Chief Executive Post
It was proposed to appoint the Chief Executive at the revised grade 1 scale within the
Council’s amended pay scales. The grade currently comprised 4 incremental points but to
reflect the general economic climate and to support the cost saving objective, it was
suggested that the appointment be capped at increment 2 (scale point 1342) but subject to
review through any future market testing exercise.
A Member asked whether it was necessary to keep the remaining 2 incremental points in
place if the appointment was going to be capped at increment 2. The Organisational
Development Manager explained that staff currently moved through the incremental points
on an annual basis but for this post it was proposed that the holder should move to the
second increment after 6 months but at that point their car allowance would be removed.
In response to a further question as to why the two additional increments were not
removed from the post, the Organisational Development Manager said that was a decision
for Members to make.
RESOLVED
1. To approve the salary for the post of Chief Executive within the range of scale
point 1341 - £97, 680.00 to scale point 1342 - £99,781.00, within the revised grade
1 of the Council’s amended pay scales.
2. To delete increments 3 and 4 from the post.
The Chief Executive rejoined the meeting.
d) Selection process to the new Corporate Leadership Team
It was proposed that the selection process would take place in two stages:
i) Recruitment of the Chief Executive on Friday 16 December 2011
ii) Recruitment of the two Corporate Directors on Friday 6 January 2012
It was further proposed that Council delegate the selection process for these appointments
to the Employment Committee who would make their recommendations for approval to an
extraordinary meeting of the Council to be held on Wednesday 11 January 2012.
A Member asked if there were job descriptions available for the Corporate Director posts.
He was concerned that Members were agreeing their appointment without a full
understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The Organisational Development
Manager said that the job description for the post of Chief Executive had been circulated to
the existing Directors. Once appointed, the new Chief Executive would have an input into
the job descriptions for the new Director posts. In response to a further question regarding
Members’ input into the process, the Organisational Development Manager confirmed that
the Leader would be involved.
Full Council
12
14 December 2011
TOP MANAGEMENT REVIEW PHASE 1, PART 2 – IMPLEMENTATION (Continued)
RESOLVED
To confirm that selection of the candidates to the posts of Chief Executive and
Corporate Directors be undertaken by the Employment Committee and that the
Employment Committee submit their recommendations for approval at an
extraordinary meeting of Council to be held on Wednesday 11 January 2012.
e) Establishing the Employment Committee
The Council’s constitution allowed for the Employment Committee to comprise 3
councillors. However, given the significance of this particular task, it was recommended
that Council vary this provision and appoint 5 councillors to ensure a wider spread of
representation in the selection process. The Committee did not need to be politically
balanced. Council could consider changing the membership of the Employment Committee
for the appointment of the Corporate Directors in January 2012 and if this was agreed then
those members would also need to be appointed at the same time. The proposed
membership of the Employment Committee was:
Councillor Helen Eales (proposed as Chairman)
Councillor Keith Johnson (proposed as Vice-Chairman)
Councillor Sue Arnold
Councillor Glyn Williams
Councillor Mike Baker
Members discussed the proposals:
It was suggested that as the applicants were the same in both cases then the panel should
remain the same. The Chief Executive said that there were benefits in consistency. An
alternative would be for the panel to meet once and select the whole team. However, if
there were two separate meetings of the Employment Committee then the Chief Executive
designate could take part in the send meeting.
The Organisational Development Manager said that the candidates for the post of Chief
Executive could find it difficult to face the same panel a second time. Members agreed that
they were senior posts and it was preferable to keep the same panel for both meetings.
AGREED
That the members of the Employment Committee should remain the same for the meeting
on 16 December 2011 and the meeting on 6 January 2012
RESOLVED
1. To endorse the appointment process for the Chief Executive and Corporate
Directors
2. To agree to vary the size of the Employment Committee from three to five
members
3. To appoint five members to the Employment Committee to undertake the
selection of Chief Executive on Friday 16 December 2011
4. To appoint five members to the Employment Committee to undertake the
selection of the two Corporate Directors on Friday 6 January 2012
5. That those members should be: Councillor Helen Eales (Chairman), Councillor
Keith Johnson (Vice-Chairman), Councillor Sue Arnold, Councillor Glyn Williams
and Councillor Michael Baker
Full Council
13
14 December 2011
TOP MANAGEMENT REVIEW PHASE 1, PART 2 – IMPLEMENTATION (Continued)
6. To request that the Committee submit their recommendations for each
appointment for approval by Council at an extraordinary meeting to be held on
Wednesday 11 January 2012.
The Chief Executive thanked all the Members for agreeing to the proposals and for
providing the Council with the opportunity to move forward.
The Leader thanked the Chief Executive and the Organisational Development Manager for
their commitment and hard work. She also thanked Councillor Virginia Gay and Councillor
Michael Baker for their input.
The meeting concluded at 8.35pm
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Chairman
Full Council
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14 December 2011