Meeting documents

To receive reports by the Leader of Council summarising key decisions taken by him and the Cabinet, including at the Cabinet meetings held on 20th February 2017, 15th March 2017 and 12th April 2017.

(Note: Member Questions to the Leader and Cabinet Members will be taken under this item)

(1) The Council considered a report (Paper 7) introduced by the Leader of Council that summarised the key decisions taken by the Leader and Cabinet Members between 4 February 2017 and 13 April 2017, together with the items of business discussed at the Cabinet Meetings on 20 February 2017, 15 March 2017 and 12 April 2017.

(2) The Council received the Annual Report of the Cabinet Member for Customers and Communities at this point in the meeting (Paper 13) detailing key activities and achievements from the last year of those services that fall under his Cabinet responsibilities. Cllr Osman thanked all Members, his Cabinet and all Council officers for their work, and thanked the Chief Executive for his support and guidance

(3) Cllr Osman added to his report, highlighting the following points: the Council’s willingness to listen to Somerset’s residents; the success of the Glastonbury Access Hub; the return of Contact Centre staff to the Council; over 7000 residents have responded to Council consultations; the importance of sharing information across the public sector; and the work of the Communications Team including Your Somerset, Travel Somerset and the fostering campaign.

(4) The Council received the Annual Report of the Leader of the Council at this point in the meeting (Paper 12) detailing key activities and achievements from the last year of those services that fall under his Cabinet responsibilities.

(5) Cllr Osman further added to his report, highlighting the following points: setting the Council’s budget; the Council’s vision projects; ensuring the County prospers; the work of the Economic Development Team; the importance of income generation; staff awards; recent OFSTED monitoring visits and the importance of continued Member involvement; Devolution proposals; the work of the Somerset Rivers Authority; and the Hinkley Point C development. In conclusion Cllr Osman noted that the last 4 years had been successful, and that the Council was striving to be excellent in everything it does.

(6) Cllr Jane Lock thanked Cllr Osman, all Council Officers, and the Chairman, and noted the importance of working with all Members.

(7) Cllr Christopher Le Hardy informed Council that the Armed Forces Community Covenant had received a grant of £190k to assist with understanding and promotion of the Armed Forces, bringing Somerset’s total grant award to over £600k. Cllr Le Hardy further thanked Council officers, Julian Gale and Chris Phillips for their work.

(8) Cllr David Hall responded to written questions from Cllr Alan Dimmick regarding the Cabinet Member decision Approval to Accept DfT C-ITS Challenge Award, and Cllr Alan Gloak regarding the adoption of a Bee and Natural Pollinators Protection Plan.

(9) Cllr David Hall and Cllr Terry Napper thanked Cllr Gloak for his work as a County Councillor and wished him well in his retirement.

(10) Cllr William Wallace responded to questions asked at the meeting by Cllr Sam Crabb regarding Fiveways Resource Centre, and undertook to provide a written response.

(11) Cllr Harvey Siggs responded to a question asked at the meeting by Cllr Sam Crabb regarding budget monitoring timescales.

(12) Cllr Harvey Siggs highlighted that he had enjoyed his 12 years as a County Councillor.

(13) Cllr William Wallace responded to questions asked at the meeting by Cllr Jane Lock regarding Learning Disability Provider Service staff identification badges, and Cllr Alan Gloak regarding the future of the Beckery Resource Centre, undertaking to provide written responses.

Full details of the questions and answers given at the meeting and / or in writing following the meeting are set out in Appendix C to these Minutes.