Issue - meetings

To consider this report.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive noted and approved:

1. The intention of the Council to adopt the legislation identified as Option A, and the proposed policy, to enable and support the operation of the Street Naming and Numbering Service.

2. The delegation of authority to the Executive Director Strategy, Workforce & Localities to place the relevant notices in accordance with paragraph 25 of Schedule 14 Local Government Act 1972 confirming the intention set out at paragraph 9(a) of the report; and 

3. Further to the notices under 9(b) being issued and the relevant time periods elapsing, that authority be delegated to Executive Director Strategy, Workforce & Localities to arrange to submit the proposal to adopt the Option A legislation, and the draft policy, to Full Council for adoption at the next available date. 

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, to introduce the report. 

The Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts,introduced the report, highlighting: that Somerset Council is now the statutory body responsible for the establishment and operation of the street naming and numbering service to ensure that all properties in the area are officially addressed, formerly the remit of district councils operating in a two-tier local government system; and the two options considered. IN summary the Lead Member summarised the reasoning for the recommended option.

The Executive Director for Strategy, Workforce and Localities, Alyn Jones further added to the above points, highlighting; the background to the  street naming and legislation process, framework and policy.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included; the legislation and governance route of policy adoption; street naming consultation with local communities and Parish Councils;

The Lead Member Economy, Planning and Assets, Cllr Ros Wyke, asked that a formal protocol be considered for the process of consulting with Parish Councils regarding street naming.

In response, the Digital Systems and IT Manager, Adam Rhymer, confirmed that currently full consultation is given as a matter of courtesy to Parish Councils, and that the delivery of the service and policy forming is set to go through the relevant workstream to form a policy of working arrangement and engagement with Parishes Councils.

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously. 

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive noted and approved:

1. The intention of the Council to adopt the legislation identified as Option A, and the proposed policy, to enable and support the operation of the Street Naming and Numbering Service.

2. The delegation of authority to the Executive Director Strategy, Workforce & Localities to place the relevant notices in accordance with paragraph 25 of Schedule 14 Local Government Act 1972 confirming the intention set out at paragraph 9(a) of the report; and 

3. Further to the notices under 9(b) being issued and the relevant time periods elapsing, that authority be delegated to Executive Director Strategy, Workforce & Localities to arrange to submit the proposal to adopt the Option A legislation, and the draft policy, to Full Council for adoption at the next available date. 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report. 

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report.