Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 17 October 2017 and of the Extraordinary meeting held on 6 November 2017 (herewith).

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 October and of the Extraordinary meeting held on 6 November 2017 were confirmed and signed.

The Mayor to report apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs David and Jenny Else, John Fraser, Pat Frost, Val Henry, Mike Hodge, Nicholas Holder, Peter Martin, Libby Piper, John Ward, Ross Welland and John Williamson.

To receive declarations of interest in relation to any items included on the agenda for this meeting in accordance with the Waverley Code of Local Government Conduct.

The Interim Managing Director, Tom Horwood, and the Strategic Director for Finance and Resources, Graeme Clark, declared interests in Minute No.75 of the Executive meeting held on 28 November 2017.  Both left the Chamber during consideration of the item.

The Mayor thanked Damian Roberts, Strategic Director for Frontline Services, for his hard work and service to the Council, and wished him well in his new position at Epsom and Ewell Council.

To answer the following questions from members of the public, received in accordance with Procedure Rule 10.

The deadline for receipt of questions is 5pm on Tuesday 28 November 2017.

The following question was submitted to the Leader of the Council by Mr David Wylde of Farnham in accordance with Procedure Rule 10:-

“It has been widely reported in the press that Marks and Spencer is slowing down its previously announced plan to expand its Simply Food sites by 200 and that only the most promising sites will make the cut.  Byron Burgers and ASK have both announced site closures and Carluccios a dip in pre-tax profits.  In view of the “strong headwinds facing the industry”, to quote the Chief Executive of Carluccios, and the previous withdrawals from the development by Vue and Odeon, can the Council Leader confirm that the announced pre-let tenants are still committed to the Brightwells development?”

The response from the Leader of the Council was as follows:-

“I am pleased to confirm that 40% of the pre-lets are agreed.  Given the commercial sensitivity of the scheme at this time, I am unable to go into any further details”.

To answer any questions received in accordance with Procedure Rule 11.2.

The following urgent question was submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 11.2 by Cllr Robert Knowles of Haslemere:-

“NatWest Bank, announced on 1 December, that the Haslemere Branch will be closed.  This follows the closure of Barclays and HSBC in Haslemere, and NatWest and Lloyds in Grayshott, leaving only a Lloyds Bank in Haslemere town centre and a Santander in Shottermill.  In detail, what representations has the portfolio holder for Economic Development made to these banks, as this will leave a town with a population in three counties, of some 18,000 people and a much larger number in surrounding villages, with one Bank in the town centre, and the likelihood of the closure of the town post office, which is totally unacceptable?”

In accordance with Procedure Rule 11.5, the following answer was given by the Executive Portfolio Holder for Economic Development:-

            “Thank you Cllr Knowles for asking the question.  Waverley Borough Council shares your concerns.

Banks do not generally warn the Council when they are going to close branches.

Waverley has regular meetings with the local Chambers of Commerce, our next meeting is next Tuesday. I have already notified the chambers that we wish to add the suggested closure to our agenda. I understand other towns and villages in Waverley may be affected. We have also notified Jeremy Hunt’s office and will keep members informed of the outcome of our discussions.”

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 28 November 2017 (to follow – coloured grey).

It was moved by the Leader of the Council, duly seconded and

RESOLVED  that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Executive held on 28 November 2017 be approved and the recommendations contained therein adopted.

To receive the minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 20 November 2017 (attached – coloured lilac).

It was moved by the Chairman of the Committee, duly seconded and

RESOLVED  that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Audit Committee held on 20 November 2017 be approved and the recommendations contained therein adopted.