Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 October 2019 (to be laid on the table for 30 minutes prior to the meeting).

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 October 2019 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To receive from Members, 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.

There were no declarations of interests in relation to items on the agenda.

The Chairman to respond to any questions received from members of the public for which notice has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 10.

The deadline for receipt of questions is 5pm on Tuesday 29 October 2019.

There were no questions from members of the public.

The Chairman to respond to any questions received from Members in accordance with Procedure Rule 11.

The deadline for receipt of questions is 5pm on Tuesday 29 October 2019.

There were no questions from Members.

34.1     The Leader reported that he had met with Jeremy Hunt and Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, on 4 November and had pressed them to provide better guidance to Planning Inspectors on the weight to be given to Local and Neighbourhood Plans when considering planning appeals. He had also raised the issue of developers not building out planning permissions they had been granted, and the lack of powers the local planning authority had to apply sanctions. The Minister had promised to consider both matters.

The Communications and Engagement Strategy seeks to improve and modernise the Communications and Engagement service at the Council. It will require a significant shift in terms of operations, expectations, prioritisation and culture. When executed, it will not only provide better value for money for the Council, but will also help to improve relations with stakeholders by ensuring their views are heard and it will be vital in supporting the delivery and success of important council initiatives and priorities. The Executive is asked to endorse the approach set out in the Strategy, and recommend it to Full Council for approval.

Recommendation

That the Executive recommends to Full Council that the Communications and Engagement Strategy be approved.

35.1    Cllr Follows, whose Executive Portfolio included Communications and Engagement, introduced the new Communications and Engagement Strategy, 2019-23. The Strategy, which would replaced the expiring Communications and Public Relations Strategy, sought to improve and modernise the Communications and Engagement service at the Council. It would require a significant shift in terms of operations, expectations, prioritisation and culture. It would provide better value for money for the Council, help improve relations with stakeholder by ensuring their views were heard, and be vital in supporting the delivery and success of important council initiatives and priorities.

35.2    The Executive RESOLVED to recommend to Full Council that the Communications and Engagement Strategy be approved.

Reason: to update the Council’s Communications and PR Strategy 2014-19, and to reflect the evolution of the work of the Communications Team towards more engagement activity.

To report on the results of consultation on the proposed introduction of a Public Space Protection Order in relation to dog controls and the proposed timetable for progressing this work. 

Recommendation

That the Executive recommends to Full Council that the proposed Public Space Protection Order in respect of dog controls be made.

36.1    Cllr Palmer, Portfolio Holder for Operational and Enforcement Services, introduced the report setting out the results of the consultations on the proposed introduction of a Public Space Protection Oder (PSPO) in relation to dog controls, and the proposed timetable for progressing this work.

36.2    Issues relating to irresponsible dog ownership had featured highly in feedback from the public, and the Council had made a PSPO in relation to dog-fouling. Following extensive consultation, it was now recommended that a second PSPO be made in relation to dog controls, including dogs on lead by direction, dogs on lead, and dog exclusion zones. The proposed PSPO had been revised following consultation to strike a balance between the rights of dog-owners and the rights of other people to enjoy open spaces.

36.3    The Executive RESOLVED to recommend to Full Council that the proposed Public Space Protection Order in respect of dog controls be made.

Reason: To address concerns raised by the public regarding irresponsible dog ownership.