Agenda item

To consider motions from councillors in accordance with Council procedure rule 38. 

 

A.        Motion to be proposed by Councillor Dragonetti, seconded by Councillor Robb:

 

Council recognises the importance of a high-quality, beautiful natural environment for current and future residents of our rural District, and the negative impact that high voltage power lines can have on visual amenity.

Council also acknowledges the importance of landscape beauty to the setting of the historic city of Oxford.

Council identifies that the economic benefit of providing beautiful environments for housing development provides a long lasting benefit that enhances the long term value of a location, attracting the workforce needed to sustain the growth of the local economy.

Three of the strategic sites allocated in South Oxfordshire’s Local Plan 2035 are overhung by high voltage power lines. Grenoble Road, Culham and Northfield.

 

This Council will:

1.    Work with partners including National Grid, electricity providers, developers, landowners, and other local authorities, to explore all options including financing options for the undergrounding of all high voltage overhead powerlines over the strategic sites in the Local Plan 2035 with a view to requiring thatthese sites have active plans for the removal of overhead high voltage power lines before 2040. 

2.    Have, as a long-term ambition by 2050, the undergrounding of the existing 400kv line that bisects the Ladygrove Estates in Didcot.

 

B.        Motion to be proposed by Councillor Robb, seconded by Councillor Gillespie:

 

Council notes the growing body of evidence demonstrating the harmful impacts of light pollution on human health and sleep, biodiversity and carbon emissions. A literature review from Nature magazine in 2018 concludes that: “light at night is exerting pervasive, long term stress on ecosystems, from coasts to farmland to urban waterways, many of which are already suffering from other, more well-known forms of pollution”

 

Light pollution is not only damaging our physical and mental health, it is also harming plants, insects and nocturnal animals and is eroding the most primal of connections: the deep sense of awe and wonder we experience at the sight of a starry sky.

Council acknowledges the work of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dark Skies and welcomes its recommendations. www.appgdarkskies.co.uk

 

Council recognises that Oxfordshire County Council controls lighting schemes on adopted highways.

 

This Council will:

1.    Ensure that limiting light pollution and preserving dark skies are key priorities for planning policies and design guides, including master-planning of sites.

2.    Work with Neighbourhood Planning groups to encourage the implementation of dark sky friendly lighting policies in Neighbourhood Plans.

3.    Encourage the incorporation of dark sky friendly lighting schemes and avoid unnecessary lighting for all new development.

4.    Write to MPs and government calling for the APPG’s ten recommendations on dark skies to be implemented through new legislation and reform of the planning system. These recommendations include reform of the NPPF to make extensive and specific reference to control of obtrusive light and to introduce strict regulation of exterior lighting, setting standards for brightness, colour and temperature of all lighting and empowering local authorities to stop nuisance lighting.

5.    Work proactively with partners, Oxfordshire County Council as Highway Authority and others, to highlight the importance of dark skies, the need to limit the impact of lighting and to encourage policies to reflect best practice in lighting design.

6.    Use our communications channels to increase understanding among residents and businesses of the importance of dark skies and limiting light pollution.

 

C.   Motion to be proposed by Councillor Dragonetti, seconded by Councillor Gillespie:

This council supports the local network of pubs in the district, and will use its powers to ensure that pubs continue to be able to provide for the local community, in accordance with Local Plan Policy CF1, which notes that the council  will support communities in protecting, enhancing and delivering community and recreation facilities in their towns and villages.

With pubs under continual threat of closure and conversion, where there is strong community support evidenced by submission of a nomination as an Asset of Community Value or opposition to a planning application for change of use, the council will use all its available powers, where appropriate, to  support communities in their efforts to retain pubs  for the benefit of both local community and the whole district.

D.   Motion to be proposed by Councillor Bennett, seconded by Councillor Levy:

 

Council notes that:

 

The pandemic has had profound effects on our district’s economic, social and physical wellbeing.

 

Building on the themes in the adopted Corporate Plan, there is an opportunity for Council to support a green recovery and benefit our residents and businesses in a holistic way.

 

‘Community wealth-building’ is an approach being used in the public sector across the UK, with ‘the Preston model’ perhaps being the most well-known example.

 

The five core principles of community wealth-building are considered to be:

• Plural ownership of the economy. 
• Making financial power work for local places. 
• Fair employment practices and just labour markets. 
• Progressive procurement of goods and services. 
• Socially productive use of land and property. 

 

Council asks officers to explore how the concepts of ‘community wealth-building’ can be applied to the South Oxfordshire context, with particular reference to:

 

-          The role procurement by anchor institutions could play in local economic recovery

 

-          The council’s land, investment and property policies

 

-          Place-specific actions to enhance community resilience

 

 

E.   Motion to be proposed by Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor Rouane:

Council Notes:

· As specified in the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035 the district council has planned for 30,056 new homes in the period 2011-2035, of which 16,360 have already been built.

· The Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group is responsible for ensuring health provision for our growing population is provided.

· If section 106 contributions from developers agreed by the District Council are not used by the CCG within a set time, the money could be paid back to the developer, which would result in an under-provision of health care in our communities.

· Despite significant effort by council officers and local health professionals, the current system is preventing the provision of health services that local people need and deserve.

· Our planning service and planning committee are therefore under pressure to approve new housing without plans for healthcare in place.

Council Believes:

· This council has an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of our residents.

· Primary health provision should be planned based on population growth and vision for health care provision in the district.

· That sufficient infrastructure such as transport, health and education should be provided alongside, and preferably ahead of new housing development.

· The current national system for ensuring health infrastructure is provided, through Clinical Commissioning Groups, is not working.

Council requests:

1. Officers continue to work with Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group contacts to ensure sufficient provision is made for primary care services for growth areas such as Didcot, Wallingford and other location under pressure.

2. The Council leader write to Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (OCCG) requesting a meeting to discuss:

· Better working relationships between the two organisations.

· Ensuring OCCG take a more pro-active approach to our planning process and respond to planning application consultations in a timely and ongoing basis to support the work of our planning department and our Infrastructure and development team.

· How the OCCG can engage more proactively with the planning authority to better plan healthcare for strategic sites housing sites in South Oxfordshire linked to the council’s corporate plan theme of “Improved economic and community well-being”.

· To understand how OCCG uses population forecasts to plan primary healthcare and what its plans are for Oxfordshire

· To discuss the particular cases of Wallingford and Didcot

3. The Council Leader write to the Ministers for Heath and MHCLG to:

· explain the difficulties local planning authorities have to obtain information and commitment to deliver health services from OCCG.

·press the need for whatever structure replaces Clinical Commissioning groups as part of the health reform has working with local planning authorities and its heart (recognising that this may be difficult if they are being reorganised).

· ask what government are doing to increase the number of GPs and other health staff and funding to keep up with number of homes.

F.    Motion to be proposed by Councillor Gregory, seconded by Councillor Casey-Rerhaye:

 

This Council recognises that financial security is critical to a stable and thriving society. Yet, too many people are without enough money to meet their basic needs. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is an opportunity to revolutionise a welfare system that is no longer fit for purpose.

 

UBI would provide every adult (regardless of employment status, wealth, or marital status) with a fixed, regular and unconditional income to relieve some of the financial pressures facing households. It is a monthly grant sufficient to contribute to the basic needs of food, shelter and education. It is a fair way of eliminating poverty, guaranteeing a minimum standard of living, and improving well-being. It helps the local economy by providing stability and security; allowing people to thrive rather than just survive.

 

There have been several trials of basic income internationally and most recently in Finland. Results have been encouraging. Spain is rolling it out as part of their COVID-19 response measures.

 

Council requests:

1.            The leader of the council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, South Oxfordshire Members of Parliament and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions requesting the UK Government undertakes pilot studies for the Universal Basic Income, and that South Oxfordshire be included in any pilot.

2.          That such pilot studies gather evidence of the effectiveness of a Universal Basic Income on reducing inequality, disadvantage and poverty.

3.          That the Leader sends a copy of any responses from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, South Oxfordshire Members of Parliament and the Secretary of State for Work and Pension to all councillors as and when replies are received.

G.   Motion to be proposed by Councillor Filipova-Rivers, seconded by Councillor Kantor:

 

This council recognises the status of Neurodiversity, and how it impacts on many in our society.  This Council is committed, through its Equality and Diversity policies and procedures, and its Corporate Plan, to delivering outcomes for all in a fair and inclusive way.  This Council notes that it is already certificated as a Disability Confident Employer and is further committed to continuing its positive work in this area.

 

In light of the above, Council agrees:

 

To develop an Action Plan on Neurodiversity which sits within the Inclusion and Diversity Strategy and might include the following:

 

·         Using best practice from Autism charities and Neurodiversity partnerships, recruitment and HR practices for supporting neurodivergent candidates and employees

·         Developing a needs assessment process specific to neurodivergence so reasonable adjustments can be made

·         Putting in place coaching/mentoring/a buddy system for staff who are neurodivergent

·         Undertaking a review of our services to ensure they are accessible to neurodivergent individuals and making adaptations where necessary

·         Making the action plan (toolkit) publicly available as a resource for other local employers (via South and Vale business support newsletter)

·         Continuing to work with partners across Oxfordshire to share best practice on issues pertaining to neurodiversity

·         Setting up learning and awareness events and using communication channels including social media

·         consultation on a draft action plan with people with lived experience

 

H.   Motion to be proposed by Councillor MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Wilson:

 

This council should seek to encourage developers to work closely with the local council (parish/town) to develop appropriate leisure facilities for that area.

 

 

During the course of debate on this item, and prior to the expiry of two and a half hours, Council agreed, in accordance with council procedure rule 12, to extend the meeting by half an hour and then, in accordance with council procedure rule 82, to suspend council procedure rule 12, which restricts the duration of a meeting, to allow Council to complete the consideration of the items of business. 

 

 

A.        Councillor Dragonetti moved, and Councillor Robb seconded, the motion as set out in the agenda at agenda item 13

 

After debate and on being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

That Council recognises the importance of a high-quality, beautiful natural environment for current and future residents of our rural District, and the negative impact that high voltage power lines can have on visual amenity.

Council also acknowledges the importance of landscape beauty to the setting of the historic city of Oxford.

Council identifies that the economic benefit of providing beautiful environments for housing development provides a long lasting benefit that enhances the long term value of a location, attracting the workforce needed to sustain the growth of the local economy.

Three of the strategic sites allocated in South Oxfordshire’s Local Plan 2035 are overhung by high voltage power lines. Grenoble Road, Culham and Northfield.

 

This Council will:

1.    Work with partners including National Grid, electricity providers, developers, landowners, and other local authorities, to explore all options including financing options for the undergrounding of all high voltage overhead powerlines over the strategic sites in the Local Plan 2035 with a view to requiring thatthese sites have active plans for the removal of overhead high voltage power lines before 2040. 

2.    Have, as a long-term ambition by 2050, the undergrounding of the existing 400kv line that bisects the Ladygrove Estates in Didcot.

 

B.   Councillor Robb moved, and Councillor Gillespie seconded, the motion as set out in the agenda at agenda item 13

 

 

After debate and on being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That Council notes the growing body of evidence demonstrating the harmful impacts of light pollution on human health and sleep, biodiversity and carbon emissions. A literature review from Nature magazine in 2018 concludes that: “light at night is exerting pervasive, long term stress on ecosystems, from coasts to farmland to urban waterways, many of which are already suffering from other, more well-known forms of pollution”

 

Light pollution is not only damaging our physical and mental health, it is also harming plants, insects and nocturnal animals and is eroding the most primal of connections: the deep sense of awe and wonder we experience at the sight of a starry sky.

Council acknowledges the work of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dark Skies and welcomes its recommendations. www.appgdarkskies.co.uk

 

Council recognises that Oxfordshire County Council controls lighting schemes on adopted highways.

 

This Council will:

1.    Ensure that limiting light pollution and preserving dark skies are key priorities for planning policies and design guides, including master-planning of sites.

2.    Work with Neighbourhood Planning groups to encourage the implementation of dark sky friendly lighting policies in Neighbourhood Plans.

3.    Encourage the incorporation of dark sky friendly lighting schemes and avoid unnecessary lighting for all new development.

4.    Write to MPs and government calling for the APPG’s ten recommendations on dark skies to be implemented through new legislation and reform of the planning system. These recommendations include reform of the NPPF to make extensive and specific reference to control of obtrusive light and to introduce strict regulation of exterior lighting, setting standards for brightness, colour and temperature of all lighting and empowering local authorities to stop nuisance lighting.

5.    Work proactively with partners, Oxfordshire County Council as Highway Authority and others, to highlight the importance of dark skies, the need to limit the impact of lighting and to encourage policies to reflect best practice in lighting design.

6. Use our communications channels to increase understanding among residents and businesses of the importance of dark skies and limiting light pollution.

 

C.   Councillor Dragonetti moved, and Councillor Gillespie seconded, the motion as set out in the agenda at agenda item 13

 

After debate and on being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

RESOLVED:

That this council supports the local network of pubs in the district, and will use its powers to ensure that pubs continue to be able to provide for the local community, in accordance with Local Plan Policy CF1, which notes that the council  will support communities in protecting, enhancing and delivering community and recreation facilities in their towns and villages.

With pubs under continual threat of closure and conversion, where there is strong community support evidenced by submission of a nomination as an Asset of Community Value or opposition to a planning application for change of use, the council will use all its available powers, where appropriate, to  support communities in their efforts to retain pubs  for the benefit of both local community and the whole district.

D.   Councillor Bennett moved, and Councillor Levy seconded, the motion as set out in the agenda at agenda item 13

 

After debate and on being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That Council notes that:

 

The pandemic has had profound effects on our district’s economic, social and physical wellbeing.

 

Building on the themes in the adopted Corporate Plan, there is an opportunity for Council to support a green recovery and benefit our residents and businesses in a holistic way.

 

‘Community wealth-building’ is an approach being used in the public sector across the UK, with ‘the Preston model’ perhaps being the most well-known example.

 

The five core principles of community wealth-building are considered to be:

• Plural ownership of the economy. 
• Making financial power work for local places. 
• Fair employment practices and just labour markets. 
• Progressive procurement of goods and services. 
• Socially productive use of land and property. 

 

Council asks officers to explore how the concepts of ‘community wealth-building’ can be applied to the South Oxfordshire context, with particular reference to:

 

-          The role procurement by anchor institutions could play in local economic recovery

 

-          The council’s land, investment and property policies

 

-          Place-specific actions to enhance community resilience

 

E.   Councillor Cooper moved, and Councillor Rouane seconded, the motion as set out in the agenda at agenda item 13

 

Amendment

 

Councillor Lloyd moved, and Councillor Murphy seconded an amendment
with additional words in bold and deleted words shown by a strikethrough to reflect the fact that South Oxfordshire is covered by Clinical Commissioning Groups other than Oxfordshire.

           

Council notes: 

·         As specified in the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035 the district council has planned for 30,056 new homes in the period 2011-2035, of which 16,360 have already been built.  

·         The Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Groups isare responsible for ensuring health provision for our growing population is provided. 

·         If section 106 contributions from developers agreed by the District Council are not used by the CCGs within a set time, the money can be paid back to the developer, which would result in an under-provision of health care in our communities.

·         Despite significant effort by council officers and local health professionals, the current system is preventing us from providing the health services that local people need and deserve. 

·         Our planning service and planning committee are therefore under pressure to approve new housing without plans for healthcare in place.  

 

Council believes: 

·         This council has an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of our residents. 

·         Primary health provision should be planned based on population growth and vision for health care provision in the district. 

·         That sufficient infrastructure such as transport, health and education should be provided alongside, and preferably ahead of new housing development. 

·         The current national system for ensuring health infrastructure is provided, through Clinical Commissioning Groups, is not working. 

 Council requests: 

1.  Officers continue to work with Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Groups contacts to ensure sufficient provision is made for primary care services for growth areas such as Didcot, Wallingford, Thame and Chinnor and other locations under pressure.
 

2.  The council leader of the council write to Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (OCCG) requesting a meeting to discuss: ,recognising that there are a number of CCGs involved in the provision of health care services, write to the CCGs to arrange meetings to discuss:

 

·     DevelopingBbetter working relationship between the CCGs and the District Council. two organisations.

·     Ensuring OCCGs take a more pro-active approach to our planning process and respond to planning application consultations in a timely and ongoing basis to support the work of our planning department and our Infrastructure and development team.  

·     How the OCCGs can engage more proactively with the planning authority to better plan healthcare for strategic sites housing sites in South Oxfordshire linked to the council’s corporate plan theme of “Improved economic and community well-being”.  

·     To understand how OCCGs use population forecasts to plan primary healthcare. and what its plans are for Oxfordshire

·     To discuss the particular cases of Wallingford, and Didcot, Thame and Chinnor and other locations under pressure.

 

3.   The Council Leader write to the Ministers for Heath and MHCLG to: 

·    explain the difficulties local planning authorities have to obtain information and commitment to deliver health services from OCCGs. 

·     press the need for whatever structure replaces Clinical Commissioning groups as part of the health reform has working with local planning authorities and its heart (recognising that this may be difficult if they are being reorganised).

·    ask what government are doing to increase the number of GPs and other health staff and funding to keep up with number of homes.

 

With the agreement of Council, the mover and seconder of the original motion
accepted the amendment.

After debate and on being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

 

RESOLVED: That Council notes: 

·         As specified in the South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2035 the district council has planned for 30,056 new homes in the period 2011-2035, of which 16,360 have already been built.  

·         Clinical Commissioning Groups are responsible for ensuring health provision for our growing population is provided. 

·         If section 106 contributions from developers agreed by the District Council are not used by the CCGs within a set time, the money can be paid back to the developer, which would result in an under-provision of health care in our communities.

·         Despite significant effort by council officers and local health professionals, the current system is preventing us from providing the health services that local people need and deserve. 

·         Our planning service and planning committee are therefore under pressure to approve new housing without plans for healthcare in place.  

 

Council believes: 

·         This council has an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of our residents. 

·         Primary health provision should be planned based on population growth and vision for health care provision in the district. 

·         That sufficient infrastructure such as transport, health and education should be provided alongside, and preferably ahead of new housing development. 

·         The current national system for ensuring health infrastructure is provided, through Clinical Commissioning Groups, is not working. 

 Council requests: 

1.  Officers continue to work with Clinical Commissioning Groups to ensure sufficient provision is made for primary care services for growth areas such as Didcot, Wallingford, Thame and Chinnorand other locations under pressure.
 

2.  The council leader, recognising that there are a number of CCGs involved in the provision of health care services, write to the CCGs to arrange meetings to discuss:

 

·     Developing better working relationship between the CCGs and the District Council.

·     Ensuring CCGs take a more pro-active approach to our planning process and respond to planning application consultations in a timely and ongoing basis to support the work of our planning department and our Infrastructure and development team.  

·     How the CCGs can engage more proactively with the planning authority to better plan healthcare for strategic housing sites in South Oxfordshire linked to the council’s corporate plan theme of “Improved economic and community well-being”.  

·     To understand how CCGs use population forecasts to plan primary healthcare. 

·     To discuss the particular cases of Wallingford, Didcot, Thame and Chinnor and other locations under pressure.

 

3.   The Council Leader write to the Ministers for Heath and MHCLG to: 

·    explain the difficulties local planning authorities have to obtain information and commitment to deliver health services from CCGs. 

·     press the need for whatever structure replaces Clinical Commissioning groups as part of the health reform has working with local planning authorities and its heart (recognising that this may be difficult if they are being reorganised).

·    ask what government are doing to increase the number of GPs and other health staff and funding to keep up with number of homes.

 

 

6. Councillor Gregory moved, and Councillor Casey-Rerhaye seconded, the motion as set out in the agenda at agenda item 13

 

After debate and on being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That Council recognises that financial security is critical to a stable and thriving society. Yet, too many people are without enough money to meet their basic needs. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is an opportunity to revolutionise a welfare system that is no longer fit for purpose.

 

UBI would provide every adult (regardless of employment status, wealth, or marital status) with a fixed, regular and unconditional income to relieve some of the financial pressures facing households. It is a monthly grant sufficient to contribute to the basic needs of food, shelter and education. It is a fair way of eliminating poverty, guaranteeing a minimum standard of living, and improving well-being. It helps the local economy by providing stability and security; allowing people to thrive rather than just survive.

 

There have been several trials of basic income internationally and most recently in Finland. Results have been encouraging. Spain is rolling it out as part of their COVID-19 response measures.

 

Council requests:

1.            The leader of the council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, South Oxfordshire Members of Parliament and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions requesting the UK Government undertakes pilot studies for the Universal Basic Income, and that South Oxfordshire be included in any pilot.

2.          That such pilot studies gather evidence of the effectiveness of a Universal Basic Income on reducing inequality, disadvantage and poverty.

3.          That the Leader sends a copy of any responses from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, South Oxfordshire Members of Parliament and the Secretary of State for Work and Pension to all councillors as and when replies are received.

G.   Councillor Filipova-Rivers moved, and Councillor Kantor seconded, the motion as set out in the agenda at agenda item 13

 

After debate and on being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That this Council recognises the status of Neurodiversity, and how it impacts on many in our society.  This Council is committed, through its Equality and Diversity policies and procedures, and its Corporate Plan, to delivering outcomes for all in a fair and inclusive way.  This Council notes that it is already certificated as a Disability Confident Employer and is further committed to continuing its positive work in this area.

 

In light of the above, Council agrees:

 

To develop an Action Plan on Neurodiversity which sits within the Inclusion and Diversity Strategy and might include the following:

 

·         Using best practice from Autism charities and Neurodiversity partnerships, recruitment and HR practices for supporting neurodivergent candidates and employees

·         Developing a needs assessment process specific to neurodivergence so reasonable adjustments can be made

·         Putting in place coaching/mentoring/a buddy system for staff who are neurodivergent

·         Undertaking a review of our services to ensure they are accessible to neurodivergent individuals and making adaptations where necessary

·         Making the action plan (toolkit) publicly available as a resource for other local employers (via South and Vale business support newsletter)

·         Continuing to work with partners across Oxfordshire to share best practice on issues pertaining to neurodiversity

·         Setting up learning and awareness events and using communication channels including social media

·         consultation on a draft action plan with people with lived experience

 

H.   Councillor MacDonald moved, and Councillor Wilson seconded, the motion as set out in the agenda at agenda item 13

 

After debate and on being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That this council should seek to encourage developers to work closely with the local council (parish/town) to develop appropriate leisure facilities for that area.