Agenda and draft minutes

42.1     Apologies were received from Cllr Baxter, Cllr Britton, Cllr Dunn, Cllr Forbes, Cllr Oppler, Cllr Richardson and Cllr Wickremaratchi.

42.2     Apologies for the afternoon session were received from Cllr Albury, Cllr Boram, Cllr Evans, Cllr Hall, Cllr Nagel and Cllr Quinn. Cllr Lord arrived at 2.10 pm for the afternoon session and Cllr Joy was absent.

42.3     Cllr Gibson left at 2.35 pm, Cllr Pendleton at 3.25 pm, Cllr Lord at 4.00 pm and Cllr O’Kelly at 4.20 pm.

Members are asked to disclose any pecuniary or personal interests in matters appearing on the agenda.

43.1     Members declared interests as set out at Appendix 1.

The Council is asked to confirm the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the County Council held on 18 October 2024.

44.1     It was agreed that the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the County Council held on 18 October 2024 (pages 7 to 30) be approved as a correct record.

The County Council has a statutory duty to review the proportionality on its committees following the recent change in group affiliation of Cllr Joy. An explanation of the proportionality rules and how they are applied, together with a table showing the number of seats on committees as a result of the review, is attached.

45.1     The County Council noted the review of proportionality on its committees following the recent changes in group affiliation of Cllr Joy and Cllr Linehan. A paper on the application of the proportionality rules and how they were applied, together with a table showing the number of seats on committees as a result of the review, was set out in a revised report on pages 5 and 6 of the supplement pack.

45.2     Resolved –

That the proportionality be approved.

The County Council is asked to approve the designation of the Section 151 Officer, in the light of a report by the Director of Law and Assurance.

46.1     The County Council was asked to approve the designation of the Section 151 Officer in the light of a report by the Director of Law and Assurance (page 33).

46.2     Resolved –

That the statutory role of Section 151 Officer (Chief Finance Officer) be vested in the post of Director of Finance and Support Services, to be held by Mike Suarez, with immediate effect.

The Council is asked to consider the results of a review of members’ allowances by the Independent Remuneration Panel and approve proposed changes to the Members’ Allowance Scheme, in the light of a report by the Governance Committee.

47.1     The Council considered the results of a review of members’ allowances by the Independent Remuneration Panel, including proposed changes to the Members’ Allowance Scheme, in the light of a report by the Governance Committee (pages 35 to 56).

47.2     Resolved –

That the draft Members’ Allowance Scheme, as attached at Appendix 2 to the report, be approved for implementation in May 2025.

The Council is asked to approve minor updates to the practical arrangements of the Corporate Parenting Panel, in the light of a report by the Governance Committee.

48.1     The Council considered minor changes to the practical arrangements of the Corporate Parenting Panel set out in its terms of reference, in the light of a report by the Governance Committee (pages 57 to 62).

48.2     Resolved –

That the revised terms of reference for the Corporate Parenting Panel, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

The Council is asked to consider and approve a new Member Officer Relations Protocol for inclusion in the Code of Conduct, the light of a report by the Standards Committee.

49.1     The Council considered a new Member Officer Relations Protocol for inclusion in the Code of Conduct, in the light of a report by the Standards Committee (pages 63 to 74).

49.2     Cllr Lord reported that she had spoken to the Director of Law and Assurance about the practical implications of the wording of paragraphs 34 to 36 of the Protocol.

49.3     Resolved –

That the proposed new Member Officer Relations Protocol, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report be approved, subject to a review of the text by the Director of Law and Assurance to address the practical implications of paragraphs 34 to 36.

The Council is asked to consider and approve revisions to the Councillors’ IT Provision and Usage Policy in the Code of Conduct, in the light of a report by the Standards Committee.

50.1     The Council considered revisions to the Councillors’ IT Provision and Usage Policy in the Code of Conduct, in the light of a report by the Standards Committee (pages 75 to 80).

50.2     In relation to a concern of Cllr Linehan about whether the policy fully aligns with the IT Acceptable Use Policy, the Cabinet Member for Support Services and Economic Development said he would ask officers to check.

50.3     Resolved –

That the proposed revisions to Part 5, Section 1, Appendix D of the Constitution, the IT Provision and Usage Policy, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved, subject to the check reported in minute 50.2.

The Council is asked to consider and approve changes to the appointment of substitutes, in the light of a report by the Director of Law and Assurance.

51.1     The Council considered changes to the appointment of substitutes, in the light of a report by the Director of Law and Assurance (pages 81 to 84).

51.2     Resolved –

That the Part 4, Section 1 of the Constitution be amended to allow for more adequate provision for substitution on all of the Council’s main committees, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

To consider appointments in light of the review of proportionality and the proposed changes to the appointment of substitutes. Proposals will be circulated and changes will take effect from the end of the meeting.

52.1     The Council approved appointments as set out below.

The Council is asked to consider and note the Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2023/24.

53.1     The Council considered the Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2023/24 (pages 85 to 88).

53.2     Resolved –

That the report be noted.

Questions to the Leader and Cabinet Members on matters in the Cabinet report, written questions and any other questions relevant to their portfolios. Members may also ask questions of the Leader on anything current and relevant to the County Council. The report covers portfolio-related business since the meeting of the Council on 18 October 2024. A supplementary report may be published.

(2 hours is allocated for Question Time)

54.1     Members asked questions of members of the Cabinet on matters relevant to their portfolios, as set out at Appendix 3. This included questions on those matters contained within the Cabinet report (pages 89 to 94) and written questions and answers pursuant to Standing Order 2.38 (set out at Appendix 2).

To debate the following motion, submitted by Cllr Kenyon, notice of which was given on 26 November 2024.

‘This Council recognises and values the essential role that farmers play in managing our natural landscapes, contributing to biodiversity, protecting our wildlife, flood prevention and supporting sustainable local food systems within West Sussex.

This Council notes that the recent 2024 Autumn Budget change to Inheritance Tax relief announced by the Labour Government will introduce a Family Farm Tax which will:

(a)        have a devastating impact on many family farms and on the farmers’ ability to pass on their farms to the next generation of farmers.

(b)        force farmers to sell land to developers for housing in order to pay their tax bills and therefore threaten the continuing viability of family run farms.

(c)         threaten up to 70,000 farmers according to the Country Landowners Association.

(d)        threaten tenant farmers livelihoods and homes.

(e)        have little or no impact on those investing in land purely to avoid tax and will lead to the creation of more corporate owned mega-farms with no interest in protecting the environment and animal welfare.

(f)          threaten the protection of our countryside, by hindering environmental projects and conservation efforts that rely on stable, family-owned farming operations.

(g)        (threaten the UK’s food security at a time when we already import 46% of our food at a cost to the natural environment around the world such as the Amazon rainforest.

(h)        have a detrimental effect on the rural economies of our country.

This Council further notes that:

(i)          The emerging West Sussex Local Nature Recovery Strategy requires strong collaboration with local agricultural stakeholders, who together with many environmental partners will drive numerous Initiatives to protect and enhance biodiversity across the county. Farms that stay within family ownership are better positioned to continue practices that support wildlife corridors, habitat preservation, and sustainable land stewardship.

(ii)        That the conservation and protection of the South Downs National Park, 75% of which is farmland, the farmland that forms an integral part of the Chichester Harbour National Landscape, and the High Weald National Landscape, as well as the numerous sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) and nature reserves, are dependent on the co-operation of land owners and it is the family run farms, handed down through the generations, that better support these aims.

Therefore, this Council resolves to request that the Leader of the Council:

(1)        Writes to the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision highlighting the impact on family farms, the environmental impacts in West Sussex and calling on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.

(2)        Supports campaigns by agricultural and environmental bodies that call for tax relief for farming families that achieve environmental gains such as increased biodiversity and carbon reduction.’

55.1     The following motion was moved by Cllr Kenyon and seconded by Cllr Duncton.

‘This Council recognises and values the essential role that farmers play in managing our natural landscapes, contributing to biodiversity, protecting our wildlife, flood prevention and supporting sustainable local food systems within West Sussex.

This Council notes that the recent 2024 Autumn Budget change to Inheritance Tax relief announced by the Labour Government will introduce a Family Farm Tax which will:

(a)         have a devastating impact on many family farms and on the farmers’ ability to pass on their farms to the next generation of farmers.

(b)         force farmers to sell land to developers for housing in order to pay their tax bills and therefore threaten the continuing viability of family run farms.

(c)         threaten up to 70,000 farmers according to the Country Landowners Association.

(d)         threaten tenant farmers livelihoods and homes.

(e)         have little or no impact on those investing in land purely to avoid tax and will lead to the creation of more corporate owned mega-farms with no interest in protecting the environment and animal welfare.

(f)          threaten the protection of our countryside, by hindering environmental projects and conservation efforts that rely on stable, family-owned farming operations.

(g)         threaten the UK’s food security at a time when we already import 46% of our food at a cost to the natural environment around the world such as the Amazon rainforest.

(h)         have a detrimental effect on the rural economies of our country.

This Council further notes that:

(i)           The emerging West Sussex Local Nature Recovery Strategy requires strong collaboration with local agricultural stakeholders, who together with many environmental partners will drive numerous Initiatives to protect and enhance biodiversity across the county. Farms that stay within family ownership are better positioned to continue practices that support wildlife corridors, habitat preservation, and sustainable land stewardship.

(ii)          That the conservation and protection of the South Downs National Park, 75% of which is farmland, the farmland that forms an integral part of the Chichester Harbour National Landscape, and the High Weald National Landscape, as well as the numerous sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) and nature reserves, are dependent on the co-operation of land owners and it is the family run farms, handed down through the generations, that better support these aims.

Therefore, this Council resolves to request that the Leader of the Council:

(1)         Writes to the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to outline the Council’s dismay at this decision highlighting the impact on family farms, the environmental impacts in West Sussex and calling on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.

(2)         Supports campaigns by agricultural and environmental bodies that call for tax relief for farming families that achieve environmental gains such as increased biodiversity and carbon reduction.’

55.2     The motion was put to a recorded vote under Standing Order 3.35.

(a)         For the motion – 41

          Cllr Ali, Cllr Atkins, Cllr Baldwin, Cllr Bence, Cllr Bradbury, Cllr Burgess, Cllr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

To debate the following motion, submitted by Cllr Chowdhury, notice of which was given on 1 October 2024.

‘This Council believes breast cancer remains a critical issue in West Sussex. Published data shows that while overall population coverage of breast cancer screening is above the national average, the rate of early deaths from breast cancer is significantly worse than the national average.

Breast cancer has been highlighted by a recent survey by Sussex Health Outcomes Research & Education at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) which revealed disturbing gaps in communication, information, and fairly basic support for patients with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer. In addition, a recent report by the BBC highlighted the case of a woman from Brighton who was given just three years to live after a secondary breast cancer diagnosis and had to fight for her right to appropriate treatment.

All women should be supported to ensure breast cancer is detected as early as possible to enable timely diagnosis and treatment. This means ensuring women are aware of how to notice changes in their breasts and that women who are eligible have information to make an informed choice about taking up the offer of breast cancer screening. Women faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer should receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve.

This Council therefore:

(1)         Resolves to ask the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing to increase breast cancer awareness, including self-examination, and encourage informed uptake of breast cancer screening using the Council’s communication channels.

(2)         Resolves to ask the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing to meet with NHS Sussex to ensure access to diagnosis, treatment and support pathways is timely, high quality and personalised.’

56.1     The following revised motion was moved by Cllr Chowdhury and seconded by Cllr Cornell.

‘This Council believes breast cancer remains a critical issue in West Sussex. Published data shows that while overall population coverage of breast cancer screening is above the national average, the rate of early deaths from breast cancer is significantly worse than the national average.

Breast cancer has been highlighted by a recent survey by Sussex Health Outcomes Research & Education at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) which revealed disturbing gaps in communication, information, and fairly basic support for patients with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer. In addition, a recent report by the BBC highlighted the case of a woman from Brighton who was given just three years to live after a secondary breast cancer diagnosis and had to fight for her right to appropriate treatment.

All people should be supported to ensure breast cancer is detected as early as possible to enable timely diagnosis and treatment. This means ensuring people are aware of how to notice changes in their breasts and that people who are eligible have information to make an informed choice about taking up the offer of breast cancer screening. People faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer should receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve.

This Council therefore:

(1)        Resolves to ask the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing to increase breast cancer awareness, including self-examination, and encourage informed uptake of breast cancer screening using the Council’s communication channels.

(2)        Resolves to ask the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing to meet with NHS Sussex to ensure access to diagnosis, treatment and support pathways is timely, high quality and personalised.’

56.2     An amendment put forward by Cllr Lanzer and set out below was accepted by Cllr Chowdhury and became the substantive motion.

‘This Council believes breast cancer remains a critical issue in West Sussex. Published data shows that while overall population coverage of breast cancer screening is above the national average, the rate of early deaths from breast cancer is significantly worse than the national average.

Breast cancer has been highlighted by a recent survey by Sussex Health Outcomes Research & Education at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) which revealed disturbing gaps in communication, information, and fairly basic support for patients with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer. In addition, a recent report by the BBC highlighted the case of a woman from Brighton who was given just three years to live after a secondary breast cancer diagnosis and had to fight for her right to appropriate treatment.

All people should be supported to ensure breast cancer is detected as early as possible to enable timely diagnosis and treatment. This means ensuring people are aware of how to notice changes in their breasts and that people who are eligible have information to make an informed choice about taking up the offer of breast cancer screening. People faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer should receive the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.