To consider the record of decision setting out the Executive Lead for Business’ formal response to the Council’s objections to the current Corporate Plan in respect of connections.

Further to the adjourned meeting of the Council held on 11 February 2016, Members considered the Record of Decision setting out the Executive Lead for Business’ response to the objections raised by the Council on the current Corporate Plan in relation to face to face customer service presence.

It was proposed by Councillor Haddock and seconded by Councillor Morris:

that the Council be recommended to revise the current Corporate Plan under ‘Use reducing resources to best affect’ as set out below (changes shown in bold text):

‘Use reducing resources to best effect

Thinking for the future

We will continue to ensure we are working to maximise efficiencies, ensuring every pound and every hour of work is well spent but the scale of the budget gap means this alone will not be enough. Therefore we will need to think and act differently:

·         We may stop providing some services.

Including reducing the Connections Service in Torquay and Brixham, but maintaining an appointments system for face to face customer service presence for one day per week in Brixham and Torquay libraries,  with any further changes made to the locations of face to face customer service being determined by Full Council.’

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Lewis and seconded by Councillor Stocks:

that the Council be recommended to revise the current Corporate Plan under ‘Use reducing resources to best affect’ as set out below (changes shown bold):

‘Use reducing resources to best effect

Thinking for the future

We will continue to ensure we are working to maximise efficiencies, ensuring every pound and every hour of work is well spent but the scale of the budget gap means this alone will not be enough. Therefore we will need to think and act differently:

·         We may stop providing some services.

Including reducing the Connections Service in Torquay and Brixham, but maintaining an appointments system for face to face customer service presence for one day per week in Brixham and Torquay libraries, with any further changes made to the locations of face to face customer service key services protecting our vulnerable residents, for example Connections, being determined by Full Council.

·         The Council will maintain a face-to-face customer service presence in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and before any change is made a report be presented to Council for approval.’

At the request of the Chairman, a recorded vote was taken on the amendment.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  Councillors Barnby, Bent, Bye, Carter, Cunningham, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Ellery, Hill, Kingscote, Lewis, Morey, O’Dwyer, Robson, Sanders, Stockman, Stocks, Stringer, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tolchard, Tyerman and Winfield (25);  Against:  Councillors Amil, Brooks, Excell, Haddock, King, Lang, Manning, Mills, Morris, Parrott and Stubley (11);  Absent:  Mayor Oliver (1).  Therefore, as more than two-thirds of Members present and voting had cast their vote in support of the amendment it was declared carried.

The substantive motion was then before Members for consideration. 

At the request of the Chairman, a recorded vote was taken on the substantive motion.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows:  For:  Councillors Barnby, Bent, Bye, Carter, Cunningham, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Ellery, Hill, Kingscote, Lewis, Morey, O’Dwyer, Robson, Sanders, Stockman, Stocks, Stringer, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tolchard, Tyerman and Winfield (25);  Against:  Councillors Amil, Brooks, Excell, Haddock, King, Lang, Manning, Mills, Morris, Parrott and Stubley (11);  Absent:  Mayor Oliver (1).  Therefore, as more than two-thirds of Members present and voting had cast their vote in support of the substantive motion it was declared carried.

(Note:  Prior to the consideration of Minute 141, Mayor Oliver declared his pecuniary interest and withdrew from the meeting.)