The Very Reverend Michael Tavinor, the Dean of Hereford, led the Council in prayer.

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Mrs P.A. Andrews, H. Bramer, G.V. Hyde, R. Manning and W.J. Walling.

Councillor Mrs. Andrews joined the meeting at a later stage.

To receive any declarations of interest by Members in respect of items on this Agenda.

There were no declarations of interest made.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 12th November, 2005.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 12th November, 2004 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive the Chairman's announcements and petitions from members of the public.

The Chairman informed Council that Councillor George Hyde was suffering from myeloma, a form of cancer of the bone marrow for which he was undergoing chemotherapy treatment.  Although he would not be able to attend meetings for the next few months he did feel that he would be able to deal with papers and individual decisions required of him as Cabinet Member.  He had asked for his Cabinet Member allowance to be suspended until he was able to resume normal duties.  Although unable to receive visitors he sent his thanks to those who had sent him messages of goodwill. 

The Chairman also informed Council that Councillor Mrs. French's husband had recently been diagnosed as suffering from cancer and was to undergo a course of chemotherapy treatment.  Councillor Mrs. French was confident that she would be able to maintain her role as Cabinet Member but asked for understanding if there were occasions when she was unable to attend meetings at short notice.

Council joined the Chairman in congratulating Councillor John Hope on being awarded the MBE in the New Year's honours.

The Chairman then made the following announcements:

Herefordshire has been selected to join a national scheme to share good practice in the use of cultural activities to promote the County.  Herefordshire was one of only 11 authorities in the country to join the Cultural Pathfinder programme.

The new bridge at Bridge Sollers won a top award from the Green Apple Organisation in recognition of reaching the exacting requirements of environmental protection for the site.

The Contracts have been signed for a new Whitecross High School which will serve Hereford school children for the next 25 years.

Six Citizenship Ceremonies have taken place in Herefordshire with a total of 27 new citizens.  Another two ceremonies are being planned and the Chairman invited Members who were school governors to encourage their schools, particularly primary schools, to take part in these events.

The next meeting of Council will be held on Friday, 11th March, 2005 at 10.30 a.m. in the Shirehall.  The main item of business will be to agree the Council's budget and to set the Council Tax for 2005-06.

The Council's Civic Service is to be held at Hereford Cathedral on Sunday, 13th March, 2005 at 3.30 p.m.  The Bishop of Hereford will deliver the address.

Members were informed that while the new microphones were being trialled, they could remain seated while speaking.

To receive questions from members of the public.

Under the Constitution a member of the public can ask a Cabinet Member or Chairman of a Committee any question relevant to a matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties, or which affects the County, as long as a copy of the question is deposited with the County Secretary and Solicitor more than six clear working days before the meeting.  No such questions had been received.

To receive any written questions.

Question asked by Councillor W.L.S. Bowen of Cabinet Member (Community and Social Development)

"Are you aware that some of the most disadvantaged people in our County are most benefited by swimming and horse riding?

Are you aware that the new Leominster swimming pool , though complying with the most basic requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, will not provide effective facilities for the more handicapped amongst us?

Are you aware that a proper changing bed and hoist, costing perhaps £6,000, would make all the difference in enabling full use of the new pool by those most in need of help?

Could this relatively small amount of money be found from either our Social Care and/or Social Development budgets to fund this facility?

Do you not agree that it would be easier, cheaper and better to do this now, than to have to provide these facilities at some later date?"

Councillor R.V. Stockton said that both officers and Members were aware and recognised the health and wellbeing benefits of swimming and horse riding within the wider context of physical activity.  He was also aware that the replacement swimming pool for north Herefordshire complies with Part M of building regulations for disabled access.  Due to the physical restrictions of the site and planning constraints, it was not possible to provide bespoke facilities for all individuals with special needs.  This issue had been discussed with disability group representatives and it had been agreed that special needs facilities would be provided at Hereford Leisure Pool where it was reasonably practical to accommodate them.  Given the constraints of the District Pool facilities every effort has been made to provide adequate access for disabled users.  He also confirmed that a “fit for purpose” changing bed and hoist would be provided at Leominster. 

He said that the provision of funding for this facility had been identified from within existing budgets and the development of the disability changing provision would be incorporated into the main construction programme for the Pool.  He also paid tribute to the local fundraisers who had raised approximately £200,000 to date towards the costs of the pool.

Question asked by Councillor W.L.S. Bowen of Cabinet Member (Environment)

"Can we be assured that the Herefordshire Code for Polytunnels is being adhered to, fully?

Can we also be assured that all those not complying with the code, or flouting its provisions, even if signed up to the code, are immediately and properly pursued by our Planning Enforcement Officers and, at the least, proper planning permissions required and the full requirements of the code demanded to be enacted?"

Councillor P.J. Edwards advised that since the commencement of the Code the planning department had received 24 temporary polytunnel checklists from growers detailing their plans for the erection of polytunnels. The details and plans had been studied and the growers informed as to whether their proposals complied with the code or whether planning permission was required. The landscape mitigation measures were forwarded to the Landscape Officer for comment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

To consider any Notices of Motion.

There were no Notices of Motion.

To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meetings held on 25th November and 16th December, 2004 and 13th and 27th January, 2005

The Leader of the Council, Councillor R.J. Phillips, presented the report of the meetings of Cabinet held on 24th November and 16th December, 2004 and 13th and 27th January, 2005.

In relation to item 2 - Notices of Motion - Councillor Mrs French confirmed that progress was being made on Councillor Mrs. Lloyd-Hayes and Councillor Bowen's motion at the previous Council meeting on the promotion and purchase of FairTrade goods.  She said that a report would come back to Council but could not promise that it would be ready in time for the March meeting.  She agreed to keep Councillors Mrs. Lloyd-Hayes and Bowen informed of any developments.

In relation to item 3.1 Acquisition of Station Approach Industrial Estate - It was noted that some concern had been caused to tenants of the site by a press release issued by Advantage West Midlands explaining that the Estate was being acquired as part of the long term plans to regenerate the area.

In relation to item 4.1(iii) Learning and Skills Council - Strategic Area Review - in response to concerns that with the proposal to create a new College, the College of Art which had a very good national reputation, might lose its identity, the Leader of the Council said it was important for the County that facilities were available for all young people to acquire a range of skills.  Councillor James stressed the importance of ensuring that the Colleges worked together for the benefit of all further education students.

In relation to item 4.2(i) Local Area Forums - The Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Committee urged Council to increase support to the Scrutiny function so that the Committees could address the suggestion that they consider areas of concern highlighted at Local Area Forum Meeting when formulating and reviewing their work programmes.  He also said that the authorities who had performed well under the Corporate Performance Assessment enjoyed well resourced scrutiny functions.  Other Members suggested ways of increasing public attendance at Local Area Forum meetings including Local Members being more proactive, e-mail communications with organisations such as Residents' Associations, and additional funding for improving publicity.

In relation to item 4.2(iii) Budget Monitoring 2004/05 - In response to a query on the sale of Trinity House and the move of staff to rented accommodation, the Leader clarified that this sale was part of the overall accommodation strategy aimed at reducing the number of offices the Council occupies, which would, in turn, lead to economies of scale and efficiency savings.

In relation to item 10.1(i) Appointment of Traffic Manager - In response to a comment, the Leader confirmed that the appointment of a Traffic Manager was a statutory requirement and hoped that the appointment would assist in developing a more a constructive and robust relationship with the Highways Agency.

In relation to item 11.l(i) - Reform of the Registration Service - In response to a query Councillor Mrs. French advised that, as the service is developed and modernised, it will not be necessary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meetings held on 26th November, 2004 and 21st January, 2005.

Councillor T.W. Hunt presented the report of the meetings of the Planning Committee held on 26th November, 2004 and 21st January, 2005.

In response to a query on the Herefordshire Housing Land Study 2004, he confirmed that it would include the number of affordable houses.

In response to a query on reductions in funding available to Parish Plan Committees, he advised that those committees should seek advice from the Forward Planning Department who would provide guidance free of charge.

RESOLVED:That the report of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 26th November, 2004 and 21st January, 2005 be received.

To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meetings held on 30th November and 14th December, 2005.

Councillor R.I. Mathews presented the report of the meetings of the Regulatory Committee held on 30th November and 14th December, 2004.

In response to a query he agreed to write to all Members with figures for the number of taxi licences held and the number of taxis operating in Hereford.

RESOLVED:That the report of the meetings of the Regulatory Committee held on 30th November and 14th December, 2004 be received.

To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meeting held on 3rd December, 2004.

In the absence of Mr Robert Rogers, Councillor Harling presented the report of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 3rd December, 2004.

Several Members expressed concern at the role and effectiveness of the Standards Board for England, calling for it to either improve or be abolished.

RESOLVED:That the report of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 3rd December, 2004 be received.

To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meetings held on 12th and 14th January, 2005.

Councillor T.M. James presented the report of the meetings of the Strategic Monitoring Committee held on 12th and 14th January, 2005

RESOLVED:That the report of the meetings of the Strategic Monitoring Committee held on 12th and 14th January, 2005 be received.

To receive the report of the meeting of the West Mercia Police Authority held on 7th December, 2004.  Councillor B. Hunt has been nominated for the purpose of answering questions on the discharge of the functions of the Police Authority.

Councillor B. Hunt presented the report of the West Mercia Police Authority held on 7th December, 2004.

He circulated a newsletter and the West Mercia Police Authority Bulletin and responded to a number of questions as follows:

• The South Wye Police Station in Hereford is sometimes not manned due to illness or other commitments.  A phone at the front of the building can be used to contact the central police station.  The station is currently looking for volunteers to staff the front desk.  Training would be provided to suitable applicants.

• Absence rates in Herefordshire due to illness and other commitments are slightly less than the national average.

• Community Safety Officers do not yet have the power to impose fixed penalty fines.

He agreed to provide written answers to questions about:

• use of Section 61 of the Criminal Justice Act to prevent illegal use by itinerants of local car parks.

• identification of efficiency savings as part of the Gershon review and efforts made to achieve.

• action being taken to improve the quality of life by controlling anti-social behaviour such as high speed car chases and also the number of convictions for these offences.

• contacting the police via e-mail.

The Chairman suggested that, in future, Members provide Councillor Hunt with written questions in good time before the Council meeting to allow him time to research the answers.

RESOLVED:That the report of the meeting of the West Mercia Police Authority held on 7th December, 2004 be approved.