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

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors: DJ Benjamin, RBA Burke, GA Powell and DC Taylor.

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

GUIDANCE ON DECLARING PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AT MEETINGS

The Council’s Members’ Code of Conduct requires Councillors to declare against an Agenda item(s) the nature of an interest and whether the interest is personal or prejudicial.  Councillors have to decide first whether or not they have a personal interest in the matter under discussion.  They will then have to decide whether that personal interest is also prejudicial.

A personal interest is an interest that affects the Councillor more than most other people in the area.  People in the area include those who live, work or have property in the area of the Council.  Councillors will also have a personal interest if their partner, relative or a close friend, or an organisation that they or the member works for, is affected more than other people in the area.  If they do have a personal interest, they must declare it but can stay and take part and vote in the meeting. 

Whether an interest is prejudicial is a matter of judgement for each Councillor.  What Councillors have to do is ask themselves whether a member of the public – if he or she knew all the facts – would think that the Councillor’s interest was so important that their decision would be affected by it.  If a Councillor has a prejudicial interest then they must declare what that interest is and leave the meeting room.

The Chairman reminded Members of their obligation to notify the Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic of any changes affecting their Declarations of Financial or Other Interests within 28 days of any change taking place.

Councillors: ACR Chappell and WU Attfield declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 9, Wyebridge College, as College Governors. 

Councillor RJ Phillips declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 9, Edgar Street Grid Development, as a Director of ESG Ltd.  Councillor NL Vaughan referred to Agenda Item 9 and the Legal Practice Manager confirmed that Councillor Vaughan had neither a personal or prejudicial interest to declare.

Councillors:  WU Attfield, AE Gray, RH Smith, and AM Toon declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 9, Herefordshire Housing, as appointees to the board.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the Annual meeting held on 16 May 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 16 May 2008 were approved subject to the correction of typographical errors.

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

The Chairman announced that he recently attended a ceremony in which The Rifles were granted the Freedom of the City of Hereford.  He stated that the occasion was a very proud moment for Hereford which demonstrated its support to the armed services.  Councillor Sylvia Daniels, Deputy Mayor of Hereford was thanked for her prominent role during the ceremony and for providing hospitality in the Shire Hall following the ceremony.

Former Councillor Godfrey Davis, was congratulated for receiving an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to local government. 

The Chairman announced that Herefordshire Council had signed up to the West Midlands Biodiversity Pledge, one of the few authorities in the region to make this commitment.  He presented Councillor Jarvis, Cabinet Member for Environment and Strategic Housing, with the signed pledge which was given jointly by the West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership and the West Midlands Local Government Association.

Councillor Stone reminded Members that it had been a year since the County had suffered severe flooding during the Summer of 2007 and stated that the thoughts of the Council were with those constituents yet to return to their own homes.

Petitions

The Chairman informed Council that a petition had been received from Stretton Sugwas CE Primary School via Councillor RI Matthews regarding safer routes to school.  The Chairman presented Councillor DB Wilcox, Cabinet Member, Highways and Transportation with the petition.

To receive questions from members of the public.

The Chairman reminded Council that under the Constitution a member of the public could ask a Cabinet Member or Chairman of a Committee any question relevant to a matter in relation to which the Council had powers or duties, or which affected the County, as long as a copy of that question was deposited with the Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic more than six clear working days before the meeting.

1       Question from Ms Susana Piohtee, Transition Hereford

As you will know, after a great deal of campaigning, the Sustainable Communities Act is now a reality.

In the introductory information it says:  ‘the Sustainable Communities Act is a new law that empowers citizens and councils to ask for help from government to promote sustainable communities – and then requires the government to reach agreement with them.  This is NOT the usual consultation everyone is so fed up with – government cannot just say ‘no’ to all the good proposals and ideas that local people have.  This is new wording and precedent in law.  The whole process will start in October when the government will write to councils inviting them to ‘opt in’ to the Sustainable Communities Act.  It is crucial that your council does this, otherwise you and your community will be excluded from the process and your voice will not be heard.

Given the amount of development planned for our county over the next years, this Act will provide the Herefordshire Council with a useful tool with which to challenge government on the appropriateness of some of its requirements of this Council.  How are you going to respond to this invitation to ‘opt in’ when invited to do so in October?

Answer from Councillor AJM Blackshaw Cabinet Member Economic Development and Community Services

1       The Sustainable Communities Act 2007 received the Royal Assent in October 2007. The Act requires the Secretary of State to make regulations and publish guidance relating to the procedure to be followed concerning proposals made under section 2 of the Act (proposals that would contribute to promoting the sustainability of local communities). Before doing so, the Secretary of State is obliged to consult local government on the regulations and on the guidance. This consultation took place earlier in this year and the guidance was finally published on July 9th 2008.

The regulations will come before Parliament in the near future and Government will also be consulting on the approach to producing Local Spending Reports during the summer of 2008.

The Secretary of State will issue first invitations to local authorities by 23 October 2008 and arrangements for the first Local Spending Reports should be in place by 23 April 2009.

Herefordshire Council is currently monitoring these developments and identifying procedures that it needs to put in place, to comply with the new regulations.  A seminar will be held in the autumn to brief all Members on the impact of the Sustainable Communities Act.

2       Question from Ms Barbara Evans, Kingsthorn

Is it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive any written questions.

The Chairman advised that ten Councillors had lodged written questions with the Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic by the deadline date and time.

1              Question from Councillor A Seldon to Cabinet Member Resources

Earlier this year Bromyard and Winslow Town Council completed the purchase of the Council offices in Rowberry Street, Bromyard.  This was not without controversy as the buildings had originally been bought from the Church by the then Bromyard Rural District Council.  Some people feel that they have paid for this site twice in the last 50 years.  During the negotiations with this Council, there was never any hint that there could be mechanisms for discounts to the value of the site as determined by the District Valuer.  Bromyard and Winslow Town Council accepted this as they realised that this Council has a duty to the Council Tax payers of Herefordshire to obtain “best value” for their assets.

A little later in the year, the Grange in Leominster was sold by this Council for the sum of £1.00 in the blaze of much publicity.

In his report, what value does the District Valuer give to The Grange?

Answer from Councillor H Bramer, Cabinet Member Resources

1       The situation of the transfer of the Grange is different to the disposal at Bromyard. Following the Quirk Review, it is permissible to transfer surplus assets to charitable community organisations at less than market value. The Grange will be transacted under those terms. Town Councils are specifically excluded and as such the Bromyard disposal was at market value.

Supplementary question from Councillor Seldon

Did selling The Grange for £1.00 demonstrate best value for the Council Tax payer?

Answer from Councillor H Bramer, Cabinet Member Resources

The Cabinet Member Resources stated that in some cases buildings should not be considered as assets, but as liabilities.  The Grange would fall into the latter category.  The transfer of the Grange to a charitable community organisation demonstrated best value for the community it would now serve.

2       Question from Councillor PJ Edwards to the Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources

2.1       When will the Key Officer Contact List be available as diary pages?

Answer from Councillor JP French Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources.

2.1       Members’ Support were currently working with the printers to provide the Key Officer Contact List as diary pages.  It is hoped that the diary pages will be available to Members in August.

Question from Councillor PJ Edwards to Cabinet Member ICT, Education and Achievement

2.2       Given that it appears estimated costs to accommodate Dedicated School's usage of The Hereford Leisure Pool could cost equal or more than basic repair / update costs of The Dedicated LEA Pool, why have these essential repairs not been carried out as a matter of urgency and the Pool reopened?

Answer from Councillor PD Price Cabinet Member ICT, Education and Achievement

2.2    The Cabinet report of 31 July 2008 details the capital costs estimated for the LEA  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider any Notices of Motion.

Councillors PJ Edwards and PA Andrews submitted the following Notice of Motion as a matter of urgency:

“In reference to the current Service Review being undertaken jointly by our Council and Amey Wye Valley Ltd:

'That Herefordshire Council urgently seek improvement in the standard of maintaining its Parks, Open Spaces and Streets Local Environment and this be a key consideration whilst the current review is being carried out relating to Service Delivery’.'

The Chairman will rule whether the motion is urgent.

The Chairman stated that a notice of motion had been submitted from Councillors PJ Edwards and PA Andrews, and moved urgency;

‘In reference to the current Service Review being undertaken jointly be our Council and Amey Wye Valley Ltd:

That Herefordshire Council urgently seek to improvements in the standard of maintaining its Parks, Open Spaces and Streets Local Environment and this be a key consideration with the current review is being carried out relating to Service Delivery’’

Councillor PJ Edwards proposed the motion as outlined in the agenda.  He stated that the value of tourism to the County was recognised by all, and that he considered that such activities as cutting verges only twice a year were not contributing to this important sector, especially when on occasion street signage was hidden by uncut grass.  Whilst he recognised that the City and Market Town areas were different, Councillor Edwards informed the Council that there had been a marked deterioration in the last three years.  It was additionally recognised that whilst some areas were well looked after, others appeared to have been ignored with the visible consequences of weeds and overgrown verges.  When brought to the attention of the Strategic Monitoring Committee, contractors took action to tidy up the flower beds in Brockington.  Councillor Edwards stated that the uneven service provision was unsatisfactory and requested that when the issue be considered by Cabinet that everything was done to improve the environment and street scene county wide.

Councillor P A Andrews formally seconded the motion.

The Cabinet Member Economic Development and Community Services informed Members that he agreed with the content of the motion and that a report would be considered by Cabinet on 11 September 2008.  A negotiating team had been set up within the authority to consider the contract and the Cabinet Member endorsed Councillor Edwards’s comment that it was vital to maintain the county’s environment as tourism was important to the county’s economy and expressed the view that there was room for improvement in the current service provision.

The Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation advised Members that on 18 June 2008 an early warning letter was served on Amey Wye Valley in respect of grass cutting and the cutting of verges.  The Cabinet Member confirmed that the whole contract was under discussion and both sides had agreed that service delivery was currently not satisfactory.  It was essential to ensure that the service provided to the County provided value for money.  A report would be considered by Strategic Monitoring Committee prior to formal consideration by Cabinet in September.

The Liberal Democrat Group Leader emphasised the need to consider the cost of delivery of service against the value for money for the service provided e.g. the number of staff attending to single flowerbeds.

The Chairman called for a vote on the notice of motion as outlined in the agenda papers, which was carried unanimously.

For                  54

Against           0

Abstentions    0

To receive the report to Council arising from the meetings held on 29 May, 12 June and 10 July 2008.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor RJ Phillips, presented the report of the meetings of Cabinet held on 29 May, 12 June and 10 July 2008.

In discussion the following comments were expressed:

Councillor Lloyd Hayes raised the issue of the LEA Swimming Pool, which had been deferred as a Cabinet item, and advised Members that she had been contacted by both school staff and parents complaining that school swimming lessons were no longer available at the LEA pool as it had been closed.  The provision for school swimming lessons at Halo was limited; both in terms of space available in the pool and the time, additionally car parking charges had doubled.  She called for the Council to take seriously the concerns expressed about the closure of the LEA pool and the loss of its value to the wider community.

In response the Leader stated that the LEA Swimming Pool would be considered at the Cabinet on 31 July and that the Councillor’s comments would be taken on board.

Councillor Toon expressed the view that she was appalled by the report considered by Cabinet on the Wyebridge Academy (page 47, 5.1) which referred to the ‘disinterest’ of parents, referring to the fact that only eight parents attended the public meeting.  Councillor Toon wished it to be clarified that the notification of the meeting had been distributed late and that the meeting had been called on the basis of discussing the sole issue of the school uniform, and that it had not been made clear that the closure of the school would be discussed in the public meeting.  This was considered to be a failure of the Council’s consultation process.

The Cabinet Member Children’s Services did not consider the lack of interest to be a failure of the consultation process and advised Members that school uniform was a subject that the parents wished to discuss. 

Councillor RI Matthews requested that parish councils be approached for their views during consultations as he expressed the view that this had not been undertaken in a constructive manner in relation to the Herefordshire Local Development Framework (LDF): Core Strategy (page 49, 8.2). 

In reference to the Herefordshire LDF : Core Strategy and Strategic Housing Availability Assessment items (8.2 and 8.3 page 49), Councillor PJ Edwards sought assurance from the Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing that amenity land would remain as a public resource and would not be considered as potential sites for development.

Councillor ARC Chappell asked whether the Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing agreed that the Council and housing associations could be more imaginative in their approach to development of affordable housing in the county.  The Member informed Council that his political party would be shortly launching a plan which would outline alternative approaches to the provision of social housing and eco friendly development; examples of such alternative approaches were given which included projects both in the UK and in Sweden.

Responding to those questions relating to his portfolio in sequential  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

For Council to consider and approve the adoption of changes to the Council’s Constitution.

The Chairman invited Mr Kevin O’Keefe, Legal Practice Manager to present the report to the Council on the proposed changes to the Council’s constitution.

In considering the report, the following comments were expressed by Members:

Councillor RI Matthews acknowledged that there was a need to reconsider the structure of the Council meetings; however he expressed the view that it was imperative that the public did not feel discouraged from providing an input into the meetings.  Councillor Matthews also stated that the asking of supplementary questions by the public should be considered.

Councillor ARC Chappell suggested to Council that should supplementary questions be considered appropriate for public questions, these could be asked by the relevant ward member.

Councillor A Seldon endorsed the view that the engagement of the public required careful consideration as their participation in the Council meeting would be valid.  He stated that he would consider it appropriate for a member of the public, if present, to be allowed to ask one supplementary question.

Councillor TM James stated that he agreed with the principle of supplementary questions from members of the public, however he emphasised that it would be imperative for meetings to be well-controlled with the protocols strictly adhered to.

Councillor KG Grumbley noted that work was ongoing to revise the constitution and drew Members’ attention to Appendix 3 of the report and specifically page 116, 9.1 in which reference was made to the Training and Awareness requirements of Members in relation to the Members Code of Conduct.  He stated that training and awareness should be specifically referenced in the complementary Officer Code of Conduct.  Consideration also needed to be given to the mechanism by which both Members and Officers formally signed up to the Code of Conduct, and the method by which refresher training was given.  Councillor Grumbley stated that further consideration needed to be given to the language used in the documents to ensure that they were clear and concise and reflected the comments provided.

Councillor RH Smith advised Council that several drafts of the Scheme of Delegation (appendix 2 of the report) had been considered by the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee, and whilst the document under consideration by Council would not be a final version in terms of accuracy, the delegations outlined within the document reflected the firm principles required.

Councillor MD Lloyd Hayes agreed with the suggestion of supplementary questions from the public as long as there was a time limitation.  The Councillor stated that other local authorities did allow differing public participation in both Council and Cabinet Meetings. 

Councillor AE Gray endorsed the views expressed by Councillor Smith and additionally asked whether the Leader would confirm that the integration of Ross-on-Wye’s Infoshop with the Library was considered to be a formal amalgamation or a co-location.

Councillor AM Toon advised Members that she had expressed her concerns to the Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic that the process for adopting changes to the constitution had not been followed on this occasion.

Councillor SJ  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meetings held on 23 May and 4 July 2008.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor T Hunt formally moved the adoption of the report of the meetings of the Planning Committee held on 23 May and 4 July 2008.

In reference to the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (as outlined on page 120 of the Agenda) Councillor Hubbard asked whether Hereford City would be expected to accommodate additional housing numbers in order to pay for a second river crossing.

In response, the Leader advised Members that no additional housing figures were being put forward, however Members were informed that the Secretary of State was actively increasing the number of new houses to be accommodated within the West Midlands as a whole.  The Leader additionally took the opportunity to advise the Council that the authority was not pressing to accommodate an eco-town.

RESOLVED:   That the report of the meetings of the Planning Committee held on 23 May and 4 July 2008 be received.

To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meeting held on 4 July 2008.

The Chairman of the Standards Committee, Mr Robert Rogers presented the report of the Standards Committee and formally moved the adoption of the recommendations contained within the report for the meeting held on 4 July 2008.

In response to a question from a Member about the recruitment of an independent member to the Standards Committee, Mr Rogers advised the Council that information advising the public of the recruitment process had been published within Herefordshire Matters and the local press.  The deadline for receipt of applications would be Friday, 8 August and that selection would follow the Council’s formal appointments process

Councillor B Hunt advised Council that the West Mercia Police Authority (WMPA) were keen to develop joint working arrangements with the Standards Committee and the WMPA’s thanks was expressed to Mr Rogers and the Herefordshire Standards Committee for sharing with the WMPA updated information and documentation which had been very well received and quoted as best practice.

RESOLVED:

               That

                        (a)    the amendments to Part 8 of the Constitution (the Standards Committee) and the Terms of Reference for the Assessment Sub-Committee and the Review Sub-Committee be approved;

                        (b)    the Monitoring Officer be instructed to notify Members of receipt of any complaint, and

·        Provide a written summary of the allegation to the Member(s);

·        At the same time acknowledge receipt of the allegation from the person making the allegation;

·        No later than sending the agenda to Members of the Assessment Sub-Committee unless, after consultation with the Chairman of the Standards Committee, the Monitoring Officer considered it appropriate to defer notification in order to enable proper investigation to take place;

                        (c)       the protocol set out at Appendix 4 authorising the Monitoring Officer to seek local resolution in appropriate cases, and setting out the Committee’s expectations of a Monitoring Officer through the referral process be adopted;

                        (d)       the identity of a complainant to be kept confidential if the Monitoring Officer has reason to believe that the complainant:

·        Would be at risk of physical harm;

·        Is an officer who works closely with the Member and there is a reasonable fear of intimidation or incrimination;

·        Suffers from a serious health condition which might be affected;

                        (e)       meetings of the Assessment and Review Sub-Committee be held in private unless the relevant Sub-Committee determines otherwise;

                        (f)        the functions of determining whether to accept the Monitoring Officer’s findings of no breach, to go to a local hearing or to refer the matter to a case tribunal to be delegated to a Hearing Panel of Members of the Standards Committee; and

                        (g)       the Monitoring Officer be instructed to promulgate these changes after consultation with the Chairman of the Standards Committee.

To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meetings held on 13 June and 16 July 2008.

The Chairman of the Strategic Monitoring Committee (SMC), Councillor PJ Edwards presented the report of the meetings held on 13 June and 16 July 2008.  He drew Members particular attention to on going work on the following; Review of Service Delivery Partnership, Office Accommodation Strategy and Herefordshire Connects.

In response to a question regarding the Office Accommodation Working Group, Councillor Edwards stated that the membership of the group was made up, in the main, by Members from SMC.  The working group had met and had reported back to the Committee.

Councillor RH Smith raised with the Chairman of SMC the point that a one day review of the ESG Project was to take place, arranged by the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, however he was concerned that no terms of reference had been drafted and no information had been released as to its focus or content.

As Chairman of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, Councillor James responded to the issue regarding the scrutiny review of the ESG Project.  Councillor James clarified that the authorisation of the Chairman of SMC to an individual scrutiny review was not required and that this particular review had been agreed by the Director of Regeneration and the Chief Executive of ESG Ltd.  The Councillor further stated that the ESG project was a major public issue, which concerned a vast number of businesses in the locality.  An invitation was extended to Members to attend.

The Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services, and Human Resources suggested that in the future the committee should consider terms of reference prior to the commencement of a scrutiny review.  This would provide an opportunity for constructive comments to be considered at the start of any process.

Councillor B Hunt referred to the proposed expansion to radiotherapy services which was outlined on page 145 of the Agenda.  He expressed his dismay that the information to date seemed to be favouring Worcester, and urged SMC and the Health Scrutiny Committee to be vociferous in their campaign to expand the provision to Hereford.

Councillor JK Swinburne, Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Committee, was invited to update the Council on this important issue.  The Councillor advised Council that the provision of additional radiotherapy services were vital to both Herefordshire and Worcestershire, as well as Wales, and that an enormous amount of work had been undertaken behind the scenes.  A delay in the decision had occurred due to the fact that Worcestershire insisted on additional consultation on the location of any service; however a decision was due to be taken on 28 July 2008 by the Board for the three Counties.  The Council was informed that neighbouring authorities in Wales were in support and had stated that they would use radio therapy provision should it be available within Herefordshire.  Sincere thanks were expressed to colleagues within the PCT who had worked valiantly to produce comprehensive reports and financial analyses.

The Leader advised the Council that he had been in contact with the Leader of Powys Council.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meetings held on 15 and 27 May, 20 May, 17 June and 15 July 2008

The Chairman of the Regulatory Committee, Councillor Brigadier P Jones moved the report for the meetings held on 15/27 May, 20 May, 17 June and 15 July 2008.  Councillor Brigadier Jones informed the Council that much consideration had been given recently to the issue of taxi licensing and that he was pleased to advise the Council that the Regulatory Committee had been able to resolve the issue of balancing the safety of the people of Herefordshire with the livelihood of the taxi drivers.

RESOLVED:   That the report of the meetings of the Regulatory Committee held on 15/27 May, 20 May, 17 June and 15 July 2008 be received.

To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meetings held on 20 June and 3 July 2008.

The Chairman of the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee, Councillor ARC Chappell moved the report of the meetings held on 20 June and 3 July 2008.  The Chairman gave particular thanks to his Vice-Chairman, Councillor RH Smith on his detailed analysis of the Code of Corporate Governance. 

RESOLVED:   That the report of the meetings of the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee held on 20 June and 3 July 2008 be received.

To receive the report of the meeting of the West Mercia Police Authority held on 10 June 2008.  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 (WMPA) for the meeting held on 10 June 2008.  It was stated that the Chief Constable was unable to attend this Council meeting and that he would not be in a position to attend the October meeting either.  A separate stand alone event would be arranged to which all Members of the Council would be invited to attend.  Members were informed that Councillor RH Smith had been confirmed in post as a representative from this Council to the WMPA following the resignation of Councillor KG Grumbley.  The Council’s attention was drawn to the fact that a record number of police officers, community safety officers and non uniformed staff were on the establishment.  Councillor Hunt advised Members that a number of the Policing Matters Group (PMG) had started to meet and that, as Chairman of the PMGs, he would be overseeing their effectiveness.  Prior to the PMG’s October cycle of meetings their dates would be notified in the local press; Councillors were encouraged to attend their local PMG meetings.

In response to a comment on the single non emergency telephone number, Councillor Hunt advised Council that the pilot which had been run had received positive feedback.  Any roll out of this scheme would include consultation with local authorities and was to be run as a trial within the West Mercia area.

Councillor Hunt also sought to reassure Members of the use of Mosquito devises following a comment from Councillor KS Guthrie.  Councillor Hunt assured Members that strict guidelines were being drawn up relating to the implementation of such devises which emitted a high tone whistle, which was irritating to young people, as they were sensitive to its pitch.  The draft guidance would be shared with Members on request.

RESOLVED:   That the report of the meeting of the West Mercia Police Authority held on 10 June 2008 be received.

To receive the report of the meetings of the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority held on 16 June 2008.

The Chairman of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA), Councillor Brigadier P Jones presented the report of the meeting held on 16 June 2008.  Members were advised that Councillor Brigadier Jones had been re-elected for a further year to the position of Chairman.  The Chairman informed the Council that the next Combined Fire Authority meeting would be held in Hereford and that close working was currently being undertaken with Warwickshire FRA.  Referring to page 165 of the report, Councillor Brigadier Jones clarified that the document related to the scrutiny of the FRA’s role and response to flooding, and that the FRA would take on a formal statutory duty for flooding.

RESOLVED:            That the report of the meeting of the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority which was held on 16 June be received.