Agenda and minutes

An apology for non-attendance was received from Councillor Hammond and Honorary Alderman Kimber.

COUNCIL RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 24 October 2018 be confirmed and signed.

The Mayor advised that she had been busy raising funds for her charities and that in total as a result of her afternoon tea, her fashion show her bike ride and had raised £1772.92 for her charities. She also advised that a legacy had allowed her to donate a sum to Loud and Proud and immediately to allow them to continue with the work they undertook.

She also advised that she would be taking part in the GAFIR’s New Year’s Day Dip and to raise funds for Loud and Proud and that Councillor Herridge would also be taking part and raising funds for Cancer Research.

(NOTE: Standing Order No 3.4 requires that notice of a Deputation should be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON MONDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2018 and likewise Standing Order No 3.6 requires that notice of a Public Question should be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON MONDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2018).

There were none.

(NOTE: Members are reminded that Standing Order No 3.3 requires that Notice of Question pursuant to that Standing Order must be received by the Borough Solicitor NOT LATER THAN 12 O’CLOCK NOON ON TUESDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2018).

Question standing in the name of Councillor Mrs Westerby on:

The removal of the Gosport's only traffic warden is already impacting on inconsiderate parking throughout the Borough and in particular in Christchurch Ward where we have a traffic calming measure (island) in a small side street - Battenburg Road. This has led to concerns from residents and they have told me that emergency vehicles are struggling to get past the island at night due to cars being parked on the double yellow lines.   Given the Police have said that parking enforcement is a low priority for them, who will be enforcing on-street parking restrictions now this Council has stopped paying for a Traffic Warden  

Was answered by the Leader of the Council.

Question standing in the name of Councillor Chegwyn on:

What are the current rent arrears owed to the Council by Gosport Borough Football Club?

Was answered by the Chairman of the Community Board.

Report to follow.

Consideration was given to a report of the Borough Solicitor to advise members of the recruitment process for an Independent Person under The Localism Act 2011 and to recommend appointments be made by the Council.  

That the Council approves the appointment of  Miss S Dawson and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Mr P Large as the Independent Persons for the purposes of Section 28 of the Localism Act 2011 for the period of 4 years ending on 12 December 2022.

Report to follow

Consideration was given to a report of the Borough Treasurer seeking to align the Council's policy with the discretions that are now available within the Council Tax legislation.

RESOLVED: That;  

1)    The withdrawal of the 100% one month discount for empty and unfurnished properties with effect from 1^st April 2019

2)    The introduction of Council Tax premiums in accordance with The Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty

Dwellings) Act 2018; and

3)    The commencement of the issue of civil penalties in accordance with Schedule 3 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended) be approved.