Agenda and minutes

The Leader advised Council that this was Sheila Johnston’s last meeting before her retirement from the Council.

The Council thanked Sheila for her commitment and service to the Council and wished her well for the future.

(announcements may be made by the Mayor, Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive)

Special Olympics

The Mayor announced that Jemma Robinson, a Powerlifter within Gateshead’s Special Olympics sporting club had won four gold medals within competitions in Dundee, Gateshead and Ashington and the National Powerlifting Games in Bradford during 2015.

Jemma’s performances had led to her selection by Special Olympics Great Britain to represent Great Britain in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Federation Championships in Canada on 1 December 2015 and which Jemma won a Gold and Silver medal.

In recognition of these achievements, the Mayor presented Jemma with her medals.

(to receive petitions submitted under Council Procedure Rule 10)

There were no petitions submitted

(to consider any questions submitted under Council Procedure Rule 7)

There were no questions from members of the public

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of the appointment of a parent governor representative to overview and scrutiny committees that consider education matters.

Consideration was given to a report advising of the reasons why Councillor P McNally has been unable to attend meetings of the authority since 13 October 2015.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval for the re-organisation of functions within the Council’s management structure.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of a revised grading structure that would enable the Council to continue to address the issue of low pay within the workforce, implement the National Living Wage and move further towards the UK Living Wage.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of an additional non-voting member being appointed to the Corporate Parenting Sub Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of the Council acquiring, subject to conditions, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), open and/or play areas from residential developers.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of a new senior management structure within Care, Wellbeing and Learning to ensure that there is the capacity to deliver further redesign across the Group to both improve outcomes for Gateshead residents and deliver savings.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of the refreshed equality objectives which aim to address the challenges of inequality across Gateshead and to demonstrate the Council’s compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel following a review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of a revised pay policy statement.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of the Treasury Policy Statement and Treasury Strategy for 20167/17 to 2018/19.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of the implementation of a new chargeable service delivered by Facilities Management with effect from 1 April 2016.

The Leader of the Council reported on a number of key issues currently affecting the Council.

Councillor M Hood moved the following motion (altered in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.2):

“This Council commits to working with NHS bodies to ensure that in-patient mental health provision continues to be delivered at a readily accessible site for residents across Gateshead.”

On the motion being put it was declared to be carried

Councillor L Twist moved the following motion (altered in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.2):

“This Council recognises the concerns of residents in parts of the west of Gateshead regarding the impact of landfill sites on local people.  It recognises the enforcement work already undertaken by the Environment Agency but, despite this, the unacceptable odours remain.  The Council calls upon the Environment Agency and Council officers to ensure timely implementation of the Odour Management Plan it has received from the operators of Path Head.

It further calls upon the operators and the Environment Agency to ensure adequate monitoring of emissions of gases and odours from the quarries and to work closely with Public Health in continuing to monitor the situation, taking into account the very reals concerns of residents about their short and long term health.

The Council further agrees to write out to our local Members of Parliament requesting them to press Government to ensure that the Environment Agency is given greater powers to control and manage operators of landfill sites and to strengthen national planning guidance on landfill sites, to provide stronger protection for our communities.”

On the motion being put it was declared to be carried.

(to deal with any questions submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8.1)

There were no questions submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 8.1.