Agenda item

1)           From Councillor Ian Selby

 

That this council installs a live internet webcast for all full council meetings and for any other meetings held in the council chamber that the Chief Executive Officer feels is appropriate and in the best interests of the general public.  

 

2)           From Councillor Ray Wootten

 

That this Council congratulate the Conservative led administration, which in difficult times has produced a budget that ensures growth, low Council Tax and protects front line services.

 

3)           From Councillor Rob Hearmon

 

South Kesteven District Council notes the consultation on bus transport currently being undertaken by Lincolnshire County Council on proposals which, if effected, would:

 

1.   Increase the annual contribution by students to the cost of transport to their nearest suitable sixth form or college in Lincolnshire where the home to school/college journey is greater than 3 miles from the present figure of £202 per annum to £390.

2.   Provide transport only to the nearest or designated further education (FE) college or sixth form, irrespective of course availability.

3.   No longer provide transport for students from home to school or college along unsuitable walking routes where the distance is less than three miles.

 

Council believes the proposals which will have a detrimental effect upon student choice, and potential participation in study after the age of 16, and may lead to students being unable to pursue studies in courses of their choice.   Poor public transport in parts of Lincolnshire will further restrict access to colleges and courses of choice if students are only supported as outlined in point 2 above.  

 

Council shares the concern of local colleges and headteachers concerns about the proposals and requests that the County Council reconsider their proposals which will adversely impact upon the life chances of young people in Lincolnshire.

 

4)           From Councillor Rob Hearmon

 

Council note the decision of Lincoln University not to renew its contract with New College, Stamford, and other Further Education Colleges for Higher Education provision starting in Autumn 2011.   It further notes that Lincoln University has declined to allow support for any new franchised students that are part of Lincoln University’s HEFCE allocation and has also declined to act as the validating university for any students allocated to a college directly from HEFCE; this latter decision being notified as late as 10^th January 2011 well after students applying for course through the UCAS procedure.   These actions remove new Higher Education provision in parts of the county and require Further Education colleges to seek partnerships elsewhere.   Local residents and non–traditional students will be denied the opportunity to study locally, flexibly and, where appropriate, part-time.     

 

Council recalls that the University of Lincoln was established with support from across the County as a facility to be of benefit to all within the county.   Council, therefore, calls upon the Vice-Chancellor to reconsider these decisions in partnership with other education providers to achieve an equitable outcome for all concerned.

From Councillor Selby

 

Decision:

 

That the Council rejects the motion “that this Council installs a live internet webcast for all full Council meetings and for any other meetings held in the Council Chamber that the Chief Executive Officer feels is appropriate and in the best interests of the general public.”

 

Councillor Selby proposed his motion “that this Council installs a live internet webcast for all full council meetings and for any other meetings held in the Council Chamber that the Chief Executive Officer feels is appropriate and in the best interests of the general public.” In doing so, he highlighted potential advantages, allowing people who do not live in Grantham access to the meetings. Members of the public would also be able to access meetings at a time convenient for them. Webcasting would assist the council in improving transparency and accountability. Having spoken to providers of webcasting solutions for other councils, Councillor Selby estimated the start-up cost should be no more than £20,000, with an additional monthly sum, estimated at £600, for hosting and streaming. The proposal was seconded.

 

Members debated the motion. Those supporting it highlighted issues including access and improved transparency and public confidence. They stated that similar provision in Parliament had helped increase public understanding and accountability of elected representatives. Members speaking against the motion discussed issues including costs (many systems require a member of staff to operate them) and the requirements that would be stipulated within the Localism Bill. Members were concerned that new provisions adopted at this meeting could be redundant after the passage of the Bill. The suggestion was made that costs could be recouped through sponsorship schemes.

 

Councillor Selby, in summing up, responded to the key points raised during the debate and summarised his meeting with representatives from Leicestershire County Council. The motion was put to the vote and lost.

 

From Councillor Wootten

 

Decision:

 

That this Council congratulate the Conservative-led administration, which in difficult times has produced a budget that ensures growth, low Council Tax and protects frontline services.

 

Councillor Wootten proposed the motion “That this Council congratulate the Conservative-led administration, which in difficult times has produced a budget that ensures growth, low Council Tax and protects frontline services.” The motion was seconded.

 

Councillor Williams proposed an amendment to the motion, which was seconded. The amended motion: “That this Council congratulate officers and Members, which in difficult times has produced a budget that ensures growth, low council tax and protects frontline services.” Members speaking in favour of the amended motion stated that their support of the budget had been clearly documented during discussion on that item and that Members from across political groups worked together to develop the budget. A vote was taken on the amendment, which was lost.

 

Councillor Wootten summed up his motion.

 

Prior to the taking of the vote (at 16:59), Councillors Avril Williams, Selby, Sam Jalili, Joynson, Brough, Holmes, Mrs Gaffigan, Davidson, Bisnauthsing and Mrs Jalili left the Chamber.

 

On being put to the vote, the motion was carried.

 

From Councillor Hearmon (1/2)

 

Decision:

 

That this matter should be referred to the School’s Forum and the County Council Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee indicating that it comes from the district council through its own Scrutiny Committee.

 

17:02          Having declared a personal and prejudicial interest, Councillors Carpenter, Exton and Wootten left the meeting

1702  Councillors Mrs Jalili, Joynson and Holmes returned to the meeting

 

Councillor Hearmon proposed the motion:

 

“South Kesteven District Council notes the consultation on bus transport currently being undertaken by Lincolnshire County Council on proposals which, if effected, would:

 

1. Increase the annual contribution to students to the cost of transport to their nearest suitable sixth form or college in Lincolnshire where the home to school/college journey is greater than 3 miles from the present figure of £202 per annum to £390.
2. Provide transport only to the nearest or designated further education (FE) college or sixth form, irrespective of course availability.
3. No longer provide transport for students from home to school or college along unsuitable walking routes where the distance is less than three miles.

 

Council believes the proposals which will have a detrimental effect upon student choice, and potential participation in study after the age of 16, and may lead to students being unable to pursue studies in courses of their choice. Poor public transport in parts of Lincolnshire will further restrict access to colleges and courses of choice if students are only supported as outlined in point 2 above.

 

Council shares the concern of local colleges and head teachers’ concerns about the proposals and requests that the County Council reconsider their proposals which will adversely impact upon the life chances of young people in Lincolnshire.”

 

Councillor Hearmon explained that he had submitted the motion on behalf of the Scrutiny Committee, who had received a presentation from the Principal of New College, Stamford. The motion was seconded.

 

Councillor Hearmon also moved his second motion and commended it to Council for adoption. The motion was:

 

“Council note the decision of Lincoln University not to renew its contract with New College, Stamford, and other Further Education Colleges for Higher Education provision starting in autumn 2011. It further notes that Lincoln University has declined to allow support for any new franchised students that are part of Lincoln University’s HEFCE allocation and has also declined to act as the validating university for any students allocated to a college directly from HEFCE; this latter decision being notified as late as 10^th January 2011 well after students applying for courses through the UCAS procedure. These actions remove new Higher Education provision in parts of the county and require Further Education colleges to seek partnerships elsewhere. Local residents and non-traditional students will be denied the opportunity to study locally, flexibly and, where appropriate, part-time.

 

Council recalls that the University of Lincoln was established with support from across the County as a facility to be of benefit to all within the county. Council, therefore, calls upon the Vice-Chancellor to reconsider these decisions in partnership with other education providers to achieve an equitable outcome for all concerned.”

 

Councillor Nicholson moved an amendment to the motion: “That this matter should be referred to the School’s Forum and the County Council Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee indicating that it comes from the district council through its own Scrutiny Committee.” The amendment was seconded.

 

17:14          Councillor Bisnauthsing re-entered the meeting

 

Councillor Joynson declared a personal interest as a governor at Stamford College where he served as the district council’s representative. As Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee, he stated the Committee were particularly concerned about young people only receiving subsidised travel at their designated college, regardless of whether it ran the course they wanted to do.

 

Councillor Williams declared a personal interest as a governor at Grantham College. Councillor Adams declared a personal interest because of his role as a governor at Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School.

 

17:11          Councillor Bisnauthsing left the meeting

 

Members had heard conflicting reports about when the County Council would take a final decision. Some Members were believed a decision would be taken in May, while others understood it would be taken in February.

 

17:15          Councillors Broughton and Helyar left the meeting

17:16          Councillor Hearmon left the meeting

17:17          Councillor Martin-Mayhew left the meeting

 

In accordance with Council Procedure rule 9, a vote was taken on whether the meeting should continue, as it was nearing being in progress for three hours. The majority of members present voted for the meeting to continue.

 

17:20          Councillor John Smith declared a personal and prejudicial interest by virtue of his           governorship at a school with a sixth form. He left the meeting.

17:20          Councillors Mrs Jalili, Sam Jalili and Bisnauthsing left the meeting

17:21          Councillor Mike Williams stated he believed his interest may be prejudicial and left the meeting.

 

Councillor Nicholson clarified that his amendment was only in relation to Councillor Hearmon’s first motion.

 

17:23          Councillors Bob and Susan Sandall left the meeting

 

The amendment to the motion was put to the vote and carried, which meant it became the substantive motion. On being put to the vote, the new motion was carried.

 

Decision:

Council note the decision of Lincoln University not to renew its contract with New College, Stamford, and other Further Education Colleges for Higher Education provision starting in autumn 2011. It further notes that Lincoln University has declined to allow support for any new franchised students that are part of Lincoln University’s HEFCE allocation and has also declined to act as the validating university for any students allocated to a college directly from HEFCE; this latter decision being notified as late as 10^th January 2011 well after students applying for courses through the UCAS procedure. These actions remove new Higher Education provision in parts of the county and require Further Education colleges to seek partnerships elsewhere. Local residents and non-traditional students will be denied the opportunity to study locally, flexibly and, where appropriate, part-time.

 

Council recalls that the University of Lincoln was established with support from across the County as a facility to be of benefit to all within the county. Council, therefore, calls upon the Vice-Chancellor to reconsider these decisions in partnership with other education providers to achieve an equitable outcome for all concerned.

 

 

The second motion moved by Councillor Hearmon on behalf of the Scrutiny Committee was seconded. This issue was raised at a meeting of all East Midlands authorities. A number of other authorities reported experiencing similar problems in their area. The degree courses run at local colleges had become increasingly popular, as they provided a basic service for students near their home. While some universities were spreading the impact of cuts by reducing quotas across the board, Lincoln had withdrawn from providing or supporting courses that were not run from their sites.

 

Another Member expressed concerns that the East Midlands Development Association (EMDA) and Lincolnshire County Council had provided funding for an engineering and business school, and one of the conditions of that funding was that outreach be provided to districts across Lincolnshire.

 

The motion was put to the vote, and carried.