Annual Council, County Council - Tuesday 14 May 2024 10.00 am

May 14, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting
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Summary

The meeting primarily focused on the election of the Chair and Vice Chair for the year 2024-2025, along with other committee appointments and reports. Chris Mills was elected as the Chair, and Andy Gens as the Vice Chair. The meeting also included discussions on several significant topics.

The most significant topic was the election of Chris Mills as the Chair for the year 2024-2025. Councillor Sacon nominated Chris Mills, highlighting his long-standing commitment to the community of Kindon and his extensive involvement in various local activities. Councillor Cump seconded the nomination, adding a humorous touch by mentioning Mills' helpful nature and his occasional role as Santa Claus. The council unanimously voted in favor of Chris Mills, who then signed the declaration of acceptance of office.

The second significant topic was the election of Andy Gens as Vice Chair. Councillor Bell proposed Andy Gens, emphasizing his dedication and hard work as a parish, borough, and county councillor. Councillor Watson seconded the nomination, sharing a personal anecdote about Gens' influence on his own involvement in local government. The council unanimously approved Andy Gens as Vice Chair.

The meeting also included a heartfelt farewell to Virginia Renee, the Director of Finance, who is retiring after nearly 25 years of service. Councillors from various parties praised her expertise, integrity, and kindness, acknowledging her significant contributions to the council's financial stability and her support across all political groups.

Another important topic was the approval of additions to the Educational Capital Program for 2024-2025. Councillor Cam Core moved the recommendation, which included significant investments in expanding school capacities and improving facilities. Councillor Peter Butlin highlighted the financial challenges, including inflation and inadequate government funding, but emphasized the importance of providing adequate school places. Councillor Core also addressed the need for active travel routes to schools, ensuring safe and accessible pathways for students.

The council also reviewed the annual report on call-in and urgent decisions for 2022-2023. Councillor Yusef Dimash explained the process and criteria for urgent decisions, noting that most were related to funding applications. The report showed stability in the council's decision-making process, with no significant increase in the use of urgency procedures.

Finally, the council discussed the importance of overview and scrutiny in policy development and implementation. Councillor Izzy Seccombe emphasized the value of checks and balances and thanked the members and officers involved in the scrutiny process. Councillors highlighted the need for external perspectives and direct feedback from service users to enhance the effectiveness of scrutiny.

Overall, the meeting was productive, with key appointments made and important discussions on financial management, educational investments, and the role of scrutiny in council operations.