The Council meeting on Thursday 17 September 2026 saw councillors discuss a range of significant issues, including the appointment of an interim Monitoring Officer, the adoption of new national planning regulations, and motions concerning climate change, social care, and water quality. Key decisions included the approval of Donna Marks as interim Monitoring Officer and the adoption of a motion supporting a national emergency briefing on climate and nature.

Appointment of Interim Monitoring Officer

Council approved the appointment of Donna Marks as interim Monitoring Officer until the end of July 2027. This decision was made following the departure of the current Monitoring Officer, Michael Hewitt, to Bristol City Council. Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of the Council, highlighted the difficulty in recruiting for this statutory role and expressed confidence in Ms. Marks' experience. Councillor Robin Moss, Labour Group Leader, seconded the motion, echoing the thanks to Mr. Hewitt. Councillor Joanna Wright (Green Party Group Leader) voted against the appointment, while Councillors Saskia Heijltjes and Karen Walker abstained.

Planning Committees and the National Scheme of Delegation

A report was presented detailing updates to the Council's Constitution and Planning Scheme of Delegation to align with new national planning regulations mandated by central government. Councillor Kevin Guy expressed strong opposition to these changes, stating they represented an attack by central government on local democracy by reducing councillors' rights to call in applications and limiting transparent decision-making. He therefore did not move the recommendations in the report. As there was no seconder for the motion, it fell. The Interim Monitoring Officer, Donna Marks, confirmed that she would now make the necessary changes to the Constitution under delegated authority to comply with the legislation.

Policy Development & Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26

The Council noted the Policy Development & Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025-26. Councillor Dine Romero, moving the motion, highlighted the report's demonstration of scrutiny's role in accountability, decision-making, and policy shaping, noting increased engagement in policy development for strategies such as the climate and nature strategy. Councillor Robin Moss seconded the motion, thanking officers and acknowledging the increasing complexity of scrutiny work. Councillor Joanna Wright raised concerns about the limited information provided to scrutiny committees regarding budgets, particularly in relation to children's services deficits, and the refusal of questions submitted to the Climate Emergency PDS Panel. Councillor Andy Wait spoke in support, highlighting the value of scrutiny and the positive work of the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Committee. Councillor Lesley Mansell questioned whether the report demonstrated real change or merely polite observation, submitting formal questions on recommendation tracking and risk management. Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson shared a success story of the Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Panel rescuing Newton House. Councillor Romero concluded by thanking all involved in scrutiny and reiterating its legal requirement and value.

Standards Committee Annual Report

The Council noted the Standards Committee Annual Report for 2025-26. Councillor Toby Simon, moving the motion, stated that no business required the committee's attention during the year, with all complaints dealt with by the Monitoring Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer. Councillor Robin Moss seconded the motion, thanking the volunteers and officers involved. Councillor Joanna Wright attempted to raise concerns about complaints processes but was advised by the Chair that her remarks were not appropriate to the item on the agenda. Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson expressed appreciation for the work of the committee members and officers, highlighting the value of the forum.

Liberal Democrat Motion on National Emergency Briefing on Climate and Nature

The Council passed a motion calling for a national emergency briefing on climate and nature. Councillor David Harding, moving the motion, highlighted the present dangers of climate change, citing recent heatwaves, hosepipe bans, and heat-associated deaths. He stressed the need for clear public communication, comparing it to the government's approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Liz Hardman seconded the motion, emphasizing the need for national leadership and a prime-time televised address. Councillor Vaughan, Deputy Leader, supported the motion, noting his attendance at a briefing and the lack of parliamentary attendance. Councillor Oli Henman also spoke in support, stressing the urgency and the need for government action. Councillor Chris Warren expressed support for the idea but questioned the content and presenter of the film, suggesting a government-led initiative. Councillor Shaun Hughes supported the motion but questioned the delivery method, suggesting interactive local events. Councillor Feebrick supported the motion, noting it did not call for the specific film to be broadcast but for a government-led briefing. Councillor Harding summed up, clarifying the motion called for a government-led briefing, not the screening of the specific film.

Labour Motion on Building a Care System That Works: Bath & North East Somerset and the National Conversation on Care

The Council unanimously passed a motion supporting the national conversation on social care. Councillor Robin Moss, moving the motion, highlighted the unsustainable pressures on social care, the increasing elderly population, and the need for a national, cross-party solution. He welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment to fixing the system and Baroness Louise Casey's Big Conversation on Care. Councillor Alison Born seconded the motion, emphasizing the rising demand for social care and the need for a sustainable funding settlement, while also stressing the importance of local authorities in delivering services. Councillor Paul May spoke in support, highlighting the council's investment in parent carer forums and services for children in care. Councillor Tim Warren spoke about the long-standing issues in social care funding and the need for national government to learn from local government's collaborative approach. Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson spoke about the broader context of carers, including siblings of disabled individuals, and the need for upskilling programmes. Councillor Mark Elliott spoke about the financial unsustainability of the current system, where council tax income does not cover social care costs. Councillor Moss concluded by thanking contributors and urging support for the motion to foster a national conversation.

Green Motion on No Confidence in Wessex Water

The Chair advised that, following advice from the Interim Monitoring Officer, this motion would not be accepted.

Statements from Councillors

Councillor Sam Ross made a statement regarding the draft Local Plan, expressing concern about the significant increase in housing allocations for Clutton and Farmborough and the lack of early engagement with local communities. Councillor Karen Walker also made a statement about the draft Local Plan, focusing on the implications for Peasedown St John and raising residents' concerns about infrastructure and development scale.

The meeting concluded at 8:31 pm.