The Council meeting on Thursday 18 July 2024 saw the approval of the Youth Justice Plan 2024-2026, the noting of the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2023/24, and the approval of a revised political proportionality table. Significant debate also took place regarding motions on peace in Gaza and the development of an age-friendly community, both of which were ultimately passed.

Youth Justice Plan 2024-2026

The Council unanimously approved the Youth Justice Plan for 2024-2026. This plan outlines the strategy and priorities for the Bath and North East Somerset Youth Justice Service, focusing on preventing youth offending and re-offending. Key aims include a Child First approach, addressing disproportionality within the justice system, strengthening participation, and reducing serious violence. The plan details partnership arrangements, resource allocation, and specific actions to be taken over the next two years, with a budget of £916,369 for 2024-2025.

Standards Committee Annual Report

The Council noted the work of the Standards Committee as set out in its Annual Report. The committee is responsible for promoting ethical standards, monitoring adherence to the Members' Code of Conduct, and conducting hearings for alleged breaches. The report detailed the number of matters raised and investigated during the year, highlighting the committee's role in maintaining probity and credibility within the council and its associated parish and town councils.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2023/24

The Council noted the Treasury Management Outturn Report for the financial year ending 31 March 2024. The report detailed the council's performance against its Treasury Management Strategy, indicating that all treasury management indicators were within target levels. The council ended the year with total borrowing of £246 million and total investments of £32.1 million. The report highlighted a favourable budget outturn for interest and capital financing costs, largely due to higher-than-budgeted investment returns and a delay in borrowing requirements.

Proportionality Review

A revised political proportionality table was unanimously approved by the Council. This review was necessitated by a change in political group membership, specifically Councillor Hale's resignation from the Conservative group and subsequent joining of the Independent group. The revised table adjusts committee memberships to reflect the current political balance, ensuring compliance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Green Group Motion on Peace

Following considerable debate and the incorporation of amendments, the Council unanimously passed a motion expressing horror at the conflict in Palestine and Israel and sympathy for those affected in the Bath and North East Somerset area. The motion noted the international legal context of the conflict, including alleged violations of international law and the findings of the International Court of Justice. It reiterated the council's belief in a two-state solution for lasting peace, condemned antisemitic and Islamophobic violence, and called for an immediate ceasefire. The council pledged to support local residents affected by the conflict, facilitate events for people of all faiths, and support calls for a ceasefire and a two-state solution to the UK Government. The motion also included a desire to fly the UN flag as a symbol of peace.

Liberal Democrat Motion on B&NES Age Friendly Community

The Council unanimously adopted a motion welcoming the Ageing Well | Bath and North East Somerset programme, an initiative by Age UK B&NES and the St John’s Foundation. The programme aims to make B&NES an inclusive, supportive, and accessible place for everyone to age well, aligning with the World Health Organisation's definition of an Age Friendly Community. The motion endorsed the programme's goals, welcomed the involvement of council representatives on its Steering Group, and supported the application for B&NES to become an official Age Friendly Community. It encouraged residents aged 55 and over to participate in a community survey and requested that the council investigate signing up to the Age Friendly Employer Pledge. An amendment to consider improvements to pavements and pedestrian areas was lost.

Statements from the Public

Several members of the public made statements during the meeting. Helen Dudden spoke about the urgent need for accessible housing. Neil McCabe, Ian Orpen, Alan Morley, and Eleanore Dickson (on behalf of Danielle Selwood) all raised concerns about the Sydney Road Liveable Neighbourhood scheme, citing issues with traffic, pollution, consultation, and safety. Neil Dickinson spoke in support of traffic restrictions in the Circus and Lower Lansdown areas. Malcolm Baldwin spoke in support of Liveable Neighbourhoods, emphasizing the need for context-specific solutions and community engagement. Adam Reynolds addressed the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, raising concerns about the feasibility of its delivery timeline. Jane Samson spoke in support of the Peace motion. Simon Allen, Chief Executive of Age UK (B&NES), spoke in favour of the Age Friendly motion.

Questions from the Public

Written questions were submitted by Stephen Kenward regarding the Sydney Road Liveable Neighbourhood scheme, questioning the council's engagement, evidence base, and the fairness of its monitoring data. A response was to be provided within five working days. Matt Cooper asked about the council's actions regarding the impact of animal agriculture on climate and nature emergencies, to which Councillor Sarah Warren provided a detailed response outlining current strategies and future plans, including a new joint Climate and Nature Strategy and a Food Strategy.

Statements from Councillors

Councillor Shaun Hughes made a statement expressing concerns about proposed parking changes in Midsomer Norton, arguing they would have a negative impact on the town. Councillor Onkar Saini made a statement regarding residents' concerns about anti-social behaviour in Combe Down and called for effective partnership working with the police.