Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive seeking Members’ approval to drawdown funds to replace fire and building security systems.

The report provided background information following consideration of a report in March 2025 by the Strategy and Resources Committee (S&R) to replace fire and security systems at Princes Road. The Committee had made a number of recommendations to the Council; however, it was noted that when considered by the Council in April 2025 they were not agreed. Further detailed information in respect of each of the systems was set out in the report.

It was noted that on 12 June 2025 the S&R had considered this report and recommended to the Council that the recommendations set out within it be approved.

The Chairperson drew Members’ attention to an addendum to the report that had been circulated prior to the meeting and provided further supporting information to aid Members in their consideration of the report.

The Deputy Chief Executive presented the report and took Members through each section outlining the reasons behind the request for drawdown from Council Reserves. The Chairperson then moved each recommendation individually and each was duly seconded.

A lengthy debate on each request ensued and in response to questions raised by Members Officers provided further information and clarification.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor A S Fluker requested a recorded vote. This was duly seconded.

The Leader of the Council clarified that the amounts detailed were the maximum amounts. As each area progressed this would be presented back to the Strategic Asset Working Group, along with the figures, before being reported to the Strategy and Resources Committee and the Council.

Further debate ensued.

At this point, in accordance with Procedure Rule 1(6)(i) the Chairperson advised that he would be allowing the meeting to continue past 10pm.

The Chairperson then put recommendation (i), as detailed in the report, to the Council and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, V J Bell, S J Burwood, S Dodsley, J Driver, A Fittock, L J Haywood, J C Hughes, W J Laybourn, R H Siddall, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, E L Stephens, J C Stilts, N J Swindle and M E Thompson.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors A S Fluker, K M H Lagan, S J N Morgan, C P Morley, M G Neall, U G C Siddall-Norman, W Stamp and L L Wiffen.

Abstention: None.

The Chairperson declared that recommendation (i) was agreed.

The Chairperson then put recommendation (ii), as detailed in the report, to the Council and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors V J Bell, S J Burwood, S Dodsley, J Driver, A Fittock, J C Hughes, R H Siddall, N D Spenceley, P L Spenceley, E L Stephens and N J Swindle.

Against the recommendation:

Councillors M G Bassenger, A S Fluker, L J Haywood, K M H Lagan, W J Laybourn, S J N Morgan, C P Morley,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 155