Apologies had been received from Councillors, Allen-Williamson, Clarke-Taylor, Martins, Nembhard, Shah, Smith, Stiff, Watling and Wenham.

There were no disclosures of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2023 to be submitted and signed. 

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2023 were submitted and signed.

Head of Legal Shared Services

The Chairman introduced Jacqueline Hutton, the new Head of Legal Shared Services.

Related Party Transaction forms

Members were reminded to complete the related party transaction form and to return it to the Group Head of Democracy and Governance. The Group Head of Democracy and Governance had placed one on their table if it was still outstanding. They were requested to return it that evening.

Vice Chairman

The Chairman advised members that Council was due to agree the next Vice Chairman at the meeting. Nominations would be taken after the elections had been held, and the Vice Chairman would be agreed at Annual Council.

Councillor Jessica Stiff

The Chairman informed Council that Councillor Stiff and her family had welcomed their new baby, Meredith Sophia Katie and she sent congratulations to the family on behalf of the council. Meredith was born on 11 March and weighed 2.85 kilos.

Chairman’s engagements

The Chairman had attended several events locally and was especially moved by the Ukraine service at St. Mary's Church. She had expressed her gratitude towards the event organisers and praised the community's efforts.

The Chairman discussed her forthcoming events. She spoke about the Rock n Roll Bingo event scheduled for Friday, 28 April, in aid of the charities Official Minds at War and Building Heroes. The event could be booked through Watford and Three Rivers Trust. Additionally, the tickets for her gala dinner at Watford FC on 12 May were available through Helen Smith.

Thank you

The Chairman wished to express her gratitude to those councillors who would be standing down at the next elections for their dedicated service to the council and the residents of Watford over the years.

A report of the Mayor had been circulated with the agenda.

The Chairman invited members to indicate whether they wished to ask a question of the Mayor. Councillors Turmaine, Bell and Dhindsa indicated that they wished to ask questions.

The Mayor began his report by also thanking those councillors who would be standing down at the election.  In addition, he announced that Watford Borough Council had recently won a Public Sector Transformation Award, coming first in the People, Value, and Culture category. He then thanked the officers for their hard work and contributions that led to the award.  He introduced his report and welcomed any questions.

1)      Councillor Bell asked the Mayor about the initial site of the mobile CCTV cameras and whether this program would be rolled out across the borough. Council Officers had confirmed the sites for the pilot program CCTV as Queens Avenue, Queens Road and Francis Road.

          The Mayor replied that the three CCTV cameras were part of a pilot program to assess their effectiveness and determine whether they should be expanded across the borough. Additionally, he stated that this initiative was aligned with his manifesto.

          Councillor Bell posed a follow-up question, highlighting that the prolonged neglect of the two sites selected for the CCTV pilot in the Central ward reflected poorly on the track record of the Liberal Democrats during their tenure in power.

          The Mayor responded that the question from Councillor Bell was contradictory. He had explained that 300 cameras in the borough were already monitored 24/7 and that the council was working with the police to review their effectiveness. Furthermore, he pointed out that some Hertfordshire councils did not have council-funded cameras.

2)      Councillor Turmaine asked the Mayor about a recent article in the Watford Observer on January 23rd, which reported that Watford's application for the Levelling Up Fund had been unsuccessful, which raised concerns about its potential impact on the council's plans.

          The Mayor responded that the current system of councils bidding for funding was inefficient and a waste of officers' time. He cited that 80% of councils who applied for the Levelling Up Fund were unsuccessful at the second stage. With regards to the specific situation in Watford, he had explained that part of the funding, which was allocated for the Watford Colosseum, had already resulted in the council reallocating funding to secure the delivery this project. As for part two, due to the loss of funding amounting to £16 million, the council would need to re-evaluate its plans and be less ambitious in its objectives. The Mayor stated that the council would need to review its options and determine what it could deliver.

3)      Councillor Dhindsa had inquired of the Mayor about the Neighbourhood Grants program, specifically inquiring about the number of ethnic minorities who had applied, the number of successful applicants, and the total amount awarded. He had requested that this information be sent to him at a later time. Additionally, he had a second question for officers concerning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

No written questions had been received from members.

No questions from the public had been received.

A petition has been received in the terms set out below.  At the time of agenda publication the petition contains 101 signatures of Watford residents.

“Lights and CCTV at Cassiobury Park Watford

We the undersigned petition the council to We, the undersigned, are concerned about the lack of proper lighting and CCTV in Cassiobury Park. We believe that the addition of lighting in key areas of the park would greatly improve the safety of the community. We have been made aware that there have been several incidents of assault happening in the park, which highlights the urgent need for increased security measures. Darkness presents a number of hazards, including the potential for crime and accidents. the undersigned members are concerned after a recent victim of an attack and assault in the park that resulted in serious head injuries, injuries to the body and hospitalisation. More people shared their fears and similar experiences if not worst.

We call on Watford Council to take immediate action to install lighting in the park, specifically in the following areas:
Entrance Cassiobury park by tennis courts , path from entrance to top of the park alongside cricket club, outdoor gym and various benches leading up to to town as it is used daily during commuting hours by Watford residents. We would be grateful for more lighting and CCTV cameras across the park. The police was unable in the past to track the offenders due to lack of resources and CCTV. The victims were unable to identify their attackers due to lack of lighting and darkness.
We believe that this small investment in the park will have a big impact on the safety and enjoyment of the community. We urge you to take action and make Cassiobury Park a safer and more accessible space for all.”

A petition with the requisite number of signatures from Watford residents had been received as set out in the agenda.

The petitioner, Ms Sheraze Benbakir, was invited to present the petition.  She contended that Cassiobury Park was a crucial resource for families and contributed to the community's well-being.  She acknowledged, however, the prevalence of anti-social behaviour in the area.  Ms Benbakir shared a personal experience of being assaulted in November of the previous year at 6:30 pm when visibility was low.  She urged the committee to consider measures to prevent such incidents in the future.  Ms Benbakir recognised that additional lighting could negatively impact the animals and natural environment of the park.  Nevertheless, she highlighted that commuters regularly used the route from Cha Cafe into town.  The existing lighting infrastructure was deemed insufficient, which would make it difficult for people to use the route safely.  Improving the lighting in this area was, therefore, critical to enhancing the safety of the park for the community.

The Chairman invited councillors and the Mayor to debate the petition. 

After Ms Benbakir 's presentation, the councillors applauded her bravery and expressed their appreciation for her efforts to make Cassiobury Park safe for everyone.  They acknowledged that the route from Cha Cafe to town was popular for commuters and discussed the need for improved lighting to enhance safety in this area.  However, they also noted that there was no need for lights across the entire park and that addressing gaps in the CCTV coverage could be a more effective way to prevent incidents.

The councillors raised concerns about the potential impact of additional lighting on wildlife and discussed the nine CCTV cameras currently in place in the park.  They emphasised the council's commitment to working with the police to ensure the safety of park visitors and noted that incidents were rare.  Members agreed to investigate further the feasibility of improving CCTV coverage while also exploring options for targeted lighting that would minimise negative impacts on wildlife.

Councillor Dychton formally responded to Ms Benbakir 's concerns by stating that, after liaising with the council's Community Safety Team and the police, it was confirmed that Cassiobury Park was not considered a crime or anti-social behaviour hot spot nor a high-risk area for crime.  However, given the high footfall around the entrances and exits of the park, these locations were on a standing police patrol plan that varied in resourcing to meet seasonal demands.  Councillor Dychton also highlighted that Watford's community safety partnership involved several key agencies, including the council and the police.  The partnership's four strategic objectives included tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG), which would remain a priority objective overseen and monitored by the partnership through the 2024/5 plan.  The council was now an accredited White Ribbon organisation, as part of an international initiative to prevent violence against women and girls.  Councillor Dychton concluded by hoping that these initiatives would reassure the community regarding the measures being taken to keep everyone safe.

Following the debate,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

There was no urgent business.

Council received a report of the Executive Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development which set out the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2023.

RESOLVED –

that the Council Pay Policy Statement be approved.

1.      The following motion has been proposed by Councillor Ezeifedi and seconded by Councillor Khan:

          “Selling Vaping Product to Children and Young people in Watford

          In the past few years, vaping among adolescents has risen sharply, both nationally and internationally. Action on Smoking Health (ASH) data shows that 8.6% of 11- to 18-year-olds in England vaped in 2022, compared with 4% in 2021. The charity also reported that among those who tried vaping, 40.1% had never smoked before.

          Recent Chartered Trading Standards Institute research found that 60% of local trading standards services report high street shops selling vapes or vaping products to children. Trading standards teams reported a significant rise in underage vape sales last year, with more than a fifth of youngsters buying vaping products from newsagents while 16.3% buying them from a supermarket. Watford seems to mirror this trend with most secondary schools seizing vaping products in school premises as well as a high number of shops selling these products to underage.

          The effects of e-cigarettes and vaping are still not yet fully understood - which is especially important in the context of young people, as their lungs are still developing. There is growing evidence that e-cigarettes can help people manage their nicotine cravings – but this isn’t without risk. While research has shown vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking, it is deeply worrying that more and more children – who have never smoked – are starting vaping.

          The LGA has called on its members to step up enforcement to deal with growing numbers of shops selling vapes to children despite the 18 age limit, with many “especially concerned” by child-friendly marketing, including colourful packages.

          This council agrees the following: that the Mayor should

          Write to the Secretary of state for tighter regulations on the marketing of vape products, including a ban on brightly-coloured packaging and a review of the flavours vape companies use which are likely to appeal to children.

          Call for harsher punishments for companies which flout advertising rules to promote their products on social media, and for more licensing powers to allow local authorities to ban the sale of e-cigarettes in shops near schools.

          Also resolves that the Mayor to write to the County Council Trading standards to:

·           Carry out regular test purchases and have seized products and issued fixed penalty notices when a business has been found to be in breach of the law.

·           Implement mandatory age-of-sale signage on vaping products.

·           Implement sanctions for breaching these rules should also be the same as penalties handed out under tobacco display regulations.”

2.      The following motion has been proposed by Councillor Turmaine and seconded by Councillor Bell:

          “Support for Passivhaus standards.

          This council notes that:

          Watford Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019. It has also set a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.

          The council has a partnership with Watford Community Housing to deliver homes, including those for social rent and affordable rent.

          This council recognises that:

          Passivhaus homes  ...  view the full agenda text for item 70.

Council was informed that five motions had been received.

Motion 1

The following motion had been proposed by Councillor Ezeifedi and seconded by Councillor Khan:

“Selling Vaping Product to Children and Young people in Watford

In the past few years, vaping among adolescents has risen sharply, both nationally and internationally. Action on Smoking Health (ASH) data shows that 8.6% of 11- to 18-year-olds in England vaped in 2022, compared with 4% in 2021. The charity also reported that among those who tried vaping, 40.1% had never smoked before.

Recent Chartered Trading Standards Institute research found that 60% of local trading standards services report high street shops selling vapes or vaping products to children. Trading standards teams reported a significant rise in underage vape sales last year, with more than a fifth of youngsters buying vaping products from newsagents while 16.3% buying them from a supermarket. Watford seems to mirror this trend with most secondary schools seizing vaping products in school premises as well as a high number of shops selling these products to underage.

The effects of e-cigarettes and vaping are still not yet fully understood - which is especially important in the context of young people, as their lungs are still developing. There is growing evidence that e-cigarettes can help people manage their nicotine cravings – but this isn’t without risk. While research has shown vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking, it is deeply worrying that more and more children – who have never smoked – are starting vaping.

The LGA has called on its members to step up enforcement to deal with growing numbers of shops selling vapes to children despite the 18 age limit, with many “especially concerned” by child-friendly marketing, including colourful packages.

This council agrees the following: that the Mayor should

Write to the Secretary of state for tighter regulations on the marketing of vape products, including a ban on brightly-coloured packaging and a review of the flavours vape companies use which are likely to appeal to children.

Call for harsher punishments for companies which flout advertising rules to promote their products on social media, and for more licensing powers to allow local authorities to ban the sale of e-cigarettes in shops near schools.

Also resolves that the Mayor to write to the County Council Trading standards to:

·    Carry out regular test purchases and have seized products and issued fixed penalty notices when a business has been found to be in breach of the law.

·    Implement mandatory age-of-sale signage on vaping products.

·    Implement sanctions for breaching these rules should also be the same as penalties handed out under tobacco display regulations.”

Councillor Dychton moved an amendment to the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Pattinson.

“A 2022 report by Action on Smoking Health cited evidence from the Smoking Toolkit Study (an ongoing series of monthly surveys of the adult population of England) that shows a “clear association between changes in population rates of quitting smoking and prevalence of e-cigarette use”. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.