Agenda and minutes

Reverend Nicholas Witham to open the meeting with a ‘Thought for the Day’.

Reverend Nicholas Witham, Minister of St Ives Methodist Church opened the meeting with a prayer.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 15th May 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 15th May 2025 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, other registerable and non-registerable interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below.

Councillor S J Corney declared a non-statutory disclosable interest under Minute No. 25/20 by virtue of the nature of his business. Councillor Corney vacated the room during the discussion and vote on this item.

Councillor P J Hodgson-Jones declared a non-statutory disclosable interest under Minute No. 25/25 by virtue of being a member of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s Audit and Governance Committee. The interest was declared for transparency purposes. 

Councillor J Neish declared a non-statutory disclosable interest under Minute No. 25/25 by virtue of being a member of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The interest was declared for transparency purposes.

The Chair welcomed Anita O’Malley, the new Head of Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer, to the Chamber and thanked Tom Lewis, the previous Monitoring Officer, for his help and support over the years.

To note the Chair’s engagements since the last Council meeting.

The Council noted those engagements attended by the Chair and Vice-Chair since the last meeting (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book).

Motion from Councillor N Hunt

The Council notes that:

·  The Ask for Angela scheme that began in 2016 and helps anyone feeling unsafe while in a bar, pub, or club to get the support they need – by saying the code word ‘Angela’ to staff in participating licensed venues to indicate they are feeling vulnerable.

·  HDC is due to review its licensing policy later in 2025.

The Council believes that:

·  Everyone in Huntingdonshire deserves to be safe wherever they are - including in bars, pubs, and clubs.

·  Women are disproportionately more likely to feel unsafe in bars, pubs, and clubs.

The Council resolves that:

·  As part of the licensing review later in 2025, commit to exploring how the council can support the proper operation of the Ask for Angela scheme as 'best practice' for licenced venues in Huntingdonshire and encourage all licensed venues in Huntingdonshire to operate the scheme, including relevant training for venue staff.

·  Commit to exploring how the council can support wider adoption and better operation of the Ask for Angela scheme as part of the review of HDC's licensing policy later this year - including potentially updating the policy to achieve this.

·  Use the council's communication channels to raise awareness of the Ask for Angela scheme so local residents know how to discreetly ask for help when feeling unsafe in a licensed premise.

·  Engage with neighbouring councils where the scheme is more widespread to pick up best practice about how this council can support further uptake and better operation of the scheme.

Councillor N J Hunt moved, and it was duly seconded by Councillor J E Harvey that

This Council notes:

1. that the Ask for Angela scheme that began in 2016 and helps anyone feeling unsafe while in a bar, pub, or club to get the support they need – by saying the code word ‘Angela’ to staff in participating licensed venues to indicate they are feeling vulnerable; and
2. that HDC is due to review its licensing policy later in 2025.

This Council believes:

1. that everyone in Huntingdonshire deserves to be safe wherever they are - including in bars, pubs, and clubs; and
2. that women are disproportionately more likely to feel unsafe in bars, pubs, and clubs.

This Council RESOLVES to:

1. As part of the licensing review later in 2025, commit to exploring how the council can support the proper operation of the Ask for Angela scheme as 'best practice' for licenced venues in Huntingdonshire and encourage all licensed venues in Huntingdonshire to operate the scheme, including relevant training for venue staff;

2. Commit to exploring how the council can support wider adoption and better operation of the Ask for Angela scheme as part of the review of HDC's licensing policy later this year - including potentially updating the policy to achieve this;

3. Use the council's communication channels to raise awareness of the Ask for Angela scheme so local residents know how to discreetly ask for help when feeling unsafe in a licensed premise; and

4. Engage with neighbouring councils where the scheme is more widespread to pick up best practice about how this council can support further uptake and better operation of the scheme.

In presenting the proposed motion, Councillor Hunt explained that he believed that this was an area where the Council could make a difference and that every resident had the right to feel safe when frequenting a licensable premise. He stated that in his experience this was not the case, and that lack of feeling safe in licensable premises would affect the local evening economy. It was stated that there was an opportunity for the Council to improve the experience for Huntingdonshire residents via their Licensing Policy and supporting the Ask for Angela scheme through this. He observed that from the many venues in the district operating the scheme, many did support it well however some did not.

The Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, Councillor S W Ferguson, stated that he was in full support of the motion. He felt that scheme was a simple but effective tool for residents to seek help when they felt unsafe. In his opinion it empowered individuals to take control of their situation and minimise risk of harm thus making public spaces safer. The proposed embedding into the Licensing Policy would come into effect within the year with the support of the Chamber with further support for venues and also in raising public awareness of the scheme with both with residents and staff in venues. He also noted that the scheme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

To answer any questions submitted by the public in accordance with the Constitution.

The deadline for the receipt of public questions is five days prior to the meeting and must be submitted to the Monitoring Officer.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1, the following Public Questions were presented to the Council –

In relation to St Neots Market Square Redevelopment.

Why is the loading bay not where the restaurants and businesses are that need it? The loading bays should be where the businesses need them not completely the other side of the Market Square.

The Executive Councillor for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, Councillor S Wakeford, responded to the question by advising that there were practical and principal elements to the question. He advised that the redevelopment scheme was inherited with the scope set and that the reviewing and moving of the loading bays were not part of the project. It was noted that the bays need to serve all current and future businesses of the area and not the needs of the current individual businesses around the Square. He advised that additional consultation and development opportunities had been shared with local businesses and that suggestions were received from businesses around the Square, following which further improvements to the scheme were able to be made. It was noted that Floored by Ian had suggested improvements to loading bays, and that an opportunity had been taken to swap a bay and the taxi rank allowing for one closer to this businesses location on the Square. The Council were advised that there were known issues of misuse of the loading bays through illegal parking which exasperated the availability for businesses but that he was confident this issue would be addressed through the implementation of Civil Parking Enforcement.

Would the Leader, Councillor Sarah Conboy, consider joining the leaders of other councils in asking the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, to consider changes to the Gambling Act 2005 to make it easier for local authorities to decline applications for gambling establishments.

The Executive Leader Councillor S J Conboy responded that the Gambling Act of 2005 was generally well regulated. The Chamber heard that current applications would lean in favour of approval unless objections were raised to undermine this decision. It was noted that the Statutory Consultation, as part of the application determination process, allowed for objections and issues to be raised. It was observed that there were a small amount of these establishments in Huntingdonshire with only two relevant applications in the last five years. The Leader stated that she would not be writing to the Minister as this would need to decided as Council, however she would be happy to look into local concerns if raised and for Officers to take appropriate action should that be applicable.

The Executive Leader Councillor S J Conboy to address the Council on behalf of the Joint Administration on the State of the District.

The Chair will invite the Leader of the Opposition to respond to the address.

The Chair invited the Executive Leader, Councillor S J Conboy to address the Council on the State of the District and to open the debate which was scheduled to follow. The Chair noted that Councillor Conboy’s speech was longer than the allotted time and therefore proposed to suspend normal Council procedure to allow for the speech to be given in full. There be no objections to this, the item proceeded.

Councillor Conboy opened her address by reflecting on the previous three years and the formation of the Joint Administration and wished to reflect upon the journey taken as well as the changes made to both the Council and residents lives.

She emphasised the transformation, measurable progress and the resident focused outcomes made over the previous three years.

The Leader expressed pride in the introduction of the Huntingdonshire Futures Strategy and highlighted its five key aims:

• Health Embedded
• Inclusive Economy
• Travel Transformed
• Environmental Innovation
• Pride in Place

It was noted that the strategy had been developed in partnership with the districts communities, businesses and stakeholders. It represents the golden thread that runs through everything that the Council does — providing a clear, consistent line of ambition that connects the Council’s vision to real-world outcomes.

From that vision, the Corporate Plan to 2028 was developed, which outlines how the Council’s goals will be delivered and success evaluated. It sets out the Council’s ambition not only to maintain essential services, but to achieve more: to be a Council that does, that enables, and that influences.

It was stated that this was about partnership. With residents, with businesses, and with the community. The joint-administration are building a Huntingdonshire where everyone can live well, feel supported, and take pride in the place they call home. The importance of resident’s well-being and happiness was stressed in order to allow all residents the opportunity to thrive.

Since 2022, the Huntingdonshire Futures grant scheme has awarded over £80,000 to local businesses and community initiatives — from heritage and culture to local enterprise and wellbeing. These investments bring ‘journeys’ to life and create a deep sense of local pride. Whether it's funding new activities for young people to get involved with, or offering new local events that bring people together or helping to enhance and preserve our local heritage, communities have come forward to identify what matters to them, and the Council has sought to support them.

The WorkWell programme, a model not previously available to residents and one of only 15 national trailblazers, has been integrated into the Residents Advice and Information Team at Pathfinder House, offering tailored support for people with health challenges to stay in or return to work. Each month, over 40 residents are helped along their path to employment, and the good news is that the Government have just announced the scheme will be extended for three more years. It was noted that the Council has embedded WorkWell into its frontline advice service, enabling joined-up support tailored to the district’s needs.

Investment in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules, all questions –

·  Must be relevant to an item which the Council has powers or duties;

·  Must not relate to an item which is included elsewhere on the Agenda

·  Should be limited to obtaining information or pressing for action; and

·  Should not exceed two minutes in duration.

Questions should not divulge or require to be divulged, confidential or exempt information.

In response to a question from Councillor S L Taylor, the Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Councillor J E Kerr, advised that Phase 1 of the Riverside project in St Neots had been completed but that work had been paused whilst the redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke Country Park was implemented. It was noted that once this project was in the delivery phase, focus would return to the Riverside project and further funding opportunities would be explored. In response Councillor Taylor expressed disappointment that the projects would not be running in conjunction and expressed concern about impending deadlines for the A428 funding, it was agreed to continue the conversation offline.

Councillor N J Hunt advised that a group of residents had approached both himself and Councillor J E Harvey relating to Huntingdon’s Riverside Park and establishing a group similar to the Friends of Hinchingbrooke Country Park. The Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Councillor J E Kerr, advised that this would be something which the Council would be happy to assist in forming and it was agreed to get this underway.

Dismay was expressed by Councillor T Alban in relation to the quantity of fly posters across the district which remained in place after events, in particular he noted those advertising circuses and fairs, he suggested introducing a deposit system for such organisers to be taken when event permission was sought, to encourage posters to be removed following events. The Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, Councillor S W Ferguson concurred with the suggestion in principle and agreed to explore the potential implementation of this suggestion.

In response to a question from Councillor P Kadewere, the Executive Councillor for Planning, Councillor T Sanderson, advised that the Planning Service continued to make great progress and improvements, in particular it was noted that enforcement figures were half of what they were in January 2024 and that the backlog of cases for June sat at 27.

Following a question from Councillor M L Beuttell, the Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Councillor J E Kerr, advised that Civil Parking Enforcement would be a district wide roll out but that it would initially focus on specific areas in order to measure successes and results. Following a further question from Councillor Beuttell, it was clarified that the specific areas had been set to establish best practice and that the areas would be expanded following this to further support parishes in reducing illegal parking.

In response to a query from Councillor R Martin, the Executive Leader Councillor S J Conboy, advised that she had only very recently been made aware that the MPs for North West Cambridgeshire and Peterborough had suggested an alternative option for LGR for a Greater Peterborough. It was noted that Peterborough City Council would consider this and the viability to develop it into a fourth business case, however it was also noted that all such business cases submitted to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

At 9.03 pm it was

RESOLVED

that the meeting stand adjourned

Upon resumption at 9.13 pm

9:13pm Councillor S J Corney left the meeting.

The Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources, Councillor B A Mickelburgh to present a report regarding Discretionary Charges in Planning, Infrastructure and Public Protection.

(The report was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) and the Cabinet at their meetings in June 2025. The Cabinet endorsed the recommendations).

With the aid of a report and presentation by Head of Planning, Infrastructure and Public Protection (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book) the Council considered a report seeking to review and enhance discretionary charges in Planning, Infrastructure and Public Protection, focusing on enhancing service deliver, covering rising operational costs, reacting to national government changes and ensuring the sustainability of the services.

By way of introduction, the Executive Councillor for Finance & Resources, Councillor B A Mickelburgh explained that the recent Planning Peer Review had identified missed opportunities to generate revenue. It was also noted that there was a desire to spend funding generated through both Commercial Infrastructure Levy and BioDiversity Net Gain (BNG) on projects within Huntingdonshire.

The process and impact of BNG was discussed highlighting the need for developers to deliver a 10% biodiversity net gain and that this be monitor for 30 years to ensure its success. This will have significant gains for biodiversity throughout the district however will come with long term responsibilities for the Council. By introducing a charge for monitoring fees, this work would remain cost-neutral and accounted for.

The Executive Councillor also drew attention to a request from the Overview and Scrutiny Panel and advised that Officers met with both the Executive Councillors for Planning and Finance along with the Shadow Executive Councillors for Planning and Finance to develop the fees as shown within Appendix 2 of the report.

Councillor K P Gulson expressed his support for the paper and agreed with the introduction of a discretionary charge for planning and agreed that it would be right to generate income and streamline throughput of these applications. However, he expressed concern due to the fact that BNG was new and a massive challenge with a long term monitoring requirement. He felt that by getting that process right from the implementation would help to ensure it’s long term success.

The Executive Councillor for Planning, Councillor T Sanderson acknowledged that the report had received thorough scrutiny through the Overview and Scrutiny (Performance and Growth) Panel. He acknowledged that income generation had been identified by the planning peer review and that the requirement for BNG would take up resource therefore it was right to introduce the discretionary charge alongside the recommendation from the peer review. He gave his support to the report and the recommendations contained within.

Councillor P J Hodgson-Jones enquired whether the mentioned habitat banks across Huntingdonshire could form an integral part of the revised Local Plan in particular, he suggested that, their location could be used strategically to prevent urban sprawl, and to enhance biodiversity within the district. He felt that by fully integrating this into the planning process would ensure its future success. The Executive Councillor noted these points and hoped that they would be integrated where feasible.

Councillor R Martin echoed the comments of Councillor Gulson and stated that he believed that residents should not be paying for things that developers were doing.

Whereupon having been proposed and duly seconded, it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

The Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources, Councillor B A Mickelburgh to present a report regarding Treasury Management Outturn Report 2024/25.

(The report was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) and the Cabinet at their meetings in June 2025. The Cabinet endorsed the recommendations).

With the aid of a report by the Chief Finance Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) presented by the Executive Councillor for Finance & Resources, Councillor B A Mickelburgh. The report provided an update on treasury management activity for the period 1 April to 31 March 2025, including investment and borrowing activity and treasury performance.

By way of introduction, Councillor Mickelburgh proceeded to talk in detail through the following areas: economic review, the performance of Council funds, treasury risk management, non-treasury investments, interest rates compliance and treasury management indicators. The diligent scrutiny provided by the Overview and Scrutiny (Performance and Growth) Panel was noted along with note of member training for Scrutiny members in October 2024.

Attention was drawn to the Council’s Commercial Investment Strategy which had generated £3.1 million for the Council in 2024/25 after taking account of direct costs. We remain alert to the risks of vacancies and fluctuating property values, we are continuing to review the strategy albeit this has experienced delays due to LGR. It was noted that inflation had fluctuated across the year, and that the Bank of England rate had fallen, it was further observed that global events continued to create uncertainty, with the pace of interest rate decreases remaining uncertain.

Councillor A R Jennings praised Officers for the comprehensive and well written reports which were produced for Councillors on a regular basis and observed that there were often few questions to raise on the matter as the report author had anticipated and answered them within the body of the report. He continued that he was content that the Council had complied with all Prudential indicators, and was reassured to know that internal borrowing was being used to finance the CFR, furthermore he was pleased that for third year, interest receipts had far exceeded what was in the budget.

Councillor C M Gleadow echoed Councillor Jennings comments regarding the quality of the Treasury Management reports.

Councillor P J Hodgson-Jones reflected that the complexity of the reports made them challenging to understand which he was concerned may consequently reflect on the level of scrutiny. He also criticised the level of treasury investments that were short term, and expressed a desire to increase yield from cash to treasury, potentially through a move to longer dated investments with higher yields to give a larger return for the Council. He further suggested that land assets may be utilised to generate revenue to meet other needs of the Council although acknowledged that the impending LGR may pose difficulties

In response, the Executive Councillor, advised that longer term investment opportunities along with utilisation of assets were being investigated and that he would look to develop and exploit these opportunities in a timely manner in order to benefit both the Council and residents of Huntingdonshire.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the treasury management performance for 2024/25 be noted.

The Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, Councillor S W Ferguson to present a report regarding Corporate Performance Indicators 2025/26.

(The report was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) and the Cabinet at their meetings in June 2025. The Cabinet endorsed the recommendations).

With the aid of a report by Head of Policy, Performance and Emergency Planning and the Insights Co-ordinator (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Council considered a report seeking approval of the proposed target and tolerances for the key performance indicators 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

By way of introduction, the Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, S W Ferguson clarified that it had been decided to bring the targets through the democratic cycle separately to the quarterly performance reports in order to ensure that they were sufficiently challenging whilst remaining achievable. It was noted that the comments of Scrutiny had been consider and as a result had reset the targets to ensure sufficient challenge. It was advised that there had been an increase to 35 Key Performance Indicators and that the targets for each had been reviewed and revised where appropriate. It was further noted that although challenging targets can increase performance, they needed to remain achievable and realistic. The Executive Councillor concluded by thanking the Overview and Scrutiny Panel for their robust and continued criticism. 

Councillor R Martin thanked the Executive Councillor for taking on board the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel. He expressed his support for the report whilst acknowledging that it contained the Performance Indicators of the joint administration which they would need to deliver on.

Whereupon having been proposed and duly seconded, it was

RESOLVED

that the proposed target and tolerances for the key performance indicators 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved.

Councillor N J Hunt to present the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report.

Councillor N J Hunt, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) Panel presented the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report on behalf of both Overview and Scrutiny Panels (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which summarised the Panels activities for the municipal year 2024/25.

In presenting the report, Councillor Hunt acknowledge that there had been a long road to develop and improve the Council’s scrutiny function over the last three years, and that the Annual report was a milestone to reflect on that journey. He felt that 3 years ago scrutiny was a rubber stamp exercise but thanks to the Officers who support the Panels, the overarching goal of our efforts is paying off through exploring topics and adding value. He also highlighted that changes had been made to when papers were considered by Panels allowing for earlier input, and that additional recommendations were being made to Cabinet.

Councillor Hunt acknowledged that the scrutiny process was still being developed but reflected on the substantial progress made to date to improve and develop.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report be received and noted.

The Executive Councillor Leader, Councillor S J Conboy to present a report regarding Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority – Members’ Allowances Schemes.

With the aid of a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Council considered a report highlighting that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority intended to pay members allowances directly for District Council members appointed to sit on their Overview and Scrutiny and Audit and Governance Committees.

In introducing the report, the Executive Leader Councillor S J Conboy explained that there would be an anticipated annual saving to the Council in excess of £3,000 and that as a result the relative Councillors members allowance scheme would be removed from the budget.

Whereupon having been proposed and duly seconded, it was

RESOLVED

that the removal of the allowances paid by the District Council to members appointed to sit on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny and Audit and Governance Committees be noted and that the Members’ Allowances Scheme be updated accordingly.

This item provides an opportunity for District Council Members to ask questions on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority issues.

If Members wish to raise questions or issues requiring a detailed response, it would be helpful if they can provide prior notice so that the necessary information can be obtained in advance of the meeting.

In conjunction with the decision summaries of the recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, copies of the decision summaries are appended in the Minute Book.

In response to a question from Councillor R Martin, the chamber heard that clarification was being sought from the Mayor in relation to knock on effects in the reinstatement of the 31 bus service in Ramsey as it was understood that this may be at the detriment of other bus services.

Following a questions from Councillor S L Taylor, the Executive Leader advised that she was in communication with the Mayor in order to understand his aspirations in relation to free carparking in St Neots and whether there was opportunity to expand this across the district. Following a further question on the matter from Councillor B S Chapman, the Executive Leader confirmed that the Council would continue to look at options to create sustainable benefits for St Neots in line with the Council’s Parking Strategy.

In response to a question from Councillor S R McAdam, the Executive Leader reiterated that carpark revenue was an integral part of the Councils current budget formula and any plans to introduce free parking would affect this. Once clarity had been obtained on the matter, the Council would be able to update accordingly.

Councillor N J Hunt expressed concern about proposed changes to the Under 25 Tiger bus pass, following which the Executive Leader reassured that the Council remained an advocate for this pass and were awaiting further details in relation to both the reduction of this scheme and impact on district bus services.

In response to an enquiry from Councillor M A Hassall, the Executive Leader concurred that it would be beneficial for either the Mayor or a CPCA representative to be available to answer members questions, opportunities to bring this to fruition would be investigated and developed further.

The Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules require the Executive Leader to report on Executive Decisions taken under Special Urgency provisions annually to the Council. A report by the Executive Leader is attached.

With the assistance of a report by the Executive Leader (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Council were acquainted with the details of one key decision which had been taken within the last year under the Council’s special urgency provisions.

Having noted that it was a requirement within the Council’s Constitution that executive decisions taken as a matter of special urgency be reported annually to the Council by the Executive Leader, it was

RESOLVED

to note the contents of the report.

An opportunity for Members to raise any issues or ask questions arising from recent meetings of the Council’s Committees and Panels.

A list of meetings held since the last Council meeting is attached for information and Members are requested to address their questions to Committee and Panel Chairs.

A copy of the list of meetings held since the last meeting of the Council held on 26th March 2025 is appended in the Minute Book and Members were advised that any issues or questions could be raised in relation to these meetings.

There were no questions raised.

Group Leaders to report on variations to the Membership of Committees and Panels if necessary.

There were no changes to report.

The meeting ended at 10:09pm.