Issue - meetings

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

No declarations were received.

At the invitation of the Chair, the Monitoring Officer made short statement.  The Monitoring Officer advised that all Councillors had received guidance on Section 25 of the Localism Act and the principle of open-mindedness. The Monitoring Officer advised the Committee that they were meeting in their capacity as Councillors for Huntingdonshire District Council. 

The Monitoring Officer noted the importance of Members approaching the debate with an open mind, considering the evidence and professional advice presented tonight, irrespective of any prior meetings or decisions on the matter in which you they have been involved. 

The Monitoring Officer invited Cabinet to reflect on whether they are able to participate in the decision-making with an open mind, and to make necessary declarations accordingly. 

Members made the following comments:

Councillor Sanderson declared that he had voted on this matter at Cambridgeshire County Council and Huntingdon Town Council previously but was still open minded.

Councillor Kerr declared that she had voted on this matter at Cambridgeshire County Council and St Ives Town Council but remained open minded.

Councillor Harvey declared that she was a Member of Huntingdon Town Council but was not at the time they discussed this, so she came in to this meeting fresh and open minded.

Councillor Mickelburgh declared that he was not a Member of any Parish or Town Council and abstained purposefully at the Full Council meeting to bring an open mind to this meeting.

Councillor Howell declared that she was a Member of Woodwalton Parish Council but they had not had a vote on this matter, she abstained at the Full Council meeting abstained last week and approached this meeting with an open mind.

Councillor Davenport-Ray had not voted on this subject at any other Council, abstained at the Full Council meeting and approached this meeting with an open mind.

Councillor Ferguson declared that he was not a Member of any other Council, did vote on this topic at the Full Council meeting but was always open minded and open to being convinced by colleagues.

Councillor Wakeford declared that he did not sit on any other Parish or Town Council, had not been involved in voting on this matter at the Full Council meeting, deliberately abstaining, and came to this discussion fresh and open minded.

Councillor Conboy declared that she was a Member of Godmanchester Town Council, was present when they discussed this matter but did not take part in voting, and she abstained at the Full Council meeting so she could retain an open mind then and for this meeting.