Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) meeting held on 10th June 2025.

The Attendees from the meeting held 10th June 2025 have been amended to reflect the presence of Councillors J Catmur and S Taylor.

The final paragraph of minute 25/11 was amended to read:

Councillor Taylor sought clarification on the progress and spend so far  regarding funding for the health and wealth building that was put aside at full Council.

After which the minutes of the meeting held 10th June 2025 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary and other interests in relation to any Agenda item.

Councillor C Gleadow declared an other registerable interest in minute 25/22 by virtue of being a ward Councillor for St Ives.

Councillor S Taylor declared an other registerable interest in minute 25/22 by virtue of being a ward Councillor for St Neots.

Councillor A Jennings declared an other registerable interest in minute 25/22 by virtue of being a ward Councillor for St Neots Eatons.

Councillor S McAdam declared an other registerable interest in minute 25/22 by virtue of being a ward Councillor for The Stukeleys.

Councillor A Blackwell declared an other registerable interest in minute 25/22 by virtue of being a ward Councillor for The Stukeleys.

Councillor B Chapman declared an other registerable interest in minute 25/22 by virtue of being a ward Councillor for St Neots Eatons.

a)  The Panel are to receive the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme and Notice of Key Decisions for the period 1st July 2025 to 31st October 2025.

b)  Members to discuss future planning of items for the Work Programme

With the aid of a report by the Democratic Services Officer (Scrutiny) (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme was presented to the Panel.

To note the responses outstanding from previous meetings.

The Panel received and noted the responses received in relation to questions arising at previous meetings of the Panel.

Further detail was requested pertaining to minute 25/10, Cold spots. It was confirmed this would be taken away and a response sought.

The Panel are invited to comment on contents of the report.

Executive Councillor: Tom Sanderson.

By means of a report by the Senior Planning Officer of Strategic Growth (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Local Plan Engagement Review Report was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Gardener and Chapman sought clarification regarding engaging with Parish Councils concerning developments for sites within their area but also if sites bordering their area will be included in this as well. The Panel heard that at the next stage of consultation, there will be a draft local plan which will include all of the sites and will go to all the Parish Councils.

After a question from the Panel, it was heard that the consultation period would be 6 weeks as they have now reached the key part of the Local plan process which must be completed by December 2026. 

Councillor Jennings expressed his thanks for the detail in the report, but queried the percentages of increases since the last consultation calculated as he does not think this is accurate. He sought confirmation as this will be published to the public domain. He drew attention to point 5:9, the responses from a wide variety of stakeholders, members of the general public and Parish Councils and requested a breakdown of the sources of respondents. The Panel heard that this would be taken away and responded to by the Officers.

Councillor Taylor requested clarification as to whether the Cambridge Fire & Rescue service and the East of England Ambulance service were represented as consultees as any growth would affect the respective services. The Panel heard that the list of statutory consultees are those that are required by regulation. It was confirmed that both services were in the consultation database and they are in contact with them through the development of infrastructure study.

After a question from the Panel, it was heard that a report would be published regarding the Statement of Compliance which will set out the duty to cooperate and actions.

Councillor Martin drew attention to point 7:5 of the report and requested if the Members could be given a week’s notice so they can respond to any questions from their constituents. The Panel heard this will be actioned.

Councillor Martin joined the meeting at 19:15.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.

The Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth) (Environment, Customers & Partnerships) is invited to comment on the contents of the report and make any comments for Cabinet.

Executive Councillor: Sarah Conboy

By means of a report by the Head of Policy, Performance & Emergency Planning (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Corporate Peer Challenge Update 2024/25 Q4 Report was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Martin expressed his appreciation of the report and drew attention to Recommendation 1, commenting that the restructuring is going well but wanted to know how the Cabinet fit in the structure. The Panel heard that there have been no changes yet but could possibly look at a further review over the next year but it may be prudent to wait until the next administration to do this.

In response to a question regarding communication and engagement, the Panel heard that this is more of a document rather than a strategy and Officers would be coming back with the internal communications document via an update which will help reinforce the Corporate Plan and consolidate the messages included.

Councillor Catmur commented that it would be appreciated if the Original Actions and the Linked Actions could be traceable for ease of reading. The Panel heard this could be actioned.

After a question from Councillor Blackwell, the Panel heard that there could be updates on particular actions but they would be back next Quarter for the full update to the Panel. It was also confirmed that they are trying to be more mindful in their reports and not to give overwhelming amounts of pages for the Panel to review and encouraged the Panel to feed back through the Chair moving forward.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the proposal and recommendations contained in the accompanying paper.

Executive Councillor: S Wakeford

By means of a report by the Head of Economy, Regeneration & Housing Delivery (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Increasing Affordable Housing – Inspired Solutions Report was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Gardener expressed concern in point 3:3 which advises Inspired Solutions (IS) have not completed any developments but have agreements in place for 750 homes for other Local Authorities and wanted clarification of how many homes have actually been completed. He surmised that if they have not completed any other developments, how can we guarantee that they can deliver. The Panel heard that per the report, IS have not completed any properties to date but are at various stages of completion in different areas. They confirmed that discussions with IS have been more challenging and probing because of this and have the opportunity of engagement with other Authorities who are working with IS as part of their continued due diligence. Confidence was expressed to the Panel that other Councils are ahead of Huntingdonshire, and they will be liaising with them to ensure they agree with the approach that is being taken. The Panel heard that the concepts presented to the other Authorities were innovative and new which is why they have not completed yet. The Panel were advised that the nature for the Partnership resulted in modest up-front costs and if they do not provide the units as agreed, the Council will not be liable to pay for the tenancies. This means there is a substantial limitation of risks to the partnership as set out.

Councillor Gardener requested confirmation that if there is an issue with another Authority, can Huntingdon pull out at any point without incurring additional costs. The Panel heard that the Council will continue with their due diligence throughout the project and the only costs incurred would be legal costs for this due diligence. Only once it reaches the point when they have sites that they are actively considering and entering into lease agreements, would the Council incur additional costs.

Councillor Gleadow requested further confirmation that there will be no exposure for the Council until they enter into formal agreements. This was reiterated to the Panel and it was highlighted that whilst there is risk in every partnership, this is considered low risk and reasonable against the benefit this would be for residents in the area.

Councillor McAdam praises the report and what it promises but his concern lies with IS not having completed any projects to date. He requested clarification as to how the Council reached the decision to partner with them rather than another Organisation that have experience. He made reference to the pension funds that are mentioned in the report and asked how confident the Council can be making this decision, suggesting they should take a step back to reconsider all the options available before moving forward. It was confirmed that the Council had met with other Developers but they have confidence in IS and what they are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the proposal and recommendations contained in the accompanying paper.

Executive Councillor: S Wakeford

By means of a report by the Head of Economy, Regeneration & Housing Delivery (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Regeneration Opportunities Report was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Jennings praised the proposal’s substance and that this Company has a proven track record which he approves of but referred to Appendix A‘s missing information. The Panel heard this information was later in the report. He sought clarification as to what the Council are entering, is it providing the £1 million from the reserves immediately or are they recommending moving onto the next stages, then come back to the Panel when they are ready to commit the £1 million. The Panel heard confirmation that the recommendations being heard are to support the principle of working forward and developing proposals, but this would include upfront costs in stage 1 from the reserves. They do not anticipate this will reach £1 million but this has been flagged for stage 1.

Councillor Jennings asked if this issue would be going onto Full Council due to the level of expenditure out of reserves as it is outside of the budget cycle. A supplementary item has been added to the report for Full Council’s reference.

Councillor Taylor expressed her concerns over the report, highlighting that the company were met at the UKREiiF but the Council has not sought anyone else. She acknowledged their impressive track record but wonders why the funds from the reserves of £1 million is being given to a private company when this could be spent on the Council’s own assets, referencing St Neots as an example. The Panel heard that the purpose of the proposal is to stimulate change in our market towns and to unlock a substantial degree of value for residents for market towns and the economy as well as housing elements. It is a rare opportunity to spend in a way that unlocks measures of value. The Council would not be handing money over to a private company but developing proposals and engaging through a consultation process. The Council would seek feedback from residents which would inform what the Council does. The Panel heard that they seek to regenerate the market towns and do not wish to be reliant on grant pots to achieve this and they are confident in working with the selected company.

Councillor Gleadow acknowledged the track record of the proposed company but reflected that it very urban based and not market or conservation areas. She asked if they had experience in a similar region. The Panel heard that a lot of the company’s activity is around Manchester, but they have worked on smaller projects in other areas such as in Farnworth. It was confirmed that they protect heritage assets, choosing to work with the existing buildings around sites such as this rather than demolishing for development. Homes England have given them a substantial funding which shows their confidence in delivery.

Councillor Chapman asked what this project will do that other reports  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To resolve:-

that the public be excluded from the meeting because the business to be transacted contains exempt information relating to the financial and business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED

that the press and public be excluded from the meeting because the business to be transacted contains exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

The Committee is invited to consider and comment on the proposal and recommendations contained in the accompanying paper.

Executive Councillor: L Davenport-Ray

The Panel were reminded of the Part Two nature of the item and that the contents of the report and subsequent discussion should remain confidential.

The Panel gave consideration to an exempt report by the Corporate Director - Communities (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Shared Services Agreement Renewal Report which was presented to the Panel. Following the discussion, it was

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.