Agenda and minutes

Prior to commencement of the formal proceedings, the Right Reverend D Thomson, Bishop of Huntingdon invited those present to join him in Prayer.

(a)  Former Councillor J C Mugglestone

  It was with great sadness that the Chairman confirmed the recent death of former Councillor J C Mugglestone who had served the Council with distinction for over 28 years as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of various Committees and of the Council. 

  His successor as Ward Councillor for Kimbolton and Stoneley, Councillor J A Gray paid a personal tribute to Mr Mugglestone for the help and support he had offered to him over many years and suspected that, given his love of planning, he would have welcomed the opportunity to have taken part in the debate which was to follow.

  The Council stood for a few moments in silent tribute to their former colleague.

(b)  Councillor M G Baker

  On behalf of the Council, the Chairman congratulated Councillor M G Baker on his award of an MBE in the New Year’s Honours. 

(c)  Her Majesty The Queen’s 60th Anniversary and Chairman’s Grants

  The Chairman informed the Council that he had written formally to the Queen, on behalf of the Council, to congratulate her on the 60th Anniversary of her accession to the throne.  He also updated Members on his decision to award grants totalling £2,500 to various local charities and organisations.

(d)  Events

  The Chairman announced that a collection at the Holocaust Memorial Service on 24th January 2012 held at St. Mary’s Church, Huntingdon had raised £237 which had been donated to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

  Councillor Dutton looked forward to his Chairman’s Reception to be held on 16th March 2012 at the Wood Green Animal Shelter and invited those Members who wished to join him on the evening to obtain their tickets soon.

(e)  Good News

  Having been reminded of the Council’s involvement in RECAP, the waste partnership, the Chairman announced that a design guide produced by the Partnership had been nominated for a Royal Town Planning Institute Award.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 14th December 2011.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 14th December 2011 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman invited the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite to update the Council on the content of correspondence received from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in response to the Motion on Council Tax carried unanimously at the last meeting.

The Executive Leader was pleased to report that the Secretary of State had accepted the view of the District Council that the current methodology for the calculation of Council Tax was too complex and inflexible for application across all Councils.  Whilst it was too late to vary the approach for the forthcoming financial year, the Secretary had indicated a willingness to consider representations for future years.  Councillor Ablewhite reported that the Council would continue to lobby the Government in support of the agreed joint Motion.  Whilst pleased to hear this response from the Secretary of State, Councillor P J Downes, Leader of the Opposition, requested that, as the response appeared to convey a matter of principle, the Executive Leader share the information with the Local Government Association.

Councillor P J Downes declared a personal interest in Minute No. 57 given the potential for consideration of grant funding to the voluntary sector under this item and his family relationship with an employee of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Councillor J J Dutton declared a personal interest in Minute No. 57 by virtue of his appointment as a Cambridgeshire County Councillor to the Board of Directors, Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

'The New Planning System'

The Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning and Housing, Councillor N J Guyatt, to introduce Dr M Bingham, Deputy Director, Department of Communities and Local Government who is to lead the debate on 'The New Planning System'.

The Chairman reminded Members of the decision by the Council to suspend Council Procedure Rule 11 (Rules of Debate) to enable headline debates and “White Paper” proposals to be discussed by Members in an open manner.  The Council, therefore,

RESOLVED

  that Council Procedure Rule 11 (Rules of Debate) be suspended for the duration of the discussion on Minute No. 56 during which time the Common Law Rules of Debate be observed by Members and applied by the Chairman.

The Chairman invited the Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning and Housing, Councillor N J Guyatt to open the debate by introducing Dr M Bingham, Deputy Director, Department of Communities and Local Government who was present to explain how the proposed planning system might operate in practice in Huntingdonshire.

By way of a powerpoint presentation, Dr Bingham explained that it was the Government’s vision to devolve power, controls and responsibility to the lowest possible levels of authority such as Town and Parish Councils, Districts and in some instances, even individuals.  It was the objective to encourage citizens to become active in driving improvements in their local areas and to generate the idea of local ownership and democratic control of communities and the life of individuals.  He added that this ethos was particularly fundamental in planning as it was hoped it would deliver a plan-led system that empowered local people to shape their surroundings whilst facilitating sustainable growth and encouraging the idea that development could positively develop a community.

To secure these changes, Dr Bingham described the various forms which had been proposed by the Government.  Principally these were led by the Localism Act which, in terms of planning, would abolish regional strategies, expect local authorities to address cross-boundary issues in Plans, offer Town and Parish Councils the opportunity to produce neighbourhood plans and introduce the community infrastructure levy to channel, more effectively, the contributions received from developers towards those communities in which development might take place.  In addition, the Act would place an obligation on developers to consult those most likely to be affected by way of comprehensive pre-application consultation.  Decision making on major infrastructure also would be returned to Ministers.

The second major Reform would be the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – which would contain streamlined and accessible national planning policy designed to promote sustainable development whilst protecting and enhancing the natural historic environment.  It was the expectation that the final version of the Framework would be published at the end of March.  Dr Bingham drew attention to several issues in the Framework which included the commitment to a “Town Centre First” policy, requirements for market and affordable housing, green belt protection and policies on low carbon renewable energy and development in flood risk areas.  Lastly, the Council was informed that it was the Government’s intention to de-regulate and simplify the planning system by reviewing the Use Classes Order, widening permitted development rights and requiring the determination of applications within specified timescales.

In terms of the responsibility of a local planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

To consider the Cabinet's recommendations on the Medium Term Plan for 2013 - 2017, the 2012/13 budget, related Prudential Indicators and the Treasury Management Strategy (see also the Report of the Cabinet held on 16th February 2012) and in accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, to approve resolutions as to the levels of Council Tax in 2012/13 for the various parts of Huntingdonshire District.  A report by the Head of Financial Services is enclosed (it is the expectation that the tables to the formal resolution will be circulated at the meeting).

(See Minute No. 55 for Members’ Interests.)

In conjunction with a report by the Head of Financial Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) and Item Nos. 56 and 57 of the Report of the Cabinet, the Executive Councillor for Resources addressed the Council on the Medium Term Plan, 2012/2013 budget and related prudential indicators contained in the Treasury Management Strategy and moved the recommendations of the Cabinet.

In accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992, the Council also considered proposals for the levels of Council Tax in 2012/2013 for various parts of the Huntingdonshire District.

In his opening remarks, Councillor Gray acknowledged the contribution made to the budgetary process by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) and Members of the business community.  He also described the approach taken by the Cabinet towards Treasury Management which had involved a degree of risk management in seeking to achieve a balance between investment and return.  He suggested that the Council continue to be prudent in the management of its borrowing and investments.

Although not wishing to repeat the points raised at the last meeting, Councillor Gray made reference to several other issues which would impact on the budget.  The most significant of these related to pay and allowances, voluntary sector and disabled facilities grants and a proposed new homes bonus of £1.913m which was £37,000 greater than previously forecast.  In terms of risks and reserves, Councillor Gray referred to the examples which had been used to measure the potential impact of various international financial issues on the Council’s financial position and how these had been used to establish a lower end figure for inclusion in the budget as the risk provision and a higher end figure in the event that an extra level of risk might emerge.  At the suggestion of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) and having regard to the advice contained in Annexes C and D hereto, the proposed budget was based on not allowing reserves to fall below £4.5m.  With the assistance of the Panel, this position would be reviewed again in September to ensure it remained appropriate.

Having regard to Council Tax levels, the Executive Councillor for Resources advised the Council that although acutely aware of the difficulty any increase in Council Tax could present to those with limited incomes, the Cabinet had decided not to recommend acceptance of the Government’s offer of a 2.5% increase in grant as this would place the Council at a clear disadvantage in the future and make it difficult to manage innovatively to preserve valued services.

Having regard to the view expressed by the Council on the draft budget and MTP at the last meeting, the Executive Councillor described the significant adjustments which had been made to the budget since then which now included a major proportion of the voluntary sector grant budget and funding for CCTV and service centres in St. Neots and Yaxley which has specifically been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

In compliance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, the Deputy Executive Leader, Councillor N J Guyatt, to present the Pay Policy Statement 2012/13 to the Council for approval.

In compliance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, the Deputy Executive Leader, Councillor N J Guyatt presented a report by the Corporate Team Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) to which was attached the District Council’s pay policy statement for 2012/2013.  The statement, which was required to be approved by the Council by 31st March 2012, would now be produced annually and would detail the Council’s policies relating to officer remuneration.

Having reported that the Returning Officer had waived his entitlement to an election fee and that the post had responsibility for District Council elections only, it was MOVED by Councillor Guyatt, duly seconded and

RESOLVED

  that the pay policy statement for 2012/2013 be approved.

(a)  Cabinet

  Councillor J D Ablewhite, Executive Leader of the Council and Chairman of the Cabinet presented the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 19th January and 16th February 2012.

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  In connection with Item No. 56, it was noted that the recommendations had been considered previously under Minute No. 57.

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  In connection with Item No. 57, it was noted that the recommendations had been considered previously under Minute No. 57.

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  Whereupon, it was

  RESOLVED

  that, subject to the foregoing paragraphs, the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 19th January and 16th February 2012 be received and adopted.

(b)  Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being)

  Councillor T V Rogers presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 5th January and 2nd February 2012.

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  In connection with Item No. 39 and in response to a question from Councillor Greenall, Councillor T V Rogers concurred with the suggestion that those voluntary organisations that currently had service level agreements with the Council should receive guidance from the Council for financial planning purposes, in the event that they do not continue to benefit from the same level of funding in the future.

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  In connection with Item No. 40 and in response to a question from Councillor P J Downes, Councillor T V Rogers confirmed that he also had concerns regarding the potential impact on Huntingdonshire of changes to the Housing Benefits system but that the Panel had been advised that in the absence of any accurate estimate of any impact, it was not practical to make provision in the 2012/2013 budget for any increase in homelessness that might result.

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  In connection with Item No. 46, Councillor T V Rogers announced that the District Council’s Call Centre had recently been commended by external assessment and would be used as a model to illustrate excellent practice to other authorities.  Councillor Rogers congratulated staff on this achievement.

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  Whereupon, it was

  RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 5th January and 2nd February 2012 be received and adopted.

(c)  Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being)

  Councillor P M D Godfrey presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 10th January and 9th February 2012.

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  Whereupon, it was

  RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 10th January and 9th February 2012 be received and adopted.

(d)  Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being)

  Councillor S J Criswell presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 3rd January and 7th February 2012.

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  In connection with Item No. 48 and in response to a question from Councillor P J Downes, Councillor Criswell reported that he would expect to receive an announcement shortly on the proposed future for the Mental Health facility in Acer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

As the Council wished to discuss items which were confidential, it was

RESOLVED

that the press and public be excluded from the meeting as the business to be transacted contained exempt information under paragraphs 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

(Councillor C R Hyams declared a personal interest in the following Item by virtue of his membership of Huntingdon Town Council.)

In connection with Item No. 43 of the Report of the Cabinet and in response to a question from Councillor P D Reeve, Councillor Ablewhite advised Members that the Council continued to provide a CCTV service to the market towns but such provision could be enhanced should the Town Councils wish to contribute towards the cost.  He confirmed that Ramsey Town Council had acknowledged the requirement for a higher level of provision and thus had contributed to a continued CCTV service in the Town.

On the same subject and in response to a question from Councillor C R Hyams regarding the current position on the possibility of Cambridgeshire Constabulary contributing towards the cost of the CCTV service, the Executive Councillor for Healthy & Active Communities, Councillor T D Sanderson confirmed that currently the Police did not contribute to the cost of the service, that charges would be imposed for use and that a PCSO supervised the control room when no District Council staff were available.

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In connection with Item No. 18 of the Report of the Employment Panel and in response to a question from Councillor P J Downes, Councillor Ablewhite acknowledged the contribution made to the Authority by its staff and assured the Council that the new approach to sickness absence reporting would ensure that any new employment policies in this respect in the future would be based upon accurate and meaningful information.

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On the conclusion of questions on those items considered to be confidential, it was

RESOLVED

  that the press and public be re-admitted to the meeting.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (paragraph 8.3 of the Rules), the Chairman proceeded to conduct a period of oral questions addressed to Executive Councillors and Panel Chairmen as follows:-

Question from Councillor R Harrison to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite

In response to a question regarding the progress of the Armed Forces Community Covenant, Councillor Ablewhite advised Members that Cambridgeshire County Council, as Lead Authority, had set up a Working Group to consider practical ways in which to support the covenant and that he understood from his discussions with the Deputy Leader of the County Council that consultation on the way forward would begin shortly.

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Question from Councillor C R Hyams to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite

Following a question regarding support for Huntingdon Community Radio and a suggestion that the station might be broadcast in the Leisure Centres and other appropriate places, Councillor Ablewhite asked the Executive Councillor for Healthy and Active Communities, Councillor T D Sanderson to look into this possibility.

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Question from Councillor M F Shellens to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite

In response to a question which highlighted that visitor displays had not been updated to reflect recent changes in Huntingdon Town Centre, Councillor Ablewhite commented that this only served to illustrate how much the District Council had committed to the Town over the year in terms of new and planned development.  Whilst it was disappointing that the Town had lost certain retail chains, he was aware that the Town Centre Manager worked hard to ensure all shop units remained full.

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Question from Councillor Mrs M Banerjee to the Executive Councillor for Customer Services, Councillor B S Chapman

In response to a question regarding staffing issues at the Yaxley Community Information Centre, Councillor Chapman confirmed that a new member of staff had been appointed and it was expected that the Centre in Yaxley would operate from the beginning of April on Wednesday and Friday between 9.00am – 4.30pm and on Tuesday and Thursday in Ramsey.  The Centres would be closed over lunch from 12 – 1pm.  Councillor Chapman undertook to respond to the questioner in writing on the savings which had been achieved from the reduction in the service.

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Question from Councillor M F Shellens to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite

In response to a question regarding the future of the development of Huntingdon Town Centre in the event that Churchmanor Estates chose to withdraw its support for the scheme, Councillor Ablewhite assured the Council that the benefits of the project overwhelmingly outweighed the minimal risk associated with the scheme, that he was confident that pro-active investment in the Town Centres would bring longevity and generate increased business and that the relocation of Sainsburys and improvements to the Huntingdon link road were key to encouraging other development to take place.

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Question from Councillor M G Baker to the Deputy Executive Leader and Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning and Housing, Councillor N  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.