Venue: Civic Suite, Pathfinder House, St. Mary's Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TN
Contact: Ms C Deller, Democratic Services Manager, Tel No 01480 388007/e-mail: Christine.Deller@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
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PRAYER Minutes: The Reverend Canon B Atling, Rural Dean of Huntingdon, Rector of the Benefice of Hartford and Houghton and Wyton opened the meeting with Prayer. |
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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Minutes: (a) Chairman’s Events
The Chairman briefly described the events she had attended on behalf of the Council since February mentioning, in particular, her presentations to young people at the Student Voice Conference at Hemingford Abbots Golf Club and the Huntingdonshire Regional College and the beginning of work on the Huntingdon West Relief Road.
Councillor Mrs Boddington drew attention to the celebrations which marked the award of the Freedom of Huntingdonshire to the 423rd Airbase Group, RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth. Having described the proceedings and thanked those Members able to join her for the occasion, the Deputy Executive Leader, Councillor N J Guyatt congratulated the Chairman on the success of the event and looked forward to the formal award of the Freedom of the District to RAF Wyton in mid-August which he was sure would similarly be a very memorable occasion.
As it was the last Council meeting in the Municipal Year, the Chairman reported that she had raised approximately £2,400 for her chosen charities, Cancer Research, Natural High, St. John’s Ambulance and the Samaritans.
(b) Former Councillor P J Downes
The Chairman referred to the recent resignation of Mr P J Downes as Councillor for Brampton and paid tribute to the valuable service given by Mr Downes to the District Council for over 15 years since he was first elected in November 1997.
Despite differences in their political affiliations, the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite thanked Mr Downes for his contribution to various Panels and Committees over many years adding that it had been a pleasure to work with him. As former Leader, Councillor I C Bates acknowledged the contribution of Mr Downes towards the early days of Overview and Scrutiny and in particular paid tribute to his professionalism, manner and commitment as well as the considered way in which he had participated in Council meetings. Further tributes of a similar nature were made by the Chairman, Councillor Mrs B E Boddington, Councillors M G Baker, J A Gray, N J Guyatt, P D Reeve and M F Shellens.
In response, Mr Downes indicated that he had enjoyed his time as a District Councillor and had learned a great deal from the experience. He added that local government was more complex than he had expected and that it would be a great responsibility to adjust priorities in the future to meet the challenges posed by the changing financial environment. Mr Downes thanked all Councillors and Officers for their continuing assistance, and in particular, those Members of the Liberal Democrat Group both past and present for their hard work. Lastly Mr Downes thanked Councillor M F Shellens as the person largely responsible for his first election success adding how proud he was to have increased his majority from 18 in 1997 to 734 last May. He also wished Councillor Ablewhite every success for the future.
Having announced that Councillor M G Baker had been elected as new Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Members
RESOLVED
that the Council place ... view the full minutes text for item 73. |
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To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 20th February 2013. Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 20th February 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. Actions: 2 minutes |
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MEMBERS' INTERESTS To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, non-disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below. Minutes: None were declared. Actions: 3 minutes |
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COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP Minutes: (a) Local Government Act 1972: Section 84 – Brampton
Further to Minute No. 73 (b), the Chairman formally reported the resignation of Mr P J Downes, District Councillor for Brampton and confirmed that the by-election for the vacancy would be held on 2nd May 2013 in conjunction with the County Council Elections.
(b) Local Government and Housing Act 1989
Having noted the resignation of Councillor S M Van De Kerkhove from the Liberal Democrat Group, the Council agreed that given the proximity of the Annual Meeting and the pending by-election it would be appropriate to defer a review of the representation of political groups on the District Council until the Annual Meeting on 15th May 2013. |
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UPDATE ON LOCAL PLAN 2011 - 2036: TIMETABLING AND PROCESS Councillor N J Guyatt, Deputy Executive Leader and Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning and Housing to present. Minutes: In his role as Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Planning and Housing Strategy, Councillor N J Guyatt advised Members that it had been his intention to make a presentation to Council based on information to be provided by Cambridgeshire County Council. However, given the impending County Elections and the embargo on the release of sensitive data, the presentation would instead seek to confirm to Members the local plan process and timetabling following its formal submission to the Cabinet on 16th May 2013.
By reference to a powerpoint presentation, a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book, the Assistant Director, Environment, Growth and Planning, Mr S Ingram explained that the plan was based on four key themes – Economy, Housing, Infrastructure and Environment and that Stage 2 Consultation had been completed with approximately 1,200 representations having been received. Three hundred and fifty of these were comments on overall strategy, 270 on the development management policies, 200 on proposed development in the Huntingdon Spatial Planning Area and 150 on issues relating to key service centres and smaller settlements. Whilst, understandably, the representations contained some objections, the majority were generally supportive of the proposed strategy and the focus on growth in towns, larger villages and at strategic expansion locations. Mention was made of the opportunity for additional growth in the key service centres and smaller villages but this would require to be positively led by the community via a Neighbourhood Plan envisaged under the localism agenda.
In terms of key dates for the next stages of the process, Mr Ingram explained that Stage 3 to July 2013 was the last non-statutory stage and that it was essential for Members to engage in the process at this point and encourage their respective Town and Parish Councils to do likewise. Stages 4 – 8 would be completed more quickly to enable the local plan to be adopted by December 2014. Endorsing this request for Members to become involved, Councillor Guyatt urged the Council to indicate any support as well as any objection to the Local Plan. He added that the same messages would be delivered to Town and Parish Councils during training sessions on the Plan over the Summer.
In the questions which followed and in response to one from Councillor I C Bates, Mr Ingram explained that Government Guidance suggested that the Local Plan should be one document. However, he acknowledged that it would be essential to work with partners to seek to deliver appropriate infrastructure to manage, for instance, the potential development of the site at RAF Wyton. Mr Ingram reminded the Council that CIL and the Infrastructure Business Plan were critical policy documents and would be considered together with the Local Plan when assessing future development such as that suggested at RAF Wyton.
Referring to the key themes, Councillor S M Van De Kerkhove expressed concern that infrastructure had not appeared as a top priority in the powerpoint presentation given the impact of further development in St. Neots. ... view the full minutes text for item 77. Actions: 15 minutes |
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GREEN PAPER ITEM - COMMUNITY COVENANT Councillor R Harrison to present. Minutes: As the Council’s representative on the Cambridgeshire Armed Forces Community Covenant Board, Councillor R Harrison addressed the Council on the work of the Cambridgeshire Covenant, initiatives being pursued by other covenants nationally and the Community Covenant Grant Scheme (a copy of Councillor Harrison’s powerpoint presentation is appended in the Minute Book).
Having explained the principles of the Community Covenant, Councillor Harrison described the structure and approach of the Cambridgeshire Board and the main work streams. In terms of Huntingdonshire, Members were advised that the District Council played a key role in the County Covenant, gave access to housing for service personnel and veterans, offered a discount scheme for One Leisure use and were planning other local initiatives including, for instance, a guaranteed job interview for ex-forces personnel. Whilst welcoming these initiatives, Councillor Harrison described the various projects introduced by other authorities such as the Vale of Glamorgan, Hampshire and Buckinghamshire County Councils and Birmingham City Council which he was hopeful that Huntingdonshire could aspire to. In closing, Councillor Harrison gave examples of the practical ways in which the Community Covenant Grant Scheme was being used.
Councillors D B Dew, D A Giles and A Hansard all indicated their support for and highlighted the importance of the work of the Community Covenant locally, particularly at a time when the Government was considering proposals for a further reduction in the Armed Forces.
The Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite thanked Councillor Harrison for his presentation and his endeavours on the District Council’s behalf suggesting that the Authority would, given the nature of the District, continue to support the Covenant in the future. Actions: 10 minutes |
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2013/14 TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Further to Minute No 64, Councillor J A Gray to present a report by the Assistant Director, Finance and Resources proposing an amendment to the Treasury Management Strategy. Minutes: Further to Minute No. 64 and by way of a report by the Assistant Director, Finance and Resources (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Executive Councillor for Resources, Councillor J A Gray explained that in approving its Treasury Management Strategy at the last meeting, the Council had not provided in the Strategy for the opportunity to use “instant access” call accounts to minimise risk whilst maintaining effective cash management when ratings reduced from F1+ to F2. As this was principally a technical adjustment to the Strategy, Councillor Gray moved and it was duly seconded and
RESOLVED
that an amendment to the 2013/2014 Treasury Management Strategy be approved to permit the use of liquidity accounts rated as F2 or above. Actions: 5 minutes |
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Reports of the Cabinet, Panels and Committee Actions: 30 minutes |
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The Report of the meeting of the Cabinet to be held on 18th April 2013 to follow. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor J D Ablewhite, Executive Leader and Chairman of the Cabinet presented the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 21st March and 18th April 2013.
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Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 21st March and 18th April 2013 be received and adopted. |
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Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) Minutes: Councillor T V Rogers presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 7th March and 4th April 2013.
In connection with Item No. 51 and in response to a question from Councillor D A Giles regarding under-occupancy and whether an individual would be penalised if they were unable to secure suitably sized alternative accommodation to move into, Councillor Rogers suggested that although the question should have been directed towards the appropriate Executive Councillor he would ask for a written response to be sent to the questioner.
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Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the Reports of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 7th March and 4th April 2013 be received and adopted. |
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Overview & Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) Minutes: Councillor D Harty presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 12th March and 9th April 2013.
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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 12th March and 9th April 2013 be received and adopted. |
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Overview & Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) Minutes: Councillor S J Criswell presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 5th March and 2nd April 2013.
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In connection with Item No. 54 and in response to concern expressed by Councillor S Greenall regarding low levels of employee morale at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Councillor Criswell reported that a Joint Working Group comprising representatives of the County Council and Circle Health Care would continue to meet during the period between the Annual Review undertaken by the Panel and that he would raise the issue with them and report to the Council on the outcome. On the same subject and in response to a question from Councillor C R Hyams asking whether users of the Hospital were consulted on the services provided, Councillor Criswell advised Members that Healthwatch Cambridgeshire recently had been established as an independent consumer champion for users of health and social care services and whilst it might not be able to pursue individual complaints, it might recognise the trend in issues raised which could lead to action being taken.
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In connection with Item No. 55, Councillor Criswell alerted Members to the possibility of a change in arrangements for the Huntingdonshire Matters Event as the date chosen coincided with the Annual Meeting at Cambridgeshire County Council. He was aware that an alternative date of 26th June had been proposed but had not yet been confirmed and that there was a suggestion that events might be held on both days anyway.
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Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 5th March and 2nd April 2013 be received and adopted. |
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Development Management Panel Minutes: Councillor D B Dew presented the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 25th February, 18th March and 15th April 2013.
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Councillor Dew indicated the Panel’s intention to consider several large and complex planning applications at special meetings to ensure that Members had sufficient time to consider each proposal in the detail required.
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Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 25th February, 18th March and 15th April 2013 be received and adopted. |
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Corporate Governance Panel Additional documents:
Minutes: Councillor E R Butler presented the Report of the meeting of the Corporate Governance Panel held on 26th March 2013. An addendum to the Report in relation to Item No. 33 also had been circulated to Members in advance with a further copy tabled at the meeting.
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Upon being put to the vote recommendations (a) – (i) contained in Item No. 33 were declared to be CARRIED.
On the same subject and having been put to the vote, the recommendations contained in the addendum to the Report also were declared to be CARRIED.
Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that, subject to the foregoing paragraphs the Report of the meeting of the Corporate Governance Panel held on 26th March 2013 be received and adopted. |
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ORAL QUESTIONS In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (Section 8.3) of the Council's Constitution, to receive oral questions from Members of the Council. Minutes: 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 M F Shellens to the Executive Councillor for Healthy and Active Communities, Councillor T D Sanderson
Having asked the Executive Councillor if the increase in attendance figures predicted, following the redevelopment of One Leisure, St. Ives, had been achieved, Councillor Sanderson replied that the forecast had been based on predicted attendances in 2013/2014, that the Centre was not yet fully operational as the improved gym was due to open within the next three weeks but that once all facilities were open to the public he was confident that the Centre would meet the targets originally identified.
Question from Councillor R Carter to the Executive Councillor for Resources, Councillor J A Gray
In response to a question asking why the Council chose to use capital rather than revenue resource to acquire new refuse vehicles, Councillor Gray explained that the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) had discussed the issue of borrowing and capital expenditure at length and had concluded that in the current financial climate it was not possible to fund capital items from revenue. However, Councillor Gray reminded the Council that it was the objective to achieve a balanced revenue budget by the financial year 2016/2017 and it may be possible to fund items from revenue, in the future, when this became affordable. Mindful of other factors, however, Councillor Gray suggested that it could prove to be cheaper to lease vehicles rather than purchase. He also was aware that the Executive Councillor for Environment and the Head of Operations currently were looking at the potential of joint procurement of vehicles in the future.
Question from Councillor C R Hyams to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite
In response to a question regarding the value of the appointment of District Council representatives to Luminus Homes when their ability to contribute was tightly controlled by the organisation, Councillor Ablewhite acknowledged that the current situation was unacceptable and that efforts were being made to find a solution which would be agreeable to both parties and make the role of the District Council representative on the Board more meaningful.
Question from Councillor R Harrison to the Executive Councillor for Customer Services, Councillor B S Chapman
In response to a question regarding the nature of the District Council’s preparations to meet a potential increase in demand for housing from eastern european migrants in 2014, Councillor Chapman reported that the Council had no duty to provide housing to individuals without a local connection.
Question from Councillor S M Van De Kerkhove to the Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning and Housing, Councillor N J Guyatt
Regarding the withdrawal of the 38 free parking bays in the Riverside Park, St. Neots and increases in car parking charges generally, Councillor Guyatt undertook to provide the questioner with a written response on whether St. Neots ... view the full minutes text for item 81. Actions: 30 minutes |
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EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC Minutes: RESOLVED
that the press and public be excluded from the meeting because the business to be transacted contained exempt information which required legal professional privilege and confidentiality to be maintained. |
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ORAL QUESTIONS Minutes: Question from Councillor M G Baker to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite
In response to a question regarding recent legal proceedings in connection with a staffing matter, Councillor N J Guyatt, in his capacity as Chairman of the Senior Officers’ Panel undertook to respond to the question in writing.
The meeting closed at 8.45pm.
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