Agenda and minutes

The Reverend D. Busk, Vicar of Godmanchester and Hilton opened the meeting with prayer. 

(a)  Filming of meeting

  At the request of a member of the public and having regard to new guidelines issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Chairman announced that she had given permission for the meeting to be filmed provided the activity did not impact upon the other members of the public who were present.

(b)  New Managing Director

  The Chairman welcomed newly appointed Managing Director, Mrs Joanne Lancaster to her first meeting of the Council and Members indicated that they were looking forward to working with her.

(c)  Retiring Managing Director – Mr M Sharp

  Having informed members that Mr Sharp would officially retire from the Council’s service on 31st July 2013, the Chairman paid tribute to his career both in local government generally and with Huntingdonshire, in particular.  Councillor N J Guyatt, Deputy Executive Leader paid his own tribute to Mr Sharp on behalf of current and former Members which was followed by contributions from Councillors I C Bates, M G Baker and D B Dew.

  In reply, Mr Sharp thanked the Council for their kind words and commended the positive working relationship he had enjoyed with Members during his career at Huntingdonshire.  He reminded the Council that his achievements during this time also were due to the support he had received from a dedicated and talented team of Officers, that he continued to believe fervently in public service  and that it had been a privilege to lead the Council as Managing Director and serve the authority over fifteen years. 

  Whereupon, the Council

  RESOLVED

  that the appreciation of the Council for the services of Mr M Sharp, Managing Director be placed on record and their best wishes be conveyed to him for a happy and healthy retirement

(d)  Chairman’s Events

  The Chairman reported to Council on the various activities that she had undertaken since the last meeting and gave notice of the arrangements being made to mark Armed Forces Day and the Freedom of Huntingdonshire to RAF Wyton on 28th June and 17th August respectively.

(e)  Member Development

  The Chairman of the Members Development Group, Councillor R G Tuplin drew the Council’s attention to the annual skills analysis which had been circulated around the Civic Suite and urged Members to complete their forms during the course of the evening.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 15th May 2013.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 15th May 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary or other interests in relation to any Agenda item.  See Notes below.

No interests were received from the Members present.

The Council is to welcome Sir Graham Bright, Police and Crime Commissioner to lead the Council debate.

As part of his address Sir Graham has been requested to focus on -

¨  his plans for Cambridgeshire as they might impact on Huntingdonshire;

¨  how the Police will work in partnership with the District Council to create safer, stronger communities;

¨  how the Commissioner will allocate resources to policing in the District; and

¨  how the Commissioner plans to engage with the public.

(It is envisaged that the debate will comprise an opening address [10 minutes], questions [45 minutes] and summing up [5 minutes].)

The Chairman reminded Members of the decision by the Council to suspend Council Procedure Rule 11 (Rules of Debate) to enable headline debates and ‘Green 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 under Minute No 18 and 20 during which time the common law rules of debate be observed by Members and applied by the Chairman. 

The Chairman welcomed Sir Graham Bright, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire to the meeting and invited him to address the Council and to open the debate on –

¨  his plans for Cambridgeshire as they might impact on Huntingdonshire;

¨  how the Police will work in partnership with the District Council to create safer, stronger communities;

¨  how the Commissioner will allocate resources to policing in the District; and

¨  how the Commissioner plans to engage with the public.

Sir Graham began by suggesting that it was a vital part of his role to engage with the community and that with this in mind he had addressed the County Council and spoken to several other community groups.  Since his election, he had established a PCC office and agreed a total budget of £131.579 million.  As an organisation, the Police Authority was responsible 2,400 employees and it was his priority to ensure the Chief Constable had sufficient resources to manage the police operation in Cambridgeshire.  He explained that whilst he was responsible for holding the Chief Constable to account he had no authority over operational matters.  A Police and Crime Plan had been published and was available to view on the website of the Police and Crime Commissioner.  This described what the Chief Constable was expected to provide in terms of policing in Cambridgeshire and one of the objectives was to maintain local police performance.  He contended that Cambridgeshire Constabulary was a good force, that the County was a safe place to live and that it was part of his challenge to maintain this position.  He added that it was also his objective to deliver policing within the available budget and that to continue to do so, as well as improve services, would be a constant challenge. 

Mention also was made of his desire to make best use of technology, to introduce ‘paperless’ working and to increase efficiency by reducing reliance on completion of forms.  Sir Graham indicated that he was determined to continue to work with neighbouring forces to provide joint services such as road traffic and fire arms support as a way to maximise resources and make savings.  Essex and the Metropolitan Police also had expressed an interest in sharing services.  It was also his desire to promote partnership working within Cambridgeshire to promote preventative initiatives to tackle homelessness, anti social behaviour and drug misuse for example.  He spoke specifically about encouraging involvement with Neighbourhood Watch Groups and promoting greater use of software to improve communications.  Great progress  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

A member of the public has given notice that he wishes to ask the following question -

  "Will the Council delay implementation of the green bin tax until further consideration has been given to the concerns of the local electorate and feedback is provided by the District Council to the issues raised, such as those contained in an e-petition on the subject which has been open for signatures for a period of 90 days from 17th June 2013?"

Supporting information by the questioner has been sent separately to Members.  The Deputy Executive Leader, Councillor N J Guyatt will respond to the question.

In the absence of the questioner, the Chairman invited the Deputy Executive Councillor, Councillor N J Guyatt to respond to the following question –

  "Will the Council delay implementation of the green bin tax until further consideration has been given to the concerns of the local electorate and feedback is provided by the District Council to the issues raised, such as those contained in an e-petition on the subject which has been open for signatures for a period of 90 days from 17th June 2013?"

Given the interest in this subject, Councillor Guyatt agreed to respond to those questions which Members intended to raise under Minute No 24 at this point in the meeting.

Councillor Guyatt reported that 1682 householders had already paid the charge for a second green bin and that the necessity for the charge lay with the decision of the Government to reduce funding to local authorities which consequently impacted on the services they could provide.

The District Council had achieved substantial savings already but still was required to make further difficult decisions in this respect.  The Deputy Executive Leader reminded the Council that the matter had been discussed by the relevant Overview & Scrutiny Panel on two occasions.  He also pointed out that the provision of second green bins to households was an additional service for which the recipients should pay and that other Councils even charged for the first green bin.

Having indicated his opposition to the original decision, Councillor P D Reeve questioned whether the decision to charge had been successful in reducing the cost of collection and asked where the returned bins were being stored. 

As Executive Councillor for the Environment, Councillor D M Tysoe confirmed that the green bins returned was consistent with the number expected and that the financial projections allowed for this level of return when the original scheme was conceived.  In terms of their future use, Councillor Tysoe added that the collection of bins avoided the need to purchase new bins as replacements and for new properties, that sufficient space for storage was available and special arrangements would continue for the collection of the wheeled bins of the elderly and vulnerable.  A software issue which had initially prevented householders from paying for their second green bin had been overcome.

In response to questions from Councillor M G Baker, Councillor Guyatt confirmed that the District Council had no plans to charge for collection of the first green bin but that he could not guarantee that a different administration would decide differently.  He added that it would be impractical to give a discount to households occupied by a single person in view of the scale of the charge. 

Having provided Councillor Guyatt with various statistics which suggested that the net gain from the project could amount to approximately £20,000 and in view of its unpopularity with residents, Councillor S Greenall asked whether the Council would reconsider the decision.  Councillor Guyatt repeated that the decision had been reconsidered on two occasions already and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

Councillor N J Guyatt, Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning and Housing to present information to the Council on housing targets for Huntingdonshire.

By reference to a power point presentation, the Deputy Executive Leader, Councillor N J Guyatt reminded the Council that the National Planning Policy Framework required the authority to identify potential site allocations to meet assessed needs for housing to 2036.  Based on population and economic data and after discussion with partners, the Joint Strategic Planning Unit/Cambridgeshire County Council had identified dwelling requirements for all Districts in Cambridgeshire.  The analysis had identified a need for 21,000 new dwellings in Huntingdonshire to 2036.  Councillor Guyatt explained, however, that it was not just about housing but providing a decent standard of living and employment.  He added that the link between job creation and housing to stimulate the local economy was essential. Members were advised that the District Council had a duty to co operate with its partners in the County to deliver the number of commitments identified through a Memorandum of Co operation.  

Regarding the key dates for the delivery of the new Local Plan, the Planning Service Manager (Policy) explained that consultation on the draft Local Plan would close on 26th July.  The existing Core Strategy provided for 9000 dwellings to 2026 and it was proposed that the required additional allocations would largely be met through strategic scale expansion at Alconbury Weald, St Neots East and Wyton Airfield with the balance accommodated in other towns and larger villages.   

In terms of public engagement, the Planning Service Manager (Policy) explained that sessions had been held for town and parish councils and that there had been a good response to the non statutory consultation stage.  It was anticipated that Stage 8 – New Local Plan adoption would be achieved by December 2014.

In the short discussion which followed, matters raised included the process of consultation, the requirement for adequate infrastructure including improvements to ‘A‘roads and specifically improvements to the A428 and A14.

In accordance with the Cabinet Procedure Rules (paragraph 1.2) and in the absence of the Executive Leader, Councillor N J Guyatt will present information about executive functions for the ensuing year and address the Council, briefly, on the challenges which lay ahead in each portfolio.

In accordance with the Procedure Rules contained in the Council’s Constitution and by reference to a report by the Head of Paid Service and Managing Director (Communities, Partnerships and Projects), the Deputy Executive Leader, Councillor N J Guyatt presented details of the Cabinet Portfolios for the ensuing year.  Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the report now submitted be noted.

The Chairman of the Licensing and Protection Panel, Councillor J W Davies,  to present a report by the Head of Environmental and Community Health Services proposing the adoption by the Council of the Food Safety Service Plan for 2013/14.

By reference to a report by the Head of Environmental & Community Health Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) Councillor J W Davies, Chairman of the Licensing & Protection Panel reminded Members that the Food Standards Agency required the Council to prepare a Food Safety Service Plan annually in accordance with an agreed framework.  A full copy of the Food Safety Service Plan 2013/14 had been made available in the Members’ Room (an Executive Summary of which also is appended in the Minute Book). 

Referring to the overall budget for the service, Councillor Davies explained that this was £441,360 for 2013/14 and not 2012/13 as erroneously had been included in the report.  Whilst this would be sufficient to meet the demands of the service, Members noted that additional funds might be required in the event of a complex legal case or introduction of central sampling charges.  The Council were reminded of the objectives of the Service Plan in terms of identifying resources, establishing a work programme and providing a means by which to measure and manage performance.  Members were advised that there were 1494 food businesses in the District and that the service helped to ensure that the local food economy and businesses remained vibrant in difficult economic times and that public confidence was maintained in the standards of the local food industry.

Regarding performance in 2012/13 and despite involvement in a number of legally and technically complex cases, Councillor Davies reported that the service had ensured that 95.6% of high risk and 64.4% lower risk premises requiring an inspection were inspected within the specified time frame.  In total, 1216 inspections, interventions and visits were carried out to food premises as part of programmed activity and in response to complaints, food alerts and service requests.  The Service Plan for 2013/14 remained largely unchanged.

In response to questions from Councillors M F Shellens and P D Reeve, Councillor Davies reassured the Council that those inspections which were unable to be undertaken in one year would be covered in the following year, that inspections were prioritised after consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Panel and that whilst there was potential for the service to be shared with another authority it currently was being managed efficiently and cost effectively.

Whereupon, after noting the support for the Plan on the part of the Licensing & Protection Panel, the Council

RESOLVED

  that the Food Safety Service Plan 2013/14 be adopted.

The Report of the meeting held on 20th June 2013 - attached.

Councillor N J Guyatt, Deputy Executive Leader of the Council and Vice Chairman of the Cabinet presented the Reports of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 16th May and 20th June 2013.

……………………….

In connection with Item No 4 and upon being moved by Councillor Guyatt, and seconded by Councillor J A Gray, the recommendation was declared to be CARRIED.

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

that, subject to the foregoing paragraph, the Reports of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 16th May and 20th June 2013 be received and adopted. 

Councillor T V Rogers presented the Report of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 6th June 2013.

……………………….

In connection with Item No 3, the Council noted that actual net investment interest amounted to £269,000.

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

that the Report of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 6th June 2013 be received and adopted.

Councillor G J Bull presented the Report of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 11th June 2013.

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

that the Report of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 11th June 2013 be received and adopted.

Councillor S J Criswell presented the Report of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 4th June 2013.

……………………….

As the former Vice Chairman, Councillor R J West was no longer a member of the Panel, Councillor Criswell paid tribute to the contribution Councillor West had made to the work of the Panel over many years and for his influence and input particularly in relation to health matters.

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

that the Report of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 4th June 2013 be received and adopted.

Councillor D B Dew presented the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 20th May and 17th June 2013.

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

that the Report of the meetings held on 20th May and 17th June 2013 be received and adopted.

The Report of the meeting held on 19th June 2013 - attached.

Councillor S Cawley presented the Report of the meeting of the Employment Panel held on 19th June 2013.

……………………….

In connection with Item No 3 and in response to a question from Councillor S Greenall regarding sickness absence reporting, Councillor Cawley assured Members that training sessions had been provided to managers to help introduce the new sickness absence procedure and that it was the intention to work with all staff to help to reduce sickness levels. 

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

that the Report of the meeting of the Employment Panel held on 19th June 2013 be received and adopted.

Councillor E R Butler presented the report of the meeting of the Corporate Governance Panel held on 22nd May 2013.

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

that the Report of the meeting of the Corporate Governance Panel held on 22nd May 2013 be received and adopted.

Question from Councillor D B Dew to the Executive Councillor for Customer Services, Councillor B S Chapman

In response to a question which requested information on the grants payable to those in disadvantaged situations in the District in 2012/13, Councillor Chapman replied that the Council continued to be compassionate in its support of the vulnerable in the community and had made available an additional £1m for disabled facilities grants to enable people to remain in their own homes.  Further technical adjustments also had raised additional resources.

Question from Councillor R J West to the Executive Councillor for Resources, Councillor J A Gray

Regarding the recent announcement of a proposed 10% reduction in government grant to local authorities, Councillor Gray informed the questioner that it was too early to know what the implications might be for the District Council in real terms, that it was the expectation, in any event, that the grant would be reduced by 7% in 2015/16 and that he could be assured that together with the Cabinet, he would examine all available options and appraise Members of any further details as they emerged. 

Question from Councillor P D Reeve to the Deputy Executive Leader, Councillor N J Guyatt

Having been asked as to the number of Officers enjoying salaries in excess of £50,000 and over £100,000, Councillor Guyatt replied that although the remuneration of senior management was now published annually via the Pay Policy Statement he did not have the information to hand and would reply to the questioner in writing after the meeting.

The Deputy Executive Leader, Councillor N J Guyatt, to report.

Having welcomed Councillor R B Howe to the Cabinet and thanked Councillors D Harty and Mrs D C Reynolds for their contribution to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being), Councillor Guyatt proposed and it was duly seconded and

RESOLVED

(a)  that Councillor K M Baker be appointed to replace Councillor C R Hyams in the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being); and

(b)  that Councillor J W G Pethard be appointed to the Cambridgeshire Adults, Well Being and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee in the place of Councillor R J West. 

The meeting ended at 10.10pm.