Agenda and minutes

The Bishop of Ely, the Right Reverend S. Conway opened the meeting with prayer.

(a)  Chairman’s Events

  The Chairman described the principal events that she had attended on behalf of the Council since the last meeting mentioning, in particular, the Holocaust Memorial Service, the official opening of an extension to Huntingdon Gym and the footbridge and lift at St Neots Railway Station.

  The Council also was encouraged to join the Chairman, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Jonathan Djanogly MP in raising the flag in Samian Court in support of the ‘Flying the Flag for the Commonwealth’ initiative.

(b)  Mr S Couper, Assistant Director (Finance & Resources)

  The Chairman advised Members that Mr S Couper would be leaving the Council’s employment at the end of March after twenty four years’ exemplary service as both Head of Financial Services and, more recently, as Assistant Director (Finance & Resources) with Huntingdonshire and forty years overall service in local government.

  The Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite paid tribute to Mr Couper referring, in particular, to his sense of humour and the help and support he had given to Members and the Council on financial issues over the years and in more difficult times recently.  Although he would be missed by all who worked with him, Councillor Ablewhite added that Mr Couper’s retirement was well deserved and he extended his best wishes to him for a healthy and rewarding future.  As Leaders of the Opposition Groups, Councillors M G Baker and K J Churchill concurred with these sentiments.  Following a round of applause, it was

  RESOLVED

  that the Council’s appreciation for the services of Mr S Couper be formally placed on record.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 December 2013.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 18th December 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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.

No interests were declared by the Members present.

To consider the Cabinet's recommendations on the Medium Term Plan for 2015 - 2019, the 2014/15 budget, related Prudential Indicators and the Treasury Management Strategy (see also the Report of the Cabinet held on 13th February 2014) 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 2014/15 for the various parts of Huntingdonshire District.  A report by the Assistant Director (Finance and Resources) is enclosed.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, the Council will be asked to resolve that a recorded vote be taken on the conclusion of debate on this item. 

Further to Minute No. 57 of the meeting of the Council held on 18th December 2013 and in conjunction with a report by the Assistant Director (Finance and Resources) (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) and Item Nos. 36 and 37 of the Report of the Cabinet, the Executive Councillor for Resources presented to Members the Medium Term Plan for the period 2014/15, the 2014/15 Budget, the Treasury Management Strategy and other associated matters for the Council's consideration and approval.

In accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992, the Council also considered proposals for levels of Council Tax in 2014/15 for various parts of the Huntingdonshire district.

Before proceeding, Councillor K J Churchill moved, and it was duly seconded that, when appropriate, the recommendations contained in the report of the Assistant Director should be voted upon separately rather than taken together en bloc.  The Executive Leader contended that the Medium Term Plan and Budget should be supported in their entirety and not in a piecemeal way.  Upon being put to the vote, the Motion was declared to be LOST.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 and advice received from the Department of Communities and Local Government, the Chairman moved and it was duly seconded and

RESOLVED

that a recorded vote be taken on the conclusion of the debate on this item.

The Executive Councillor opened his remarks by suggesting that the proposed Budget/Medium Term Plan demonstrated the significant progress made by the authority in a difficult year.  Councillor Gray expressed his appreciation to Messrs S Couper and C Mason for their assistance over this period.  Councillor Gray also took the opportunity to thank Mr Couper for all his hard work for the District Council and for helping to make a difficult subject easier to understand.  He concluded by wishing Mr Couper a long and happy retirement. 

Referring to the key elements of the proposed budget, Councillor Gray reminded Members of the position in which the Council had found itself in February 2013 and the significant changes that had taken place since then to vary the Council’s position.

Having taken into account the advice of the Overview & Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being), the Cabinet had concurred with the recommendations not to raise Council Tax in the financial year 2014/15, to review capital spending by 2015/16 and to earn a margin on the interest on loans to other bodies referred to in the Treasury Management Strategy.  The Executive Councillor also was pleased to report that the Business Community had been consulted on the Council’s financial strategy and had been impressed that the Council had made savings without any significant impact on service levels.

Members’ attention was drawn to the anticipated improvement in the Council’s financial position at the end of 2018/19 as illustrated in Appendix B of the report which reflected –

¿  an increase of £1.5m in reserves;

¿  savings of £2.1m;

¿  0% or 2%  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

In compliance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite to present the Pay Policy Statement for 2014/15 to the Council for approval.

In compliance with the requirements of Sections 38 and 39 of the Localism Act 2011, the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite presented a report by the LGSS HR Business Partner (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) in connection with the District Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2014/2015.

Although a statutory requirement for the Council to approve a pay policy statement by 31st March, the Executive Leader explained that the new pay model and allowances and the impact of any appeals from staff could have significant implications for the Statement up to the date of publication.  In these circumstances and to ensure the information published contained the final pay model and reward strategy for 2014, the Executive Leader suggested that the Managing Director be authorised to publish the Statement on the Council's behalf once these matters had been resolved. 

Accordingly and having noted that a copy of the finalised statement would be issued to all Members via email prior to 1st April, the Council

RESOLVED

that the Managing Director and Head of Paid Service be authorised to communicate and publish the Pay Policy Statement 2014/15 by 1st April 2014. 

The Executive Councillor for Strategic Economic Development and Legal, Councillor T D Sanderson to present a report by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services which proposes a grouping of the parishes of Buckden and Diddington.

The Executive Councillor for Economic Development & Legal, Councillor T D Sanderson presented a report by the Head of Legal & Democratic Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) in response to a formal request from the former Chairman and Clerk of Diddington Parish Meeting to make an Order grouping the parish with the neighbouring parish of Buckden under a common parish council.

Members noted that despite attempts to maintain the parish meeting, the former Chairman and Clerk had eventually concluded, in the absence of any local interest, that the parish meeting should be dissolved with effect from 31st December.  In these circumstances, the Council

RESOLVED

that an Order be made under Section 11 of the Local Government Act 1972 to group the parishes of Buckden and Diddington under the common parish council of Buckden Parish Council comprising 15 Councillors with effect from 22nd May 2014.

Councillor N J Guyatt to update the Council on the current position on the new Local Plan.

Councillor N J Guyatt, Executive Councillor for Planning & Housing Strategy reported, with regret, that the process towards adoption of a new Local Plan to 2036 would be subject to delay.  Although it was essential that the District planned for housing and employment land development over the next twenty years, there was an expectation from the Planning Inspectorate that the District Council, in doing so, should co-operate with neighbouring authorities on issues of common interest. 

Therefore, for the District Council’s plan to proceed, the authority would need to demonstrate that it had taken advice from Cambridgeshire County Council on transport matters.  Accordingly, the County Council had been requested to undertake an appraisal of transport options, using traffic modelling to develop transport links which would include public transport and cycle ways, for instance, as well as the car.  Councillor Guyatt acknowledged that, in a rural District, there was often no alternative to use of a car and therefore discussions also were progressing with the Highways Agency on improvements to the A14 and A428.  He also indicated that he had met the Minister for Planning and discussed the A428, A141 and potential road links north of St Ives, via Somersham and Earith. 

The Council was advised that, in conjunction with South Cambridgeshire District and Bedford Borough Councils the District Council intended to submit a bid for funding towards some of these major schemes.  Given that these options will have transport implications for the market towns and impact on the Local Plan as a consequence, there was no alternative but to delay the Local Plan until such time as a County wide transport strategy could be submitted as evidence in its support.

In response to questions from Members, Councillor Guyatt confirmed that all options would be considered during discussions on the County Transport Strategy and that these would include the A1198 at Godmanchester, RAF Wyton and Harrison Way, St Ives. 

Referring to the delay to the Local Plan, Councillor D Harty asked what impact this might have for any Neighbourhood Plans currently being prepared by town and parish councils.  Having reminded the Council that Neighbourhood Plans were required to conform to the Local Plan of the principal authority, Councillor Guyatt suggested that he was unaware of the impact this might have for town and parish councils but would make enquiries and respond to the questioner, in writing, after the meeting and send a copy of his reply to all Members.

Councillor R B Howe advised the Council that there was no reason to hold up the preparation of parish plans as these could help to inform the Neighbourhood Plan process once they were able to be progressed by communities. 

In answer to a question from Councillor P D Reeve, Councillor Guyatt remarked that the delay to the Local Plan should not impact on the level of CIL monies which ultimately might become payable to town and parish councils. 

In terms of a new timescale for the District Local Plan, Councillor Guyatt anticipated that it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

Councillor J D Ablewhite, Executive Leader and Chairman of the Cabinet presented the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 23rd January and 13th February 2014.

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In connection with Item No. 36, it was noted that the recommendations had been considered previously under Minute No. 67.

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In connection with Item No. 37, it was noted that the recommendations had been considered previously under Minute No. 67.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that, subject to the foregoing paragraphs, the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 23rd January and 13th February 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor T V Rogers presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 9th January and 6th February 2014.

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Further to Minute No 64, Councillor Rogers expressed his own appreciation to Mr S Couper for the assistance and support he had given him during his time as Executive Councillor for Resources.

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In connection with Item No 28 and in response to a question from Councillor K J Churchill, Councillor Rogers indicated that it would be the intention to notify the Panel, in the first instance, of the ways in which savings had been achieved in the Revenues & Benefits Service at Norwich City Council before passing on any useful information to other Members.

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In connection with Item No 29, and on behalf of his colleagues, the Chairmen of the Overview & Scrutiny Panels, Councillor Rogers thanked all Members who had participated in the meetings held to consider the ‘Facing the Future’ process.

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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 9th January and 6th February 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor G Bull presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 14th January and 11th February 2014.

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In connection with Item No 24 and in response to a question from Councillor I J Curtis, Councillor Bull understood that Town and Parish Councils had already been invited to nominate a representative to the Growth & Infrastructure Thematic Group but he would verify his information and advise the questioner accordingly after the meeting.

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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 14th January and 11th February 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor S J Criswell presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 7th January and 4th February 2014.

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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 7th January and 4th February 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor D B Dew presented the Report of the meeting of the Development Management Panel held on 20th January 2014.

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Councillor Dew drew attention to the workload of the Panel which was not, perhaps, reflected in the length of the Report to the Council.  As the most recent meeting had lasted beyond midnight, he commended Members, Officers and the public for their resilience and concentration over so many hours.

On the same subject, Councillor R J West paid tribute to Councillor Dew, as Chairman of the Panel for the manner in which he chaired meetings and the advice he continued to give to Members and speakers despite the lateness of the hour.

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In connection with Item No 13 and in response to questions from Councillor P D Reeve regarding both the number of decisions that might be taken under temporary delegation arrangements and whether local Ward Members would be advised when decisions had been taken in this way,  Councillor Dew assured the questioner that the temporary arrangements in the Development Management Division would operate no longer than necessary, that advertisements have been placed to recruit to the posts of Team Managers and that he together with the Executive Councillor and Senior Managers would continue to keep the situation under review. 

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Development Management Panel held on 20th January 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor S Cawley presented the Report of the meeting of the Employment Panel held on 12th February 2014.

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In connection with Item No. 21, Councillor Cawley invited the Council to endorse the sentiments of the Panel with regard to Mr B Louth, Transport Management Officer in the Planning Division who had recently retired from the local government service.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Employment Panel held on 12th February 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor J W Davies presented the Report of the meeting of the Licensing and Protection Panel held on 28th January 2014.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Licensing and Protection Panel held on 28th January 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor E R Butler presented the Report of the meeting of the Corporate Governance Panel held on 29th March 2014.

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In connection with Item No 29, Councillors K J Churchill and the Executive Councillor for Resources, Councillor J A Gray took the opportunity to congratulate the Corporate Fraud Team for their efforts in uncovering fraudulent activity and generating income.  Councillor Butler undertook to convey these sentiments to the Corporate Fraud Manager.

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  In connection with Item No 34 and in response to a question from Councillor M F Shellens, Councillor Butler assured the questioner that the Panel had taken very seriously the issue of a poor response by managers to audit actions and had instructed the Audit Manager to find ways to improve the response in the future.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Corporate Governance Panel held on 29th March 2014 be received and adopted.

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 P D Reeves to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite

Having regard to the distribution of tickets for a Royal Garden Party, the Executive Leader assured the questioner that, following discussion with the Managing Director, the tickets had been allocated equitably between Councillors and Officers in accordance with instructions issued by Buckingham Palace.

Question from Councillor S M Van De Kerkhove to the Executive Councillor for Resources, Councillor J A Gray

The questioner drew attention to the dilapidated condition of a property known as Elm Lodge in Eynesbury which had been abandoned for many years.  He asked whether it would be viable for the Council to bring the property back into use as bed and breakfast accommodation or as a hostel for young people.  The Executive Councillor confirmed that the property was not in the ownership of the District Council but that the suggestion was laudable however and he would refer the question to the Assistant Director to consider

Question from Councillor R J West to the Executive Councillor for Planning & Housing Strategy, Councillor N J Guyatt

In terms of the potential for flood risk associated with future housing development, Councillor Guyatt reminded Members that the Council had made a significant contribution to the Flood Alleviation Scheme for Godmanchester and whilst guided by the Environment Agency on future development would consider taking similar action if it was considered necessary to do so in the future.

Question from Councillor D A Giles to the Executive Councillor for Environment, Councillor D M Tysoe

In response to a question regarding the provision of recycling facilities for those residents living in flats particularly those owned by Luminus in Eaton Socon, Councillor Tysoe explained that he had prepared a written response for the Councillor which he would send to him after the meeting.

Question from Councillor D Harty to the Executive Councillor for Planning & Housing Strategy, Councillor N J Guyatt

Further to Minute No 70, Councillor Guyatt reaffirmed his intention to establish what impact the delay to the District Council’s Local Plan would have on any Neighbourhood Plan submitted by Town and Parish Councils in April.

Question from Councillor R J West to the Executive Councillor for Environment, Councillor D M Tysoe

Attention was drawn by the questioner to the award presented to Mr P Lummis, Project Engineer in the Environment Management Division under the British Astronomical Association’s ‘Campaign For Dark Skies’ which targets a reduction in inefficient lighting. Councillor Tysoe agreed that the award was a great credit to Mr Lummis in an area of work in which Huntingdonshire has led the way.

Group Leaders to report, if necessary.

In view of the inability of Councillor M G Baker to participate in forthcoming meetings of the Senior Officers’ Panel, the Council

RESOLVED

that Councillor W T Clough be appointed to the membership of the Senior Officers’ Panel in the place of Councillor M G Baker.

The meeting ended at 9.57pm.