Agenda and minutes

Mrs E. Levitt, the Council’s Chaplain opened the meeting with prayer.

(a)  Recent Bereavements

  The Chairman reported, with regret, the recent deaths of Councillor J W G Pethard, former Councillor R W J Eaton and Mr T Calcott, a caretaker at the District Council who was well known to many Members.  Having paid tribute to Councillor Pethard for the contribution he had made to the Council, to the Overview & Scrutiny Panel and to his community as Ward Councillor for Warboys & Bury the Council stood in silence for a few moments in memory of their former colleagues.

(b)  Chairman’s Events

  The Chairman described the series of events that she had attended on the Council’s behalf since the last meeting.  Although many in number, the Chairman drew particular attention to those which would have long lasting significance in the District and which largely had been achieved in partnership with other agencies and the private sector. In this connection, Councillor Mrs Boddington referred to the official opening of the Flood Alleviation Scheme in Godmanchester and the multi storey car park and new town centre link road in Huntingdon.  The Chairman also was pleased to have been presented with a Badge of Recognition for Distinguished Services to St John’s Ambulance by Commander Ivan Palmer, MBE. 

(c)  Award

  Members requested that their congratulations be conveyed to the Council’s Fraud Team for their success in receiving ‘The Innovation Award’ sponsored by LOCTA Search and presented under the ‘fighting fraud awards scheme’.

(d)  Council Membership

  The Chairman referred to the impending retirement of Councillors W T Clough, N J Guyatt, C R Hyams, T V Rogers and A H Williams all of whom had indicated that they were not seeking re-election to the District Council in May 2014.  Particular tribute was paid to the contributions made to the Council by Councillors W T Clough and T V Rogers, the latter in his former role of Executive Councillor for Finance and Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well Being).  The Council recorded their thanks to all Members for their services during their respective periods of office and extended their best wishes to them and their families for the future. 

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 26th February 2014.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 26th February 2014 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.

Councillor T D Sanderson, Executive Councillor for Strategic Economic Development and Legal will open the debate.

Supporting information to assist Members’ contributions will be circulated separately.

The Chairman reminded Members of the decision by the Council to suspend Council Procedure Rule 11 (Rules of Debate) to enable the ‘headline debate’ 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. 77 during which time the common law rules of debate be observed by Members and applied by the Chairman.

Councillor T D Sanderson, Executive Councillor for Strategic Economic Development and Legal introduced the debate by referring to the supporting information that had been circulated to Members and by describing how towns in Huntingdonshire were performing in comparison to those elsewhere.  Councillor Sanderson drew attention to the various projects which either had been recently completed or were on-going in town centres due principally to private sector investment.  Despite a positive picture, Councillor Sanderson highlighted issues which still required to be addressed, the various mechanisms that enabled the Council to promote and encourage the vitality of the town centres and the role of individual Councillors in supporting their town centres.  The full text of Councillor Sanderson’s address is appended in the Minute Book.

Councillor R Harrison opened the debate by describing the restaurant quarter around the Market Square which had contributed to the new vibrancy of St Neots town centre and positively improved the town’s night time economy.  He was disappointed, however, that the “Old Falcon” Hotel on the Market Square remained an “eyesore”.  Councillor Sanderson reported that he was aware that enforcement action was being taken against the owners of the Hotel and was hopeful of an improvement in the appearance of the building in the short term.

Turning to Huntingdon Town Centre, Councillor M G Baker reported that he was aware of the negative perception of the town on social media influenced by high car parking charges and the reduction in size and offer of the twice weekly market.  He contended that the District Council could contribute more to the vitality of the town by, for instance, extending free car parking after 3 pm and ensuring that the Cromwell Museum remained opened to visitors.

In terms of car parking, Councillor Sanderson pointed out that fees and charges were an important component of a balanced budget.  He also was of the opinion that free car parking would not necessarily lead to an increase in footfall in town centres.  Councillor Sanderson reported that support for the Cromwell Museum had been provided by the Town Council and confirmed that the District Council continued to have a good working relationship with Churchmanor Estates who had contributed to much of the new development in the town.

Returning to St Neots, Councillor S M Van de Kerkhove drew the Council’s attention to the recent decision by the Development Management Panel to give planning consent for a key/shoe repair kiosk in the Tesco car park at Barford Road, Eynesbury which, in his opinion, could lead to difficulties for three established businesses  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

The Executive Leader to present a report by the Interim Corporate Team Manager.

In conjunction with a recommendation of the Cabinet, Minute No 80a refers, the Executive Leader introduced a report by the Interim Corporate Team Leader (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) to which was attached the proposed Corporate Plan and Performance Management Framework for the period 2014-16. 

Members understood that the Corporate Plan contained the Council’s vision and priorities for the next two years whereas the Performance Management Framework would ensure that the organisation remained focussed in setting, delivering and monitoring its priorities and taking action when necessary where issues had been identified that require to be addressed.  The Framework identified the role and responsibilities of elected Members as well as Officers in this respect.  The outcome of further work on key actions for 2014/15 and proposed corporate health indicators would be presented to Members in due course.

Whilst content with the concept, Councillor M F Shellens indicated that he was reluctant to support the recommendation in the absence of clear objectives and realistic output targets.  It also was his view that the Plan undertook to deliver factors that, in some cases, were beyond the control of the District Council. Councillor Shellens further commented that the expectations it placed on staff were unreasonable given the decision to release experienced senior managers.  He doubted the capacity of remaining Officers to deliver whatever objectives might be set during the next stage of the process.

In expressing his support of the overall priorities, Councillor K J Churchill pointed out that it represented a Framework for the future and he would look forward to further discussion on the detailed matters that remained outstanding.  Similar support for the process also was expressed by Councillor Mrs L M Duffy.

Councillor Gray welcomed the support of Members of the UKIP Group accepting that the Corporate Plan and Framework required further work.  Councillor Gray welcomed Members involvement in the next stage of the process in challenging the detail of the documents and their scrutiny when establishing targets such that they become robust and strong.

Having noted support from Councillor P G Mitchell for the priorities listed in the proposed Corporate Plan, the Council

RESOLVED

  that the Corporate Plan 2014-16 and the Performance Management Framework (April 2014) be adopted.

The Executive Leader to present a report by the Managing Director on ‘the discharge of functions and the organisation of officers’ as required by the Constitution.

In accordance with Article 12 of the Constitution, the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite presented, on behalf of the Head of Paid Services, a report describing the new management structure of the District Council and the posts through which services would be discharged.

Having confirmed that the external recruitment process would not exclude internal candidates, it was moved, seconded and

RESOLVED

  that the District Council’s Constitution be varied accordingly.

Councillor J D Ablewhite, Executive Leader and Chairman of the Cabinet presented the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 20th March and 10th April 2014.

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In connection with Item No. 47, it was noted that the recommendations had been considered previously under Minute No. 78.

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In connection with Item No 48, the Executive Leader reported that this item was now subject to call in.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that, subject to the foregoing paragraphs, the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 20th March and 10th April 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 6th March and 3rd April 2014.

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In connection with Item No 35 and in response to a question from Councillor K J Churchill, Councillor Rogers reported that the Business Plan to be prepared by the Community Group managing the Loves Farm Centre was still in preparation.

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In connection with Item No 41, Councillor I J Curtis advised the Council that the UKIP Group was currently reviewing the ‘Facing the Future’ documents and would be in a position to respond by the end of May.

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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 6th March and 3rd April 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor G J Bull presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 11th March and 8th April 2014.

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In connection with Item No 31, Councillor Bull reported that the visit to the Waterbeach Waste Management Plant would not take place on 9th May as originally intended and would be rearranged for an alternative date in the future.

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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 11th March and 8th April 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 4th March and 1st April 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 4th March and 1st April 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor D B Dew presented the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 24th February, 17th March and 7th April 2014.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 24th February, 17th March and 7th April 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor A Hansard presented the Report of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 6th March 2014 .

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Upon being put to the vote, the recommendation contained in Item No 13 was declared to be CARRIED.

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Upon being put to the vote, the recommendation contained in Item No 14 was declared to be CARRIED.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that, subject to the foregoing paragraphs, the Report of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 6th March 2014 be received and adopted.

Councillor E R Butler presented the Report of the meeting of the Corporate Governance Panel held on 26th March 2014.

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In connection with Item No 37 and recommendation (f) (ii), Councillor Butler acknowledged a request from Councillor K J Churchill that Members should be invited, in future, to vote separately on each recommendation relating to the final budget and MTP.

Whereupon, on being put to the vote, the recommendations contained in Item No. 37 were declared to be CARRIED.

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In connection with Item No. 38 and after contributions during discussion from Councillors M G Baker, K J Churchill, R S Farrer, D A Giles, C R Hyams, T V Rogers, M F Shellens and S M Van de Kerkhove regarding the style, content and tone of language used in the proposed Employee Handbook and the perceived lack of value placed on the contribution of employees to the organisation, the Council

RESOLVED

  that the Employee Handbook be referred back to the Panel for further consideration.

On the same subject, Councillor Butler undertook to advise Councillor J A Gray of the feedback received from the Staff Council on the draft handbook.

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In connection with Item No. 40 and in response to a question from Councillor S Greenall, Councillor Butler undertook to advise the questioner, in writing, of the meaning of the term “triviality threshold” and the reasons why this should be set at £90k.

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Whereupon, it was further

RESOLVED

  that, subject to the foregoing paragraphs, the Report of the meeting of the Corporate Governance Panel held on 26th March 2014 be received and adopted.

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

Question from Councillor P D Reeve to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite

In response to the questioner and whilst he could not predict the outcome of any future local government review, Councillor Ablewhite was of the opinion that the current three tier arrangement comprising the County, District and Parish authorities worked well in Cambridgeshire.

Question from Councillor S Greenall to the Executive Councillor for the Environment, Councillor D M Tysoe

In response to a question regarding the potential for review of the introduction of a charge for the collection of a second green bin after twelve months of operation, Councillor Tysoe considered that such a review was not necessary as the issue had not been raised with him during election canvassing and he was also aware that, due to its success,Cambridge City Council also had decided to implement a similar scheme.

Question from Councillor J P Morris to the Executive Councillor for Resources, Councillor J A Gray

Having regard to the proposal to raise capital receipts from the disposal of potential development sites included as an option in the “facing the future” exercise and the need for new homes in the District, the Executive Councillor was requested to comment the extent to which these sites could be used to develop affordable housing or shared ownership schemes.  In response, the Executive Councillor re-affirmed that it was the Council’s desire to maximise capital receipts and to use the funds made available, if appropriate, to meet the demand for affordable housing.  It would also be the intention to invest in property to provide bed and breakfast accommodation, reduce the budget spent on expensive bed and breakfast provision and thus provide for those in vulnerable and difficult situations.  Councillor Morris added that he would like to be involved in discussions which would help to move these proposals forward in a positive way.

Question from Councillor P Kadeware to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite

Although difficult to avoid some clashes, Councillor Ablewhite assured the questioner that every effort was made to ensure that meetings of the District Council did not coincide with those programmed by Town and Parish Councils in order to alleviate the impact on dual-hatted Councillors and to help those members of the public who wished to attend Council meetings.

Question from Councillor P Kadeware to the Executive Councillor for the Environment, Councillor D M Tysoe

In terms of the management of trees in public spaces, Councillor Tysoe undertook to discuss the District Council’s policy in this respect with the questioner after the meeting.

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

Regarding the proposed changes to the Senior Management structure of the District Council, Councillor Ablewhite advised Members that the recruitment exercise presented an opportunity to introduce new and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

Group Leaders to report, if necessary.

Having regard to the membership of the Senior Officers’ Panel, it was

RESOLVED

(a)  that Councillor J D Ablewhite be appointed to replace Councillor N J Guyatt;

(b)  that Councillor M G Baker be appointed to replace Councillor W T Clough for meetings of the Panel to be held on 14th and 16th May 2014; and

(c)  that Councillor C R Hyams be appointed to replace Councillor W T Clough for meetings of the Panel to be held on 19th, 20th and 21st May 2014.

The meeting ended at 10.03 pm