Agenda and minutes

The Venerable Hugh McCurdy, Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Wisbech, opened the meeting with a prayer.

The Chairman opened the meeting by sending his best wishes to Councillor S J Criswell and his family on their recent bereavement who had been unable to attend the meeting.

The Chairman announced that he had been advised that Luminus Housing Group had indicated an intention to film the meeting.  Luminus had been made aware of the guidelines with which they had to comply and understood that no member of the public should be filmed without their consent.

The Chairman described the principal events that he had attended on behalf of the Council since the last meeting mentioning in particular, the United States Air Force concert, the opening of the food bank in Huntingdon, Holocaust Memorial Day, charity dinners with the Mayor of Peterborough and the Mayor of March, the Salvation Army hostel in Kings Ripton Court,  Huntingdon, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire Awards Ceremony and the Annual Pancake Race in Huntingdon.

The Council was also encouraged to join the Chairman in raising the flag outside of the Council offices in support of the ‘Flying the Flag for the Commonwealth’ initiative.

The Chairman concluded his announcements by reminding Members of the Rules of Debate that had been circulated previously.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 17th December 2014.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 17th December 2014 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.

Councillors R Fuller, D Harty and M F Shellens disclosed a non-statutory disclosable interest in Minute No. 66 by virtue of their appointment to the Board of Luminus Housing Group.

Councillor R Harrison declared a non-statutory disclosable interest in Minute No. 68 by virtue of his employment with the Highways Agency.

To consider the Cabinet’s recommendations on the 2015/16 Revenue Budget, the Medium Term Plan for 2016/17 – 2019/2020, the related Prudential Indicators and the Treasury Management Strategy (see also the Report of the Cabinet held on 22nd January 2015) 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 2015/16 for the various parts of Huntingdonshire District.  A report by the Head of 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.

In conjunction with a report by the Head of 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 2015/16 Revenue Budget, the Medium Term Financial Strategy for the period 2016/17 to 2019/20, the Treasury Management Strategy (MTFS) 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 20145/16 for various parts of the Huntingdonshire district.

The Executive Councillor opened his remarks by suggesting the significance of this proposed budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy which had resulted in a revenue surplus for the first time since 2003. Members were reminded that the principal aim was to focus on the interests of the residents of Huntingdonshire with any changes made not affecting frontline delivery of services and providing better value for money.

Referring to the key elements of the proposed budget, Councillor Gray expressed his appreciation to Mrs J Slatter, Mr C Mason and Ms R Maxwell for their assistance over this period and for producing a clearer presentational format of the budget. He also thanks Officers and Members for their assistance in identifying further savings to the budget.

Councillor Gray acquainted Members with the programme of review of the budget and further detail of the proposed budget, including the proposed Council Tax freeze and robust programme of Zero Based Budgeting. 

Having taken account of comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being), the Cabinet endorsed the savings that had been achieved through the Facing the Future and Zero Based Budgeting programmes and the further savings initiative that the Cabinet Members had been tasked to achieve. Councillor Gray also was pleased to report that the business community had been consulted and all those that had responded fully supported the proposed freeze of Council Tax.

The Executive Councillor in referring to the Treasury Management Strategy, reported that although the economy was showing signs of growth, interest rates remained low and outlined the Council’s proposed policy to continue to use short term investments with a lower risk.

With these assurances, Councillor Gray moved the recommendations of the Cabinet which were seconded by the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being), Councillor Harrison, indicated his support for the proposed budget and MTFS and informed Members that there had been a positive contribution from the Panel and fully endorsed the proposals on behalf of the Panel.

In response and on behalf of the UKIP Group, Councillor K J Churchill expressed his gratitude to the Executive Councillor and Officers for the presentation which had resulted in a clearer report and clarification of information when requested. He thanked his fellow UKIP Councillors for looking into the budget and in response to the criticism surrounding an alternative budget, Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

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 2015/16 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 Corporate Team Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) in connection with the District Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2015/16.

The Statement, which is required to be approved by the Council by 31st March 2015 was now produced annually and detailed the Council’s policies relating to Officer remuneration.

Councillor M F Shellens moved and it was duly seconded by Councillor Mrs P A Jordan –

That the following paragraph be inserted into the Pay policy Statement set out in the report of the Corporate Team Manager –

   ‘Where a member of staff is made redundant within two years of his/her salary being reduced, the Council will make up their redundancy pay to the level that they would have received had their salary not been reduced’.

After discussion on existing vacancies, staff morale and associated costings and upon being put to the vote the Motion was declared LOST.

Accordingly and having noted that a copy of the finalised statement would be issued to all Members via email prior to 1st April, it was moved by Councillor Ablewhite, duly seconded and

RESOLVED

that the Policy Statement for 2015/16 be approved

Councillor R Harrison, Chairman of Overview and Scrutiny (Economic Well-Being) began his presentation by outlining what the Panel had achieved to date in 2014/15 which had included an improved engagement with Members of the Panel and better working relationship with the Cabinet. Members attention was drawn to their recent work programme which had included the Facing the Future and Zero Based Budgeting programmes, shared services and the proposed Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

In highlighting future changes to improve the effectiveness of the Panel, Councillor Harrison reported that he was working towards a longer term forward plan of work for the Panel, greater responsibility for Members of the Panel to scrutinise and more effective Joint Chairman’s meetings and Scrutiny away days.  

In concluding, Councillor Harrison referred to the priorities for 2015/16 through improving the effectiveness of Overview and Scrutiny and working more closely with the other Panels. Members were informed that the Panel would continue to challenge the Facing the Future Programme and monitor the progress of Zero Based Budgeting, as well as scrutinising shared services through working with other local authorities and address performance monitoring.

In response to a question from Councillor R S Farrer on the breakdown of costings for the multi-storey car park in Huntingdon, Councillor Harrison undertook to provide an answer in writing.

To present a vision for the Overview and Scrutiny Panels for Economic and Social Well-Being and their priorities for the forthcoming year.

(Notes -

Overview & Scrutiny Chairmen presentations  - 10 minutes each

Questions to each presenting Councillor  -   5 minutes each

  [10 minutes in total]

Period for questions to Members of the Cabinet  - 10 minutes in total)

The Chairman reported that this item had been deferred owing to the absence of Councillor S J Crisswell.

In response to a question from Councillor Ms L A Duffy regarding the Council’s Traveller Sites Policy in the light of increases in the distribution of such communities, Councillow D B Dew explained that it would form part of the new Local Plan.

In response to questions from Councillor P Kadewere on the safety signage in Buttsgrove Way, Huntingdon and the lease on Oak Tree Stores, Huntingdon, Councillor Ablewhite undertook to provide a written response.

Regarding the planning enforcement and response rates in Little Paxton and in response to a question from Councillor K J Churchill, Councillor D B Dew explained that the Planning Team had experienced some difficulties with staff vacancies in the past year which had had an impact on the resolution of cases but was pleased to report that the situation had been resolved and the backlog of cases had been addressed. Councillor Dew invited Councillor Churchill to discuss any specific issues with him in Little Paxton outside of the meeting.

Arising from a question from Councillor R S Farrer on the background to the Community Infrastructure Levy, Councillor D B Dew alluded to the complexity of the process and how the funding was being passed into parishes. Councillor Dew agreed that in order to assist parishes with details of how the money could be utilised, it was necessary for briefing note to be prepared.

To consider a report by the Corporate Team Manager.

Having regard to a report by the Corporate Team Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) and in noting that a decision not to apply an increase of 2.2% to Members’ allowances in accordance with the automatic index mechanism provided in the approved scheme would save £8,000,  the Council

RESOLVED

  that there be no increase in Members’ allowances in the financial year 2015/16.

To receive a report by the Managing Director on complaints against Luminus Housing Group from County Councillor Paul Bullen.  The complaints have been investigated and the findings are submitted to the Council.

By reference to a report by the Managing Director (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on complaints against Luminus Housing Group raised by County Councillor P Bullen on behalf of some tenants, Members were acquainted with details of the investigations into the complaints which was undertaken by an independent housing expert. In noting that none of the complaints had been upheld and that matter had been concluded, Councillor D Harty moved and it was duly seconded by Councillor R Fuller –

That the following paragraph be inserted as an additional recommendation in the recommendations set out in the report of the Managing Director –

   ‘That the proposed allegations were unfounded with a conclusion reached by the Independent expert and the matter now closed.

After discussion and upon being put to the vote the Motion was declared CARRIED.

Councillor K J Churchill addressed the Council on behalf of County Councillor P Bullen and explained that the report contained some inaccuracies and he undertook to circulate to Members details of his concerns.

Councillor R Fuller expressed his anger at the way County Councillor Bullen had acted in investigating these complaints and the resultant actions and costs for the vulnerable residents.

In response to concern expressed by Councillor P D Reeve regarding the treatment of County Councillor Bullen, the Executive Leader expressed his disgust at how these vulnerable residents had been treated and the actions that had resulted as a consequence of his actions.

Whereupon, the Council

RESOLVED

(a)  that the contents of the report attached at Appendix 1 be noted and that the Council agree that there is no further issue to investigate; and

(b)  that the proposed allegations were unfounded with a conclusion reached by the Independent expert and the matter now closed.

Councillor J D Ablewhite, Executive Leader and Chairman of the Cabinet presented the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 22nd January and 12th February 2015.

……………………………………………..

In connection with Item No. 36, it was noted that the recommendations had been considered previously under Minute No. 62.

……………………………………………..

In connection with Item No. 37, it was noted that the recommendations had been considered previously under Minute No. 62.

……………………………………………..

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that, subject to the foregoing paragraphs, the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 22nd January and 12th February 2015 be received and adopted.

Councillor Mrs B E Boddington presented the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 15th December 2014, 19th January and 16th February 2015.

……………………………………………..

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 15th December 2014, 19th January and 16th February 2015 be received and adopted.

Councillor R J West presented the Report of the meeting of the Employment Panel held on 11th February 2015.

……………………………………………..

In connection with Item No. 21, Councillor West  invited the Council to endorse the sentiments of the Panel with regard to Messrs F Goodship, R Jeakins, M Sturgess and Ms S McNalty, who had recently retired from the local government service.

……………………………………………..

Councillor West paid tribute to Councillor S Cawley as the retiring Chairman of the Panel and was endorsed by Councillor Ms L A Duffy.

……………………………………………..

That subject to inclusion of the words “and Vice-Chairman” after Chairman in Item 16 of the Report, deletion of the words “17th December 2014” and replacement with “19th November 2014” in Item 17 and deletion of the word “spot” and replacement with “recognise” in Item 19, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Employment Panel held on 11th February 2015 be received and adopted.

Councillor R Harrison presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 8th January and 5th February 2015.

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Reports of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 8th January and 5th February 2015 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 4th February 2015.

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 4th February 2015 be received and adopted.

Councillor R Carter presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 6th January and 3rd February 2015.

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 6th January and 3rd February 2015 be received and adopted.

Councillor J W Davies presented the Report of the meeting of the Licensing and Protection Panel held on 27th January 2015.

……………………….

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meeting of the Licensing and Protection Panel held on 27th January 2015 be received and adopted.

Councillor T Hayward to move:

“That this Council notes -

  The announcement that Government is to invest funding into a study looking into the status of the A1 between Peterborough and the M25 is very welcome.

  Since the M1 to Leeds and then the A1 north of that has been seen as the strategic route to the north, the A1 through Huntingdonshire has become something of a ‘forgotten route’.  The need for improvements is no more acute than at Buckden roundabout where the District Council’s own infrastructure study has shown that it is a significant constraint to growth as well as the road being a blight on the lives of the residents of Buckden, Diddington and Southoe.

  The possibility of the route being upgraded to motorway standard is an important development and the fact that the previous planned improvement between Baldock, Hertfordshire to Alconbury as part of the then Government White Paper ‘Roads for Prosperity’ in 1989 is being quoted as a possibility again, is something that should be investigated.

  The recent Highways Agency Route-Based Strategy investigations for the A1 is due to publish its final recommendations in March 2015.  The initial report has shown that between London and Leeds, this section of the A1 represents one of the ten most least-reliable journey time locations on the route.  Additionally, the report highlights poor network performance in the peak hours, safety concerns and congestion on the route through Buckden.

This Council believes -

  That given we have three major trunk routes passing through the District and two of these, the A14 and A428, are subject to improvement proposals, it is vital that similar improvements to the A1 be made.

  From London, this is the last roundabout between Buckden and North Berwick, a distance of 278 miles.

  The existing route lacks the capacity to accommodate current and future travel demands as well as planned growth and a comprehensive approach is needed for a wholesale upgrading of the route to motorway standard because piecemeal improvement schemes would not offer a satisfactory solution addressing both strategic and local needs.

  Given the nature of the current problems, Huntingdonshire’s Draft Local Plan to 2036 highlights the current capacity constraints on the A1 at Buckden.  Likewise, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Long-Term Transport Strategy includes the need for options to be considered for this stretch of the A1 in order to provide new capacity for growth and to address existing problems on this stretch of the transport network.

  Whilst there are planned improvements to the A14 and A428, it is important that similar improvements on this section of the A1 are brought forward as soon as possible so that the route does not act as a barrier to the future growth and prosperity of the area.

  Therefore this Council calls on the Executive Leader and Executive Councillor for Planning and Housing Strategy to work with their fellow Members to –

  seek a firm commitment from Government and the Highways Agency that a comprehensive study of options for the A1  ...  view the full agenda text for item 68.

Before proceeding to the Motion on the Agenda, the Chairman announced his intention to invoke the discretion awarded to him under paragraph 9.5 (iii) of the Council Procedure Rules and to rule that the Motion submitted by Councillor T Hayward on being moved and seconded will be dealt with at the meeting in the interests of the convenient and conducive despatch of the Council’s business. 

Accordingly, it was moved by Councillor T Hayward and duly seconded that –

“This Council notes:

The announcement that Government is to invest funding into a study looking into the status of the A1 between Peterborough and the M25 is very welcome.

Since the M1 to Leeds and then the A1 north of that has been seen as the strategic route to the North, the A1 through Huntingdonshire has become something of a ‘forgotten route’. The need for improvements is no more acute than at Buckden roundabout where HDC’s own Infrastructure Study has shown that it is a significant constraint to growth as well as the road being a blight on the lives of the residents of Buckden, Diddington and Southoe.

The possibility of the route being upgraded to motorway standard is an important development and the fact that the previous planned improvement between Baldock, Hertfordshire to Alconbury as part of the then Government White Paper ‘Roads for Prosperity’ in 1989 is being quoted as a possibility again, is something that should be investigated.

The recent Highways Agency Route-Based Strategy investigations for the A1 is due to publish its final recommendations in March 2015. The initial report has shown that between London and Leeds, this section of the A1 represents one of the ten most least-reliable journey time locations on the route. Additionally, the report highlights poor network performance in the peak hours, safety concerns and congestion on the route through Buckden.

This Council believes:

That given we have three major trunk routes passing through the District and two of these, the A14 and A428, are subject to improvement proposals, it is vital that similar improvements to the A1 be made.

From London, this is the last roundabout between Buckden and North Berwick, a distance of some 278 miles.

The existing route lacks the capacity to accommodate current and future travel demands as well as planned growth and a comprehensive approach is needed for a wholesale upgrading of the route to motorway standard because piecemeal improvement schemes would not offer a satisfactory solution addressing both strategic and local needs.

  Given the nature of the current problems Huntingdonshire’s Draft Local Plan to 2036 highlights the current capacity constraints on the A1 at Buckden. Likewise, Cambridgeshire County Council Long-Term Transport Strategy includes the need for options to be considered for this stretch of the A1 in order to provide new capacity for growth and to address existing problems on this stretch of the transport network.

Whilst there are planned improvements to the A14 and A428, it is important that similar improvements on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

Group Leaders to report, if necessary.

There were no changes to report.

The meeting concluded at 10.05pm.