Venue: Civic Suite, Pathfinder House, St Mary's Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TN
Contact: Mrs Lisa Jablonska, Elections and Democratic Services Manager, Tel No. 01480 388004/e-mail Lisa.Jablonska@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
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PRAYER Minutes: Pastors Joyce of the International Prayer Church opened the meeting with a prayer.
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To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 4th December 2019. Contact: 2 Minutes. Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 4th December 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
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MEMBERS' INTERESTS To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary or non-statutory disclosable interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below. Contact: 2 Minutes. Minutes: No declarations were received.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972: SECTION 89 ALCONBURY WARD AND ST IVES EAST WARD To receive a verbal report by the Returning Officer on the persons elected to the Office of the District Councillor for the Alconbury and St Ives East wards in by-elections held since the last meeting of the Council. Contact: 5 Minutes. Minutes: The Returning Officer reported that following by-elections in the Alconbury Ward on 12th December 2019 and St Ives East Ward on 13th February 2020, Councillor Ian Gardener and Councillor Adam Roberts respectively had been elected to the District Council.
Councillors Gardener and Roberts expressed their appreciation to their respective electorates following their recent election successes, as well as Officers for their continued dedication and commitment in supporting these processes.
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CHAIRMAN'S ENGAGEMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS PDF 174 KB To note the Chairman’s engagements since the last Council meeting.
Contact: 5 Minutes. Minutes: The Council noted those engagements attended by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman since the last meeting (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book).
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2020/21 BUDGET AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY (2021/22 TO 2024/25) PDF 496 KB The Executive Councillor for Resources, Councillor J A Gray to present for approval –
v The 2020/21 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2021/22 – 2024/25; v The Fees and Charges Schedule for 2020/21 v The Treasury Management Strategy, the Capital Strategy and the Investment Strategy including the annual prudential indicators and the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy for 2020/21 v The Annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement 2020/21; v The formal resolution to determine the Council Tax for 2020/21.
In accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the Council will be required to approve resolutions as to the levels of Council Tax in 2020/21.
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 the debate on this item.
(Notes: 30 Minutes Presentation 30 Minutes for Questions).
(The reports were considered by the Cabinet at their meeting on 13th February 2020 and it was agreed that they should be recommended to Council for approval). Contact: 60 Minutes. Additional documents:
Minutes: In conjunction with a report by the Head of Resources and PowerPoint presentation (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book), Councillor J A Gray, Executive Councillor for Strategic Resources, presented to Members the 2020/21 Revenue Budget, the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2021/22 to 2024/25, the Fees and Charges schedule for 2020/21, the Treasury Management Strategy, the Capital Strategy, the Investment Strategy and the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy for 2020/21 and other associated matters for the Council’s consideration and approval.
In accordance with Section (30)2 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the Council also considered proposals for levels of Council Tax in 2020/21 for various parts of the Huntingdonshire district.
In his opening remarks on completion of the Budget and MTFS, Councillor Gray referred to the time and effort involved with the long process that began in May 2019 and conveyed his gratitude to the Officers that had assisted, including the Managing Director and her staff, as well as the S151 Officer in the guise of Mr C Mason that had commenced this work at the beginning and had been concluded by Mrs C Edwards and well as his Cabinet Member colleagues.
Members attention was drawn to the Plan on a Page for the Council that had shown a clear strategy for a sustainable and balanced budget including a proposed Council Tax increase of 2.6% for 2020/21. It was noted that the proposed budget deficit by 2024/25 was now £0.5m compared with £1.25m in 2020/21 and this had been achieved whilst retaining and enhancing core services, as well as delivering the Conservative Party manifesto set out by the Group in 2018.These included a dramatic drop in the use of B & B accommodation for homelessness, continuation of a free green waste collection service, increasing recycling rates, investment in Hinchingbrooke Country Park, a new Local Plan channelling housing and employment growth, One Leisure capital investment and an effective Transformation programme structured at providing a vision, direction and financial stability to enable residents to thrive.
Members noted that the revenue changes to the budget in respect of savings and additional income, service growth and capital had resulted in a net increase of 3% of the Council’s budget as growth bids had been larger than anticipated, as well as some targets proven to be more stretching than originally planned resulting in schemes being put back in the budget.
In referring to the Commercial Investment Strategy (CIS), Councillor Gray explained that the Council had been close to completing the work set out after the CIS in 2015 that had been an important income stream to enable a balanced budget without the reliance on Central Government funding and the focus looking forward to the development of housing related acquisitions. Reference was also made to the budget assumption that Council Tax would increase by 2.6% per annum across the term of the MTFS.
Members attention was drawn to the impact on the revenue reserves with the removal of the ... view the full minutes text for item 58. |
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PAY POLICY STATEMENT 2020/21 PDF 105 KB In compliance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, the Executive Councillor for Corporate Services Councillor D Keane to present the Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21 to the Council for approval.
(The Statement was endorsed by the Employment Committee at their meeting on 12th February 2020). Contact: 5 Minutes. Additional documents: Minutes: In compliance with the requirements of Sections 38 - 43 of the Localism Act 2011, Councillor D Keane, Executive Councillor for Corporate Services presented a report by the Strategic HR Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) in connection with the District Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21.
The Statement, which is required to be approved by the Council by 31st March 2020 and produced annually, detailed the Council’s policies relating to Officer remuneration.
Having noted an amendment to the ratios listed in the Pay Multiples paragraph to 1:5.8 and 1:4.9, it was noted that a copy of the Pay Policy Statement would be publicised on the Council’s website along with data on senior salaries under the Code of Recommended Practice for Local Authorities on Data Transparency 2011. Accordingly it was moved by Councillor Keane, duly seconded and
RESOLVED
that the Policy Statement for 2020/21 be approved.
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QUESTIONS TO MEMBERS OF THE CABINET Questions to Members of the Cabinet.
In accordance with Councillor Procedure Rules, all questions -
v Must be relevant to matters for which the Council has powers or duties; v Must not relate to an item which is included elsewhere on the Council Agenda; v Should be limited to obtaining information or pressing for action; and v Should not exceed two minutes in duration.
Questions should not divulge or require to be divulged, confidential or exempt information. Contact: 30 Minutes. Minutes: Arising from a question from Councillor G J Bull on the Council’s policy on reducing climate change and efforts to mitigate the effects, Councillor Ms M Beuttell, Executive Councillor for Operations and Environment, reported that a full update on climate change by the Council would be presented to the Council in May 2020.
In response to a question by Councillor D A Giles on how the Council accounted for the reduced income in car parking of £2.4m as reported in the budget, Councillor Ms Beuttell explained that this was attributed to technical issues resulting in a delay in the full roll-out of the programme of car parking changes.
Councillor T D Sanderson questioned when Members would have an opportunity to consider the impact of the car parking changes, whereby Councillor Ms Beuttell explained that the roll-out had still not been completed but could be reviewed in the Autumn.
Arising from a question by Councillor J C Cooper-Marsh on suggested changes to the operating tariff days, including the removal of free parking on Bank Holidays, Councillor Ms Beuttell confirmed that free parking remained in place on Sundays and Bank Holidays and encouraged Councillor Cooper-Marsh to share further details of the locations where he felt there may be anomalies.
In response to a question from Councillor A Roberts on the launch of the Training Shed with One Leisure, Councillor J M Palmer, Executive Councillor for Leisure and Health, explained that this complemented the One Leisure suite of activities but delivered a different type of activity and was unique to Huntingdonshire.
Councillor P Kadewere raised a question in relation to emerging concerns with the Coronavirus and impact in the District, whereby the Managing Director, Mrs J Lancaster, reassured Members that work was already underway by Officers working with Public Health England and other agencies planning for any necessary changes.
Following her attendance at the soft launch of the Training Shed and Members review of health and well-being, Councillor Ms S Smith raised a question in relation to how the most vulnerable people could access such facilities and whether there was any plans to extend this type of provision elsewhere. In response Councillor Palmer referred to the important role of the Active Lifestyles Team and their ongoing schemes, as well as the concessionary One Leisure membership scheme and expansion of the Training Shed concept would be dependent upon on the success of the St Ives provision. |
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LEAD AND DEPUTY INDEPENDENT PERSONS PDF 114 KB Councillor L W McGuire, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee to present a report seeking the re-appointment of the Lead and Deputy Independent Persons for a two-year period to 30th April 2022.
(The Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 22nd January 2020 endorsed the recommendations within the report). Contact: 5 Minutes. Minutes: In conjunction with consideration of the item at the meeting of the Corporate Governance Committee on 22nd January 2020, the Chairman of the Committee, Councillor L W McGuire presented to the Council a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) seeking the re-appointment of the Lead and Deputy Lead Independent Persons for a further two year period.
Councillor McGuire reminded Members that in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, it was necessary for the Council to appoint one or more Independent Persons and acquainted the Council with the backgrounds of the proposed appointments and their agreements to continue in their roles.
Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the re-appointment of Mrs Gillian Holmes and Mr Peter Baker to the posts of Lead and Deputy Independent Persons respectively be reaffirmed for a further two year period to 30th April 2022 without the need for further ratification in each year by the Council at its Annual Meeting.
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COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW - HOLME PARISH COUNCIL PDF 229 KB Councillor L W McGuire, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee to present the outcome of a Community Governance Review for Holme Parish Council.
(The Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 22nd January 2020 endorsed the recommendations within the report).
Contact: 5 Minutes. Minutes: In conjunction with consideration of the item at the meeting of the Corporate Governance Committee on 22nd January 2020, the Chairman of the Committee, Councillor L W McGuire presented to the Council a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on a Community Governance Review of Holme Parish Council following a request from the Parish Council to increase its size from 7 to 9 Members.
Members were advised that a public consultation had taken place and the Parish Council had identified their preference for an implementation date of 7th May 2020, with the cost of the referendum being borne by the Parish Council. Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that a Reorganisation of Community Governance Order to be made in accordance with the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 for Holme Parish Council to increase the size from 7 to 9 parish councillors.
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CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH COMBINED AUTHORITY - UPDATE PDF 213 KB Councillor R Fuller, Executive Leader to present on the activities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Councillors D B Dew and Mrs P A Jordan to provide an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Councillor L W McGuire to provide an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Audit and Governance Committee.
Decision summaries for recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Audit and Governance Committee and Board are attached to the Agenda for information..
In accordance with the Protocol agreed at the February 2017 meeting, this item provides an opportunity for District Council Members to ask questions and comment on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority issues.
If Members wish to raise questions or issues requiring a detailed response, it would be helpful if they can provide prior notice so that the necessary information can be obtained in advance of the meeting.
Contact: 20 Minutes. Additional documents:
Minutes: In conjunction with the decision summaries of the recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Councillors R Fuller and J Neish presented an update of their activities. Copies of the decision summaries are appended in the Minute Book. Particular attention was drawn to agreement to the launch of the public consultation on the Cambridge Autonomous Metro (CAM) in the early part of the New Year and encouraged all Members to share and participate. He further drew attention to the approval of the £100k Homes Business Case and welcomed the work to be undertaken to support bringing this in across the Combined Authority area. Finally Councillor Fuller was pleased to report that the National Non-Domestic Rates receipts split with the Combined Authority in relation to the Alconbury Enterprize Zone had been concluded with the District Council retaining the full receipt.
Arising from a question by Councillor D A Giles on how to influence the joined up thinking behind the CAM, A428 and East West Rail service and Councillor Fuller reminded Members of the Council’s position and the views that had been presented in relation to the consultation that fully supported the proposal to ensure the maximum benefit for St Neots in terms of route options.
Councillor Neish reported upon the approval of their budget for 2020/21 and Medium Term Financial Plan and potential to look at a business case to support the inclusion of areas within the District as regional arms extensions to the CAM.
Councillors D B Dew provided an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee and particular mention was made of the discussion and debate on affordable housing.
Members were provided with an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Audit and Governance Committee by Councillor L W McGuire and Members noted discussion on delay with the auditing of accounts attributable to a resource issue similarly experienced by the Council, but they had received similar assurances that that the Combined Authority would not experience the same issue next year.
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OUTCOMES FROM COMMITTEES AND PANELS PDF 348 KB An opportunity for Members to raise any issues or ask questions arising from recent meetings of the Council’s Committees and Panels.
A list of meetings held since the last Council meeting is attached for information and Members are requested to address their questions to Committee and Panel Chairmen. Contact: 10 Minutes. Minutes: A copy of the list of meetings held since the last meeting of the Council held on 4th December 2019 is appended in the Minute Book and Members were advised that any issues or questions could be raised in relation to these meetings.
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VARIATIONS TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES AND PANELS Group Leaders to report on variations to the Membership of Committees and Panels if necessary. Contact: 5 Minutes. Minutes: On the recommendation of the Executive Leader, Councillor R Fuller, it was
RESOLVED
(a) that Councillor A Roberts be appointed to the membership of the Corporate Governance Committee;
(b) that Councillor I D Gardener be appointed to the membership of the Development Management Committee;
(c) that Councillor A Roberts be appointed to the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth);
(d) that Councillor I D Gardener be appointed to the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) in place of Councillor J W Davies; and
(e)
that Councillor I D Gardener be appointed to the Appeals
The meeting ended at 8.52pm.
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