Agenda

Reverend Leo Orobor to open the meeting with a ‘Thought for the Day’.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 17th December 2025 and 14th January 2026.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, other registerable and non-registerable interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below.

To note the Chair’s engagements since the last Council meeting.

To invite Councillor Robert Guinea and Councillor Ruth Southworth to present a petition on behalf of Houghton & Wyton Parish Council and residents of the District containing 843 signatures regarding concerns around the implications of the recent Local Plan Preferred Options consultation. The petitioners have made the following statement :

 “Pause the Huntingdonshire District Council Local Plan

We are deeply concerned about the implications of the current Local Plan for Huntingdonshire, driven by a pressing need to protect our quality of life. If the plan proceeds without necessary amendments, our beloved community faces the risk of merging towns and villages into a concentrated, doughnut shaped sprawling conurbation. This not only threatens the character of Huntingdonshire but also places immense pressure on our infrastructure.

Potential Consequences of the Current Plan:

v  Essential services, including roads, water, power, and sewage systems, are at risk of becoming overstretched—impacting daily life.

v  Water resources could suffer, with potential rationing of less than 90 litres per day per person. Furthermore, river pollution could escalate if housing developments outpace necessary infrastructure improvements.

v  The loss of prime farmland and devastating damage to Great Ouse Valley's scenic landscapes.

v  Unsustainable commuting patterns to Cambridge and Bedfordshire will lead to increased congestion and pollution.

v  A perception that the decision-making process lacks transparency and breadth of public engagement.

Given these serious concerns, we the undersigned petition Huntingdonshire District Council to:

Pause the Local Plan (Update 2046) until the boundaries of the new Unitary Authority are precisely defined and understood, ensuring decisions are made with complete context. Other Councils have already done this.

Challenge the Inflated Housing Target, taking inspiration from successful challenges undertaken by other councils. Reducing expected targets could limit over-development pressure on the community.

Rely on Real Evidence, Not Assumptions: Conduct comprehensive infrastructure studies that examine the true capabilities and limit of current systems. Secure necessary funding prior to committing to large scale developments.

Our community’s future depends on careful, participatory, and evidence-based planning rather than rushed approvals. Let us safeguard Huntingdonshire’s unique character, wellbeing, and resources for current and future generations. Help us champion a local plan that reflects our shared values and needs.”

5 Minutes Presentation of Petition

5 Minutes Questions to Petitioners

No longer than 15 Minutes for the ensuing debate

To answer any questions submitted by the public in accordance with the Constitution.

The deadline for the receipt of public questions is five days prior to the meeting and must be submitted to the Monitoring Officer.

The Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources, Councillor B Mickelburgh to present for approval –

? The 2026/27 Budget

v  The 2026/27 – 2029/30 Capital Programme as set out in Appendix 2b

v  The Band D Council Tax rate for Huntingdonshire at £170.86, representing a £5 (3.01%) increase to the current charge

v  The Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2027/28 to 2029/30, Capital Strategy, Investment Strategy and the Treasury Management Strategy

v  The Formal Resolution to determine the Council Tax as set out in Appendix 8

v  Endorsement of the statement of the Section 151 Officer on the robustness of the budget and the adequacy of the Council’s reserves as set out in Appendix 9

? The Fees and Charges Schedule for 2026/27 as set out in Annex B1 and B2

In accordance with Section 30(2) of the Local Government Act (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, the Council will be asked to resolve that a recorded vote be taken on conclusion of the debate on this item.

The reports were considered by the Cabinet at their meeting on 10th February 2026 and it was agreed that they should be recommended to Council for approval.

(The Leader of the Opposition will have a right of reply).

15 Minutes Presentation

45 Minutes Debate and Questions

In compliance with the requirements of Sections 38-43 of the Localism Act 2011, the Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation and Environment, Councillor L Davenport-Ray to present the Pay Policy Statement to the Council for approval.

(The Statement was considered by the Employment Committee at their meeting on 11th February 2026 and a verbal update will be provided on their deliberations).

Councillor S J Conboy, Executive Leader and Chair of the Cabinet to present the refreshed Corporate Plan for approval by the Council.

(The Plan was considered at the meeting of the Cabinet on 10th February 2026 and the Executive Leader will provide an update on the Cabinet’s deliberations).

Councillor M J Burke, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee to present a report seeking the re-appointment of a Lead Independent Person for a further two-year period to 1st April 2028 without the need for further ratification in each year by the Council at its Annual Meeting.

(The report was considered by the Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 28th January 2026 who recommended that Council should approve the proposed appointment and amendment).

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules, all questions –

v  Must be relevant to an item which the Council has powers or duties;

v  Must not relate to an item which is included elsewhere on the 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.

To consider a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager on the representation of political groups on Committees and Panels in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the District Council’s Constitution.

TO FOLLOW.

This item provides an opportunity for Members to ask questions of the District Council representatives 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.

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 Chairs.

a)  To review the membership of the Constitution Review Working Group in light of the decision taken under Item 12.

Current membership comprises; Councillors M J Burke, J A Gray, J E Harvey, P Hodgson-Jones, R Martin, D Mickelburgh, T D Sanderson and S Wakeford.

b)  Group Leaders to report on variations to the Membership of Committees and Panels if necessary.