Agenda and minutes

Councillor B Mickelburgh to open the meeting with a ‘Thought for the Day’.

Councillor B Mickelburgh opened the meeting with a thought for the day.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 21st May 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the the  21st  May 2026 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

Councillor S Ferguson declared an other registerable interest in Minute No. 26/22 under Motion 5B by virtue of being the Chair but had been granted special dispensation to enter into the debate but will be unable to vote. He also declared an other registerable interest in Minute No. 26/22 under Motion 5C by virtue of being a Member of a small Political Group. Special dispensation had been granted that he could enter into the debate and vote on the Motion.

Councillor S Mokbul declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute No. 26/22 by virtue of being a Member of a small Political Group. Special dispensation had been granted that he could enter into the debate and vote on the Motion.

Councillor L Davenport-Ray declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute No. 26/22 by virtue of being a Member of a small Political Group. Special dispensation had been granted that he could enter into the debate and vote on the Motion.

Councillor J Kerr declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute No. 26/22 by virtue of being a Member of a small Political Group. Special dispensation had been granted that he could enter into the debate and vote on the Motion.

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

Time Allocation: 5 Minutes.

The Council noted those engagements attended by the Chair and Vice-Chair since the last meeting (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book).

The Council noted and acknowledged with sadness the passing of former Councillors Doug Terry, Mike Grice and Shaun Burton. A minute's silence was observed in their memory.

(a)  Motion from Councillor D N Keane

Infrastructure Readiness and Evidence-Based Growth Planning

This Council notes that:

Huntingdonshire District Council is preparing a new Local Plan to guide development across the district to 2046.

Since work commenced on the Local Plan, national planning policy and housing targets have changed, with significant implications for future housing requirements across Huntingdonshire.

While no local authority has formally launched a judicial review, multiple councils, led by different political parties, have strongly pushed back on the revised housing targets. Some councils are seeking longer timescales, additional infrastructure funding, and adjustments to the local plan process.

To date, Huntingdonshire District Council has not publicly set out what flexibility, infrastructure support, transitional arrangements, or timetable adjustments it may seek in response to the revised national housing targets.

The emerging Local Plan must be supported by relevant, proportionate, and up-to-date evidence, including evidence on infrastructure, transport, viability, flood risk, water management, health, education, utilities, and community facilities.

Work remains underway to assess the transport implications of future growth, including through the A141 and St Ives Improvements Study, the Strategic Transport Assessment, and related transport evidence.

The Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan, Infrastructure Delivery Study, and associated infrastructure schedules identify substantial requirements for highways, public transport, active travel, education, health services, utilities, flood mitigation, water management, community facilities, green infrastructure, and environmental infrastructure.

The Independent Review into bus franchising was published by the CPCA in June 2026, confirming a phased approach to bus franchising from 2027–2030.

The Local Plan relies on the assumption of expanding sustainable transport; therefore, this revised timeframe and scope of delivery should be accounted for.

Residents across Huntingdonshire consistently raise concerns regarding the cumulative impact of development on roads, schools, healthcare provision, drainage, flood risk, public transport, and local services.

Council believes that:

a.  Sustainable development requires housing growth, employment growth, and infrastructure delivery to be planned together.

b.  Public confidence in the Local Plan process depends upon decisions being informed by the most complete, current, and transparent evidence available.

c.  The cumulative impact of development across Huntingdonshire should be properly understood before strategic decisions are taken on the scale and distribution of future growth.

d.  Infrastructure capacity, funding, timing, and deliverability are central to whether proposed growth can be considered sustainable.

e.  A Local Plan that is not supported by clear evidence on infrastructure delivery risks being less effective, less credible, and less capable of commanding public confidence.

f.  Effective infrastructure planning requires close engagement with infrastructure providers, neighbouring authorities, the Combined Authority, and relevant government agencies.

This Council therefore resolves to:

1. Request Cabinet to bring forward a consolidated infrastructure readiness report, drawing on existing and emerging evidence relevant to the Local Plan, including transport, education, health, utilities, flood risk, water management, community infrastructure, green infrastructure, and environmental infrastructure.

2. Request that this report identifies, so far as the evidence allows, infrastructure requirements, delivery assumptions, funding sources, delivery responsibilities, key risks, material gaps, funding constraints, phasing issues, and delivery dependencies which may affect the preparation, soundness,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 22.

Councillor D Keane moved, and it was duly seconded by Councillor A Bulat that

This Council notes:

Huntingdonshire District Council is preparing a new Local Plan to guide development across the district to 2046. Since work commenced on the Local Plan, national planning policy and housing targets have changed, with significant implications for future housing requirements across Huntingdonshire.

While no local authority has formally launched a judicial review, multiple councils, led by different political parties, have strongly pushed back on the revised housing targets. Some councils are seeking longer timescales, additional infrastructure funding, and adjustments to the local plan process.

To date, Huntingdonshire District Council has not publicly set out what flexibility, infrastructure support, transitional arrangements, or timetable adjustments it may seek in response to the revised national housing targets.

The emerging Local Plan must be supported by relevant, proportionate, and up-to-date evidence, including evidence on infrastructure, transport, viability, flood risk, water management, health, education, utilities, and community facilities.

Work remains underway to assess the transport implications of future growth,

including through the A141 and St Ives Improvements Study, the Strategic Transport Assessment, and related transport evidence.

The Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan, Infrastructure Delivery Study, and associated infrastructure schedules identify substantial requirements for highways, public transport, active travel, education, health services, utilities, flood mitigation, water management, community facilities, green infrastructure, and environmental infrastructure.

The Independent Review into bus franchising was published by the CPCA in June 2026, confirming a phased approach to bus franchising from 2027–2030

The Local Plan relies on the assumption of expanding sustainable transport; therefore, this revised timeframe and scope of delivery should be accounted for.

Residents across Huntingdonshire consistently raise concerns regarding the cumulative impact of development on roads, schools, healthcare provision, drainage, flood risk, public transport, and local services.

Council believes that:

a)  Sustainable development requires housing growth, employment growth, and infrastructure delivery to be planned together.

b)  Public confidence in the Local Plan process depends upon decisions being informed by the most complete, current, and transparent evidence available.

c)  The cumulative impact of development across Huntingdonshire should be properly understood before strategic decisions are taken on the scale and distribution of future growth.

d)  Infrastructure capacity, funding, timing, and deliverability are central to whether proposed growth can be considered sustainable.

e)  A Local Plan that is not supported by clear evidence on infrastructure delivery risks being less effective, less credible, and less capable of commanding public confidence.

f)  Effective infrastructure planning requires close engagement with infrastructure providers, neighbouring authorities, the Combined Authority, and relevant government agencies.

This Council therefore resolves to:

1. Request Cabinet to bring forward a consolidated infrastructure readiness report, drawing on existing and emerging evidence relevant to the Local Plan, including transport, education, health, utilities, flood risk, water management, community infrastructure, green infrastructure, and environmental infrastructure.
2. Request that this report identifies, so far as the evidence allows, infrastructure requirements, delivery assumptions, funding sources, delivery responsibilities, key risks, material gaps, funding constraints, phasing issues, and delivery dependencies which may affect the preparation, soundness,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To receive and respond to questions submitted by members of the public in accordance with the Council Procedure Rule 10.1.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1, the following Public Question was presented to the Council –

In February this year Houghton & Wyton Parish Council presented the 'Pause the Plan' petition to Full Council on behalf of almost 900 residents from across Huntingdonshire.

The petition raised concerns about infrastructure, cumulative impacts and the evidence supporting the emerging Local Plan.

The Council's own Petition Scheme explains that, following presentation and questions, the Council will consider what course of action to take and that this may include referral to Cabinet, a Committee or Overview & Scrutiny for further consideration. It also states that the petition organiser will be informed of the steps taken or proposed in response.

Can the Executive therefore explain what consideration has been given to the petition since February, what actions have been taken in response to the issues raised, and why, 5 months on, petitioners have not yet received a substantive response outlining the Council's conclusions?

The Executive Councillor for Planning, Councillor T Sanderson, thanked Holme and Whittlesey Parish Council for its presentation in February 2026 and for attending the meeting. Members noted that the issues raised had been carefully considered.

It was reported that the Local Development Scheme had been amended, with the pre-submission Local Plan now scheduled for September rather than June. Officers had continued to engage with statutory consultees and infrastructure providers to ensure the evidence base was robust, up to date, and capable of supporting a sound and deliverable Local Plan in accordance with national planning policy.

Members noted that the Infrastructure Delivery Study (Stage 2) was published on 22 July, alongside further supporting evidence including heritage impact assessments, ecological constraints assessments, the Integrated Water Management Strategy, Water Cycle Study (Stage 2), and Whole Plan Viability Assessment (Stage 2). This work had been undertaken collaboratively with key stakeholders, including the NHS, Environment Agency, Anglian Water and other infrastructure providers.

The Committee was advised that Statements of Common Ground were being published with infrastructure providers, including Anglian Water, the NHS, UK Power Networks, the Environment Agency and the Lead Local Flood Authority, with further statements to follow as they were finalised.

An apology was offered if the Parish Council felt that previous responses had not fully addressed its concerns. It was assured that representations received through the Local Plan process have been and will continue to be carefully considered, including through independent examination by the Planning Inspector.

The Executive Leader Councillor S J Conboy to address the Council on behalf of the Joint Administration on the State of the District.

The Chair will invite the Leaders of the Opposition to respond to the address.

Time Allocation: 20 minutes

The Chair invited the Executive Leader, Councillor S J Conboy to address the Council on the State of the District and to open the debate which was scheduled to follow.

Councillor Conboy opened her address by reflecting on the Council’s strong performance and progress during the current administration, noting that difficult but necessary decisions had been taken to address significant financial challenges inherited four years ago. It was reported that these decisions had contributed to improved service delivery, stronger financial stability and better outcomes for residents.

Members were advised of a number of key achievements, including a substantial reduction in the planning application backlog, improved performance against planning determination targets, reliable waste collection services, increased Council tax support for residents, growth in leisure and active lifestyles participation, homelessness prevention outcomes, significant improvements in broadband and 5G coverage, delivery of affordable housing, and progress in implementing the Council’s climate programme.

The Council’s new Corporate Plan was presented as building on this progress through three priorities: improving quality of life; creating a better Huntingdonshire for the future; and delivering core services effectively. The importance of early intervention, health and wellbeing initiatives, leisure provision and the proposed Huntingdon Sport and Health Hub was emphasised as part of the Council’s commitment to supporting stronger communities.

Members noted the Council’s continued focus on supporting businesses, strengthening market towns, attracting investment and ensuring Huntingdonshire benefits from opportunities associated with the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. It was stressed that effective planning for growth was essential to ensure the provision of homes, jobs, transport infrastructure, education, healthcare and green spaces.

The Leader also reaffirmed the importance of delivering high-quality core services, including waste collection, planning, environmental maintenance, customer support and sound financial management, which underpinned public confidence in the Council.

Reference was made to ongoing Local Government Reorganisation and the uncertainty surrounding the Government’s preferred option. Members were advised that, regardless of the outcome, the Council’s priority would remain maintaining service delivery, supporting staff, protecting financial stability and ensuring a strong transition to any future unitary authority arrangements.

In closing, the Leader reflected on the collective efforts of Councillors and Officers over the past four years, acknowledging that while challenges remained, the Council was in a stronger financial and operational position, and remained committed to serving the residents of Huntingdonshire and leaving the authority in a stronger position for the future.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor R Martin, thanked the Executive Leader for her leadership of the Council and acknowledged the positive working relationships that existed across political groups despite differing viewpoints. Appreciation was also expressed to Council Officers and staff for their professionalism and commitment in delivering services and supporting the Council’s work.

Members were assured of the Opposition Group’s support for officers and staff as the Council approached Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), recognising the uncertainty this process may create. A commitment was given to ensuring officers had the resources and support required to maximise future opportunities within any successor authority arrangements.

Councillor R Martin challenged the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules, all questions –

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

·  Must not relate to an item which is included elsewhere on the Agenda;

·  Should be limited to obtaining information or pressing for action; and

·  Should not exceed two minutes in duration.

Questions should not divulge or require to be divulged, confidential or exempt information.

In response to a question from Councillor R Tomlinson, the Executive Councillor for Planning, Councillor B Mickelburgh, advised that confirmation of the programme would need to be informed by the latest scheduling and project management information. By way of a supplementary question, Councillor Tomlinson sought assurance that St Neots Town Council would be notified promptly and directly should there be any risk to the planned completion date of March 2027.

Councillor B Mickelburgh acknowledged that a range of factors could affect project delivery timescales and noted that any assessment of risks to the programme should be based on a detailed review of current project plans and scheduling information. It was therefore considered appropriate to review the latest programme data before providing further assurances regarding the project timeline.

Councillor Burke asked for an update on repair works to the skate ramps at Hill Rise Park, St Ives, and on the potential delivery of a second phase of improvements. In response, the Executive Councillor for Parks, Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Councillor J Kerr, advised that repair works to the skate park were underway and expected to be completed by the end of the week.

Members were informed that a second phase of improvements was being developed through the Council’s Play Sufficiency Project. To support this work, officers from the Play and Funding Team attended the St Ives Carnival to engage with residents and gather feedback on the skate park and wider local play provision. This information would be used to inform the next stage of the project. It was reported that the Council had allocated £730,000 of capital funding over a three-year period to improve outdoor play spaces across the District. Investment priorities would be determined based on factors including site condition, age, accessibility, inclusivity, community need, usage levels and location.

Members noted that Hill Rise Skate Park had been identified as a priority scheme within Phase 1 of the Play Sufficiency Programme for 2026/27. Other planned improvements during this phase included sites in Huntingdon North, Huntingdon East and St Neots. Community engagement exercises were being planned to help shape the scope of improvements at each location.

Councillor R Martin raised concerns regarding the safety of Councillors, citing recent incidents. following recent reports of the murder of Anne Widdecombe, credible death threats made against a Fenland Councillor, and incidents of intimidation and harassment experienced by elected Members. He requested that Officers urgently review the protections available to Councillors and consider further training to help Members recognise and respond to intimidation, harassment and threatening behaviour. Concern was also expressed about instances where individuals had supported perpetrators of such behaviour, highlighting the importance of appropriate training and support.

In response, the Executive Leader, Councillor S Conboy, acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and noted that the Local Government Association (LGA) Member safety training had previously been provided and should be considered for inclusion in future induction programmes. Members were encouraged to access the online training resources available. It was also noted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

The Executive Councillor for Governance and Democratic Services, Councillor L Dewey-Beckett to present a report on the Variation to Part 3 of the Constitution – Responsibility for Functions: Adoption of National Scheme of Delegation of Decisions on Planning Applications for approval by the Council.

A report was presented by the Executive Councillor for Governance and Democratic Services, Councillor L Dewey-Beckett (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) advising on changes to the Constitution as a result of the adoption of the National Scheme of Delegation of Decisions on Planning Applications.

By way of introduction, Councillor L Dewey-Beckett advised that changes to planning legislation now limited Planning Committee membership to a maximum of 13 councillors. As the Development Management Committee currently comprised 16 Members, an amendment to the Constitution was required to ensure compliance with the new regulations by the prescribed deadline.

It was noted that the Corporate Governance Committee had considered and endorsed the proposal. Councillor L Dewey-Beckett then moved the recommendation that the Council approve the constitutional amendment reducing the membership of the Development Management Committee from 16 to 13 members.

The Executive Councillor for Finances and Resources, Councillor J Harvey seconded the motion.

Councillor R Martin stated that he supported the recommendation before the Council. He noted that, whilst he did not fully support the National Scheme of Delegation, the decision before Members was solely to implement the statutory changes required to Committee Membership numbers and was not a decision on the merits of the national scheme itself.

He commented that the report was somewhat confusing, as it contained significant detail regarding the National Scheme of Delegation rather than focusing on the specific change being considered. He suggested that future reports should be more closely aligned to the decision required, to avoid unnecessary debate on matters that were not before the Committee.

To conclude, Councillor L Dewey-Beckett clarified that Council was being asked to determine only the reduction in Committee Membership from 16 to 13 members, as the size and structure of the Committee was a matter reserved to Full Council. Members were not voting on Schedule 1, Schedule 2 referral criteria or the removal of call-in provisions, as these were prescribed by the 2026 Regulations and would take effect through national legislation from 31 October. It was noted that the report included this information to provide context on the wider implications of the changes to the national scheme of delegation.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the Council adopt the National Scheme of Delegation of Decisions on Planning Applications.

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.

A report was submitted by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) relating to the principles and proportionality to be applied to the appointment of Committees and Panels in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Part II of the Local Government Act 2000.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the allocation of seats on District Council Committees and Panels to political groups and non-aligned Members be determined as set out in the report now submitted.

To approve additional meetings of the Cabinet and Council on 9 September 2026 and to approve the change to the meeting of the Employment Committee from 9th September 2026 to 23rd September 2026

The Council were asked to approve additional meetings of the Cabinet and Council on 9 September 2026 and to approve the change to the meeting of the Employment Committee from 9th September 2026 to 23rd September 2026.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the additional meetings be scheduled.

The Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, Councillor N J Hunt to present the refreshed Corporate Plan for approval by the Council. 

(The Plan was considered at the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny (Performance and Growth) Panel on 1st July 2026 and Cabinet on 14th July 2026 and the Executive Leader will provide an update on the Cabinet’s deliberations).

In conjunction with a report by the Project Manager for Transformation & Corporate Reporting (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, Councillor N Hunt presented the Corporate Plan Refresh 2026 report. He set out the administration’s strategic priorities and resource allocation. The Plan retained its three core priorities: improving quality of life, creating a better Huntingdonshire for future generations, and delivering core services effectively.

Key actions included expanding One Leisure provision, improving housing standards, bringing empty homes back into use, increasing support for care leavers, and helping residents access financial assistance. It was noted that frontline services would be protected and that Overview and Scrutiny (Performance & Growth) Panel comments had been considered.

Councillor N Hunt commended the refreshed Corporate Plan to Council.

Councillor S Mokbul left the meeting at 10.23pm.

Councillor S Mokbul rejoined the meeting at 10.25pm

The Executive Leader, Councillor S Conboy seconded the motion and reserved her right to speak.

Councillor R Martin stated that he could not support the refreshed Corporate Plan and highlighted that concerns had also been raised during Overview and Scrutiny (Performance and Growth) Panel. He questioned the timing of the review, noting that a Corporate Plan had been approved only a few months earlier and that the outcome of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decision was imminent. He argued that the Plan should be deferred until after the LGR announcement, when the implications for the Council's future structure and priorities would be clearer. He suggested that the existing Corporate Plan should remain in place in the meantime and urged the administration to reconsider and bring forward a revised Plan at a later date.

Councillor N Sarkies left the meeting at 10.28pm.

Councillor N Sarkies rejoined the meeting at 10.29pm.

Councillor R Coogan questioned the timing of the Corporate Plan review ahead of the Local Government Reorganisation decision. He argued that the Plan’s priorities did not adequately reflect residents’ priorities and expressed concern about the absence of clear performance measures for some objectives. He advocated placing greater emphasis on delivering value for money and high-quality frontline services. He also questioned the prominence of carbon reduction objectives within the Plan, suggesting that the Council should focus on practical environmental measures and core service delivery. He suggested that delivering effective services to residents should be the Council’s primary priority.

Councillor A Bulat queried comments that there was a lack of appetite within central government to fund local authorities adequately, citing recent increases in local government funding and reforms intended to provide greater financial certainty for Councils.

Councillor A Bulat expressed concern at reports that Members of the administration had raised objections to the Corporate Plan, stating that administration Members would ordinarily be expected to support it. However, she noted that she broadly supported the Plan, observing that it largely built upon the previous Corporate Plan and the work undertaken by the former administration. Accordingly, she confirmed that she would support the proposal.

Councillor R  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

Councillor P Hodgson-Jones, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee to present the Annual Report of the Corporate Governance Committee for 2025/26.

Councillor M J Burke, former Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee presented the Annual Report of the Committee for 2025/26 (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which summarised the Committees activities and the issues that arose within the financial year.

Councillor M J Burke highlighted the acknowledgements contained within the report and expressed thanks to Officers, Members and the Council’s Independent Member, Philip Webb, for their contributions and support during the year.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the Annual Report 2025/26 of the Corporate Governance Committee be received and noted.

Executive Councillor N J Hunt, former Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) Panel to present the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report.

Councillor N  Hunt, former Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) Panel presented the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report on behalf of both Overview and Scrutiny Panels (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which summarised the Panels activities for the municipal year 2025/26.

In presenting the report, Councillor N Hunt reflected on the significant improvements made to the Council’s scrutiny function over the past four years.

It was noted that the scrutiny process had previously become less effective, with an overburdened work programme limiting opportunities for detailed policy review and meaningful recommendations. Since then, substantial work had been undertaken by Members and Officers to strengthen both the culture and operation of overview and scrutiny, with the past year representing a particularly important period of progress.

Key improvements included the removal of the previous “conveyor belt” approach to work programming, the introduction of a strengthened process for Member-led items, and earlier engagement in policy development, enabling panels to influence and shape proposals at a formative stage. These changes were recognised as having had a positive impact on policy outcomes and the effectiveness of scrutiny.

The importance of continued engagement from Executive Councillors, Panel Chairs, Vice-Chairs and Members was highlighted to ensure scrutiny remained effective and constructive. Support was expressed for those continuing this work in the new municipal year.

Thanks were extended to former Councillors Simone Taylor, Ben Pitt and Councillor Cath Gleadow for their contributions as Chairs and Vice-Chairs, and to the Democratic Services Officers for their support to the Overview and Scrutiny function.

The Panels were acknowledged as having a strong foundation on which to build, and best wishes were offered for a productive year ahead.

The Chair called a vote, 33 For, 0 Against, 8 Abstentions.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report be received and noted.

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

In conjunction with the decision summaries of the recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, copies of the decision summaries are appended in the Minute Book.

There were no questions raised.

The Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules require the Executive Leader to report on Executive Decisions taken under Special Urgency provisions annually to the Council. A report by the Executive Leader is attached.

With the assistance of a report by the Executive Leader (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Council were acquainted with the details of one key decision which had been taken within the last year under the Council’s special urgency provisions.

It was noted that it was a requirement within the Council’s Constitution that executive decisions taken as a matter of special urgency be reported annually to the Council by the Executive Leader.

Councillor R Martin raised concerns regarding the accuracy and completeness of the report. He noted that the use of special urgency provisions in relation to parking fee changes in December had not been included and expressed disappointment that an item listed in the report had not been accompanied by a report to Cabinet explaining the use of the provisions, as he believed was required. In response, the Head of Paid Service acknowledged the points raised and confirmed that they would be reviewed.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

to note the contents of the report.

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 copy of the list of meetings held since the last meeting of the Council held on 25th February 2026 is appended in the Minute Book and Members were advised that any issues or questions could be raised in relation to these meetings.

There were no questions raised.

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

On the recommendation of Councillors S Conboy, R Martin, R Coogan, J Kerr and L Davenport-Ray, it was

RESOLVED

a)  that Councillor G Seeff be appointed to the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny (Performance and Growth) Panel in place of Councillor S Ferguson.

b)  that Councillor D McIlwain be appointed to the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny (Environment, Communities and Partnership) Panel in place of Councillor M Burke

c)  Councillors J Gray and R Ioannides will be coming off the Development Management Committee.

d)  that Councillor S Smith will be appointed to Membership of the Licensing Committee in place of Councillor M Hassall

e)  That Councillor M Hassall be appointed to membership of the Overview and Scrutiny (Performance and Growth) Panel in place of Councillor S Smith

The meeting ended at 11.25pm.