Venue: Civic Suite, Pathfinder House, St Mary's Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TN
Contact: Ms C Deller, Democratic Services Manager, Tel No 01480 388007/e-mail: Christine.Deller@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
No. | Item |
---|---|
PRAYER Minutes: The Reverend A Milton, Team Rector for the Huntingdon Ministry opened the meeting with Prayer. |
|
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Minutes: (a) District Council Members
The Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite updated the Council on the health of the Deputy Executive Leader, Councillor N J Guyatt and having been advised that he was convalescing at home after hospital treatment, the Council wished to pass on their best wishes to him for a complete recovery.
At the same time, Councillor Ablewhite welcomed the return of Councillor T V Rogers to the Council after his short absence due to ill health.
(b) Anglia in Bloom
In reporting that she had attended the annual ‘Anglia in Bloom’ ceremony at the Burgess Hall in St. Ives, Councillor Mrs Boddington announced that the prestigious Ron Lacey Award had been presented to Mr D Smith who was employed by Huntingdon Town Council.
The Chairman welcomed Mr Smith to the meeting and together with Councillor C R Hyams, Mayor of Huntingdon Town Council presented him with the first Chairman’s Award for Services to the Community in recognition of Mr Smith’s creativity in presenting flower displays at locations around Huntingdon, his long service and dedication and his contribution to the achievement by the Town of the Anglia In Bloom Gold Award for four years in succession.
(c) Olympic Torch Relay and CCTV Award
Having given the Council the opportunity to view footage of the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay through St. Ives and Huntingdon on 8th July 2012 in advance of the meeting, the Chairman extended the Council’s congratulations to the CCTV Team on their achievement in receiving the “Andy Bruce Award” presented by the Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime Scheme in recognition of those who have performed beyond expectations for the good of the scheme.
(d) One Leisure Award
The Council congratulated the One Leisure Team on their success in being awarded a Bronze Medal for “Best UK Small Chain” at the 2012 Health Club Awards. The Executive Councillor for Healthy and Active Communities, Councillor T D Sanderson wished to place on record his commendation to the One Leisure Team in achieving 3rd place nationally for Huntingdonshire.
(e) Events
Having updated the Council on a variety of events which she had attended on their behalf, the Chairman drew particular attention to the occasion of her reception and the opportunity to unveil a new bench in Samian Court adjacent to Pathfinder House, Huntingdon in memory of former Councillor P M D Godfrey. The Chairman read to the Council a short extract from a letter from former Councillor Godfrey’s wife, Mrs J Godfrey thanking her husband’s colleagues on the Council for the tribute which they had made in his memory. |
|
PETITION Mrs Olive Main, Chairman of Stilton Parish Council will present a petition on behalf of 303 signatories on a subject considered to be of 'general concern affecting the District'. The petition statement is as follows:-
'We the undersigned, residents of Stilton and District, petition Stagecoach UK Bus, Huntingdonshire District and Cambridgeshire County Council to provide a bus that maintains direct services south to Sawtry as well as north to Peterborough.'
(NB: In the case of an ordinary petition (less than 500 signatures) the Council may respond to the petition at the meeting or refer it to the Cabinet, Committees, Panels, etc or the Council for debate or an alternative course of action.) Minutes: The Council received a petition submitted on behalf of 303 signatories seeking the District Council’s support for the provision of a bus route that maintained direct services south to Sawtry as well as north to Peterborough. In the absence of the lead petitioner, Mrs O Main, the Council proceeded to discuss the subject matter referred to in the petition.
Councillors K M Baker, Mrs L Kadic and D M Tysoe all contributed to the debate. These speakers acknowledged the importance of bus services in rural communities yet understood too, the difficulties faced by funding authorities and bus companies when particular routes were not well supported and thus uneconomic to sustain. Reference was made to bus No. 46(a), a service operated by Nene and Ouse Community Transport which covered the Alconburys, Sawtry and Stilton and the importance of discussions with Cambridgeshire County Council to ensure that this service continued after April 2013.
The Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite responded formally to the petition and welcomed the issues it highlighted in respect of the importance of rural accessibility and its effect on local communities. However, he reminded the Council that it had no statutory responsibility for the provision of local bus services but that in recognition of the importance of the issue, the Council had increased its rural transport budget to £85,000 per annum. This budget had been used as effectively as possible through consultation with partners and local transport operators. Whilst the decisions affecting route 46 had been made for commercial reasons by Stagecoach, the District Council had agreed to jointly fund, with the County Council, a replacement 46(a) service using £13,000 from its own budget which would allow the route to operate to the end of March 2013. Councillor Ablewhite added that this service, run by Nene and Ouse Community Transport appeared to be well used by the communities in the Alconburys and continued to link Stilton to Glatton, Sawtry and Huntingdon. Councillor Ablewhite described to the Council the current services enjoyed by Sawtry and Stilton and expressed his view that these met a range of local needs and when compared to other communities was far better than was enjoyed elsewhere. Whilst Councillor Ablewhite would wish to see a greater range and frequency of bus services, he was pleased that the District Council was able to respond positively to the Stagecoach changes and retain accessibility for some villages and should further changes be proposed in the future, he indicated that the District Council would be willing to assist where possible and within the resources available to it.
On conclusion of his address and on behalf of Members, the Executive Leader thanked Mrs Main for drawing this issue to the Council’s attention. Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the content of the petition be noted and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be requested to convey to Mrs Main the outcome of the Council’s discussion and decision on the petition. Actions: 10 minutes |
|
To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 4th July 2012. Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 4th July 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. Actions: 2 minutes |
|
MEMBERS' INTERESTS 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. Minutes: No interests were declared by the Members present. Actions: 2 minutes |
|
Council Debate To invite the Executive Councillor for Customer Services, Councillor B S Chapman and the Managing Director (Resources) to lead a debate on Council Tax and other Welfare Reform - Response to changes. Minutes: The Chairman reminded Members of the decision by the Council to suspend Council Procedure Rule 11 (Rules of Debate) to enable headline debates and “Green Paper” proposals 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. 31 during which time the common law rules of debate be observed by Members and applied by the Chairman.
The Chairman invited the Executive Councillor for Customer Services, Councillor B S Chapman to open the debate on Council Tax, other welfare reform and the Council’s proposed response to changes in this area. Councillor Chapman was assisted by the Managing Director (Resources), Mr T Parker.
With the assistance of a power point presentation (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) Councillor Chapman opened the debate by describing the key elements of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and the impact this would have on the District Council. It was explained that the main principles of the Act were:-
¨ to create incentives to work; ¨ to protect the most vulnerable; and ¨ to deliver fairness to those claiming benefits and to the tax payer.
Detailed draft Regulations also had been published to give greater clarity to key elements of the complex legislation. Members also were made aware that the Act provided for the abolition, with effect from 1st April 2013, of the National Tax Benefits Scheme and that from that date, each Council would be required to introduce, in its place, a local council tax support system. It was also pointed out that Government funding towards the local scheme would be 10% or £1.3m less than the Council previously received for Council Tax Benefit support. Notwithstanding that the District Council had developed a draft scheme for council tax support and whilst this had been published for consultation with a closing date of 14th October 2012, Councillor Chapman confirmed that support for pensioners would remain unchanged.
Councillor Chapman described the work which had been undertaken thus far to prepare for the introduction of a new scheme mentioning in particular the consultation exercise, direct notification to those householders that might be affected by the new scheme, system development and training of officers to respond to the changes. In presenting, in detail, the underlying principles of the proposed support scheme to the Council, Councillor Chapman reaffirmed that all working age households not considered to be vulnerable would be expected to contribute towards their council tax, so that the scheme would provide protection for the most vulnerable whilst continuing to support people moving into work and helping those in low paid work. A series of examples were used to illustrate how the household income of different family groups and individuals in varied circumstances would change under the provisions of the new scheme.
The Executive Councillor and the Managing Director (Resources) proceeded to respond to questions from Members and specifically in reply to Councillor Mrs ... view the full minutes text for item 31. Actions: 45 minutes |
|
Green Paper Item Update on the ‘Core Strategy’ to be presented by the Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Planning and Housing Strategy. Minutes: In the absence of the Executive Councillor for Planning and Housing Strategy, Councillor N J Guyatt, Councillor D B Dew, Chairman of the Development Management Panel updated Members on the performance of the Council against the core strategy housing requirement in comparison with neighbouring authorities.
Members were reminded that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) contained advice which urged authorities to positively meet the development requirements of their area by providing a five year supply of land for housing which also would stimulate local economic growth. Councillor Dew explained that the District Council was required under the former Regional Spatial Strategy to provide 14,000 new dwellings in the period 2001 – 2026. An above target average completion rate had resulted in a residual annual target of at least 458 dwellings per annum by 2026 if the requirement of 14,000 was to be achieved.
Councillor Dew asserted that the District Council had continued proactively to meet its housing targets for the future by considering positively housing locations which would favour sustainable development. He added that Huntingdonshire’s rate of completions had increased since the economic difficulties had begun in 2008 and compared favourably with other Cambridgeshire authorities locally and nationally.
In terms of statistics, Councillor Dew concluded by informing Members that the District Council received 3,000 development management applications each year and that the fee income was on target. It was also the expectation that housing pressures would continue and appropriate environmental enhancement could be secured from developments at Alconbury Weald and close to Cambridge.
Councillor S J Criswell referred to the higher than average level of homelessness in the District and the large deficit in rental properties and questioned how the District Council could bring forward social housing more quickly. Whilst agreeing that this should be the District Council’s aspiration, Councillor Dew undertook to make enquiries and respond to the questioner in writing after the meeting.
Referring to the number of dwellings completed in the year 2011/2012, Councillor I C Bates asked what percentage of these arose as a result of sites allocated through the core strategy and what percentage had emerged from windfall sites. Councillor Dew undertook to prepare a written response to this question and to circulate the reply to all Members.
Councillor P D Reeve made reference to the changing role of the developer under the new NPPF and in response, Councillor Dew stated that he was aware that the Executive Councillor for Planning and Housing Strategy had written formally to the Government on issues associated with the NPPF. Councillor Dew encouraged Members to forward any additional questions to him by email. Actions: 15 minutes |
|
The Executive Councillor for Resources to present a report by the Head of Financial Services on the process leading towards approval of the Budget/Medium Term Plan 2013/14 at the meeting of the Council in February 2013. Minutes: With the assistance of a report by the Head of Financial Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) and referring to Minute No. 34, (d), Item No. 5 post, the Executive Councillor for Resources presented the interim financial forecast to the Council and updated Members on issues which could impact upon the process leading to approval of the 2013/2014 budget and Medium Term Plan at the Council meeting in February 2013. The Executive Councillor also invited the views of the Council on the basis on which the Minimum Revenue Provision should be calculated. The Council was reminded that the financial forecast was the first stage in the process towards approval of the 2013/2014 budget.
Councillor Gray reminded Members that the financial objectives of the Cabinet were –
¨ to achieve a balanced revenue budget by the financial year 2016/2017; ¨ to maintain an appropriate level of revenue reserves; ¨ to establish a clear protocol for borrowing and investment; and ¨ to plan for the withdrawal of the new homes bonus should this occur.
Having updated the Council on the progress of the Cabinet towards each objective, Councillor Gray drew Members’ attention to the content of the report of the Head of Financial Services and mentioned in particular the impact on the 2011/2012 outturn of work projects being delivered by Officers under or within budget. Councillor Gray wished to place on record his gratitude to staff for their efforts in this respect.
The Council was reminded that provision had been made in the budget for a 3.5% increase in pay although a decision had not yet been made on the precise pay award for 2013. The Executive Councillor drew attention to risks or uncertainties which might impact on the Council’s budget. These included the possibility that the forecast for delivery of new homes might not materialise thereby affecting the level of the new homes bonus which could be allocated by the Government. He added that the Cabinet had recognised this uncertainty and requested Officers to monitor development more closely so that the position could be updated on a quarterly basis. Other areas of risk included the scheme for the localisation of business rates and council tax support which might require the Council to meet a reduction in funding from the Government. Lastly, the Council was acquainted with potential for the District Council to contribute towards the liability created by the demise of Municipal Mutual Insurance, a company in which the District Council and its predecessor authorities formerly held policies.
The Council was reminded that the Cabinet continued to consider ways to deliver further efficiencies either by service reorganisation or by generating income. Details of these schemes would be shared with the Overview and Scrutiny Panels and the Council when appropriate.
Councillor Gray concluded by commending to the Council the annuity basis as the means of calculating the Minimum Revenue Provision and before inviting the Council to debate the financial forecast alerted the Council to the prospect of ... view the full minutes text for item 33. Actions: 30 minutes |
|
Reports of the Cabinet, Panels and Committees Actions: 20 minutes |
|
Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) Minutes: Councillor T V Rogers presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 12th July and 6th September 2012.
………………………………………………
Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Economic Well-Being) held on 12th July and 6th September 2012 be received and adopted. |
|
Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) Minutes: Councillor D Harty presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 10th July and 11th September 2012.
………………………………………………
In connection with Item No. 7 and in response to questions from Councillor P J Downes and P D Reeve regarding the pilot initiative for the placing of stickers on kerb side wheeled bins, Councillor D M Tysoe, Executive Councillor for the Environment reminded the Council that the pilot scheme was still in progress and that he was awaiting a response from Speed Watch on the success or otherwise of the Initiative. Councillor Harty undertook to respond to Councillor Downes in writing and comment as to whether a driver could be expected to react to a notice of a speed restriction if it was placed on a kerb side wheeled bin.
………………………………………………
In connection with Item No. 13 and in response to a question from Councillor R J West, Councillor Harty concurred with the questioner’s view that the original ‘call for action’ on concerns over the design of the Loves Farm Development in St. Neots was successful as it had resulted in recommendations which would inform a future housing scheme and encourage improved engagement with the County Council on adoption of roads of adequate standard.
………………………………………………
Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) held on 10th July and 11th September 2012 be received and adopted. |
|
Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) Minutes: Councillor S J Criswell presented the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 3rd July and 4th September 2012.
………………………………………………
In connection with Item No. 11 and in response to a question from Councillor P D Reeve regarding the proposed model for new local joint committees in Huntingdonshire which appeared to restrict dual-hatted Members to one vote, Councillor Criswell remarked that the arrangements had emerged from consultation responses and whilst acknowledging that there was no perfect solution to the way in which voting could be organised at meetings he was hopeful that in the future some compromise might be achieved.
………………………………………………
Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the Report of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Social Well-Being) held on 3rd July and 4th September 2012 be received and adopted. |
|
Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor J D Ablewhite, Executive Leader and Chairman of the Cabinet presented the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 19th July and 30th September 2012.
………………………………………………
In connection with Item No. 5, it was noted that the Financial Forecast had previously been considered by the Council under Minute No. 33.
………………………………………………
In connection with Item No. 12 and in response to a question from Councillor P J Downes which raised concern that the placing of a purple sticker on kerb side wheeled bins also identified the homes of vulnerable people to individuals of dubious intent, Councillor Ablewhite suggested that whilst there did not appear to be any evidence of abuse any concerns might be overcome in the future by using a simple IT software package to identify the homes of vulnerable residents.
………………………………………………
Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that, subject to the foregoing paragraphs, the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 19th July and 13th September 2012 be received and adopted. |
|
Minutes: Councillor A Hansard presented the Report of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 6th September 2012.
………………………………………………
In connection with Item No. 7, Councillor Hansard reported on the outcome of interviews for the posts of Lead and Deputy Independent Persons which had taken place after the Agenda for the meeting had been despatched. Having described the new role of the Independent Person and advised of the number of candidates considered during the interview process, Councillor Hansard moved and it was duly seconded and
RESOLVED
that, on the recommendation of the Standards Interviewing Panel, Messrs M Lynch and D L Hall be appointed to serve as Lead and Deputy Independent Persons for the period ending 30th June 2013.
………………………………………………
Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that, subject to the foregoing paragraphs, the Report of the meeting of the Standards Committee held on 6th September 2012 be received and adopted. |
|
Development Management Panel Minutes: Councillor D B Dew presented the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 16th July, 20th August and 17th September 2012.
………………………………………………
In connection with Item No. 6 and in response to a question from Councillor C R Hyams, Councillor Dew updated the Council on the current status of the draft Urban Design Framework for Bearscroft Farm, Godmanchester. As the document had progressed through both the Overview and Scrutiny (Environmental Well-Being) and Development Management Panels it carried some weight in the planning process but Cambridgeshire County Council had objected to elements of the framework which currently prevented it from progressing any further. As negotiations in this respect were still ongoing, Councillor Dew was unable to comment further.
………………………………………………
Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the Report of the meetings of the Development Management Panel held on 16th July, 20th August and 17th September 2012 be received and adopted. |
|
Minutes: Councillor S Cawley presented the Report of the meeting of the Employment Panel held on 19th September 2012.
………………………………………………
In connection with Item No. 8 and in response to a question from Councillor S M Van De Kerkhove, Councillor Cawley assured the questioner that it was the intention to put in place robust measures to manage absence from work due to sickness.
………………………………………………
In connection with Item No. 11 and in light of the suggestion, under the Employee Opinion Survey, that only 75% of employees felt that they were treated with dignity and respect at work by District Councillors, Councillor P J Downes reported that he hoped to discuss with the Executive Leader and Councillor P D Reeve, the possibility of a protocol which would enable employees to raise concerns about Members in an appropriate way.
………………………………………………
In connection with Item No. 12, Councillor Cawley invited the Council to endorse the sentiments of the Panel with regard to the six employees who had retired from the local government service.
………………………………………………
Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the Report of the meeting of the Employment Panel held on 19th September 2012 be received and adopted. |
|
ORAL QUESTIONS In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (Section 8.3) of the Council's Constitution, to receive oral questions from Members of the Council Minutes: In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules (paragraph 8.3 of the Rules), the Chairman proceeded to conduct a period of oral questions addressed to Executive Councillors and Panel Chairmen as follows:-
Question from Councillor C R Hyams to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite
In response to a question regarding the prospect of finding a long-term solution to the current difficulties experienced by Huntingdonshire Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Councillor Ablewhite empathised with the questioner adding that he too had been shocked by the closure of the CAB especially at a time when their service and advice was most needed. He added that discussions had continued with a view to finding a remedy which would retain the volunteers and their experience in the period to April 2013 before a long-term solution and a new service either through the CAB or another provider could commence in the Spring. In this respect, Councillor Ablewhite advised Members that he had offered assistance by suggesting that accommodation might be made available for a new service in the Council’s offices. Councillor Ablewhite also indicated his wish to place on record his gratitude to Huntingdonshire CAB for their service to District residents over many years.
Question from Councillor P J Downes to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite
In response to a question regarding the reasons for the closure of the Huntingdonshire Citizens’ Advice Bureau and given his understanding that these related to the under-funding of the local government pension scheme, Councillor Ablewhite assured the questioner that this would not affect the District or County Council’s involvement in the LGPS and was due to management decisions taken by the CAB in recent years.
Question from Councillor R G Tuplin to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite
In response to a question regarding the procedure for CIL or Section 106 funding towards secondary or academy schools in Huntingdonshire, Councillor Ablewhite assured the questioner that governance arrangements would be put in place such that local education establishments would have the opportunity to benefit from CIL or Section 106 monies.
Question from Councillor Mrs P J Longford to the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite
In response to a question regarding the current position in respect of civil parking enforcement, Councillor Ablewhite concurred with the questioner that the issue required to be addressed but that responsibility for implementation lay with the County Council. He understood that this would commence with a pilot scheme in a selected area.
Question from Councillor C R Hyams to the Executive Councillor for Healthy and Active Communities, Councillor T D Sanderson
In response to information presented to the Council from the questioner regarding the successful outcome of prosecutions undertaken by Environmental Protection Officers which had resulted in fines totalling £3,015, Councillor Sanderson undertook to congratulate the Environmental Protection Team, on the Council’s behalf, for their efforts in bringing these offences to court and for protecting residents on food hygiene and health and safety issues.
Before the meeting closed, Members were invited to ... view the full minutes text for item 35. Actions: 30 minutes |