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: The Reverend of St Andrew’s Church, Great Staughton, Nicki Bland, opened the meeting with a prayer.
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CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Minutes: The Chairman presented to the Council an account of the activities both he and the Vice-Chairman had attended since the last meeting. In so doing, he summarised his attendance at various events including Flag Raising Ceremonies for Commonwealth Day, Armed Forces Day and for the Royal Air Force Centenary Celebrations, as well as supporting local charities including the East Anglian Children’s Hospice, Cambridge and Huntingdon Deaf Children’s Society and St John’s Ambulance and attending services for St Georges Day, Memorial Day at Madingley and the installation of the Mayor of Peterborough. Together with Councillor Ms A Dickinson, the Chairman also reported upon his support for the cake stall at Pathfinder House in support of the Council as a Dementia Friendly Workplace. |
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To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 23rd May 2018 and the Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting held on 27th June 2018. Additional documents: Minutes: The Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on the 23rd May and 27th June 2018 were approved as correct records and signed by the Chairman. |
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MEMBERS INTERESTS To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary or other interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below. Minutes: Councillor K I Prentice declared a non-statutory disclosable interest in Item No. 22 by virtue of his employment. Councillors B S Chapman and D A Giles declared non-statutory disclosable interests in Item No. 22 by virtue of their membership of St Neots Town Council.
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MOTION ON NOTICE Following the deferral of consideration of the motion at Council on 13th December 2017, Councillor B S Chapman to move –
“The Falcon Hotel on St Neots Market Square has been closed for the past decade. The building occupies a central position at the heart of St Neots and its current appearance and lack of use is damaging to the local St Neots economy.
Last summer an online petition calling for HDC to Compulsorily Purchase the Falcon Hotel was supported by over 600 signatures in a period of one week.
It is therefore proposed that Huntingdonshire District Council in its capacities both as Local Planning Authority and the Principal Authority responsible for St Neots Economic Development commit to serving a Compulsory Purchase Order on the owner of Falcon Hotel, St Neots.”
Minutes: (See Minute No. 21 for Members’ interests).
Further to Minute No. 44 (b) of the meeting of the Council held on 13th December 2017, Councillor B S Chapman moved and it was duly seconded by Councillor D A Giles that –
“The Falcon Hotel on St Neots Market Square has been closed for the past decade. The building occupies a central position at the heart of St Neots and its current appearance and lack of use is damaging to the local St Neots economy.
Last summer an online petition calling for HDC to Compulsorily Purchase the Falcon Hotel was supported by over 600 signatures in a period of one week.
It is therefore proposed that Huntingdonshire District Council in its capacities both as Local Planning Authority and the Principal Authority responsible for St Neots Economic Development commit to serving a Compulsory Purchase Order on the owner of Falcon Hotel, St Neots.”
An amendment to the motion was moved by Councillor R Fuller and duly seconded by Councillor G J Bull that –
“The Falcon Hotel on St Neots Market Square has been closed for the past decade. The building occupies a central position at the heart of St Neots and the District Council recognises that The Falcon is a visually important element of St Neots Market Square and its future use can make a collective positive contribution to the vibrancy and economic success of the town centre.
Previous action by the District Council, through a Section 215 Notice, to improve the external appearance of this Listed building has been successful in preventing further decline, but a viable future use for the building must be found. The District Council’s strong stance on resisting inappropriate development of the site through the statutory planning process has been consistently upheld by independent Inspectors at Appeal and the planning status and potential of the site is thereby increasingly clear.
That importance is reflected in the ongoing work of the newly formed St Neots Master Plan for Growth Steering Group, on which the District and Town Councils, along with others, are represented.
The District Council supports work to find an appropriate use for the building and will continue to facilitate discussions to bring this forward, by whatever mechanisms are appropriate. This includes the exploration of a Compulsory Purchase Order option if the use of the building cannot be resolved voluntarily with the site owner or via an open market solution. ... view the full minutes text for item 22. Actions: 10 Minutes. |
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STATE OF THE DISTRICT 2018 (ANNUAL REPORT) The Executive Leader, Councillor G J Bull to address the Council on the State of the District.
(The Chairman will invite the Leaders of the Opposition to respond to the address. A Member may speak once in the ensuing discussion).
Minutes: The Chairman invited the Executive Leader, Councillor G J Bull to address the Council on the State of the District 2018 and to open the debate which was scheduled to follow. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is appended in the Minute Book.
In his opening remarks Councillor Bull began by emphasising some important facts about Huntingdonshire that informed local policy making. In particular, the population of the District was predicted to grow by over 17%, with a large increase in the elderly. He also referred to the rural/urban population split and the trend for a decline in the rural population that may be attributed to the larger villages becoming more urban.
Members’ attention was drawn to the low unemployment rate for the District compared with neighbouring Districts, although there was a requirement to increase the number of individuals with higher level qualifications to ensure that the District maintained a skilled and motivated workforce. In referring to the Index of Multiple Deprivation, Councillor Bull reported that three pockets existed in Huntingdonshire, namely the east of St Neots, North Huntingdon and parts of Ramsey and had been taken into account as policies develop focussing on the housing accommodation types, economic growth, skills and provision of leisure facilities.
In referring to the other major challenges faced by the Council, Members’ focus was drawn to the external pressures, including Brexit, a reduction in Central Government funding, an increasing demand for services as the population grows and other major external policy pressures such as the reduction in plastics recycling by China impacting upon our planned reduction in landfill.
Councillor Bull stressed the importance of focussing on the needs and welfare of the local residents, enabling the provision of good quality services at a fair value. The District Council itself was also a significant local workforce with over 700 permanent staff and gross expenditure of nearly £80m.
Referring to the Corporate Plan for 2017/18, the vision was to improve the quality of life, deliver economic growth and provide value for money services for the people of Huntingdonshire. Focussing on the main priorities and looking back at performance in enabling communities, Councillor Bull reported that the Council has successfully implemented a Homelessness Strategy and action plan that had resulted in the prevention of 363 cases in 2017/18 and a success that should be celebrated. In so doing, Councillor Bull congratulated the Officers involved in delivering this achievement and although not eradicated the problem, the Council had delivered higher than the target that had been set.
In focussing on the priority and performance of delivering sustainable growth, the provision of rural exception sites had assisted in delivering local housing for local people, the Local Plan had been submitted for independent examination and Councillor Bull paid tribute to those Members that had been involved in the St Neots Master Plan.
In highlighting the performance against the priority of becoming a more efficient and effective Council, Councillor Bull referred to the pressures on the Council’s budget, but alongside ... view the full minutes text for item 23. Actions: 45 Minutes. |
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QUESTIONS TO MEMBERS OF THE CABINET Questions to Members of the Cabinet.
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.
Minutes: In response to a question by Councillor D A Giles and by reference to the performance reported by the Executive Leader in Minute No. 23 ante that 79% of calls made had been answered by the Call Centre, on the possibility of revisiting the policy of requesting Members to make calls via the Call Centre to take the pressure off the already overworked Call Centre staff, Councillor D M Tysoe reminded Members of an email that had been circulated to advise of forthcoming changes to be made to the Call Centre in its call handling system by provision of a menu approach to assist in the direction of services for customers. He further explained that if a Member was already in a dialogue with an existing Officer, the contact should continue through the Officer and not through the Call Centre.
In light of the Council’s recent success in hosting a delegation from China, Councillor P Kadewere asked the Deputy Leader, Councillor R Fuller, for his support in welcoming the Zimbabwean Tourist Authority, whereby Councillor Fuller welcomed the suggestion to extend an invitation to such groups.
In the absence of Councillor Ms M Beutell and in response to a question from Councillor T D Sanderson on the timescale of publication of the Council’s Car Parking Strategy and whether it would include civil parking enforcement and details of the schedule of maintenance of weeds, Councillor G J Bull requested that the question be put in writing to ensure a full reply could be provided.
By reference to a question by Councillor B S Chapman on transport infrastructure and the number of schemes that had been funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) as well as the Deputy Leader’s control over delivery of the schemes, he referenced a document published by Cambridgeshire County Council detailing 110 infrastructure schemes that had been agreed by the District Council and its links to the sustainability of the Local Plan. In response, Councillor R Fuller indicated his lack of understanding in Councillor Chapman’s basis of fact and explained that the CIL would not fund all infrastructure projects across the District and requested that he provide further evidence to support his question and to substantiate his claims. Actions: 10 Minutes. |
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CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH COMBINED AUTHORITY - UPDATE Councillor G J Bull, Executive Leader to present on the activities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
Councillors D B Dew and T D Sanderson to provide an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Decision summaries for recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny 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.
Additional documents:
Minutes: In conjunction with the decision summaries of the recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Councillor G J Bull presented an update of their activities. Copies of the decision summaries are appended in the Minute Book.
Councillor Bull reported upon his attendance at a meeting held earlier that day and discussion on a review of its Constitution and proposals to introduce a structure of three Committees for transport, skills and housing and communities. He also informed Members of the establishment of the Business Board, as well as progress on the Independent Economic Review and indicated that this authority had provided a response to the latest consultation, as well as informing Members that the Combined Authority and Greater Cambridge Partnership had agreed upon a Transport Strategy to deliver.
By reference to the map highlighting the Index of Multiple Deprivation as referred to in the presentation in Minute No. 23 ante, Councillor Bull highlighted the extent of the disparities across the Combined Authority area that the Mayor was attempting to address. In concluding, Councillor Bull congratulated Councillor L W McGuire in his recent appointment as Vice-Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee of the Combined Authority.
In response to a question by Councillor B S Chapman on clarity of funding for the St Neots Master Plan as reported on page 32 of the decision summary, Councillor Bull confirmed funding for what was in place at the moment.
Councillors D B Dew and T D Sanderson provided an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Sanderson reported that there had been three meetings since his appointment and informed Members of the issues surrounding the recent call-in and at business discussed at the recent meeting held on 23rd July 2018, including a presentation received on the Community Land Trust.
Councillor Dew reported that Members of the Committee had doubled up to work together and look at specific areas of the Combined Authority, with his focus on skills and Councillor Sanderson’s focus on transport. They had also received a presentation from the Mayor. Councillor Dew indicated his concern with the Council’s original approach of a suggested zero budget contribution to the Combined Authority, but remained concerned with the amount of time that was impacting upon the Executive Leader and would revisit this issue after the Summer and the development of the new Committees. Actions: 15 Minutes. |
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE 2017/18 Councillor L W McGuire to present the Annual Report of the Corporate Governance Committee for 2017/18.
(The report was approved for submission to the Council by the Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 13th June 2018). Additional documents: Minutes: In conjunction with a report by the Internal Audit and Risk Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) Councillor L W McGuire, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee, presented the Annual Report for 2017/18 of the Corporate Governance Committee that outlined the work that had been undertaken by the Committee over the previous year. Councillor McGuire paid tribute to the previous Chairman, former Councillor M Francis, and previous Members that had served on the Committee.
Focussing on the forthcoming year, Councillor McGuire indicated his focus on challenging and improving the governance arrangements and welcomed input from Members of the Committee to maintain awareness of the issues identified. In particular, reference was made to concerns surrounding the roll-out of the Council Anywhere Project in relation to cyber security, as well as issues surrounding the delay in implementation of the Council’s new financial management system. In light of the fire at the Document Centre, Eastfield House in Autumn 2017 and the subsequent disruption to the service as well as CCTV, there would be focus upon understanding the business continuity plans in place in view of the commercialisation project and working with external providers. Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the Annual Report 2017/18 of the Corporate Governance Committee be received and noted.
Actions: 10 Minutes. |
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Councillor J A Gray to present a report setting out a proposed mechanism for decisions to be taken by the Council as Shareholder of its Local Authority Trading Company - HDC Ventures Ltd and the establishment of a Shareholder Reference Group.
(The report was considered by the Cabinet at their meeting on 21st June 2018 who recommended that it be submitted to the Council). Minutes: In conjunction with a report by the Managing Director (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) Councillor J A Gray Executive Councillor for Resources presented a report on a proposed mechanism to be taken by the Council as shareholder of its Local Authority Trading Company, HDC Ventures Ltd and proposals for establishment of a Shareholder Reference Group.
The Council had established a Local Authority Trading Company, HDC Ventures, with its purpose to enable the Council to participate in commercial trading activities. With the day-to-day operation of the company being the responsibility of the Directors and the Council was the sole Shareholder, Councillor Gray explained that it was necessary for the Council to determine a way of engaging with the Directors of the Board of the Trading Company. Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
(a) that Councillor J A Gray be appointed as Shareholder Representative to act on behalf of the Council as Shareholder of the Council’s Local Authority Trading Company;
(b) that the Shareholder Representative’s Terms of Reference as appended to the report now submitted be approved; and
(c) that a Shareholder Reference Group be established comprising four Councillors to be politically balanced.
In response to a question by Councillor B S Chapman on whether the appointment of the Shareholder Representative was in addition to the non-Executive Directors and questioned the number. In response, Councillor Gray reported that there were currently three serving Directors and former Councillor D Brown had submitted his resignation from the Board. Councillor Chapman further questioned point 2 in the terms of reference and whether the action would be taken without the approval of the Shareholder Reference Group, whereby Councillor Gray explained that the Shareholder Representative would not be taking any action that had not been agreed by the Council in terms of its strategic direction.
Arising from a question from Councillor S Wakeford regarding the size of the Shareholder Reference Group, Councillor Gray explained that the size that had been determined was felt appropriate to the requirements currently but suggested that this could be re-visited in the future. Actions: 5 Minutes. |
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USE OF SPECIAL URGENCY PROVISIONS 2017/18 In accordance with 17.3 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules, the Executive Leader Councillor G J Bull to present the annual report on executive decisions taken using the Special Urgency provisions set out within the District Council’s Constitution Additional documents: Minutes:
Consideration was given to a report by the Executive Leader on the use of special urgency provisions taken throughout the previous year (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book). Councillor G J Bull advised Members of the procedure to consider a key decision that had not been included on the Notice of Key Decisions and reported that this provision had been used on three occasions in the previous year to consider the procurement of Commercial Investment Strategy assets. Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
that the contents of the report be noted.
Actions: 5 Minutes. |
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OUTCOMES FROM COMMITTEES AND PANELS 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. Minutes: A copy of the list of meetings held since the last meeting of the Council held on 21st February 2018 is appended in the Minute Book and Members were advised that any issues or questions could be raised in relation to these meetings.
Arising from the reduction in the number of Overview and Scrutiny Panels from three to two, Councillor B S Chapman asked that the Minutes of the last meetings of the Municipal Year of the three Overview Scrutiny Panels be re-instated on the Council’s Minutes system Modern.gov.
Actions: 10 Minutes. |
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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. Minutes: There were no changes to report.
The meeting ended at 10.00pm.
Actions: 5 Minutes. |