Agenda and minutes

The Reverend Jon Randell, Vicar of Huntingdon will open the meeting with prayer.

Councillor J A Gray, Executive Councillor for Strategic Finance, opened the meeting with a prayer.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 7th December 2021.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 7th December 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary or other interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below.

Councillor I D Gardener declared a non-statutory disclosable interest in Item No. 68 by virtue of his position as Chairman of Grafham Parish Council.

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

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

The Executive Councillor for Strategic Finance, Councillor J A Gray to present for approval –

v  The 2022/23 Budget and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2023/24 to 2026/27

v  The Fees and Charges Schedule for 2022/23

v  The Treasury Management Strategy, the Capital Strategy and the Investment Strategy including the annual prudential indicators for 2022/23;

v  The Annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement 2022/23;

v  The formal resolution to determine the Council Tax for 2022/23.

In accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Act 1992, the Council will be required to approve resolutions as to the levels of Council Tax in 2021/22.

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

(The reports were considered by the Cabinet at their meeting on 10th February 2022 and it was agreed that they should be recommended to Council for approval).

(Leaders of Opposition Groups will have a right of reply).

(Notes: 30 Minutes Presentation

  30 Minutes for Questions)

In conjunction with a report by the Chief Financial Officer and a PowerPoint presentation (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book), Councillor J A Gray, Executive Councillor for Strategic Finance presented to Members the 2022/23 Revenue Budget, the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2023/24 to 2026/27, the Fees and Charges schedule for 2022/23, the Treasury Management Strategy, the Capital Strategy, the Investment Strategy, the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement for 2022/23 and other associated matters for the Council’s consideration and approval.

In accordance with Section 30 (2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the Council also considered proposals for levels of Council Tax in 2022/23 for various parts of Huntingdonshire District.

By way of introduction and with the assistance of a power-point presentation (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), Councillor Gray proceeded to set out the guiding principles which had been used to put together the Budget for 2022/23. He drew attention to the challenging and complicated budget setting process on this occasion and extended his gratitude to the Managing Director and her staff in support of this process, as well as his Cabinet colleagues. He also referred to the impact of COVID and the ongoing macro-economic conditions that had contributed to the creation of a financial environment which was hard to predict.

Members were advised that the Budget had been built to protect frontline services and invest in areas that were important to residents and their priorities. In noting that the Council had benefited from the one-year settlement from government for 2022/23, this presented continued uncertainty and difficulty in forecasting the MTFS.

Councillor Gray highlighted the Council Tax requirement for 2022/23 and the Administration’s intention to keep any Council Tax rises low but affordable which had resulted in an average increase of 1.8% per annum over the past 4 years. It was proposed that in 2022/23 Band D should be set at £150.86. He further explained that the Section 151 Officer had confirmed the robustness of the Budget and that the proposed 2022/23 Budget should not give Members any significant concerns with regards to the Council’s financial position.

Members’ attention was drawn to the statement of reserves, with £2.175M being maintained in the General Fund, the General Reserve that would be used up over the course of 2022/23 and the Commercial Investment Reserve which would be utilised to balance the Budget. In referring to the plan for the MTFS, Councillor Gray explained that he had confidence in the levers at the Council’s disposal and their ability to influence the cost of services, funding from grants and tax and income from traded services. Members also noted the assumptions that had been made to meet the challenges which included, keeping the minimum General Fund reserve, 2% annual pay rise, continued growth of the National Living Wage and the requirement for the Council to remain dynamic and innovative.

Councillor Gray explained that officers would be held to account over their service  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

In compliance with the requirements of Section 38-43 of the Localism Act 2011, the Executive Councillor for Corporate Services, Councillor D Keane to present the Pay Policy Statement to the Council for approval.

(The Statement was endorsed by the Employment Committee at their meeting on 9th February 2022).

In compliance with the requirements of Sections 38-43 of the Localism Act 2011, Councillor D Keane the Executive Councillor for Corporate Services presented a report by the Strategic HR Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) in connection with the District Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23.

The Statement, which is required to be approved by Council by 31 March 2022 and produced annually, details the Council’s policies relating to Officer remuneration.

It was moved by Councillor Keane, duly seconded and

RESOLVED

that the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23 be approved.

Councillor G J Bull, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee to present a report seeking the approval and adoption of the Local Government Association Model Code of Conduct for implementation from May 2022.

(The Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 26th January 2022 endorsed the recommendations).

Councillor G J Bull, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee introduced a report inviting the Council to consider whether to adopt the new Model Code of Conduct developed by the Local Government Association.

The report had been considered by the Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 26th January 2022, who had endorsed the recommendations.

Whereupon and having been duly moved and seconded, it was

RESOLVED

to approve and adopt the LGA Model Code and Guidance to take effect from May 2022.

Councillor G J Bull, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee to present a report seeking the re-appointment of the Lead and Deputy Lead Independent Persons for a two-year period to 30th April 2024.

(The Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 26th January 2022 endorsed the recommendations).

In conjunction with consideration of the item at the meeting of the Corporate Governance Committee on 26th January 2022, the Chairman of the Committee, Councillor G J Bull presented to the Council a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) seeking the re-appointment of the Lead and Deputy Lead Independent Persons for a further two-year period.

Councillor Bull reminded Members that in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, it was necessary for the Council to appoint one or more Independent Persons and acquainted the Council with the backgrounds to the proposed appointments and their agreements to continue in their roles.

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

that the re-appointment of Mrs Gillian Holmes and Mr Peter Baker to the posts of Lead and Deputy Independent Persons respectively be reaffirmed for a further two-year period to 30 April 2024 without the need for further ratification each year by the Council at its Annual Meeting.

Councillor G J Bull, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee to present a report inviting Council to opt into the national scheme by Public Sector Audit Appointments for the appointment of external auditors.

(The Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 26th January 2022 endorsed the recommendations).

Councillor G J Bull, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee introduced a report inviting the Council to consider whether to opt into a national scheme for the appointment of their External Auditors from 2023/24.

The report had been considered by the Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 26th January 2022, who had endorsed the recommendations.

Whereupon and having been duly moved and seconded, it was

RESOLVED

to opt Huntingdonshire District Council into the national scheme by Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA) for the appointment of external auditors.

Councillor G J Bull, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee to present a report seeking approval to make changes to the Council’s Code of Procurement.

(The Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 26th January 2022 endorsed the recommendations).

In conjunction with consideration of the item at the meeting of the Corporate Governance Committee on 26th January 2022, the Chairman of the Committee, Councillor G J Bull presented to the Council a report by the Assistant Director (Corporate Services) (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) outlining a proposal to uplift the Council’s Code of Procurement to include higher purchasing thresholds and simplify the procurement process.

Whereupon and having been duly moved and seconded, it was

RESOLVED

to approve the changes to the Code of Procurement to raise the thresholds for the lower levels and simplify the level structure within the existing regulations, as amended by EU exit legislation.

Following the Grafham and Ellington Neighbourhood Plan Referendum held on Thursday 27th January 2022, the Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning to present a report seeking approval to make the Grafham and Ellington Neighbourhood Plan to enable it to become part of the Statutory Development Plan for Huntingdonshire.

Having regard to a report by the Strategic Growth Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on the referendum of the Bury Neighbourhood Plan held on 27th January 2022, the Executive Councillor for Strategic Planning acquainted Members with the results of the referendum with 95.7% voting in favour of supporting the making of the Neighbourhood Plan. As the result exceeded the 50% threshold, the Council was required to make the Neighbourhood Plan part of the Statutory Development Plan for Huntingdonshire. Councillor D Tysoe thanked the committee of volunteers from Grafham and Ellington who had been involved in the work, as well as Officers of the District Council. Whereupon, the Council

RESOLVED

  that the Grafham and Ellington Neighbourhood Plan as attached at Appendix 1 to the report now submitted be adopted with immediate effect to become part of the Statutory Development Plan for Huntingdonshire.

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 actions; and

v  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 B S Chapman regarding the progress being made with the Future High Streets Fund and specifically the redevelopment of the Old Falcon Hotel, the Market Square, High Street and Priory Quarter in St Neots, the Executive Leader Councillor R Fuller referred to the recently published Agenda for the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) which provided an update on the Market Towns Programme. Councillor Fuller explained that work was progressing on each of these projects and discussions were ongoing with the current owner of the Old Falcon Hotel. Councillor Fuller undertook to arrange a separate discussion on the market square proposals to provide further detail in due course.

Following a question from Councillor S Wakeford concerning the proposal to uplift the Code of Procurement thresholds (Minute No. 21/67 ante refers), reassurance was sought that the District Council would be committed to ensuring social value was part of the procurement process. In response, Councillor Fuller confirmed that this would be the Council’s intention. Councillor Wakeford also asked for an update on the lobbying efforts in relation to the plans for the Huntingdon Railway Station area and Councillor Fuller reported that a meeting had been held with partners to address issues associated with the landscaping and cycle paths. A further meeting was scheduled to discuss progress shortly.

Arising from a question from Councillor B M Pitt on the current status of the St Neots Master Plan Group, Councillor Fuller explained that the Group had been paused due to the pandemic. It would now be re-profiled with the agreement of the Combined Authority to look at the activity of the Master Plan in conjunction with the Future High Streets Fund, together with the governance arrangements of the Master Plan Steering Group.

Following a question from Councillor A Roberts seeking an update on the Kickstart Scheme at the District Council, Councillor D N Keane Executive Councillor for Corporate Services reported that the District Council had been working with the Department for Work and Pensions since February 2021. Since this time, the Council had been successful in the placement of 33 individuals, many who had gone on to be successful in other roles or gone into other jobs externally. Councillor Keane also took the opportunity to thank Officers for their support of these individuals during their placements.

Councillor R Fuller, Executive Leader to present on the activities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

Councillors S J Corney and D B Dew to provide an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor G J Bull to provide an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Audit and Governance Committee.

Decision summaries for recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Audit and Governance Committee and Board are attached to the Agenda for information.

In accordance with the Protocol agreed at the February 2017 meeting, this item provides an opportunity for District Council Members to ask questions and comment on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority issues.

If Members wish to raise questions or issues requiring a detailed response, it would be helpful if they can provide prior notice so that the necessary information can be obtained in advance of the meeting.

In conjunction with the decision summaries of the recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book), Councillor R Fuller presented an update of their activities. In doing so, the Council were informed of his attendance with the Managing Director at a workshop meeting to consider doing things differently and delivering a vision, with the support of the new Chief Executive of the Combined Authority. Councillor Fuller also drew specific attention to the lack of progress made with regards to the upgrade of the A141, despite the Deputy Leader contacting the Mayor in an attempt to make progress on the issue.

Councillors S Corney and D B Dew provided an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Council were advised of the cancellation of one meeting owing to insufficient business and also the attendance by the Mayor at recent meeting to discuss the roll out of bus services across the county. Councillor D B Dew referred to his questions to the Mayor regarding the St Ives Transport studies and cycling routes and active travel in St Ives and Huntingdon.

Members were provided with an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Audit and Governance Committee by Councillor G J Bull. Councillor Bull reported that the new Chief Executive had been in attendance at their meeting in January 2022 and the Committee had discussed a range of matters including the progress made against the internal audit plan and the terms of reference of the committee in relation to the Combined Authorities’ Trading Companies.

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.

A copy of the list of meetings held since the last meeting of the Council held on 7th December 2021 is appended in the Minute Book and Members were advised that any issues or questions could be raised in relation to these meetings.

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

On the recommendation of Councillor T D Sanderson, it was

RESOLVED

that Councillor T D Sanderson be appointed to the membership of the Senior Officers Committee in place of Councillor D A Giles.

The meeting ended at 8.53pm.