Agenda and minutes

Ms Christine Green to open the meeting with a Quaker ‘Thought for the Day’.

A ‘Thought for the Day’ was presented by Ms Christine Green.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 15th December 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 15th December 2022 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.

No declarations were received.

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

The Chair referred to the recent death of former District Councillor Paul Ursell who had served nine years as a District Councillor for the St Neots Eynesbury Ward. Following further tributes from Councillors Dew, Ferguson and Jennings, Members then observed a moments silence in memory of the former Councillor.

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).

Members were remined that to mark the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to show the District Council’s support to the nation, the Council would be raising the Ukranian Flag at Pathfinder House on 24th February 2023. This would be followed by a national one-minute silence.

On behalf of the Council, Members to propose a motion of thanks to the retiring Managing Director, Joanne Lancaster.

The Chair reminded Members that this would be the last meeting of the Council attended by the Managing Director Joanne Lancaster before her retirement at the end of the month. Tributes were then made by Councillors Conboy, Gray, Sanderson, Cawley, Wakeford, West and Neish before Mrs Lancaster was presented with a gift and scroll on behalf of the Council.

Having been moved by Councillor Conboy, it was unanimously

RESOLVED

that the Council place on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Joanne Lancaster for the dedicated manner in which she has served as Managing Director for the District of Huntingdonshire for the years 2013-2023.

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

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

The Chair reported that there had not been any public questions received by the deadline for consideration by the Council.

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

v  The 2023/24 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2024/25 to 2027/28

v  The Fees and Charges Schedule for 2023/24

v  The Treasury Management Strategy, the Capital Strategy and the Investment Strategy including the annual prudential indicators for 2023/24

v  The Annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement 2023/24

v  The formal resolution to determine the Council tax for 2023/24.

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 2023/24.

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

(The reports were considered by the Cabinet at their meeting on 7th February 2023 and it was agreed that they should be recommended to Council for approval).

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

  15 Minutes Presentation

  45 Minutes Debate & Questions

In conjunction with a report by the Director of Finance and Resources and a PowerPoint presentation (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book), Councillor B Mickelburgh, Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources presented to Members the 2023/24 Revenue Budget, the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2024/25 to 2027/28, the Fees and Charges schedule for 2023/24, the Treasury Management Strategy, the Capital Strategy, the Investment Strategy, the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement for 2023/24 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 2023/24 for various parts of Huntingdonshire District.

By way of introduction, Councillor Mickelburgh proceeded to set out the guiding principles which had been used to put together the Budget for 2023/24, highlighting the current economic situation, referring to comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Panel in relation to fees and charges that would be reviewed through 2023/24 and explaining that the proposed Council Tax increase of 3.31% was the lowest since 2014. He further appraised Members with the difference between the budget and MTFS, explaining that the latter proved the Council was financially viable over the five-year period. Members noted that the budget proposed for 2023/24 was a balanced budget, without the requirement for use of reserves or cuts to front line services. This was largely attributable to the recruitment of an excellent Section 151 Officer and receipt of the Revenue Support Grant being higher than expected, further New Homes Bonus payments and retention of more money than expected through National Non-Domestic Rates. Furthermore, the higher inflation had led to higher interest rates which on average would generate an additional £950k.

Members’ attention was drawn to the impact on the MTFS, specifically the impact of inflation resulting in higher prices and ensuring sustainability in the budget with sufficient income without the reliance on Government grants. In the year ahead, Councillor Mickelburgh explained that there would be a Commercial Investment review and opportunities for service transformation projects, but also the requirement to react to Government changes such as the requirement to make weekly food waste collections that would have a direct impact on service delivery.

Councillor Mickelburgh moved the recommendations which were duly seconded by the Executive Leader Councillor S J Conboy who reserved his right to speak. In so doing, reminded Members that the budget and MTFS, through the previously agreed budget principles, proposed to continue to deliver front line services to residents, businesses and communities. With demand for services increasing, the pressures on the budget remained and welcomed the proposals for service transformation and using technology to delivery services more efficiently. She further appraised Members with the proposal to work more in partnership with key agencies to help those in crisis earlier and quicker. Attention was further drawn to the ambitious agenda with delivering the Place Strategy, Local Plan refresh and Climate Strategy but was confident  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

The Executive Councillor for Climate and Environment, Councillor L Davenport-Ray to present the Council’s Climate Strategy for approval.

(The Strategy was considered by the Cabinet at their meeting on 24th January 2023 and it was agreed that it should be recommended to Council for approval).

In conjunction with a report by the Assistant Director Strategic Insight and Delivery (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Executive Councillor for Climate and Environment, Councillor L Davenport-Ray presented details of the Council’s Climate Strategy. In so doing, she thanked those that attended the Climate Strategy sessions over the Summer and feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Panel that had helped inform its development. Attention was drawn to the two main aims of the Strategy, to reduce the Council’s emissions to net zero by 2040 and use the position of leadership to encourage residents, businesses and other authorities to take climate action. In referring to the direct control over the first aim, Councillor Davenport-Ray suggested that the second aim could have a much greater impact on climate change globally.

With reference to the motion approved at Council on 12 October 2022 on the cost of living and climate crisis (Minute No. 22/34(b) refers) Members were informed that it was more than just cutting carbon and reducing global warming, it was concerning protecting the Council and residents from fluctuating fuel prices and the effects of extreme weather.

Members were appraised with details of the six objectives of the Climate Strategy that had been influenced by input from residents, businesses, Town and Parish Councils and young people and their top priority for tackling climate change was changing rules for new developments to meet sustainability standards, therefore the climate work must influence the Local Plan review, closely followed by a requirement for restoring nature and planting trees. This has resulted in the upcoming Biodiversity for All Programme to work with local communities to restore nature across the District. It was further explained that the six objectives had also been based on evidence with transport being the highest priority to focus upon in terms of carbon emissions.

Members noted that the Strategy also contained details of a trajectory of how the Council would lead operations to net zero by 2040, whilst ensuring that this was flexible as different technologies become available and evolve over the next 17 years and had resulted in a proposed annual review through a Climate Action Plan.

In referring to the budget for the Climate Strategy proposals, much of which was contained in the appropriate service areas annual budget as well as £150k allocated for a climate action accelerator reserve earmarked as necessary to unlock external funding. Members were further appraised with existing and proposed schemes throughout the District to tackle climate action.

Councillor T D Alban welcomed the proposal to build upon the green inheritance that had been left from when the Conservatives were in office and throughout the discussions on the proposals through Overview and Scrutiny it was evident that with changing technologies and solutions, the Council must be ready to adapt to that and welcomed the cross-party support tackling climate change. He highlighted his concerns with the ethical dimension of the proposals, as well as the reporting process, but was confident that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

In compliance with the requirements of Sections 38-43 of the Localism Act 2011, the Executive Councillor for Corporate and Shared Services, Councillor M Hassall to present the Pay Policy Statement to the Council for approval.

(The Statement was endorsed by the Employment Committee at their meeting on 8th February 2023 and it was agreed that it should be recommended to Council for approval).

In compliance with the requirements of Sections 38-43 of the Localism Act 2011, Councillor M A Hassall the Executive Councillor for Corporate and Shared 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 2023/24.

The Statement, which is required to be approved by Council by 31st March 2023 and produced annually, details the Council’s policies relating to Officer remuneration.

It was moved by Councillor Hassall, duly seconded by Councillor Shaw and

RESOLVED

that the Pay Policy Statement for 2023/24 be approved.

Councillor N Wells, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee to present a report proposing the appointment of up to two Independent Members to the Corporate Governance Committee.

(The report was considered by the Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 24th January 2023).

Councillor N Wells, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee, presented a report (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) proposing the appointment of up to two co-opted non-voting Independent Members to the Corporate Governance Committee, which was expected to be the subject of national legislation once parliamentary time permitted.

Having been advised of the intended benefits of the proposals including additional knowledge and expertise for the Committee, the Council were advised that the Corporate Governance Committee at their last meeting had given the Chair and Vice-Chair delegated authority in conjunction with the Committee to finalise the detail of the proposals ahead of the commencement of the recruitment process subject to Council approval.

It was moved by Councillor Wells, duly seconded by Councillor Hassall and

RESOLVED

a)  that the appointment of up to two non-voting Independent Members to the Corporate Governance Committee be approved;

b)  that a variation to the membership of the Corporate Governance Committee as set out in Part 3 – Responsibility for Council Functions of the Council’s Constitution be approved; and

c)  that the necessary amendments be made to the Council’s Constitution.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules, all questions –

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

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

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

v  Should not exceed two minutes in duration.

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

Arising from a question from Councillor M L Beuttell on the proposals for a green bin tax and concern with communication following the information being presented in the media before Overview and Scrutiny, the Executive Leader, Councillor S J Conboy, explained that the MTFS did not contain the level of detail on the proposal at this stage as there were so many variables to consider, including awaiting the detail from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and explained that due process would be given to Overview and Scrutiny once this information was available for further consideration and welcomed their engagement.

In response to a question from Councillor D Mickelburgh on support for residents off-grid tackling the energy crisis such as those in mobile home parks and boats, Councillor S Ferguson, Executive Councillor for Customer Services, explained that the Government had announced two further energy support schemes to address these needs that included a £400 payment to residents in a mobile home or boat administered directly from the Government via a phone line to be launched on 27th February 2023 to claim. Residents without a mains gas connection, there would be a similar policy launched by the Government of a £200 payment available and an Officer had been appointed to support a project team to check the validity of the claims despite it being administered through the Government. He further reminded Members of this request to identify such residents in their ward to signpost them to this support scheme.

Following a question raised by Councillor S Cawley specifically raised by residents in his Ward in the village of Ellington and ongoing issues with Buffaload and requirement for Planning Enforcement action, Councillor T D Sanderson, Executive Councillor for Planning, welcomed sight of the issues and undertook to take up this issue with the Planning Enforcement Team.

Councillor D B Dew raised a question in relation to the timetable for the Local Plan re-launch and opportunity for Members to get involved, whereby Councillor Sanderson explained that there would be plenty of opportunities to get involved, starting with Overview and Scrutiny on 1st March 2023 that will consider the Local Development Scheme that sets out the scope of work for future development plan preparation setting out evidence based and supporting documents required as well as identifying the risks and resources involved in producing the Local Plan. Discussion will also be held at this meeting on the draft settlement and hierarchy methodology looking at call sites. He further reminded Members of the length of the process, at least for the next four years and beyond and welcomed contributions from all Members in the process.

Arising from a question by Councillor J Kerr on an update on One Leisure footfall since the price increases in January 2023, Councillor S Taylor, Executive Councillor for Leisure, Waste and Streetscene, acknowledged that Councillor D Keane had contacted her raising the same question. It was reported that overall admissions across One Leisure facilities were up year on year by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

Councillor S J Conboy, Executive Leader to present on the activities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

Councillors D B Dew and M A Hassall to provide an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor S J Corney 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, Councillor S J Conboy presented an update of their activities. Copies of the decision summaries are appended in the Minute Book. Councillor Conboy acquainted Members with details of their budget and financial management, the approval of a Mayoral precept to specifically fund bus franchising and work streams under the Improvement Plan and challenges for the Board to continue to work together. In response to a question by Councillor S Ferguson, Councillor Conboy assured Members that she would continue to use her influence on the Board to support bus services and not seek further cuts. Councillor J A Gray raised a question in relation to any update on the conclusion of the investigation of the Mayor and the impact that this was having on progress of the Combined Authority compared to other Combined Authorities, whereby Councillor Conboy reported that she had personally raised this with the Chief Executive and Improvement Board and urged them that the matter needed resolving that would also hopefully resolve the ongoing party politics issues.

Councillor M A Hassall provided an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee and drew Members attention to the three main recommendations of ensuring the commitment of spending of bus services for the next two years, risk slippage on capital projects and the Mayoral precept, as well as highlighting further detail of the Improvement Plan and review to be undertaken on committee effectiveness.

Members were provided with an update on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Audit and Governance Committee by Councillor S Corney. Particular attention was drawn to their recent training on the process of holding a standards hearing, bureaucracy in relation to the procurement process and help for small businesses as well as the smaller parishes and reported friction from Ernst and Young directly related to the delay in getting document signed off in the absence of the Mayor.

To appoint a replacement Conservative Member to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Following recent changes to the political membership of the District Council which had necessitated the need to make changes to the Council’s nominations from the Conservative Group to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee, it was

RESOLVED

that Councillor J Neish be nominated to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as a replacement for Councillor D B Dew, with Councillor S Corney nominated as the new substitute member.

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 15th December 2022 is appended in the Minute Book and Members were advised that any issues or questions could be raised in relation to these meetings.

With reference to the recent meeting of the Employment Committee and the deferral of an item on time off for trade union duties, Councillor Cawley sought and received clarification that this would be given further consideration prior to the Managing Director’s imminent departure, whereby she noted the reminder and committed to providing an answer.

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

Following a recent change in the political membership of the Council, a report was submitted by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager (a copy of which is 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.

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

Further to Minute Number 68 and the report on the representation of political groups on District Council Committees, on the recommendation of Councillor S J Conboy, it was

RESOLVED

that Councillor D B Dew be confirmed as appointed and retained to the membership of the Development Management Committee as a representative of the Liberal Democrat Group.

There were no further changes to report.

The meeting ended at 9.48pm.