Agenda and minutes

Councillor J A Gray to open the meeting with a ‘Thought for the Day’.

A ‘Thought for the Day’ was presented by Councillor Jonathan Gray.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Annual meeting of the Council held on 17th May 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 17th May 2023 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 Gordon Thorpe who had served seven years as a District Councillor for the St Neots Eaton Socon Ward from 2004 to 2011. Further tributes were paid by Councillors B M Pitt, R J West and 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).

The Chair also took the opportunity to announce that he would be supporting four charities this year – The Little Miracles Children’s Charity, The Huntingdon Community Cancer Network, The Kite Trust and Magpas.

The Executive Leader, Councillor S J Conboy to move –

This Council believes:

The intimidation and abuse of councillors, in person or otherwise, undermines democracy; it can prevent elected members from representing the communities they serve, deter individuals from standing for election, and undermine public trust in democratic processes. 

Seven in 10 councillors nationally reported experiencing abuse and intimidation in 2022, and councillors reported feeling that abuse is becoming more common and increasing in severity.

Debating and disagreeing with one another has always been, and will continue to be, a healthy part of democracy. However, the right engagement matters, and abuse and intimidation cross the line into dangerous territory and have no place in politics. 

Huntingdonshire District Council recognises that increasing levels of toxicity in public and political discourse has a detrimental impact on local democracy and that prevention, support and responses to abuse and intimidation of local politicians must improve to ensure councillors feel safe and able to continue representing their residents. This also has the potential to reduce those willing to offer themselves for election to represent their communities in the future.

This Council:

·  will not tolerate the abuse and intimidation of elected members or candidates.  We will do all we can to debate without inciting hate so that all councillors in Huntingdonshire District Council, and future candidates, feel safe and able to fulfil their democratic roles.

·  will speak with courtesy and respect.

·  will write with courtesy and respect.

·  will behave with courtesy and respect.

This Council RESOLVES to:

·  Challenge the normalisation of abuse against councillors and uphold exemplary standards of public and political debate in all it does.

·  Endorse the Local Government Association (LGA) “Debate Not Hate” Campaign.

·  Write to the local Members of Parliament to ask them to support the campaign using the LGA’s template letter)

·  Write to the Government (using the LGA’s template letter) to ask them to work with the LGA to develop and implement a plan to address the abuse and intimidation of politicians.

·  Regularly review the support available to councillors in relation to abuse and intimidation and councillor safety.

·  Work with the local police to ensure that there is a clear and joined-up mechanism for reporting threats and other concerns about the safety of councillors and their families.

·  Take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of councillors and officers.

Councillor S J Conboy moved and it was duly seconded by Councillor J A Gray that

This Council:

·  will not tolerate the abuse and intimidation of elected members or candidates.  We will do all we can to debate without inciting hate so that all councillors in Huntingdonshire District Council, and future candidates, feel safe and able to fulfil their democratic roles.

·  will speak with courtesy and respect.

·  will write with courtesy and respect.

·  will behave with courtesy and respect.

This Council RESOLVES to:

·  Challenge the normalisation of abuse against councillors and uphold exemplary standards of public and political debate in all it does.

·  Endorse the Local Government Association (LGA) “Debate Not Hate” Campaign.

·  Write to the local Members of Parliament to ask them to support the campaign using the LGA’s template letter)

·  Write to the Government (using the LGA’s template letter) to ask them to work with the LGA to develop and implement a plan to address the abuse and intimidation of politicians.

·  Regularly review the support available to councillors in relation to abuse and intimidation and councillor safety.

·  Work with the local police to ensure that there is a clear and joined-up mechanism for reporting threats and other concerns about the safety of councillors and their families.

·  Take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of councillors and officers.

In presenting the motion, Councillor Conboy explained that debate was an essential part of democracy, but hate was not.  Elected Councillors were united in their desire to serve their communities and stood for election because they were passionate about the people they represented and the wards that they served. Passion was not a bad thing; however, passion could be obtained without making things personal or derogatory. She reminded the Council that as councillors it was common to express differences of opinions. Different perspectives enriched the decisions that were taken on behalf of Huntingdonshire residents and were better for understanding all members views and concerns before they were taken.

Councillor Conboy went on to state that the notion in politics of opposition, scrutiny and holding to account was often tainted by what was seen in the media and how politics was sometimes conducted on the television.

Councillor Conboy went on to explain that she was shocked at the abuse and intimidation faced by national politicians but even more so to learn that local councillors can also face this. However, she was pleased to report that this was not the case within the Chamber at Huntingdonshire where colleagues sought to respect each other’s views, find common ground, and welcomed scrutiny from all to improve policy and delivery.  Councillor Conboy concluded by explained that she was bringing this motion to Council not because it was required to address concerns but because she hoped the Council would never find itself slipping into the abyss of behaving badly and she urged all members to support the cross-party motion.

In seconding the motion, Councillor JA Gray endorsed what had been said thus far. In addressing the Council, he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

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.

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

What factors contribute to the Huntingdonshire District Council’s Decision to disregard public input and proceed with the implementation of garden waste green bin subscription service, despite the absence of a public consultation process and provisions of inadequate and inconsistent evidence presented to the Scrutiny Committee?

In thanking the questioner for his question, the Executive Leader began by confirming that she had read all the comments that individuals had submitted alongside the current petition, together with letters, Facebook posts etc and that she hoped that the questioner had been able to watch the Cabinet meeting held yesterday evening.

By way of background, she went on to explain that the implementation of a garden waste green bin subscription service had been a difficult decision for the Joint Administration which had been driven by financial issues. From the outset of their election in May 2022, the challenge for the Administration had been to understand and address the budgetary position which it had inherited.

Councillor Conboy went on to explain that at the Council meeting in December 2022, the Council agreed a set of budget principles for the forthcoming year which had set a clear steer as to what the Council would seek to achieve and what they would seek to protect. These principles included the need to protect front line services and an agreement that non-statutory services or those that compete in a commercial environment shouldn’t burden those taxpayers who can’t take advantage of them.

She went on to explain that in February 2023, the Council set a balanced budget which didn’t utilise reserves and yet protected front line services at a time of soaring inflation and a cost-of-living crisis. As part of that budget several savings and income generation schemes were put forward – including garden waste subscription. She reiterated that the decision to propose a garden waste subscription service was not one which was taken lightly or without significant discomfort. Guidance provided by the Council’s Responsible Financial Officer (S151 Officer) recommended that the Council needed to reduce its reliance on central government funding and to develop sustainable ways of generating income. Such that over the next 4 years, the Council might face a potential funding deficit of 9.7M.  Introducing a garden waste subscription service was identified as a keyway of protecting front line services from service cuts.

The Executive Leader explained that unlike household waste and recycling there was no requirement for the District Council to collect garden waste and that not all properties in Huntingdonshire used the service. In fact, records illustrated that out of 83% of those properties with a green bin, 30% were not regularly using it. The current garden waste collection scheme costs the Council more than 800K a year. Rather than remove the service, given the value it represents to many residents the Joint Administration were of the view that this should be kept and charged for much  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

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 Leader of the Opposition to respond to the address.

[In the ensuing debate, a Member may speak once and no speech may exceed 5 minutes in length without the consent of the Chair].

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 placing on record her sincere appreciation to Officers and Members who had supported everything that had been delivered in the past year. She was pleased to report that twelve months on since her appointment as Executive Leader, she had seen the District Council record better delivery and progress on critical actions compared to the previous year.

The Council were reminded that last year the Joint Administration had committed that they would -

v  work in co-operation towards a greener fairer Huntingdonshire

v  commend the excellent work undertaken by Council staff

v  set a new strategic direction for the Council.

Council was also reminded that the Joint Administrations key objectives over the last year would focus on the following -

1.  Tackling climate change and caring for the environment

2.  Enhancing employment opportunities and supporting businesses

3.  Supporting the needs of residents

4.  Improving the housing situation

5.  Strengthening our communities.

The Council were also reminded of the financial position inherited by the Joint Administration and the budget principles which were agreed at the December Council meeting which provided the Administration with a clear steer on the way in which they should prioritise their thinking in terms of making savings.

In addition to supporting Huntingdonshire residents, the Administration had also made commitments to support District Council staff during the year.

The Executive Leader went on to report in detail and at length on specific progress against the five objectives which had been set at the start of the year.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming year, the Executive Leader explained that the agreement of a new Corporate Plan in March 2023 outlined the Councils three key priorities:

v  Improving the quality of life for local people

v  Creating a better Huntingdonshire for future generations

v  Delivering a good quality high value for money services with reasonable control and compliance with statutory obligations.

She reiterated that working together would continue to be an overarching principle for the Council.  The challenges facing the Council could only be solved through collaboration and the Corporate Plan calls on the Council to play more of an enabling role to make more use of partnership working and to empower people to reduce demand for traditional public services.

The Council were advised that the Council would continue to communicate throughout the year regularly with residents and listen and respond to concerns in shaping its policies and priorities. The Administration would continue to draw on insights from councillors from all political persuasions whilst working together to ensure that the council provides good services and good value. The Council would also continue to work constructively with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Cambridgeshire County Council, and colleagues in health and to foster the positive and productive relationships it had grown with local town, parish councils,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

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 items 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.

A question was raised by Councillor Dr M Pickering to the Executive Councillor for Leisure, Waste and Street Scene regarding the Alternative Land Management Scheme. Having been asked to provide an indication of the feedback received, Councillor S L Taylor explained that the majority of this had been positive. Although there were 4 sites where residents and Parish Councils had expressed concerns. Officers would continue to work will all communities and the parish / town councils and encourage the residents to allow the project of alternative land management to run its course.

Arising from a question by Councillor C H Tevlin, the Executive Councillor for Planning provided a detailed and in-depth clarification regarding the operation and process of the District Council’s No Amendment Policy for Planning Services and the impact upon Development Management. In doing so, he explained that no amendments advice was available on the District Council’s website and that the District Council’s approach was supported by the Planning Advisory Service.

Following a request from Councillor M L Beuttell, the Executive Councillor for Waste Street Scene and Open Spaces updated the Council on the status of Civic Parking Enforcement (CPE) which she reported was currently running to time and not overspent. In doing so she reiterated that Huntingdonshire were not experiencing the issues that were being reported in the media regarding Fenland CPE and undertook to talk further with Councillor Beuttell outside of the meeting if this was considered necessary.

Pursuant to Minute No. 76 of the meeting held on 29 March 2023, Councillor T Alban sought an update on action which had been taken to address issues regarding sites owned by Housing Associations in Huntingdonshire which benefited from planning permissions, yet no development had commenced. Having noted that this formed part of the strategic element of the portfolio of the Executive Councillor for Jobs, Economy, and Housing. Councillor S Wakeford explained that as part of the Council’s annual monitoring Registered Providers were asked about their development plans for developing sites and this now included other sites without active plans. He also reported that the situation was not as widespread as Councillor Alban had first feared and that the overall delivery target for affordable housing was on target at this stage of the year. Whilst agreeing to set out the current position in writing, he stated that concerns only existed relating to 3 Cross Keys sites, two of which were in Councillor Alban’s ward. 

In response to a question from Councillor J E Kerr with regards to the progress which was being made in the development of a new Local Plan for Huntingdonshire, the Executive Councillor for Planning reported that over 300 potential sites had been submitted in response to the Call for Sites consultation and 270 responses had been received to the draft settlement hierarchy. It was intended to take an update on the Local Plan and Planning Services more generally to the October cycle of meetings.

In response to a question from Councillor J Neish regarding the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

Councillor N Wells, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee to present the Annual Report of the Corporate Governance Committee for 2022/23.

(The report was considered by the Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 12th July 2023 and their recommendations will be reported verbally).

In conjunction with a report by the Internal Audit Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) Councillor N Wells, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee presented the Annual Report for 2022/23 of the Corporate Governance Committee that outlined the work that had been undertaken by the Committee over the previous year.

In presenting the report, Councillor Wells explained that he (alongside the Vice Chair and the Executive Councillor) had taken part in the Local Authority’s Audit Peer Challenge and the Committee were looking forward to working with officers on the implementation of the seventeen recommendations arising therefrom. Going forward, the Members would continue to work with officers on the creation of the role of independent non-voting members to join the Committee. 

Councillor Wells also expressed his thanks to the committee members and the officers involved with the Committee for their engagement and commitment.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the Annual Report 2022/23 of the Corporate Governance Committee be received and noted.

Councillor B A Mickelburgh, Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources to present the treasury performance for the period between 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.

(The report was considered by the Cabinet at their meeting on 20th June 2023).

Prior to the introduction of this report, the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources updated the Council on the delay of the publication of the Audit of the 2021/22 Accounts. Members were also advised of three observations emerging from the audit which required remediation and had contributed to the delay. It was currently hoped that the Audit would be received by the Corporate Governance Committee in September 2023. This had had a knock-on effect in terms of reporting for the 2022-23 accounts.

Consideration then was given to a report by the Council’s Chief Finance Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) presented by Councillor B A Mickelburgh, Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources. The report provided an update on the treasury management activity during 2022/23, including investment and borrowing activity and treasury performance. In doing so Members were advised that the Councils Commercial Property Portfolio performed better than the £1.3M that the Executive Summary implied and this was clarified within the appendix.

In considering the report, Councillor L Davenport-Ray asked a question regarding ESG investments and the differences which might be seen since the Council declared a climate emergency and markets become less volatile.

Having thanked the Executive Councillor for the update on the audit delay and having expressed the view that there did not seem to be any undue reason for concern in relation to the emerging observations, Councillor Gray questioned whether interest income was allocated across reserves equally.In response to which Councillor Mickelburgh explained that different accounting practises will demand different technical rules to be followed. However, he undertook to provide a further written response.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the Treasury Management Performance during the period 1st April to 31st March 2023 be noted.

The Chair of the Senior Officers Committee to present the report of the meeting held on 11th July 2023. (TO FOLLOW).

Councillor S J Conboy, Executive Leader presented a report of the meeting of the Senior Officers Committee held on 11th July 2023 (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on the proposed appointment of a new Chief Executive, Head of Paid Service, Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer.

Having thanked those involved within the recruitment process for their contribution, hard work and deliberations during the appointment process, the Executive Leader also expressed her appreciation to Mr Oliver Morley for his assistance and support during the interim period. Whereupon it was moved, duly seconded and

RESOLVED

(a)  that Michelle Sacks be appointed as the Council’s Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer with a start date to be confirmed following necessary employment checks which will be confirmed in consultation with Senior Officers’ Committee and Group Leaders; and

(b)  that an extension to the appointment of Oliver Morley as the Council’s Managing Director and Head of Paid Service, Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer be approved for a fixed term ending on the commencement of employment of Michelle Sacks.

Following The Stukeleys Neighbourhood Plan Referendum, held on Thursday 8th June 2023, the Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Planning to present a report seeking approval to make The Stukeleys Neighbourhood Plan to enable it to become part of the Statutory Development Plan for Huntingdonshire.

Having regard to a report by the Chief Planning Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) on the referendum of the Stukeleys’ Neighbourhood Plan held on 8 June 2023, the Executive Councillor for Planning acquainted Members with the results of the referendum with 91.6% voting in favour of supporting the Neighbourhood Plan. As this exceeds the required threshold of 50% of votes case the Council was required to formally ‘make The Stukeleys’ Neighbourhood Plan 2022-2036 unless it considers that it would be incompatible with any EU or human rights obligations.

Whereupon it having been duly proposed and seconded it was

RESOLVED

that the Stukeleys’ Neighbourhood Plan 2022-2036 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.

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

Councillors M A Hassall and J Neish 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.

With the assistance of a PowerPoint presentation and the decision summaries of the previous meeting (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book), the Executive Leader Councillor S J Conboy presented an update of the activities of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. 

In doing so, the Council were advised of the availability of a new monthly highlights report which was a new reporting feature to the Combined Authority and recommended it to those who were seeking a general update on their key activities.

The Council were informed that the Board was continuing to work with the Independent Board to look at how to improve and develop the Combined Authority and the Executive Leader wished to place on record her appreciation to the previous Chair Sir Bob Kerslake who had recently passed away. 

Members were advised that developments within the political world continued to move at pace and there was talk of new devolution deals across the Combined Authorities and the Elected Mayors. Whilst there was little detail yet, further information was expected shortly to enable decisions to be made.

Attention was drawn to the development of the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan. Despite the original report starting from a premise that all areas had bus routes this assumption had now been made clear. The Executive Leader had met today with officers who are looking at how routes map geographically to demonstrate where services exist, where they don’t and where there were potential opportunities.  She reiterated that there may be some sensitive and challenging decisions ahead but wanted to work with councillors in affected areas to understand how and when services were used and opportunities for improvements.

In response to a request for an update from Councillor J Neish on the A141 St Ives Transport Strategy which appeared to have stalled, the Executive Leader undertook to establish the current status of the Strategy.

Councillor D J Shaw took the opportunity to raise the issues being experienced by Brampton residents with the 66 Whippet Bus Services, specifically the non-operation of services with no notice. Having been asked to raise the matter with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority who commissioned the service, the Executive Leader undertook to do so. Whilst she was not aware of the specific circumstances surrounding that route, all Members who encountered difficulties with CPCA commissioned services were encouraged to make any issues known so that they could be addressed. 

In response to a question from Councillor J A Gray concerning when the Code of Conduct issues at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority were likely to be concluded, the Executive Leader reported that she did not have a definitive answer but expected this to be fairly shortly. From the advice that she had received, the Executive Leader was told that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough were being considered as equal partners to all others in any potential devolution process. The real challenge for the authority would be to find common ground and to identify those areas behind  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

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 17th May 2023 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 changes to report.

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 two key decision which had been taken within the last year under the Council’s special urgency provisions.

Having 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, it was

RESOLVED

to note the contents of the report.

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

There were no changes to report.

The meeting ended at 9.58pm.