Agenda and minutes

Prior to the start of the business, the Chair took the opportunity to welcome Ms Suzanne Jones, the new Director of Finance and Corporate Services and the Council’s Section 151 Officer to her first meeting of the Council. Suzanne had joined the Council on 2nd October 2024.

The Council meeting to be opened with prayer.

Imaam SK Foyajul Islam of St Ives Mosque opened the meeting with a prayer.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 17th July 2024.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 17th July 2024 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.

Councillors B S Banks, M L Beuttell, B S Chapman, J Clarke, A E Costello, S Criswell, K P Gulson and N Wells declared a non-registerable interest in Minute No. 37 by virtue of their previous receipt of the Winter Fuel Allowance payment.

To note that Barry Chapman has been elected to the Office of Councillor for the St Neots Eatons Ward on 19th September 2024.

The Chair reported on the outcome of the By-Election  which was held for the vacant seat in the St Neots Eatons Ward on Thursday 19 September 2024. In doing so, he took the opportunity to welcome and congratulate newly elected Councillor Barry Chapman on his return to the District Council. Councillor Chapman had previously served as a District Councillor from 2010 until 2022.

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

The Chair referred to the recent death of District Councillor Colin Saunderson who sadly passed away in September 2024. Councillor Saunderson was elected to the Fenstanton Ward in 2010 and served until 2011 when he lost his seat but continued to stand as a Liberal Democrat in several District Council elections. Colin has served in the St Ives area since the 1970s. Following tributes from Councillor S J Conboy, P Kadewere, C Tevlin and N Wells, 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). In doing so, the Chair took the opportunity to give advance notice of his annual Carol Service which would be taking place on Wednesday 18th December at 6pm at All Saints Church in Huntingdon. He encouraged all Members to attend.

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 been no public questions received by the deadline for consideration by the Council.

Councillor R Martin to move –

This Council Notes: 

The Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. 

The estimated impact of this decision, which Age UK says will mean 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it. 

The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping older residents of Huntingdonshire and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health. 

The criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and other charities, highlighting the social injustice and potential health risks posed by this sudden policy change. 

The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their financial hardship. 

This Council believes: 

That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the UK and that restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship. 

While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across Huntingdonshire sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance. 

The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our poorest older residents. 

The government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need. 

This Council resolves to:  

Request that the Council Leader write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty. 

Commit the Council to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves. 

Encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Huntingdonshire are supported in claiming their entitlement.

(See Minute No.33 for Members’ Interests)

Councillor R Martin moved, and it was duly seconded by Councillor M L Beuttell who reserved her right to speak that –

‘This Council Notes:

The Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The estimated impact of this decision which Age UK says will mean 2 million pensions who need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it.

The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping older residents of Huntingdonshire and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing ‘heat or eat’ dilemmas and safeguarding health.

The criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and other charities, highlighting the social injustice and potential health risks posed by this sudden policy change.

The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their financial hardship.

This Council believes:

That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the UK and that restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship.

While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across Huntingdonshire sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance.

The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and wellbeing of our poorest old residents.

The government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit leaving many without the support they desperately need.

This Council resolves to:

Request that the Council Leader write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit are protected from fuel poverty.

Commit the Council to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves.

Encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit update through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Huntingdonshire are supported in claiming their entitlement’.

In presenting the motion, Councillor R Martin explained that he was raising the matter on behalf of an estimated 32,000 residents within Huntingdonshire who would be losing out on a Winter Fuel Payment following the decision of the Labour Government to limit it to those pensioners who receive means tested benefits.

Councillor Martin went on to state that according to Age UK this policy change meant that around 2 million pensioners, many of whom are already just about making ends meet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

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.

Councillor D Keane sought clarification from the Executive Councillor for Planning Services regarding planning decisions which were the subject of appeals to the planning inspectorate. In response to which Councillor T D Sanderson encouraged all interested parties to review the Government’s online advice on the appeals process. Further advice was also available from the planning team and the Chief Planning Officer and Members were encouraged to speak directly with the respective case officers concerning specific cases. In terms of the factors that influenced the Council’s position through the course of appeal, Members were reminded that each appeal was considered on its own merits and matters could evolve through the course of that appeal in accordance with appeal guidance. In terms of the numbers of cases, Council were advised that the Authority had received in the region of 2700 planning applications during the previous 12 months, during which time 53 appeals were lodged with the planning inspectorate, 10 of which were upheld.

In response to a question from Councillor A Jennings as to whether there were any plans to offer incentives for parking within the market towns at Christmas, the Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene Councillor S Taylor explained that there were no plans at present, but she was happy to discuss the matter further outside of the Chamber. In response, Councillor Jennings made reference to the disruption in St Neots market square over the course of the past year and suggested in light of the receipt of additional interest income it might be a nice to incentivise the use of the high street at Christmas.

In response to a question from Councillor K P Gulson regarding future likely build requirements within the District, the Executive Councillor for Planning Services Councillor T D Sanderson reiterated that he did not believe that the development of the new Local Plan was being progressed with undue haste. Although the Development Strategy had not yet been decided, 369 sites had been submitted as part of the Call for Sites under the Local Plan such that the District Council would be in a good position to consider and respond to the numbers required under the National Planning Policy Framework. He also outlined his appreciation to those members who had sat on the Local Plan Advisory Group for their contributions to those documents which were now out for consultation.

With reference to the recent flooding incidents in the area, Councillor R Martin congratulated the District Council on their flood response in comparison to other agencies. In response to his question as to what extent the District Council would be reviewing the lessons learnt from the incidents and encouraging other agencies to do the same, the Executive Leader explained that the District Council will always undertake a review following a major incident. She made reference to her involvement in the review following the flooding in 2020 which had been cross party, involving ward members and all organisations. She went on to explain that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

Councillors T D Sanderson and S L Taylor, Executive Councillors for Planning and Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene to present a report regarding the priority landscapes identified in the Nature Recovery Network for Huntingdonshire.

(The report was considered by the Cabinet at their meeting on 15th October 2024).

The Council considered a report by the Parks and Countryside Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which had been approved by the Cabinet the previous evening formally recognising and adopting the Priority Landscapes of Huntingdonshire.

By way of introduction, the Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Councillor S Taylor explained that the report marked a significant step forward in the Council’s commitment to enhancing the natural environment in Huntingdonshire and to making sure it is well placed to take advantage of opportunities to invest in and enhance the district’s rich diversity.

The Council were advised that by formerly recognising these landscapes, the Council was ensuring that future development was guided by the principles of biodiversity net gain, allowing the restoration and enhancement of vital habitats whilst continuing to accommodate the needs of a growing population. The work aligned with the Council’s Corporate Plan and Climate Strategy and also contributed to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), led by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Members were also advised that the Cabinet had agreed with the recommendations made by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) that the report and presentation should be forwarded to the Local Plan Advisory Group for their consideration.

In welcoming the preparation of the report and the identification of the priority areas, Members of the Council made several comments regarding the report. With reference to the forthcoming production of the Countywide LNRS, Councillor Davenport-Ray commented on the fact that Huntingdonshire as a District would have a document to directly contribute to this Strategy. Whilst Councillor M Hassall reiterated the importance of the Local Plan Advisory Group being educated on the priority areas and receiving the presentation from the Wildlife Trust. 

In response to a suggestion from Councillor B S Chapman regarding the need to protect the flood plains from development and the potential for the inclusion of further information within the report regarding the protection of these areas, the Executive Councillor explained that the report made reference to nine areas and the river corridors. She encouraged the councillor to refer to the Overview and Scrutiny presentation for further information.

Having outlined his support for the policy and the discussions at Overview and Scrutiny, Councillor R Martin welcomed the forward-thinking approach to new legislation regarding biodiversity net gain and suggested that he would like to see the document incorporated into planning policy. In response to his concerns that the work would duplicate that being undertaken by the County Council, the Council were advised that it would directly contribute to the County Council work. Whilst the Executive Councillor for Planning Services suggested that the integration of the two service areas could be further explored.

Councillor I D Gardener then outlined his concerns regarding potential future development within the Grafham Water area and the need to retain this as a rural natural landscape. In response to which and with reference to the points which had also been made regarding development on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

Councillor S Conboy, Executive Leader of the Council to present on progress that has been made to date in response to the Corporate Peer Challenge and the preparation of an Action Plan.

(The report was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) at their meeting on 2nd October 2024).

With the assistance of a report by the Chief Executive and a power-point presentation (copies of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Executive Leader provided an update on the actions which had been taken since the Local Government Peer Challenge which took place in May 2024.

By way of background the Council were reminded that the Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) formed a key part of the improvement and assurance framework for local government. The Challenge also assisted councils to meeting part of their Best Value duty, with the UK Government expecting all local authorities to have a CPC at least every five years.

In terms of the Council’s position, Members were advised that the Council had formally accepted the report and was now required to publish an Action Plan in response by 17th October 2025. The Peer Team would then return to the Council by the end of January 2025 to follow up on progress.

In terms of the Action Plan, Council were advised that the Plan contained 27 actions which were linked to 8 formal recommendations.  Seven additional recommendations had also been identified. Members were then provided with an overview of the current status of these actions. 

The Executive Leader then proceeded to provide more detailed information regarding the progress made with each of the eight recommendations in turn. Members were advised that a lead member had been identified for each activity to assist with political accountability and ownership, although overall responsibility would remain within the remit of the Leader and Chief Executive.

Finally, the Executive Leader took the opportunity to remind Members that the Action Plan would evolve and be subject to change as various activities were scoped, shaped and delivered and as such would be a ‘living’ document.

Arising from the presentation, Councillor R Martin thanked the Executive Leader and the Chief Executive for the work which had been undertaken to-date and requested that further consideration be given to establishing a mechanism to provide an update on the progress being made on a more regular basis to Members. In terms of the recommendations, Councillor Martin outlined his perception that some of the recommendations could have been strengthened and gone further in some areas. He referred to recommendations 1, 3 and 4 as examples.

Councillor B Pitt, the Executive Councillor for Communities, Health and Leisure welcomed the recommendation relating to strengthening the Council’s approach to engagement. In doing so, he took the opportunity to explain that the District Council had now commenced community co-production workshops as part of its engagement on the Community Health and Wealth Building Strategy. He reiterated that this was a new form of engagement for the District Council and sought the support of the Executive Leader for embedding that as part of the way in which the Council did business.

In responding to the comments which had been made, the Executive Leader undertook to establish an appropriate mechanism for reporting back to Council Members on progress and welcomed the support from all  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

At 9.12pm, it was

RESOLVED

  that the meeting stand adjourned.

Upon resumption at 9.20pm

This item provides an opportunity for District Council Members to ask questions 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.

The Council received and noted copies of the decision summaries from recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Members were advised that any issues could be raised in relation to these meetings.

In response to a request by Councillor B S Chapman for an update on the proposed improvements to the connection for EWR to St Neots, Councillor S Wakeford reported on the discussions at the meeting of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee on 18th September 2024. The Council were informed that the Combined Authority had delegated authority to respond to the consultation should the timeline preclude further discussion at their November meeting. Members were informed that the Authority had been undertaking significant work to influence the proposals and would not be letting drop the concerns around the opportunities regarding growth and regeneration that were at risk of being missed if connectivity was not improved.

With reference to the current consultation on bus franchising, Councillor R Martin sought the views of the Executive Leader on the matter. In response to which Councillor Conboy explained that it was not appropriate for her to lobby whilst the consultation was ongoing but she reiterated her desire to endeavour to ensure that all villages had connectivity. With this in mind she urged Members to encourage those who lived in those villages which would benefit from increased connectivity to respond to the public consultation.

Having been advised that the in-person consultation had taken place in Huntingdon on a day of the week in which buses did not travel from villages to the town, the Executive Leader undertook to raise this issue with the Combined Authority directly.

With reference to the significant increase in the mayoral precept in April 2024 to pay for bus services, Councillor Jennings enquired whether any regular reports were received by the Executive Leader of Deputy Assistant Leader as to the value of the additional bus services that have been made in the District. In response to which Councillor Wakeford explained that the Combined Authority was interested in understanding the value of bus use and data as to the usage and value of the additional services which were coming on board at different times would not be available at this stage. He undertook to speak to Councillor Jennings regarding any specific concerns outside of the meeting.

In response to a question from Councillor M Hassall, Councillor J Neish reported that the issue with timescales between meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the CPCA Board had now been improved. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee were currently engaged in discussions as to how to become more effective, although there were ongoing concerns as to how to ensure that their suggestions were given consideration by the Board.

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 July 2024 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 meeting of the Corporate Government Committee which was held on 25th September 2024, Councillor M L Beuttell requested an update from the Vice-Chair on the progress being made by the Constitution Review Working Group. In response to which it was agreed that a written response would be provided.

Councillor C H Tevlin took the opportunity to update Members on her attendance at the Cambridgeshire County Council Adult and Health Care Committee and drew attention to the update on Hinchingbrooke Hospital which had been received. With reference to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) meeting held in September she also drew attention to the development of the Community Health and Wealth Building Strategy.

With reference to the implementation of the garden waste collection service, Councillor J A Gray commented on the absence of any regular updates or any detailed report on its performance to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships). He outlined his continuing concerns that a major policy change was not being adequately monitored and that Members had requested information which had not yet been forthcoming.  In response to which the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) reminded the Council that all Members were welcome to bring issues to Overview and Scrutiny for consideration. The Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance went on to explain that some performance information was available within the quarterly performance report which was presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) and available for scrutiny.

Following the recent by-election in the St Neots Eatons Ward, to consider a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager on the representation of political groups on Committees and Panels in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act and the District Council’s Constitution. (TO FOLLOW).

A report was submitted by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) relating to the principles of 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 200 following the by-election held on 19th September 2024 in the St Neots Eaton’s Ward.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

a)  that the allocation of seats on Committees and Panels to political groups and non-aligned Members be determined as set out in the report now submitted; and

b)  that the requirements for appointments to advisory / sub-groups in paragraph 5.3 be noted.

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

On the recommendation of Councillors S J Conboy, R Martin and T D Sanderson, it was

RESOLVED

a)  that Councillor J E Harvey be appointed to the Member Development Working Group;

b)  that Councillor N Wells be appointed to the membership of the Corporate  Governance Committee in place of Councillor C H Tevlin;

c)  that Councillor B S Chapman be appointed to the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) in place of Councillor S Cawley.

The meeting ended at 9.40pm.