Agenda and minutes

Reverend James Bamber, Minister for Huntingdon, Over and Sawtry Methodist Churches to open the meeting with a prayer.

The Reverend James Bamber, Minister for Huntingdon Methodist Church opened the meeting with a prayer.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 22nd May 2024.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 22nd May 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.

No declarations were received.

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

(At 7.10pm Councillor P J Hodgson-Jones took his seat at the meeting).

The Chair referred to the recent death of District Councillor Graham Welton who sadly passed away in June 2024. Councillor Welton was first elected in May 2022 and represented the St Neots Eatons Ward. During his time as Councillor, he was a Member of both Overview & Scrutiny Panels; Environment, Communities and Partnerships and the Performance and Growth Panel. Originally a London Bus Driver, the Chair reported that Graham latterly made his home in Eaton Ford, where he also represented St Neots Town Council.  Following tributes from Councillors R Martin, S J Conboy and T D Sanderson, Members then observed a moments silence in memory of the former Councillor.

The Chair also took the opportunity to remind Members about the seminar on Integrated Water Management Studies which was scheduled to be held on Thursday 18 July 2024 at 6pm on Microsoft Teams. All Members were invited to attend.

The Council then 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 announce that he would be supporting two charities this year – Magpas and the Papworth Trust.

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.

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 mintes 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 reminding Members that 2024 represented a significant milestone as the Council celebrated its 50th Anniversary and by placing on record her sincere appreciation to Officers and Members who had supported everything that had been achieved in the past year.

The Executive Leader then went on to report upon the achievements of the Council over the past year. In this regard, Members were advised that through the adoption of the Council Tax Support Scheme which offered support of up to 100% off the Council Tax Bill for households on the lowest incomes, the Council had provided more support for the people who needed it most within the District.

The Council had also made significant achievements towards the aim of helping residents to live in a safe, high-quality home regardless of health, stage of life, family structure, income and tenure type. During 2023/24, 703 affordable homes had been completed, 494 of which were specifically for affordable and social rent which had offered much needed options for the community and had helped with housing waiting lists and prevented excessive use of temporary accommodation.  Through the Houses for Ukraine Programme, the Council’s Communities and Housing Teams had ensured that no families presented as homeless and the use of Disabled Facilities Grants had enabled 185 people to continue to live at home safely.

The Executive Leader was also pleased to report that the Council One Leisure’s Active Lifestyles and Sports Development programmes were continuing to see high levels of attendance and that the Community Health Prevention Project had enabled the roll out of free physical activity courses to prevent cardiovascular disease. Funding from the Integrated Care System had also supported the ESCAPE Pain Pilot System, a group rehabilitation programme for those suffering with chronic joint pain. The Council also noted that One Leisure Facilities had recorded over 1 million admissions.

The Executive Leader then drew attention to the role of good employment in improving people’s quality of life and the administration’s aspiration that local people should be able to develop their skills to take advantage of opportunities with businesses and education providers working more closely to deliver an inclusive economy. She was pleased to report on the opening of the East Anglia Energy Academy in St Ives in May 2024, which would bring new jobs, skills and investment to the District, together with the Academy a joint venture between Reed Environment and Oxford Energy Academies which aims to attract more people to the trade skills career path and upskill. The support of the District Council’s Economic Development Team had enabled Reed to accelerate their timeline significantly.

In terms of the local economy and the administration’s aspirations for it to be a place where businesses choose to start up, grow and invest, the Executive Leader reported that the Shop Front  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

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.

With reference to the Chair’s list of engagements, Councillor J Neish expressed his disappointment that as the District’s Armed Forces Champion he had not been made aware of the District Council’s Flag raising on Armed Forces Day.  He requested that this be publicised in advance on future occasions as he was aware of several veterans and residents who may have wished to attend. In thanking Councillor Neish for his comments, the Chair indicated that he had already discussed the issue of the future promotion of civic ceremonies with Officers. 

Councillor I Taylor commented on the problems he had experienced over the course of the previous two years in seeking to get defibrillators installed on two buildings owned by the District Council in Eynesbury, St Neots. He questioned whether a streamlined policy or process could be introduced. In response to which, Councillor B Mickelburgh explained that the complexity of some of the tenancy agreements meant that it was not possible to provide a generic answer however he agreed it was a positive idea and he would take it away for further consideration as to how it might fit into future contracts. 

In response to a request from Councillor M J Burke for specific data regarding the use and financial performance of One Leisure across the District, the Executive Councillor for Communities, Health and Leisure, Councillor B Pitt, provided an update for the Council. In doing so, the Council noted that Direct Debit membership was now at all time high of 8,400 members and the One Leisure swim school has seen an increase of 14% in the last two years. Active health sessions had also increased by over 50% in one year and the Active Health Team were now working closely with 15 care homes across the District. In terms of income, the Executive Councillor reported that total income for One Leisure was up 10% in 12 months and costs have gone up by 3.7% which meant that the deficit position had almost halved. With regards to future developments, the Council were informed that £700,000 had been secured from Sport England in March 2023 to install a solar canopy at the car park in St Ives and also triple glazing for the swimming pool. Consideration was also being given to investment in other opportunities for solar PV in an attempt to further drive down operating costs.

With reference to the organisation of the recent election of the Member of Parliament for the Huntingdon Constituency, Councillor J A Gray questioned the Executive Leader as to whether she agreed that the organisation of the election had been exceptionally well run, both by Officers and the candidates, their various counting agents and supporters at the Count. In indicating her wholehearted agreement to this comment, the Executive Leader took the opportunity to thank the staff and volunteers that had contributed to the success of the day and the evening, together with the weeks of preparation. She also took the opportunity to inform the Council that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

Councillor L Davenport-Ray, Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation and Workforce to present the Workforce Strategy for approval by the Council.

(The Strategy was considered by the Employment Committee at their meeting on 26th June 2024).

With the assistance of a report by the Strategic HR Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the Council were invited to consider the approval of a new Workforce Strategy for the District Council.

By way of introduction, the Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation and Workforce, Councillor L Davenport-Ray, outlined the importance of the Council’s workforce in contributing to the aims and objectives of the Council and explained that the draft Strategy had been developed to support their hopes and aspirations.

In terms of the development of the Strategy, Councillor Davenport-Ray explained that it had been the culmination of a significant level of staff engagement. It was reported that over 73% of staff, which equated to 472 employees had participated in engagement sessions to form the recommendations and attention was drawn to their feedback which was set out in detail with the draft document

Council was informed that the Strategy had been broken down into three key areas or ‘pillars’ that covered the core areas that needed to be focused on. These were attraction and retention, engagement and well-being. Should Council choose to adopt the Strategy, Members attention was drawn to the proposed next steps which were set out in detail at the end of the document and would include continued communication, investment in the Action Plan, the use of relevant governance procedures to report on progress and the monitoring of its impact.

Councillor Davenport-Ray went on to explain that the development of the Strategy had been closely monitored by the Council’s Employment Committee, who at their last meeting had suggested that the Strategy should be adopted separately from its Action Plan. This would enable further time for refinement of the Action Plan and input from Members. In this regard she urged Members who had any comments to provide these to their Employment Committee representatives. It was also reported that positive feedback had been received from Union, employee representatives and Council staff. Councillor Davenport-Ray concluded her remarks by reiterating that the aim of the Strategy was to build a workforce where there were opportunities for development and growth and where every staff member felt valued, included and appropriately rewarded.

Councillor S Cawley outlined his support for the Strategy and the decision to adopt the Strategy separately from the Action Plan. However, he urged the Joint Administration to ensure that they responded to and implemented recommendations at pace given that staff expectations had been raised. Comment was also made regarding the concerns raised by the Peer Review at the likely financial impact of the pay and remuneration review, and he urged the Joint Administration to considered this as part of the budgeting process.

In response to a comment from Councillor J A Gray regarding where responsibility for Council employees lies democratically, the Executive Councillor for Climate Transformation and Workforce explained that in her view there was a distinction between policy and operation. Operational responsibility sat with the Head of Paid Services but setting the strategic direction was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

The Chief Executive to present the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge report. (TO FOLLOW)

With the assistance of a report by the Chief Executive (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Council considered the findings of the Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge and the recommendations of the Peer Challenge Team.

By way of introduction, the Chief Executive explained that an Action Plan would be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) in October 2024 and thereafter on a quarterly basis. However, work had already started on the delivery of many of the recommendations.

With reference to the Workforce Strategy, the Chief Executive reiterated that given the level of engagement from employees and the overall positivity received, she did not wish to lose momentum with this project. With this in mind, discussions had taken place regarding the acceleration of resources to demonstrate to the workforce the intention to deliver against the recommendations. She also outlined her thanks to Council Members for their appreciative comments regarding the Councils’ employees delivering the Council’s aspirations and she would be conveying this to all staff within her weekly newsletter.

Turning to the Peer Review, the Council were advised that the recommendations would be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) and accountability would be provided by allocating a Cabinet Member and Member of the Senior Leadership Team to oversee each recommendation. Those members with an interest in benchmarking were encouraged to look at the reports for other Councils on the Local Government Association Website. Members were also advised that a new framework for review had been introduced which was considered to be more challenging than the previous regime.

In terms of the recommendations within the report, Members were also advised that in addition to the key recommendations there were a number of additional actions that would also be implemented. The Chief Executive also reported that the Peer Team had commented on how welcoming and transparent those that they had met as part of the process had been and she had been keen to ensure that all parts of the organisation had felt part of the review. Feedback from staff had been good and tours had included Eastfield House and One Leisure, including the workshop.

In responding to the report, the Executive Leader, Councillor S J Conboy expressed her appreciation to the Peer Review team and indicated that she was looking forward to working with Members across the Council to reflect on the suggestions and recommendations within the report.

Having expressed his appreciation to the Peer Team and commented on the thorough and honest process he had experienced, the Leader of the Opposition Group Councillor R Martin commented on a number of aspects of the report. Firstly, the need to address issues arising from a number of departments feeling as though they were working in silos and the need to monitor trends in the delivery of affordable housing to ensure that any reduction in numbers was not a continuing trend year on year. Councillor Martin also commented on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

At 8.57 pm it was

RESOLVED

that the meeting stand adjourned

Upon the decision to adjourn the meeting Councillors E R Butler and A E Costello left the meeting and did not return.

Upon resumption at 9.02 pm

Councillor M J Burke, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee to present the Annual Report of the Corporate Governance Committee for 2023/24.

(The report was considered by the Corporate Governance Committee at their meeting on 9th July 2024).

Councillor M J Burke, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee presented the Annual Report of the Committee for 2023/24 (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which summarised the Committees activities and the issues that arose within the financial year.

In presenting the report, the Chair was pleased to report that all 17 recommendations from the Local Government Association Audit Peer Challenge had now been implemented, including those that related to the Committee’s activities. A further five actions had been identified for the forthcoming year and the Chair indicated his appreciation to Council Officers and the new Internal Audit Manager for their support in this regard.

The Chair also took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the former Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee, Councillors N Wells and J E Harvey for their assistance in his transition to his new role. Although it was acknowledged that Councillor Harvey would continue to assist the Committee in her role as Executive Councillor with responsibility for Governance and Democratic Services.

Whereupon it was

RESOLVED

that the Annual Report 2023/24 of the Corporate Governance Committee be received and noted.

At 9.08pm Councillor S J Criswell left the meeting and did not return.

Councillor B A Mickelburgh, Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources to present the treasury performance for the period between 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

(The report was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth and the Cabinet at their meetings in June 2024).

Consideration 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 treasury management activity for the period 1 April to 31 March 2024, including investment and borrowing activity and treasury performance.

By way of introduction, the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources proceeded to talk in detail through the following areas: economic review, the performance of Council funds, treasury risk management, non-treasury investments, compliance and treasury management indicators.

Having received a detailed explanation of the economic circumstances in which the UK Economy found itself during the 2023/24 financial year, Council’s attention was drawn to the performance of Council funds. Attention was drawn to the Council’s Capital Funding Requirement, which measures the Councils underlying need to borrow for capital purposes together with the Council’s borrowing levels which were set out in tables 3 -6 of Appendix A. As at 31 March 2024, the Council held £34.27M of loans, however the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources assured Members that this was behind the Council’s Commercial Property Investment estimated value of around £40M. There had been no additional borrowing undertaken within the reporting period. It was also reported that a large proportion of Council investments were made in the Government’s Debt Management Office (DMO). Funds that were placed into the DMO are used to reduce the need for the government to borrow, therefore investing here helps to reduce costs for the public sector overall and stops external money market funds from making gains at the taxpayer’s expense.

Members were also reminded that a review of the Council’s Commercial Investment Strategy had previously been planned for June 2024. However, this had been delayed pending the arrival of the Council’s new Section 151 Officer in the Autumn and it was envisaged that there may be new opportunities in place following the election of a new national Government.

In terms of Non-Treasury Investments, the Council were advised that the Council currently holds £70.8M of such investments in directly owned property (£70.7M) and shareholding in subsidiaries £0.1M). These investments generated £3.92m (2022/23 £5.36m) of investment income for the Authority for 2023/24, a decrease of 37% on 2022/23, as a result of reduced rents at Fareham, Stonehill and Rowley Arts Centre. Having received a brief update on the reasons for this, Members were advised that a further update would be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) in September 2024 in private session.

With regards to compliance, the Executive Councillor was pleased to report that the Council’s Chief Finance Officer had reported that all treasury management activity undertaken during the financial year had complied fully with the CIPFA Code of Practice and the Council’s approved Treasury Management Strategy. He also took the opportunity to draw attention to the Government’s decision to extend the mandatory statutory override for local authorities to reverse out all unrealised fair  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Section 18.3 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules require the Executive Leader to report on executive decisions taken under Special Urgency provisions within the Council’s Constitution.

There have been no Executive Decisions taken under the Special Urgency Provisions in 2023/24.

The Chair explained that Council’s Constitution requires the Executive Leader to report annually on Executive Decisions taken under Special Urgency provisions during the Year. The Council noted that there had been no items to report in 2023/24.

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 decisions summaries from recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Members were advised that any issues or questions could be raised in relation to these meetings.

There were no questions raised.

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 22ndMay 2024 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 questions raised.

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

On the recommendation of Councillor S J Conboy and R Martin, it was

RESOLVED

(a)  that Councillor J E Harvey be appointed to the membership of the Constitution Review Working Group;

(b)  that Councillor C A Lowe be appointed to the vacant position on the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships); and

(c)  that Councillor J Clarke be appointed to the membership of the Licensing and Protection / Licensing Committee in place of Councillor S Bywater.

The meeting ended at 9.30pm.