Agenda item

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, other registerable and non-registerable interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below.

The Head of Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer advised Cabinet about the position in relation to lobbying. It was at the time to be expected for Members to be lobbied on matters coming before Cabinet, and lobbying in itself did not prevent a Member from taking part in a decision. Members needed to ensure that they approached the decision with an open mind, taking into account the officer report, relevant legal duties, and all material considerations. Any Member who had been lobbied should declare that fact for the sake of transparency. If any Member considered that, as a result of lobbying or otherwise, they had formed a settled view and could not approach this matter with an open mind, she advised that they should declare that and withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item, taking no part in the discussion or decision.

In respect of Minute No. 25/89, Councillor Conboy placed on record that she had received an email from the Chair of the Great Ouse Valley Trust, had declined an invitation to its AGM, and confirmed she approached the item with an open mind.

In respect of Minute No. 25/89, Councillor Sanderson placed on record that he had received an email from the Chair of the Great Ouse Valley Trust, but confirmed he approached the item with an open mind.

In respect of Minute No. 25/89 Councillor Harvey placed on record that she had received an email from the Chair of the Great Ouse Valley Trust, but confirmed she approached the item with an open mind.

In respect of Minute Nos. 25/88 and 25/89, Councillor Mickelburgh placed on record that he had received an email from the Chair of the Great Ouse Valley Trust, as well as emails relating to Planning matters, but confirmed he approached both items with an open mind.

In respect of Minute No. 25/89 Councillor Davenport-Ray placed on record that she had received an email from the Chair of the Great Ouse Valley Trust, but confirmed she approached the item with an open mind.

In respect of Minute No.25/89, Councillor Ferguson placed on record that he had received an email from the Chair of the Great Ouse Valley Trust, but confirmed he approached the item with an open mind. He also placed on record that when he was Mayor of St Neots in October 2020, he took part in a charity walk along the Ouse Valley Way and raised money for and donated to the Mayor’s Charities, which included the Great Ouse Valley Trust. However, this did not influence his position in respect of the debate and decision.

In respect of Minute No. 25/89, Councillor Wakeford placed on record that he had received an email from the Chair of the Great Ouse Valley Trust, but confirmed he approached the item with an open mind.

In respect of Minute No. 25/89, Councillor Kerr placed on record that she had received an email from the Chair of the Great Ouse Valley Trust, but chose not to read it. She confirmed she approached the item with an open mind.