| Time: | 7.30pm | Place: | Council Chamber, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City |
| PRESENT: | Councillor R.L. Shakespeare - Smith (Chairman), Councillor John Booth (Vice-Chairman), Councillor Mrs A.G. Ashley, Councillor Alan Bardett, Councillor Clare Billing (from 7.40pm), Councillor P.C.W. Burt, Councillor Bill Davidson, Councillor Jane Gray, Councillor Jean Green, Councillor Gary Grindal, Councillor Steve Hemingway, Councillor Cathryn Henry, Councillor Fiona Hill, Councillor T.W. Hone, Councillor Tony Hunter, Councillor S.K. Jarvis, Councillor Sal Jarvis, Councillor Lorna Kercher, Councillor David Levett, Councillor Ben Lewis, Councillor Bernard Lovewell, Councillor Ian Mantle, Councillor Paul Marment, Councillor Jim McNally, Councillor Alan Millard, Councillor Gerald Morris, Councillor M.R.M. Muir, Councillor Mrs L.A. Needham, Councillor Janine Paterson, Councillor Frank Radcliffe, Councillor Mike Rice, Councillor Deepak Sangha, Councillor Deborah Segalini, Councillor Adrian Smith, Councillor Harry Spencer-Smith, Councillor Mrs C.P.A. Strong, Councillor R.A.C. Thake and Councillor M.E. Weeks. |
| IN ATTENDANCE: | Chief Executive, Strategic Director of Finance, Policy & Governance, Strategic Director of Customer Services, Acting Corporate Legal Manager, Democratic Services Manager and Committee & Member Services Manager. |
| ALSO PRESENT: | 5 members of the public. |
| Meeting attachments |
Agenda Front Sheet Audio Recording of Meeting |
| Item | Description/Resolution | Status | Action | |
| PART I | ||||
| 53 |
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received from Councillors David Barnard, Judi Billing, John Bishop, Julian Cunningham, Faye S. Frost, John Harris, Simon Harwood, Joan Kirby and David Leal-Bennett. |
Noted | ||
| 54 |
MINUTES Minutes It was moved by Councillor Mrs L.A. Needham, seconded by Councillor T.W. Hone, and RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 3 September 2015 be approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman. |
Agreed | ||
| 55 |
NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS No additional business was presented for consideration by the Council. |
Noted | ||
| 56 |
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS (1) Civic Service The Chairman thanked all those who had attended the Civic Service held at St. Mary's Church, Hitchin on Sunday, 22 November 2015. It had been a splendid event, with various youth organisations participating, and the congregation being addressed by speakers from three different faiths. (2) An evening of Christmas Carols The Chairman drew Members' attention to the invitation that had been circulated for an evening of Christmas Carols event in aid of his chosen charities, which would take place at 7pm on Sunday, 13 December 2015 in Councillor Gray's tithe barn at Abbotshay Farm, Tanyard Lane, Codicote. The Chairman to thanked Councillor Jane Gray and her husband Edward for hosting this event. All Members were welcome to attend, with a suggested minimum charitable donation of £10 per person. (3) Survey The Chairman announced that there was an extra paper on your Members' desks. This was an anonymous short survey by the Task and Finish Group on the quality of the Council's reports. The Chairman knew that this was a subject which was dear to Members' hearts, so he would be grateful if Members could fill it in this evening and leave it for the Scrutiny Officer, Brendan Sullivan, to collect; or take it away with them to fill in and send to Brendan as soon as possible. (4) Declarations of Interest The Chairman reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question. |
Noted | ||
| 57 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION North Hertfordshire and District Citizens' Advice Bureau The Council was addressed by Ms Rionach Aiken (Chief Executive) in respect of the North Hertfordshire and District Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB). Ms Aiken advised that, in March 2015, the CAB had launched their new website, which was upgraded using funding from the Big Lottery. It was easily accessible, both for those not confident with computers and for users of phones or tablets. In the 6 months since the upgrade (April-September 2015) the website had been visited 5,000 times by 4,500 distinct users. The website had over 600 regular users (16%) and the site was becoming well known. Ms Aiken stated that, in the most recent 6 month period, April-September 2015, unique client numbers were up 27% (2,979 up from 2,342) on the same period in 2014, and 30% higher than in the same period 2 years ago. Client contacts were up 13% (to 5,463), so although the CAB was seeing more people, they were dealing with them more efficiently. The website, and the digital advice screens (kiosks) in the Baldock Community Centre and North Hertfordshire College in Hitchin, allowed people to access the information they needed when they needed it, enabling the CAB to manage increasing demands on its service. Ms Aiken explained that robust national research in 2014 had demonstrated that Citizens Advice solved problems for 2 in every 3 clients. The problem resolution rate was the same whoever you were (demographics), whatever your problem (issues) and however you accessed the service (face-to-face, telephone, email). In the 3-6 months following advice, 81% reported improved mental well-being, 51% improved finances, and 45% improved physical health. Ms Aiken advised that a 2015 Treasury-approved cost-benefit tool built on that research to put a conservative financial estimate on the value of the CAB, and the results were extraordinary. Figures for 2014/15 showed that, for every £1 invested in Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire, it generated at least: - £1.75 in savings to government. The total fiscal benefit was estimated at £800,000; - £10.14 in wider economic and social benefits - through improving participation and productivity for clients and volunteers. The total public value was estimated at £4.7 million; - £11.41 in value to clients - through income gained through benefits, consumer problems resolved and debts written off. The total benefit to individuals was £5.3 million. Ms Aiken commented that the values of £1.75, £10.14 and £11.41 generated locally in respect of each £1 invested were all higher than the national average. The CAB knew know that its value was greater, but had been conservative in its estimate, sticking to what it knew and could evidence. These figures were generated through calculating the value of these outcomes using robust modelling methodology with cautious assumptions. Ms Aiken stated that, in 2014/15, the CAB had secured more than double the amount provided by its core funding in additional project funding. The Service was constantly looking to diversify its funding streams, working closely with the other 9 Hertfordshire Citizens Advice services to tender for countywide funding, as well as bidding independently for other sources. Ms Aiken explained that the CAB was now offering Money Matters sessions to clients and in the community across the District. 15 volunteers had been trained, who were working with community centres, Jackie's Drop-in, the Job Centre, schools and existing clients to help people manage their budgets, set up bank accounts and improve their financial skills Ms Aiken commented that the CAB had recently generated over £100,000 (over a two-year period) in energy advice funding from energy suppliers (via Citizens Advice and Ofgen), including funding for an Energy Champion who would work across the region. The Council noted that CAB volunteer numbers had risen by 10% from April to September 2015. More volunteers were being recruited than ever, with good local press coverage, an easier online application process, regular intakes, and improved training. The CAB answered over 1,000 calls in 2014/15 as part of the Hertfordshire Adviceline service. However, demand for telephone advice in North Hertfordshire was high and only around 45% of callers were able to access the service. This compares well to a national average of 47% in 2014/15, but there was clearly room for improvement. Some funding had been received, with the plan to use it to install a new telephone system early in 2016. Ms Aiken advised that the CAB's head office premises in Leys Avenue, Letchworth had always been too small in terms of interview rooms, waiting room, training and office space. Terms had now been agreed with the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation on larger premises in 49 Station Road, and it was hoped to move by June 2016 when the current lease ended. The property offered better value for money than Leys Avenue, with twice the floor space for a similar rental and a 15 year lease Ms Aiken stated that, whilst the deal offered good value and exciting prospects for a secure long-term future, there would be major costs in terms of the fit-out and office move. Whilst the CAB would be able to fund part of these through reserves that had been built up for this purpose, a significant amount of funds needed to be raised to cover all costs. A fundraising campaign had been launched, but the CAB needed all the help it could get. So if you the Council could put the CAB in touch with any local businesses, organisations or even individuals who could help - either financially or through donations of goods or services in kind - then all warm leads or offers of support would be welcomed. Ms Aiken appreciated that there were likely to be tough decisions for councillors to make over the coming months. She hoped that this presentation had provided some information that would help inform some of those decisions, in particular around the value that NHDC could secure from any investment into the CAB. She ware realistic and recognised that an increase to core funding was unlikely whatever the business case. However, any support that the Council could provide in the short-term by at least stabilising the grant would be particularly helpful at a time of major operational transformation for the CAB, as it would help them to continue to recruit and train volunteers and hopefully increase the amounts that £1 invested in the service would generate in the future. Ms Aiken closed by thanking NHDC councillors and council officers for their support for CAB services. The amount of help provided would not be possible without it. Following a question and answer session, the Chairman thanked Ms Aiken for her presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 58 |
ITEM REFERRED FROM LICENSING AND APPEALS COMMITTEE: 6 OCTOBER 2015 - ADOPTION OF A STATEMENT OF LICENSING POLICY FOR THE PERIOD 2016-2021 REQUIRED BY VIRTUE OF SECTION 5 OF THE LICENSING ACT 2003 Referral Appendix A - Proposed Licensing Policy 2016-2021 [Prior to the consideration of this item, Councillor M.R.M. Muir made a Declarable Interest in the matter, as he held licences to sell alcohol. He therefore withdrew from the Chamber for the duration of this item.] The Council considered the Minute of the meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee held on 6 October 2015, in respect of the proposed adoption of a Statement of Licensing Policy for the period 2016-2021 required by virtue of Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003 (Minute 7 refers). A copy of the report considered by the Licensing and Appeals Committee was included with the agenda, as was the following appendix: Appendix A - Proposed Statement of Licensing Policy 2016-2021. It was moved by Councillor Jim McNally, seconded by Councillor Bernard Lovewell and, following debate and upon being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED: That the Statement of Licensing Policy 2016-2021 in respect of the Licensing Act 2003 as attached at Appendix A to the report, be adopted. REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the publication of a new Policy every five years, as required by Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003; and to enable the new Policy to be published by 7 January 2016, in order to comply with this statutory requirement. |
Agreed | ||
| 59 |
ITEM REFERRED FROM LICENSING AND APPEALS COMMITTEE: 6 OCTOBER 2015 - ADOPTION OF A STATEMENT OF LICENSING PRINCIPLES FOR THE PERIOD 2016-2018 REQUIRED BY VIRTUE OF SECTION 349 OF THE GAMBLING ACT 2005 Referral Appendix A - Gambling Act 2005: Proposed Statement of Licensing Principles Appendix B - Summary of Consultation responses Appendix C - Consultation responses The Council considered the Minute of the meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee held on 6 October 2015, in respect of the proposed adoption of a Statement of Licensing Principles for the period 2016-2018 required by virtue of Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 (Minute 8 refers). A copy of the report considered by the Licensing and Appeals Committee was included with the agenda, as were the following appendices: Appendix A - Gambling Act 2005: Proposed Statement of Licensing Principles; Appendix B - Summary of Consultation responses; and Appendix C - Consultation responses. It was moved by Councillor M.R.M. Muir, seconded by Councillor Bernard Lovewell and, following debate and upon being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED: That the proposed Statement of Licensing Principles 2016-2018 in respect of the Gambling Act 2005, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be adopted. REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with the requirement to publish a Statement of Licensing Principles every three years, in accordance with Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005; and to enable the new Policy to be published by 3 January 2016, in order to comply with this statutory requirement. |
Agreed | ||
| 60 |
APPOINTMENT OF PARISH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE Report Appendix A - Selection criteria The Council considered a report of the Acting Monitoring Officer in respect of the proposed appointment of a Parish Council representative to the Standards Committee. The following appendix was submitted with the report: Appendix A - Selection criteria. The Acting Monitoring Officer advised that four candidates had been interviewed by himself, the Standards Committee Independent Person and Reserve Independent Person. All candidates had been of a high calibre, and the interview panel had recommended that Parish Councillor Helena Gregory (Codicote Parish Council) be appointed as a non-voting co-optee of the Standards Committee. It was moved by Councillor Mrs L.A. Needham, seconded by Councillor T.W. Hone, and upon being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED: That the appointment of Parish Councillor Helena Gregory (Codicote Parish Council) as non-voting co-optee of the Standards Committee be confirmed. REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure Parish Council input into the considerations of the Standards Committee and Sub-Committee, in accordance with the approach previously approved by Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 61 |
QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS Report There were no questions from Members. |
Noted | ||
| 62 |
NOTICE OF MOTIONS Report (A) Syrian Refugees Due notice having been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12, it was moved by Councillor Clare Billing, and seconded by Councillor Deborah Segalini, "That this Council resolves to: - express interest, to the Home Office in both the VPR and Gateway programmes, by requesting that 50 refugees be resettled in North Hertfordshire; - encourage North Herts Homes to make properties available to resettle refugees; - help ensure that refugees are welcomed in this area by working with "Herts Welcomes Syrian Families." The following amendment was moved by Councillor Bernard Lovewell, and seconded by Councillor Mrs L.A. Needham: First bullet point - addition of the words "subject to satisfactory funding arrangements by the Home Office"; Second bullet point - addition of the words "and other housing associations" between "North Herts Homes" and "to make properties…"; and Third bullet point - deletion of the words "Herts Welcomes Syrian Families" and their replacement with "the North Herts Minority Ethnic Forum and all appropriate community and charitable groups". The mover and seconder of the original motion were prepared to accept this amendment, and following debate on the amended motion and upon being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED: That this Council resolves to: - express interest, to the Home Office in both the VPR and Gateway programmes, by requesting that 50 refugees be resettled in North Hertfordshire, subject to satisfactory funding arrangements by the Home Office; - encourage North Herts Homes and other housing associations to make properties available to resettle refugees; - help ensure that refugees are welcomed in this area by working with the North Herts Minority Ethnic Forum and all appropriate community and charitable groups. (B) Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Due notice having been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12, it was moved by Councillor Frank Radcliffe, and seconded by Councillor Adrian Smith, "That this Council resolves to: 1. Write to the secretary of state for communities and local government, local MP's and all Eastern Region MEPs raising our serious concerns about the impact of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) on local authorities. 2. To request officers to carry out an impact assessment on the impact of TTIP on North Herts District Council." Following debate, and upon being put to the vote, the motion was lost. (C) Trade Union Bill [Prior to the consideration of this item: (1) Councillor David Levett declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in the matter, as his spouse was a senior representative of the NHDC Branch of the UNISON Trade Union. He therefore withdrew from the Chamber for the duration of the item; (2) Councillor Deepak Sangha declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in the matter, as his partner worked for NHDC. He also withdrew from the Chamber for the duration of the item; and (3) Councillors Jim McNally and Michael Weeks made Declarable Interests in the matter, as they had relatives who were employed by NHDC. However, they remained present in the meeting for the debate and vote upon the item.] Due notice having been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12, it was moved by Councillor Adrian Smith, and seconded by Councillor Ian Mantle, "That this Council: - notes the positive contribution that trade unions make in our workplaces; and - supports the campaign against the Trade Union Bill." Following debate, it was moved by Councillor Richard Thake, and seconded by Councillor Jean Green, that the above motion be taken in two parts. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was carried. As an amendment to the first part of the motion, it was moved by Councillor Mrs L.A. Needham and seconded by Councillor Richard Thake, that the word "can" be inserted between the words "trade unions" and "make". Following debate, and upon being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED: That this Council notes the positive contribution that trade unions can make in our workplaces. Following debate upon the second part of the motion, and upon being put to the vote, this part of the motion was lost. The Chairman invited Councillor Sal Jarvis to address the Council. Councillor Sal Jarvis reminded Members that she and her husband, Councillor Steve Jarvis, had on 12 September 2015 to mark the 5th anniversary of their son Ollie's death, completed a charity walk along the Wychwood Way in Oxfordshire to raise money for the charity Cardiomyopathy UK. She thanked Members who had sponsored them for their efforts, and was delighted to announce that the Team had raised over £3,000. |
Noted | ||