Decision details

Councillor Simon Harwood proposed, and Councillor David Levett seconded the following amendment:

 

“That, in consultation with Officers, fellow councillors and Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, a 3 year pilot programme be created to look at the creation of a rewilding scheme, to introduce ‘nature highways’ and / or ‘bee and wildflower corridors’ through North Hertfordshire. This pilot will focus / look at particularly community engagement - getting schools, groups and other members of the community directly involved in the project. This approach from elsewhere has been shown as key to success for generating long-lasting momentum and building a strong sense of community ownership.

 

That £150k, over three years, be added to the budget for this purpose. This funding will allow us, subject to agreement, to assign a dedicated person (part-time) to coordinate action, engage local communities and to manage the project and to undertake the purchase of the necessary material.”

 

Councillor David Levett called for a recorded vote on the proposed amendment.

 

The result of the recorded vote on the proposed amendment was:

 

For: Councillors: David Barnard, John Bishop, George Davies, Steve Deakin-Davies, Morgan Derbyshire, Jean Green, Simon Harwood, Terry Hone, Tony Hunter, David Levett, Jim McNally, Gerald Morris, Michael Muir, Mike Rice, Claire Strong, Richard Thake, Terry Tyler and Michael Weeks.

Total: 18

 

Against: Councillors: Ian Albert, Kate Aspinwall, Clare Billing, Judi Billing, Ruth Brown, Val Bryant, Paul Clark, Sam Collins, Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Gary Grindal, Keith Hoskins, Mike Hughson, Steve Jarvis, Ian Mantle, Lisa Nash, Sue Ngwala, Helen Oliver, Sean Prendergast, Adem Ruggiero-Cakir, Carol Stanier, Martin Stears-Handscomb and Tom Tyson.

Total: 22

 

Abstain:

Councillors: Daniel Allen and Sam North.

Total: 2

 

Therefore the motion regarding the proposed amendment was lost.

 

NB: The Chair announced a comfort break at 9.14 pm.

 

NB: The meeting resumed at 9.26pm

 

The Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager undertook a roll call to ensure that all present could hear and be heard.

 

Councillor David Levett proposed, and Councillor Richard Thake seconded the following amendment:

 

“That an allocation of £100k is made to SADA to assist with providing safe havens for those suffering from domestic abuse by providing longer term security against homelessness.”

 

Councillor David Levett, with the agreement of Councillor Richard Thake, agreed to withdraw the proposed amendment, providing it remained on the table.

 

The Chair advised that a recorded vote would be taken on recommendations 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5 contained in the report and separate recorded vote would be taken on recommendation 2.6 contained in the report. The results of these recorded votes were as follows:

 

Recorded Vote regarding recommendations 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5 contained in the report:

 

For:

Councillors: Ian Albert, Daniel Allen, Kate Aspinwall, Clare Billing, Judi Billing, Ruth Brown, Val Bryant, Paul Clark, Sam Collins, Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Gary Grindal, Keith Hoskins, Mike Hughson, Steve Jarvis, Ian Mantle, Lisa Nash, Sue Ngwala, Sam North, Helen Oliver, Sean Prendergast, Adem Ruggiero-Cakir, Carol Stanier, Martin Stears-Handscomb, Terry Tyler and Tom Tyson.

Total: 25

 

Against:

Councillors: David Barnard, John Bishop, George Davies, Steve Deakin-Davies, Morgan Derbyshire, Jean Green, Simon Harwood, Terry Hone, Tony Hunter, David Levett, Jim McNally, Gerald Morris, Michael Muir, Claire Strong, Richard Thake and Michael Weeks.  

Total: 16

 

Abstain:

Councillor Mike Rice.

Total: 1

 

Recorded Vote regarding recommendation 2.6 contained in the report:

 

For:

Councillors: Ian Albert, Daniel Allen, Kate Aspinwall, Clare Billing, Judi Billing, Ruth Brown, Val Bryant, Paul Clark, Sam Collins, Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Gary Grindal, Keith Hoskins, Mike Hughson, Steve Jarvis, Ian Mantle, Lisa Nash, Sue Ngwala, Sam North, Helen Oliver, Sean Prendergast, Adem Ruggiero-Cakir, Carol Stanier, Martin Stears-Handscomb, Terry Tyler and Tom Tyson.  

Total: 25

 

Against:

Councillors: David Barnard, John Bishop, George Davies, Steve Deakin-Davies, Morgan Derbyshire, Jean Green, Simon Harwood, Terry Hone, Tony Hunter, David Levett, Jim McNally, Gerald Morris, Michael Muir, Mike Rice, Claire Strong, Richard Thake and Michael Weeks.  

Total: 17

 

Abstain:

Total: Nil

 

Therefore it was:

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)       That the Collection Fund and how it will be funded be noted;

 

(2)       That the position relating to the General Fund balance and that due to the risks identified a minimum balance of £3.85 million is recommended be noted;

 

(3)       That the savings and investments as detailed in Appendix B be approved;

 

(4)       That a net expenditure budget of £18.441m, as detailed in Appendix C be approved

 

(5)       That a Council Tax increase by the maximum allowed without the need for a local referendum in 2021/22(as per the Medium Term Financial Strategy) be approved. This is likely to be an amount of £5 for a band D property, with other increases pro-rata to this.

 

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

 

(1)       To ensure that all relevant factors are considered in arriving at a proposed budget and Council Tax level for 2021/22, to be considered by Full Council on 11 February 2021.

 

(2)       To ensure that Cabinet recommends a balanced budget to Full Council on 11 February 2021.