Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors John Bishop, David Barnard, Jean Green, Kay Tart, Keith Hoskins, Sean Prendergast, Faye Frost, Carol Stanier, Paul Clark, Terry Tyler, Lisa Nash and Sam Collins.

Audio recording – 1:42

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors John Bishop, David Barnard, Jean Green, Kay Tart, Keith Hoskins, Sean Prendergast, Faye Frost, Carol Stanier, Paul Clark, Terry Tyler, Lisa Nash and Sam Collins.

Climate Emergency

The Council has declared a climate emergency and is committed to achieving a target of zero carbon emissions by 2030 and helping local people and businesses to reduce their own carbon emissions.

A Cabinet Panel on the Environment has been established to engage with local people on matters relating to the climate emergency and advise the council on how to achieve these climate change objectives. A Climate Change Implementation group of councillors and council officers meets regularly to produce plans and monitor progress. Actions taken or currently underway include switching to green energy, incentives for low emission taxis, expanding tree planting and working to cut food waste.

In addition the council is a member of the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership, working with other councils across Hertfordshire to reduce the county’s carbon emissions and climate impact.

The Council’s dedicated webpage on Climate Change includes details of the council’s climate change strategy, the work of the Cabinet Panel on the Environment and a monthly briefing on progress.

Declarations of Interest

Members are reminded that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda, should be declared as either a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or Declarable Interest and are required to notify the Chair of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda. Members declaring a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item. Members declaring a Declarable Interest, wishing to exercise a ‘Councillor Speaking Right’, must declare this at the same time as the interest, move to the public area before speaking to the item and then must leave the room before the debate and vote.

(1)       Members were reminded that this Council had declared a Climate Emergency. This was a serious decision and meant that, as this was an emergency, all of us, officers and Members had that in mind as we carried out our various roles and tasks for the benefit of our District.

(2)       Members were reminded of the rules of debate and times to speak;

(3)       The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and 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.

(4)       The Chair informed Members that Richard Beesly, the consultant assisting the Council with the Boundary Review process, was present and able to respond to questions.

Audio recording – 2:11

(1)       The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded;

(2)       Members were reminded that this Council had declared a Climate Emergency. This was a serious decision and meant that, as this was an emergency, all of us, officers and Members had that in mind as we carried out our various roles and tasks for the benefit of our District.

(3)       The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and 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.

(4)       Members were reminded that Richard Beasley, the consultant assisting the Council with the Boundary Review process was present via Zoom and available to answer questions.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That Council notes the outcome and responses from the public consultation, along with the points raised in the report;

(2)       That Council resolves to change the electoral cycle to all-out elections from 2024.

REASONS FOR DECISION: To determine the Council’s electoral cycle in preparation for a submission on Council size to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England in line with the agreed timetable.

Audio Recording – 4:08

The Democratic Services Manager presented the report on the Electoral Cycle along with Appendix A – Electoral Review Timetable and Appendix B - Consultation Responses to ‘How should Councillors for North Hertfordshire District Council be elected?’

The following Members asked questions and took part in debate:

·                Councillor Richard Thake

·                Councillor Ian Albert

·                Councillor Simon Harwood

·                Councillor Morgan Derbyshire

·                Councillor David Levett

·                Councillor Michael Muir

·                Councillor Steve Jarvis

·                Councillor Ian Mantle

·                Councillor Judi Billing

·                Councillor Claire Strong

·                Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg

·                Councillor George Davies

In response to questions Richard Beasley, Consultant advised that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England will not change the Council’s electoral cycle and only look at Council Size and warding arrangements, which are impacted by the decision to be made at this meeting.

In response to questions the Service Director – Legal & Community advised that conducting an additional Community Governance Review would have resource implications and would require consideration outside of this meeting.

Councillor Richard Thake proposed, Councillor Morgan Derbyshire seconded and on the vote it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)       That Council notes the outcome and responses from the public consultation, along with the points raised in the report;

(2)       That Council resolves to change the electoral cycle to all-out elections from 2024.

REASONS FOR DECISION: To determine the Council’s electoral cycle in preparation for a submission on Council size to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England in line with the agreed timetable.