Agenda, decisions and minutes

RESOLVED: That Councillor Clare Billing be elected as Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2024-25.

 

RESOLVED: That the Council places on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Councillor Daniel Allen for his service as Chair of the Council during the past year and also to his Consort Councillor Amy Allen for her help and support during his term of office.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 42 seconds

 

Councillor Daniel Allen, as Chair, called for nominations for the position of Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2024-25.

 

Councillor Daniel Allen nominated Councillor Clare Billing for the Chair of the Council 2024-25. This was seconded by Councillor Nigel Mason.

 

N.B Councillor Daniel Wright-Mason entered the Chamber at 19:36

 

Councillor Ruth Brown nominated Councillor David Chalmers for the Chair of the Council 2024-25. This was seconded by Councillor Tom Tyson.

 

Councillor Ruth Brown requested a recorded vote.

 

The vote for Councillor Clare Billing was:

 

VOTE TOTALS:

 

YES                 :                       25

ABSTAIN        :                      0

NO                   :                       0

TOTAL            :                       25

 

THE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS WERE AS FOLLOWS:

 

Cllr Daniel Allen                                  YES

Cllr Alistair Willoughby                        YES

Cllr Amy Allen                                     YES

Cllr Cathy Brownjohn                          YES

Cllr Chris Hinchliff                               YES

Cllr Clare Billing                                  YES

Cllr Daniel Wright-Mason                    YES

Cllr Dave Winstanley                          YES

Cllr Donna Wright                               YES

Cllr Elizabeth Dennis                          YES

Cllr Emma Fernandes                         YES

Cllr Emma Rowe                                 YES

Cllr Ian Albert                                     YES

Cllr Ian Mantle                                     YES

Cllr Laura Williams                              YES

Cllr Mick Debenham                           YES

Cllr Nigel Mason                                 YES

Cllr Rhona Cameron                           YES

Cllr Sadie Billing                                 YES

Cllr Sean Nolan                                   YES

Cllr Stewart Willoughby                      YES

Cllr Tamsin Thomas                            YES

Cllr Tina Bhartwas                              YES

Cllr Val Bryant                                     YES

Cllr Vijaiya Poopalasingham               YES

 

The vote for Councillor David Chalmers was:

 

VOTE TOTALS:

 

YES                 :                       25

ABSTAIN        :                      0

NO                   :                       0

TOTAL            :                       25

 

THE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS WERE AS FOLLOWS:

 

Cllr Bryony May                                  YES

Cllr Caroline McDonnell                      YES

Cllr Chris Lucas                                  YES

Cllr Claire Strong                                YES

Cllr Claire Winchester                         YES

Cllr David Chalmers                            YES

Cllr David Barnard                              YES

Cllr Dominic Griffiths                           YES

Cllr Joe Graziano                                YES

Cllr Jon Clayden                                 YES

Cllr Keith Hoskins                               YES

Cllr Louise Peace                               YES

Cllr Martin Prescott                             YES

Cllr Matt Barnes                                  YES

Cllr Michael Muir                                 YES

Cllr Paul Ward                                     YES

Cllr Ralph Muncer                               YES

Cllr Ruth Brown                                  YES

Cllr Ruth Clifton                                  YES

Cllr Sam Collins                                  YES

Cllr Sean Prendergast                        YES

Cllr Steve Jarvis                                  YES

Cllr Steven Patmore                           YES

Cllr Tim Johnson                                 YES

Cllr Tom Tyson                                   YES

 

As a result of a tied vote Councillor Daniel Allen, as Chair, used his casting vote, and it was:

  

RESOLVED: That Councillor Clare Billing be elected as Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2024-25.

 

Councillor Clare Billing took the Chair then read and signed the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office and took possession of the Chain of Office. Councillor Billing thanked the Council for her election as Chair.

 

Having been proposed by Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, and seconded by Councillor Nigel Mason it was:

 

RESOLVED: That the Council placed on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Councillor Daniel Allen for his service as Chair of the Council during the past year and also to his Consort Councillor Amy Allen for her help and support during his term of office.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lisa Nash.

Audio recording – 18 Minutes 50 seconds

 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lisa Nash.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Tina Bhartwas be elected as Vice-Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2024-25.

Audio recording – 19 minutes 14 seconds

 

The Chair called for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2024-25.

 

Councillor Daniel Allen nominated Councillor Tina Bhartwas for Vice-Chair of the Council 2024-25. This was seconded by Councillor Tamsin Thomas.

 

Councillor Ruth Brown nominated Councillor Sean Prendergast for Vice-Chair of the Council 2024-25. This was seconded by Councillor Tom Tyson.

 

Councillor Ruth Brown requested a recorded vote.

 

The vote for Councillor Tina Bhartwas was:

 

VOTE TOTALS:

 

YES                 :                       25

ABSTAIN        :                      0

NO                   :                       0

TOTAL            :                       25

 

THE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS WERE AS FOLLOWS:

 

Cllr Daniel Allen                                  YES

Cllr Alistair Willoughby                        YES

Cllr Amy Allen                                     YES

Cllr Cathy Brownjohn                          YES

Cllr Chris Hinchliff                               YES

Cllr Clare Billing                                  YES

Cllr Daniel Wright-Mason                    YES

Cllr Dave Winstanley                          YES

Cllr Donna Wright                               YES

Cllr Elizabeth Dennis                          YES

Cllr Emma Fernandes                         YES

Cllr Emma Rowe                                 YES

Cllr Ian Albert                                     YES

Cllr Ian Mantle                                     YES

Cllr Laura Williams                              YES

Cllr Mick Debenham                           YES

Cllr Nigel Mason                                 YES

Cllr Rhona Cameron                           YES

Cllr Sadie Billing                                 YES

Cllr Sean Nolan                                   YES

Cllr Stewart Willoughby                      YES

Cllr Tamsin Thomas                            YES

Cllr Tina Bhartwas                              YES

Cllr Val Bryant                                     YES

Cllr Vijaiya Poopalasingham               YES

 

The vote for Councillor Sean Prendergast was:

 

VOTE TOTALS:

 

YES                 :                       25

ABSTAIN        :                      0

NO                   :                       0

TOTAL            :                       25

 

THE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS WERE AS FOLLOWS:

 

Cllr Bryony May                                  YES

Cllr Caroline McDonnell                      YES

Cllr Chris Lucas                                  YES

Cllr Claire Strong                                YES

Cllr Claire Winchester                         YES

Cllr David Chalmers                            YES

Cllr David Barnard                              YES

Cllr Dominic Griffiths                           YES

Cllr Joe Graziano                                YES

Cllr Jon Clayden                                 YES

Cllr Keith Hoskins                               YES

Cllr Louise Peace                               YES

Cllr Martin Prescott                             YES

Cllr Matt Barnes                                  YES

Cllr Michael Muir                                 YES

Cllr Paul Ward                                     YES

Cllr Ralph Muncer                               YES

Cllr Ruth Brown                                  YES

Cllr Ruth Clifton                                  YES

Cllr Sam Collins                                  YES

Cllr Sean Prendergast                        YES

Cllr Steve Jarvis                                  YES

Cllr Steven Patmore                           YES

Cllr Tim Johnson                                 YES

Cllr Tom Tyson                                   YES

 

As a result of a tied vote Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, used her casting vote, and it was:

 

RESOLVED: That Councillor Tina Bhartwas be elected as Vice-Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2024-25.

 

Councillor Tina Bhartwas then read and signed the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office and took possession of the Chain of office. Councillor Bhartwas thanked the Council for her election as Vice-Chair and advised that her Consort for the year would be Shane Dangar.

To take as read and approve as a true record the public minutes of the meeting held on the 18 April 2024.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 18 April 2024 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Audio Recording – 26 minutes 59 seconds

 

The Chair advised that although the Minutes of the previous meeting could be moved and seconded by members who were not present at that meeting, it is preferable that those who were not present should abstain from voting.

 

Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Ruth Brown seconded and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 18 April 2024 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

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.

 

Ecological Emergency

 

The Council has declared an ecological emergency and is committed to addressing the ecological emergency and nature recovery by identifying appropriate areas for habitat restoration and biodiversity net gain whilst ensuring that development limits impact on existing habitats in its process.

 

The Council has set out to do that by a) setting measurable targets and standards for biodiversity increase, in both species and quantities, seeking to increase community engagement, b) to work with our partners to establish a Local Nature Partnership for Hertfordshire and to develop Nature Recovery Networks and Nature Recovery Strategy for Hertfordshire and c) to investigate new approaches to nature recovery such as habitat banking that deliver biodiversity objectives and provide new investment opportunities.

 

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)   The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be recorded.

 

(2)   The Chair reminded Members that the Council had declared both a Climate Emergency and an Ecological Emergency. These are serious decisions, and mean 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)   The Chair advised that the normal procedure rules in respect of debate and times to speak will apply.

 

(5)   The Chair advised that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting. A comfort break would be held at an appropriate time, should proceedings continue at length.

 

(6)   The Chair welcomed and congratulated the newly elected Members following the elections on 2 May: Councillors Tina Bhartwas, Sadie Billing, Rhona Cameron, David Chalmers, Jon Clayden, Ruth Clifton, Emma Fernandes, Joe Graziano, Tim Johnson, Caroline McDonnell, Steven Patmore, Vijaiya Poopalasingham, Martin Prescott, Emma Rowe, Paul Ward, Laura Williams, Stewart Willoughby, Claire Winchester and Donna Wright.

 

(7)   The Chair congratulated those Councillors successfully re-elected: Councillors Ian Albert, Amy Allen, Daniel Allen, David Barnard, Matt Barnes, Clare Billing, Ruth Brown, Cathy Brownjohn, Val Bryant, Sam Collins, Mick Debenham, Elizabeth Dennis, Dominic Griffiths, Chris Hinchliff, Keith Hoskins, Steve Jarvis, Chris Lucas, Ian Mantle, Nigel Mason Bryony May, Michael Muir, Ralph Muncer, Lisa Nash, Sean Nolan, Louise Peace, Sean Prendergast, Claire Strong, Tamsin Thomas, Tom Tyson, Alistair Willoughby, Dave Winstanley and Daniel Wright-Mason.

 

(8)   The Chair thanked former Councillors Richard Thake, Gerald Morris, Mandi Tandi, Adam Compton, Michael Weeks, Raj Bhakar, Terry Tyler, James Denselow, Daniel Marsh and Tom Plater who did not stand for re-election.

 

(9)   The Chair thanked former Councillors Simon Bloxham, Juan Cowell, Faye Frost, Terry Hone, David Levett, Ian Moody and Phil Weeder who were unsuccessful in being re-elected.

 

(10)         The Chair reminded Members to complete their Register of Interest forms by the 31 May 2024.

 

(11)         The Chair reminded Members to complete their election expenses by 7 June 2024.

 

(12)         The Chair encouraged Members, Agents and Election Candidates to complete the post-Election survey by the 31 May 2024.

 

(13)         The former Chair confirmed the amount raised for his chosen charities Feed Up Warm Up and Resolve, during the civic year 2023-24 and presented a cheque to a representative from Resolve.

 

(14)         The Chair advised that her chosen charity for the Civic Year 2024-25 would be Sands.

 

(15)         The Chair offered thanks to Penny Copestake, Chair’s Secretary, on behalf of former Chair Daniel Allen, and announced that a bouquet would be sent in recognition of her hard work and support.

 

(16)         Members paid tribute followed by a minutes silence for former Councillor Michael Weeks.

Audio recording – 28 minutes 6 seconds

 

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

 

(2) The Chair reminded Members that the Council had declared both a Climate Emergency and an Ecological Emergency. These are serious decisions, and mean 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) The Chair advised that the normal procedure rules in respect of debate and times to speak will apply.

 

(5) The Chair advised that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting. A comfort break would be held at an appropriate time, should proceedings continue at length.

 

(6) The Chair welcomed and congratulated the newly elected Members following the elections on 2 May: Councillors Tina Bhartwas, Sadie Billing, Rhona Cameron, David Chalmers, Jon Clayden, Ruth Clifton, Emma Fernandes, Joe Graziano, Tim Johnson, Caroline McDonnell, Steven Patmore, Vijaiya Poopalasingham, Martin Prescott, Emma Rowe, Paul Ward, Laura Williams, Stewart Willoughby, Claire Winchester and Donna Wright. Thursday, 23rd May, 2024

 

(7) The Chair congratulated those Councillors successfully re-elected: Councillors Ian Albert, Amy Allen, Daniel Allen, David Barnard, Matt Barnes, Clare Billing, Ruth Brown, Cathy Brownjohn, Val Bryant, Sam Collins, Mick Debenham, Elizabeth Dennis, Dominic Griffiths, Chris Hinchliff, Keith Hoskins, Steve Jarvis, Chris Lucas, Ian Mantle, Nigel Mason Bryony May, Michael Muir, Ralph Muncer, Lisa Nash, Sean Nolan, Louise Peace, Sean Prendergast, Claire Strong, Tamsin Thomas, Tom Tyson, Alistair Willoughby, Dave Winstanley and Daniel Wright-Mason.

 

(8) The Chair thanked former Councillors Richard Thake, Gerald Morris, Mandi Tandi, Adam Compton, Michael Weeks, Raj Bhakar, Terry Tyler, James Denselow, Daniel Marsh and Tom Plater who did not stand for re-election.

 

(9) The Chair thanked former Councillors Simon Bloxham, Juan Cowell, Faye Frost, Terry Hone, David Levett, Ian Moody and Phil Weeder who were unsuccessful in being re[1]elected.

 

(10) The Chair reminded Members to complete their Register of Interest forms by the 31 May 2024.

 

(11) The Chair reminded Members to complete their election expenses by 7 June 2024.

 

(12) The Chair encouraged Members, Agents and Election Candidates to complete the post-Election survey by the 31 May 2024.

 

(13) The former Chair confirmed the amount raised for his chosen charities Feed Up Warm Up and Resolve, during the civic year 2023-24 and presented a cheque to a representative from Resolve.

 

(14) The Chair advised that her chosen charity for the Civic Year 2024-25 would be Sands.

 

(15) The Chair offered thanks to Penny Copestake, Chair’s Secretary, on behalf of former Chair Daniel Allen, and announced that a bouquet would be sent in recognition of her hard work and support.

 

(16) Members paid  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

REPORT OF THE RETURNING OFFICER

To receive a report detailing the results of the District and Police and Crime Commissioner polls held on 2 May 2024,  including uncontested Parish Council elections.

RESOLVED: That the report of the Returning Officer regarding the election results of the District Council, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Hertfordshire and the uncontested Town and Parish Council elections was noted.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To inform Members of the results of the elections held on 2 May 2024.

Audio recording – 48 Minutes 28 seconds

 

The Returning Officer presented the report regarding the results of the District Council, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Hertfordshire and the uncontested Town and Parish Council elections.

 

The following Members thanked all the staff involved in the elections:

 

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

 

Councillor Ruth Brown proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That the report of the Returning Officer regarding the election results of the District Council, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Hertfordshire and the uncontested Town and Parish Council elections was noted.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To inform Members of the results of the elections held on 2 May 2024.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Daniel Allen be elected as Leader of the Council for 2024-2028.

Audio recording – 51 minutes 42 seconds

 

Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, called for nominations for the position of Leader of the Council 2024-28.

 

Councillor Nigel Mason nominated Councillor Daniel Allen for the Leader of the Council 2024-28. This was seconded by Councillor Val Bryant and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That Councillor Daniel Allen be elected as Leader of the Council for 2024-2028.

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Daniel Allen, proposed and Councillor Clare Billing seconded and it was:

 

RESOLVED: That the Council placed on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Councillor Elizabeth Allen for her service as Leader of the Council 2021-2024.

RESOLVED:

 

(1)   That the appointment of the Deputy Leader of the Council for the Civic Year 2024/25 was noted as Councillor Val Bryant.

 

(2)   That the Members appointed as Executive Members of the Cabinet for 2024/25 and the areas for which they will be responsible as detailed in Appendix A, provided as a supplementary document, was noted.

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000 and Sections 4.8.1 (a) (vii), 5.2 and 5.3.4 of the Council’s Constitution.

 

Audio recording – 54 minutes 17 seconds

 

The Chair invited Councillor Daniel Allen, Leader of the Council to move the report regarding the appointment of the Deputy Leader and Members of the Cabinet for the Civic Year 2024-25.

 

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Nigel Mason seconded, and following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)   That the appointment of the Deputy Leader of the Council for the Civic Year 2024/25 was noted.

 

(2)   That the Members to be appointed as Executive Members of the Cabinet for 2024/25 and the areas for which they will be responsible as detailed in Appendix A was noted.

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000 and Sections 4.8.1 (a) (vii), 5.2 and 5.3.4 of the Council’s Constitution.

RESOLVED:

 

(1)   That, for 2024/25, the seats allocated to each political group on the Committees to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies and the seats allocated to each political party on the bodies to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 does not apply, as set out in Appendix A of the report, was noted.

 

(2)   That, for 2024/25, Members be appointed to the various Committees and other bodies in accordance with the wishes of the individual political groups, as detailed in Appendix B provided as a supplementary document, to this report, with the addition of:

 

·       Councillor Claire Strong as Conservative Substitute on the Finance Audit and Risk Committee.

·       Councillor Joe Graziano as the Conservative Substitute on the Planning Control Committee.

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer as the Conservative Substitute on the Standards Committee.

·       The Deputy Leader as the Substitute on the Herts Growth Board.

 

(3)   That, for 2024/25, each political group leader be appointed to the Constitutional and Governance Working Group and the Community Governance Review Working Group, as detailed in 8.6 of the report.

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Audio recording – 56 minutes 30 seconds

 

The Chair noted that the Conservative Group Leader had advised of the following appointments:

 

·       Finance, Audit and Risk Committee Substitute would be Councillor Claire Strong.

·       Planning Control Committee Substitute would be Councillor Joe Graziano.

·       Standards Committee Substitute would be Councillor Ralph Muncer.

 

The Group Leaders were invited by the Chair to appoint members to the remaining vacancies. The Group Leaders informed the Chair that they would advise the Proper Officer of the appointments at a later date.

 

The Leader of the Council, Daniel Allen confirmed that the Deputy Leader, Councillor Val Bryant would be the substitute on the Herts Growth Board.

 

The Chair invited Councillor Daniel Allen, Leader of the Council to move the report regarding the appointment of the Members of Committees, Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Panels for 2024-25.

 

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Ruth Brown seconded, and following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)   That, for 2024/25, the seats allocated to each political group on the Committees to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies and the seats allocated to each political party on the bodies to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 does not apply, as set out in Appendix A of the report, was noted.

 

(2)   That, for 2024/25, Members be appointed to the various Committees and other bodies in accordance with the wishes of the individual political groups, as detailed in Appendix B provided as a supplementary document, to this report, with the addition of:

 

·       Councillor Claire Strong as Conservative Substitute on the Finance Audit and Risk Committee.

·       Councillor Joe Graziano as the Conservative Substitute on the Planning Control Committee.

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer as the Conservative Substitute on the Standards Committee.

·       The Deputy Leader as the Substitute on the Herts Growth Board.

 

(3)   That, for 2024/25, each political group leader be appointed to the Constitutional and Governance Working Group and the Community Governance Review Working Group, as detailed in 8.6 of the report.

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To inform the Council of the appointment of Chairs and Vice Chairs for 2024/25

RESOLVED: That the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees (except Community Forums) for 2024/25 be appointed in accordance with the details set out in Appendix A provided as a supplementary document of the report, with the addition of:

 

·       Councillor Tom Tyson as the Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

·       Councillor Ruth Brown as the Vice-Chair of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee.

·       Councillor Ruth Brown as the Vice-Chair of the Employment Committee.

·       Councillor Ian Albert as the Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee.

·       Councillor Daniel Allen as the Chair of the Employment Committee.

·       Councillor Chris Hinchliff as the Chair of the Employment Appeals Committee.

·       Councillor Nigel Mason as the Vice-Chair of the Employment Appeals Committee.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with the provisions of Standing Order 4.8.1(a)(ix) of the Council’s Constitution.

Audio recording – 1 hour 1 minute 14 seconds

 

The Chair noted that the Liberal Democrat Group Leader had advised of the following appointments:

 

·       Councillor Ruth Brown as the Vice-Chair of the Employment Committee.

·       Councillor Ruth Brown as the Vice-Chair of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee.

 

The Chair invited Councillor Daniel Allen, Leader of the Council to move the report regarding the appointment of Chair and Vice-Chairs of Committees for the Civic Year 2024-25.

 

The Leader advised of the following appointments:

 

·       Councillor Ian Albert as the Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee.

·       Councillor Daniel Allen as the Chair of the Employment Committee.

·       Councillor Chris Hinchliff as the Chair of the Employment Appeals Committee.

·       Councillor Nigel Mason as the Vice-Chair of the Employment Appeals Committee.

 

A vote was taken as two nominations had been received for the position of the Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Councillors Tom Tyson and Martin Prescott. Following the vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees (except Community Forums) for 2024/25 be appointed in accordance with the details set out in Appendix A provided as a supplementary document of the report, with the addition of:

 

·       Councillor Tom Tyson as the Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

·       Councillor Ruth Brown as the Vice-Chair of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee.

·       Councillor Ruth Brown as the Vice-Chair of the Employment Committee.

·       Councillor Ian Albert as the Vice-Chair of the Standards Committee.

·       Councillor Daniel Allen as the Chair of the Employment Committee.

·       Councillor Chris Hinchliff as the Chair of the Employment Appeals Committee.

·       Councillor Nigel Mason as the Vice-Chair of the Employment Appeals Committee.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with the provisions of Standing Order 4.8.1(a)(ix) of the Council’s Constitution.

The Annual Meeting of Council will adjourn to allow meetings of each Community Forum to convene and elect Chairs and Vice Chairs for the civic year 2024- 2025.

The meeting of the Annual Council was adjourned at 20:40 to allow meetings of each Community Forum to convene to elect Chairs and Vice-Chairs for the Civic Year.

 

The meeting of the Annual Council reconvened at 21:11.

Audio recording 1 hour 7 minutes 5 seconds

 

The meeting of the Annual Council was adjourned at 20:40 to allow meetings of each Community Forum to convene to elect Chairs and Vice-Chairs for the Civic Year.

 

The meeting of the Annual Council reconvened at 21:11.

REPORT OF THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

 

To inform the Council of any occasions over the past year where provisions relating to "Special Urgency" have been used in connection with the publication of an intention to make a Key Decision, as required by legislation.

This item was deferred to the Council meeting of the 11 July 2024.

Audio recording 1 hour 37 minutes 58 seconds

 

This item was deferred to the Council meeting of the 11 July 2024.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To seek approval of a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council for the Civic Year 2024/25.

RESOLVED: That the Calendar of Meetings for 2024/25, as attached as Appendix A, was approvedwith the exception of the Council Meeting of the 17 April 2025, the date for which was to be confirmed.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable Members to agree a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council for 2024/25.

Audio Recording – 1 hour 38 minutes 38 seconds

 

The Chair invited the Leader of the Council to move the report in respect of the Programme of Ordinary Meetings of the Council for the Civic Year 2024-25.

 

The following Members asked questions:

 

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

·       Councillor Claire Strong

 

In response to questions the Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager stated that:

 

·       The April 2025 Council meeting was scheduled for the Thursday before Easter. However, this date could be revised following approval of the Calendar of Meetings.

·       The Council meeting date in April had historically been scheduled to avoid the May elections, and to avoid being too close to the February Budget setting Council meeting. The date in April also allowed for any Constitutional amendments to be brought ahead of a new Civic Year.

·       The date could be reviewed following consultation with the Group Leaders.

 

There was some concern expressed regarding ratifying the Calendar of Meetings with the inclusion of the current Council meeting date in April. Therefore, it was suggested by the Democratic Services Manager that the programme be approved with the exception of the Council meeting date in April 2025.

 

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed the amended recommendation and Councillor Ruth Brown seconded and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That the Calendar of Meetings for 2024/25, as attached as Appendix A, were approvedwith the exception of the Council Meeting of the 17 April 2025.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable Members to agree a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council for 2024/25.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To present a list to Council setting out the nomination of representatives on Outside Organisations and Other Bodies for 2024/25.

RESOLVED:

 

(1)   That the list of nominations of representatives on Outside Organisations and Other Bodies for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix A provided as a supplementary document to the report was approved with confirmation that:

 

·       The Council’s representatives to Baldock Town Twinning Association be Councillors Alistair Willoughby and Stewart Willoughby.

·       The Council’s representatives to Baldock United Almshouses Charities be Councillors Alistair Willoughby, Stewart Willoughby and Emma Rowe.

·       The Council’s representatives to Baldock Youth and Community Association be Councillors Alistair Willoughby, Stewart Willoughby and Emma Rowe.

·       The Council’s representative to Hertfordshire Health Scrutiny Committee be Councillor Tina Bhartwas.

·       The Council’s representatives to Letchworth Civic Trust be Councillors Emma Fernandes and Daniel Allen.

·       The Council’s representative to Letchworth Garden City BID be Councillor Tamsin Thomas.

·       The Council’s representative to Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation be Councillor Ian Mantle.

·       The Council’s representative to Letchworth Garden City Town Twinning Association be Councillor Mick Debenham.

·       The Council’s representative to London Luton Airport Consultative Committee be Councillor Mick Debenham.

·       The Council’s representative to Police and Crime Panel be Councillor Val Bryant

·       The Council’s representative to Royston Old People’s Day Centre (Royston Old Barn) be Councillor Bryony May.

 

(2)   That Political Group Leaders notify the Democratic Services Manager of nominations to the remaining vacancies or any changes to the existing representatives on outside organisations.

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of Standing Order 4.8.1(b)(iv) and (v) of the Council’s Constitution.

Audio recording – 1 hour 44 minutes 28 seconds

 

The Chair confirmed the withdrawal of Councillor Brownjohn as nominee to the Royston Old People’s Day Care Centre.

 

The Chair invited the Leader of the Council to move the report in respect of the Nomination of Representatives on Outside Organisations and Other Bodies for 2024-25 as set out in Appendix A.

 

Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, proposed that the uncontested nominations as in Appendix A be approved. Councillor Val Bryant seconded and following a vote that motion was carried.

 

Councillor Michael Muir confirmed his withdrawal from the Baldock Town Twinning Association.

 

Votes were subsequently conducted on each contested nomination as highlighted in Appendix A of the report, with the results recorded as per those listed below.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)   That the list of nominations of representatives on Outside Organisations and Other Bodies for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix A provided as a supplementary document to the report was approved with confirmation that:

 

·       The Council’s representatives to Baldock Town Twinning Association be Councillors Alistair Willoughby and Stewart Willoughby.

·       The Council’s representatives to Baldock United Almshouses Charities be Councillors Alistair Willoughby, Stewart Willoughby and Emma Rowe.

·       The Council’s representatives to Baldock Youth and Community Association be Councillors Alistair Willoughby, Stewart Willoughby and Emma Rowe.

·       The Council’s representative to Hertfordshire Health Scrutiny Committee be Councillor Tina Bhartwas.

·       The Council’s representatives to Letchworth Civic Trust be Councillors Emma Fernandes and Daniel Allen.

·       The Council’s representative to Letchworth Garden City BID be Councillor Tamsin Thomas.

·       The Council’s representative to Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation be Councillor Ian Mantle.

·       The Council’s representative to Letchworth Garden City Town Twinning Association be Councillor Mick Debenham.

·       The Council’s representative to London Luton Airport Consultative Committee be Councillor Mick Debenham.

·       The Council’s representative to Police and Crime Panel be Councillor Val Bryant

·       The Council’s representative to Royston Old People’s Day Centre (Royston Old Barn) be Councillor Bryony May.

 

(2)   That Political Group Leaders notify the Democratic Services Manager of nominations to the remaining vacancies or any changes to the existing representatives on outside organisations.

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of Standing Order 4.8.1(b)(iv) and (v) of the Council’s Constitution.

To consider passing the following resolution:

 

That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the following report will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended)

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the following report will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).

Audio recording – 1 hour 59 minutes 25 seconds

 

Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the following report will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).

To take as read and approve as a true record the Part 2 minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 18 April 2024.

RESOLVED:That the Part 2 Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 18 April 2024 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

N.B. This item was considered in restricted session and therefore no recording is available.

 

The Chair advised that the Minutes of the previous meeting could be moved and seconded by members who were not present at that meeting, although it is preferable that those who were not present should abstain from voting and commenting on the motion.

 

Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED:That the Part 2 Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 18 April 2024 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

 

N.B. The meeting returned from restricted session to confirm the outcome of the vote on the Part 2 Minutes from the meeting of 18 April 2024.