Agenda, decisions and draft minutes
PDF 172 KBVenue: Council Chamber, District Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JF
Contact: Committee Services - 01462 474655 Email: Committee.Services@north-herts.gov.uk
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Decision: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sam Collins, Dominic Griffiths, Steve Jarvis, Steven Patmore and Claire Strong. Minutes: Audio recording – 1 minute 59 seconds
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sam Collins, Dominic Griffiths, Steve Jarvis, Steven Patmore and Claire Strong. |
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MINUTES - 29 JANUARY 2026 To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 29 January 2026. Decision: RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Committee held on 29 January 2026 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair. Minutes: Audio Recording – 2 minutes 24 seconds
Councillor Val Bryant advised that a response had been received from the Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council following the motion passed at the Full Council meeting on 29 January 2026. The response would be shared with Group Leaders in due course.
Councillor Keith Hoskins proposed and Councillor Val Bryant seconded and, it was:
RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 29 January 2026 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair. |
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NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS Members should notify the Chair of other business which they wish to be discussed at the end of either Part I or Part II business set out in the agenda. They must state the circumstances which they consider justify the business being considered as a matter of urgency.
The Chair will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered. Decision: There was no other business notified. Minutes: Audio recording – 3 minutes 32 seconds
There was no other business notified. |
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CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS 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. Decision: (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 reminded Members that they had until Friday 27 February to complete the annual Outside Bodies Review Survey for each organisation that they had been appointed to.
(7) The Chair announced that former District Councillor Jean Andrews had passed away recently. Minutes: Audio recording – 3 minutes 40 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 reminded Members that they had until Friday 27 February to complete the annual Outside Bodies Review Survey for each organisation that they had been appointed to.
(7) The Chair announced that former District Councillor Jean Andrews had passed away recently. |
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public. Decision: There was no public participation. Minutes: Audio recording – 6 minutes 44 seconds
There was no public participation. |
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ITEMS REFERRED FROM OTHER COMMITTEES To consider any items referred from other Committees. Any items referred to this meeting will be published as a supplementary document. Additional documents: Decision: The Chair advised that the items referred from Cabinet would be taken with the respective items on the agenda. Minutes: Audio recording – 6 minutes 48 seconds
The Chair advised that the referrals from Cabinet would be taken with the respective item on the agenda. |
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PAY POLICY STATEMENT 2026/27 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES
This report sets out a Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 (Appendix 1) for Council’s consideration and approval in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011 (the Act), associated guidance issued under Section 40 of the Act, the Local Government Transparency Code 2015 and any other relevant legislation.
The Statement incorporates elements of existing policy and practice and is required to be agreed annually.
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
(1) That Council approved the 2026/27 Pay Policy Statement attached at Appendix 1.
(2) That Council delegated authority for revisions made in year to the Pay Policy Statement, to the Director – Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member.
REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, Statutory Guidance issued under s40 and the Local Government Transparency Code 2015. Minutes: Audio recording – 7 minutes 6 seconds
The Director – Resources presented the report entitled ‘Pay Policy Statement 2026/27’ and advised that:
· The Council were required to approve a Pay Policy Statement each year before 31 March, for the following financial year. · The pay award for the upcoming year had not yet been agreed, therefore, the policy statement reflected current pay levels. A delegation to the Director – Resources was included within the recommendations to allow for this to be updated once an award had been agreed. · Additional information on recruitment and retention payments had been detailed at paragraph 7.1 in Appendix 1 to the report for transparency purposes. · Pay multiples had decreased slightly as recent pay awards had seen higher increases for lower paid staff.
Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Val Bryant seconded and, following a vote, it was:
RESOLVED:
(1) That Council approved the 2026/27 Pay Policy Statement attached at Appendix 1.
(2) That Council delegated authority for revisions made in year to the Pay Policy Statement, to the Director – Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member.
REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, Statutory Guidance issued under s40 and the Local Government Transparency Code 2015. |
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BUDGET 2026/27 (REVENUE AND CAPITAL BUDGETS) REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES
For Council to consider and approve a Budget for 2026/27. Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED: That Council:
(1) Noted the position on the Collection Fund and how it would be funded.
(2) Noted the position relating to the General Fund balance and that due to the risks identified a minimum balance of £3.5 million was recommended.
(3) Noted the Chief Finance Officer’s section 25 report (Appendix D) which provided a commentary on the risks and reliability of estimates contained in the budget.
(4) Approved the revenue savings and investments as detailed in Appendix B.
(5) Approved the capital programme as detailed in Appendix C.
(6) Approved a net expenditure budget of £27.524m as detailed in Appendix E.
(7) Approved a Council Tax increase of 2.99%, which was in line with the provisions in the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
(8) Approved bringing forward the capital budget for pool covers at the outdoor pools to 2025/26.
(9) Noted that a Council Tax premium on Second Homes would be implemented from 1 April 2026, which adopted the decision taken by Council on 29 February 2024.
REASONS FOR DECISIONS:
(1) To ensure that all relevant factors are considered in arriving at a budget (revenue and capital) and Council Tax level for 2026/27.
(2) To ensure that the budget is aligned to Council priorities for 2024-28 as set out in the Council Plan. Minutes: Audio recording – 9 minutes 44 seconds
The Chair invited Councillor Val Bryant, as Leader of the Council, to present the referral from Cabinet and she advised that:
· The Council had a duty to set the budget for the forthcoming year. · The financial settlement from the Government had been better than expected and they would use this to invest in the district through a value for money approach to create a fairer, greener North Herts. · 500 residents had responded to the Budget Consultation Survey · While those who had responded were in favour of freezing Council Tax, this would not be financially viable as they would need to ensure that service would deliver for residents and remain sustainable in the medium-term before Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in 2028. · Council Tax was proposed to be increased by 2.99% in line with the Medium Term Financial Strategy, which was the equivalent to 15p per week for a Band D property. However, the Council continued to see its share of the Council Tax bill decrease despite this. · Their Council Tax Reduction Scheme would continue to remove the need for the poorest residents to pay Council Tax, and pension age residents would also continue to receive Council Tax reductions through the Government Scheme.
Councillor Ian Albert, as Executive Member for Resources, presented the report entitled ‘Budget 2026/27 (Revenue and Capital Budgets)’ and advised that:
· The reports for the Revenue and Capital Budgets had been combined to cover general spending, and the Investment Strategy which covered more technical matters such as treasury investments would be discussed as a separate item. · The Finance Team should be thanked for their work on producing the budget · The budget would be set with the knowledge that they had a 3-year funding settlement from the Government that would cover the next two financial years of the Council and the first year of a new unitary authority. However, if the Council existed beyond 2028, they would ensure that the necessary resources would be available. · They were grateful to residents that had participated in the Budget Consultation Survey to ascertain financial priorities following concern over the new fair funding formula. · However, the final settlement from this had been positive and enhanced by both a reduction in required pension contributions and a projected increase in Extended Producer Responsibility payments which had removed the need to find a further £2.5M in savings. · Funding for the Council through the Core Spending Power would increase by 4.3% next year, and by 2.3% and 2.2% in the following years. · Additional funding for homelessness prevention had also been agreed as part of the settlement. · There would be a prudent use of financial reserves to enable investment in the district and maintain a medium-term balanced budget. · Members had been engaged on the budget process via budget workshops and there had been no opposition to the proposals set out within these such as increased investment in the Economic Development Team to help deliver the Economic Development Strategy. · The top four services ... view the full minutes text for item 90. |
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INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2026/27 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES
For Council to consider and approve the Investment Strategy 2026/27. Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED: That Council:
(1) Approved the adoption of the Investment Strategy (as attached at Appendix A).
(2) Approved the adoption of the four clauses in relation to the Code of Practice on Treasury Management (as detailed in paragraphs 8.10 to 8.16).
REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure the Council’s compliance with CIPFA’s code of practice on Treasury Management, the Local Government Act 2003, statutory guidance from Government, and the CIPFA Prudential Code. As well as determining and managing the Council's risk appetite in respect of investments. Minutes: Audio recording – 1 hour 58 minutes 0 seconds
N.B. Councillor Paul Ward declared an interest in this item due to his employment and left the Chamber for the duration of the item.
N.B. Councillor Ruth Clifton left the Chamber at 21:31 and did not return.
Councillor Ian Albert, as Executive Member for Resources, presented the referral from Cabinet and the report entitled ‘Investment Strategy 2026/27’ and advised that:
· The Investment Strategy detailed the assets the Council had and how they would maintain them, in addition to their plans for new assets. · It would also determine funding for capital spend and an approach to borrowing a minimum revenue provision. · The approach to investing surplus cash would be determined by a focus on investments that would provide security, liquidity and yield. · Following the motion on Local Government Pension Scheme and Responsible Investment passed by Council on 4 December 2025, they had met with treasury advisors to address the requirements of the motion without putting the Council at risk. · Changes made to the strategy had been outlined at paragraph 8.8 in the report although it was noted that it would be impractical to change their bank account right now.
Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Sean Nolan seconded the recommendations in the report.
As part of the debate, Councillor Dave Winstanley put on record his thanks to Members and Officers for all the work that had gone into producing the Investment Strategy and for the inclusion of Environmental, Social and Governance investments throughout it.
As part of the debate, Councillor Daniel Wright-Mason also put on record his thanks to Members and Officers for the speed with which they had implemented these changes and that it was a good first step towards change.
Having been proposed and seconded and, following a vote, it was:
RESOLVED: That Council:
(1) Approved the adoption of the Investment Strategy (as attached at Appendix A).
(2) Approved the adoption of the four clauses in relation to the Code of Practice on Treasury Management (as detailed in paragraphs 8.10 to 8.16).
REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure the Council’s compliance with CIPFA’s code of practice on Treasury Management, the Local Government Act 2003, statutory guidance from Government, and the CIPFA Prudential Code. As well as determining and managing the Council's risk appetite in respect of investments.
N.B. Following the conclusion of the item, Councillor Paul Ward returned to the Chamber at 21:35. |
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COUNCIL TAX RESOLUTION 2026/27 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES
The purpose of this report is to obtain approval for the Council Tax requirement and the overall Council Tax rates for the district of North Hertfordshire for 2026/27. Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED:
(1) That it was noted that at its meeting on 29 January 2026 the Council Tax Setting Committee confirmed the amount 51,529.0 as its Council Tax base for the year 2026/2027 in accordance with regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 2012 (the Regulations).
a) 51,529.0 being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Regulations, as its Council Tax base for the year.
b)
Being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amounts of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate.
c) That it was noted that its meeting on the 26 February 2026 the Council has calculated the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2026/27 (excluding Parish precepts) as £14,211,183. As detailed in 2.2 (e) below the sum of special items is £1,779,755 and hence the total Council Tax requirement (including Parish precepts) is £15,990,938.
(2) That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for 2026/2027 in accordance with Sections 31A, 31B and 34 to 36 of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 (the Act):-
g)
Minutes: Audio recording – 2 hours 3 minutes 30 seconds
The Director – Resources presented the report entitled ‘Council Tax Resolution 2026/27’ and advised that:
· The Council Tax rate set by the Council was combined with those of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Hertfordshire County Council to formally set Council Tax for the district in 2026/27. · The format for Council Tax was set out in the Local Authorities Regulations 2012, which were outlined in the report. · Appendix A to the report explained the reason for each element in the recommendations.
Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Sean Nolan seconded and, the outcome of the recorded vote was:
VOTE TOTALS:
YES : 39 ABSTAIN : 5 NO : 0 TOTAL : 44
THE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS WERE AS FOLLOWS:
Cllr Ian Albert YES Cllr Amy Allen YES Cllr Daniel Allen YES Cllr David Barnard ABSTAIN Cllr Matt Barnes YES Cllr Tina Bhartwas YES Cllr Clare Billing YES Cllr Sadie Billing YES Cllr Ruth Brown YES Cllr Cathy Brownjohn YES Cllr Val Bryant YES Cllr Rhona Cameron YES Cllr David Chalmers YES Cllr Jon Clayden YES Cllr Mick Debenham YES Cllr Elizabeth Dennis YES Cllr Emma Fernandes YES Cllr Joe Graziano ABSTAIN Cllr Keith Hoskins YES Cllr Tim Johnson YES Cllr Chris Lucas YES Cllr Sarah Lucas YES Cllr Ian Mantle YES Cllr Nigel Mason YES Cllr Bryony May YES Cllr Caroline McDonnell YES Cllr Ralph Muncer ABSTAIN Cllr Michael Muir ABSTAIN Cllr Sean Nolan YES Cllr Louise Peace YES Cllr Vijaiya Poopalasingham YES Cllr Sean Prendergast YES Cllr Martin Prescott ABSTAIN Cllr Emma Rowe YES Cllr Tamsin Thomas YES Cllr Tom Tyson YES Cllr Paul Ward YES Cllr Laura Williams YES Cllr Alistair Willoughby YES Cllr Stewart Willoughby YES Cllr Claire Winchester YES Cllr Dave Winstanley YES Cllr Donna Wright YES Cllr Daniel Wright-Mason YES
RESOLVED:
(1) That it was noted that at its meeting on 29 January 2026 the Council Tax Setting Committee confirmed the amount 51,529.0 as its Council Tax base for the year 2026/2027 in accordance with regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 2012 (the Regulations).
a) 51,529.0 being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Regulations, as its Council Tax base for the year.
b)
Being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amounts of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate.
c) That ... view the full minutes text for item 92. |
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QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS To consider any questions submitted by Members of the Council, in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11 (b). Decision: There were no questions submitted by Members of the Council, in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11 (b). Minutes: Audio recording – 2 hours 5 minutes 24 seconds
In accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11, no questions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution. |
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To consider any motions, due notice of which have been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12. Decision: There was one motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.
(A) Support for Trans Rights
RESOLVED: That Council:
(1) Affirm their support for trans, non-binary, and gender diverse residents and their commitment to defending their rights and dignity.
(2) Request the Leader of the Council to write to the Minister for Women and Equalities to:
(a) Express the position of this Council is to support trans rights.
(b) Request guidance on how existing legislation will continue to protect the rights of trans people.
(c) Request clarity on whether the Government will bring forward new legislation in this area.
(3) Commit to supporting Officers to take meaningful steps to promote safety and inclusion so that North Herts continues to be a welcoming and inclusive place for the LGBTQ+ community.
(4) Build upon Council policies and practice to ensure that they explicitly affirm support for trans, non binary, and gender diverse people and that language used is inclusive.
(5) Ensure that LGBTQ+ inclusion and trans awareness form part of ongoing staff and Councillor training, using existing or freely available resources.
(6) Publicly mark and promote significant dates for the LGBTQ+ community (such as Pride, Trans Day of Visibility, etc.) through Council communications channels, as appropriate.
(7) Continue to engage with local LGBTQ+ residents, staff, and organisations to inform Council services, community safety approaches, and staff policies (for example the recent funding with Impactful Lives).
(8) Promote ways to report hate crimes and discrimination, ensuring that local and national support services are clearly signposted on Council platforms.
(9) Continue to include commitments to equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination in Council supplier and partner expectations, encouraging inclusive practice in all Council linked work.
(10) Actively encourage applications from LGBTQ+ people for Council jobs by:
(a) Requesting officers to consider whether any changes to recruitment practices are necessary or appropriate to support inclusion, and to bring forward any recommendations through the appropriate governance route.
(b) Reviewing recruitment processes to ensure they are inclusive and free from unnecessary barriers.
(c) Promoting the Council as an inclusive employer via LGBTQ+ networks, events, and community groups.
(d) Investigating whether the Council can offer the option to display pronouns during the application and onboarding process at no additional cost.
Minutes: Audio recording – 2 hours 5 minutes 33 seconds
There was one motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.
(A) Support for Trans Rights
Councillor Sadie Billing proposed the motion as follows:
‘Council notes that:
The Supreme Court, in the case of Women Scotland v the Scottish Ministers, ruled that the terms “man”, “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to “biological sex”. This judgement does not remove legal protection from trans people, as gender reassignment remains a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998. The law requiring respect for trans rights has not changed.
However, the judgement, and the subsequent interim (now withdrawn) guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has caused significant anxiety, uncertainty, and fear for the trans community. A recent Gallup survey found that two thirds of LGBTQ+ respondents had experienced anti LGBTQ+ violence or abuse, with abuse particularly severe for trans people. The LGBTQ+ community is more likely to experience disproportionately poor health outcomes, workplace conflict, homelessness, and barriers to accessing public services.
Council believes that:
1. Everyone should be safe and free to be themselves, without fear of hostility, violence, or discrimination.
2. Nobody’s life chances should be limited or determined because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
3. Everyone deserves clarity and reassurance on how their rights will be protected.
4. The erosion of trans rights threatens everyone’s rights.
Therefore, Council resolves to:
1. Affirm their support for trans, non-binary, and gender diverse residents and our commitment to defending their rights and dignity.
2. Request the Leader of the Council to write to the Minister for Women and Equalities to:
(a) Express that the position of this Council is to support trans rights.
(b) Request guidance on how existing legislation will continue to protect the rights of trans people.
(c) Request clarity on whether the Government will bring forward new legislation in this area.
3. Commit to supporting Officers to take meaningful steps to promote safety and inclusion so that North Herts continues to be a welcoming and inclusive place for the LGBTQ+ community.
4. Build upon Council policies and practice to ensure that they explicitly affirm support for trans, non binary, and gender diverse people and that language used is inclusive.
5. Ensure that LGBTQ+ inclusion and trans awareness form part of ongoing staff and Councillor training, using existing or freely available resources.
6. Publicly mark and promote significant dates for the LGBTQ+ community (such as Pride, Trans Day of Visibility, etc.) through Council communications channels, as appropriate.
7. Continue to engage with local LGBTQ+ residents, staff, and organisations to inform Council services, community safety approaches, and staff policies (for example the recent funding with Impactful Lives).
8. Promote ways to report hate crimes and discrimination, ensuring that local and national support services are clearly signposted on Council platforms.
9. Continue to include commitments to equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination in Council supplier and partner expectations, encouraging inclusive practice in all ... view the full minutes text for item 94. |