Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Terry Tyler (Vice-Chairman), Bill Davidson, Mike Hughson, Ben Lewis, Jim McNally, Sue Ngwala and Val Shanley.

Councillors Clare Billing, Faye Frost and Lisa Nash advised that they would arrive late for the meeting

Audio recording – Session 1 – 36 seconds

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Terry Tyler (Vice-Chairman), Bill Davidson, Mike Hughson, Ben Lewis, Jim McNally, Sue Ngwala and Val Shanley.

Councillors Clare Billing, Faye Frost and Lisa Nash advised that they would arrive late for the meeting.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 21 November 2019.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 21 November 2019 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman.

Audio Recording – Session 1 – 2 minutes 2 seconds

Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb proposed, Councillor Paul Clark seconded and it was:

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 21 November 2019 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman.

Members should notify the Chairman 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 Chairman will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered.

There was no other business notified.

Audio recording – Session 1 – 2 minutes 26 seconds

There was no other business notified.

Climate Emergency

Members are reminded that this Council has declared a Climate Emergency. This is a serious decision and means that, as this is an emergency, all of us, officers and members have that in mind as we carry out our various roles and tasks for the benefit of our District.

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 Chairman 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)     Fire Announcement

The Chairman advised that no testing of the fire alarms was expected. If the alarm did sound to please leave the building by the fire exits.

(2)     Former Councillor Allison Ashley

The Chairman advised that It was with much regret that she had to announce that, former Councillor Allison Ashley passed away before Christmas. She would be sadly missed.

Allison was a North Herts District Councillor for 15 years representing the Hitchin Priory Ward from 2002 to 2017. During her service with the NHDC she served on a variety of Committees and represented the Council on several Outside Bodies. Allison was also the Chairman of the Council in the 2008 – 2009 Civic Year.

The Chairman asked those present to stand and observe a minute's silence in memory of former Councillor Allison Ashley.

Councillor Judi Billing requested that a letter of condolence be send on behalf of the Council to County Councillor Derrick Ashley.

(3)     Mobile Phones

The Chairman asked that those present ensure that their mobile phones were turned off or the ring tone and other sounds muted.

(4)     Climate Emergency

Members were reminded that this Council has 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.

(5)     Audio Recording

The Chairman advised that, in accordance with Council policy this meeting was being audio recorded. Members of the public and the press may use their devices to film/photograph, or do a sound recording of the meeting.

(6)     Long Service Award – Geraldine Goodwin

The Chairman advised that, it is with great pleasure that we are recognising the long service of Geraldine Goodwin. 

Geraldine commenced employment with the Council as a Senior Fraud Investigator on 6 December 1994, having spent eight years at the Department for Works and Pensions, the last two working in the Organised Fraud Team.

In 1999, Geraldine took up the post of Management Trainee and started studying for her professional qualification with the Institute of Revenues Rating & Valuation. Geraldine qualified in 2003.  In 2000, Geraldine moved into the Recovery Team and in 2003 became the Team’s Assistant Manager. In 2005 Geraldine was promoted to the post of Revenues Manager.

In her role, Geraldine is responsible for ensuring that the Council efficiently administers and collects its Council Tax, Business Rates and BIDS and collects other amounts due to the Council such as Sales Ledger, Car Parking Penalty Charge Notices and Housing Benefit Overpayments.

Geraldine has been instrumental in developing processes and procedures that strike the right balance between helping those in difficulty and maintaining healthy collection rates.

Geraldine also contributes to wider corporate activities with a qualification in coaching & mentoring, being a Job Evaluator and being on the Gender Pay Gap Group.

Geraldine is a shining example of someone who has seized the opportunities to progress her career at North  ...  view the full decision text for item 56.

Audio recording – Session 1 – 2 minutes 26 seconds

(1)     Fire Announcement

The Chairman advised that no testing of the fire alarms was expected. If the alarm did sound to please leave the building by the fire exits.

(2)     Former Councillor Allison Ashley

The Chairman advised that It was with much regret that she had to announce that, former Councillor Allison Ashley passed away before Christmas. She would be sadly missed.

Allison was a North Herts District Councillor for 15 years representing the Hitchin Priory Ward from 2002 to 2017. During her service with the NHDC she served on a variety of Committees and represented the Council on several Outside Bodies. Allison was also the Chairman of the Council in the 2008 – 2009 Civic Year.

The Chairman asked those present to stand and observe a minute's silence in memory of former Councillor Allison Ashley.

Councillor Judi Billing requested that a letter of condolence be send on behalf of the Council to County Councillor Derrick Ashley.

(3)     Mobile Phones

The Chairman asked that those present ensure that their mobile phones were turned off or the ring tone and other sounds muted.

(4)     Climate Emergency

Members were reminded that this Council has 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.

(5)     Audio Recording

The Chairman advised that, in accordance with Council policy this meeting was being audio recorded. Members of the public and the press may use their devices to film/photograph, or do a sound recording of the meeting.

(6)     Long Service Award – Geraldine Goodwin

The Chairman advised that, it is with great pleasure that we are recognising the long service of Geraldine Goodwin. 

Geraldine commenced employment with the Council as a Senior Fraud Investigator on 6 December 1994, having spent eight years at the Department for Works and Pensions, the last two working in the Organised Fraud Team.

In 1999, Geraldine took up the post of Management Trainee and started studying for her professional qualification with the Institute of Revenues Rating & Valuation. Geraldine qualified in 2003.  In 2000, Geraldine moved into the Recovery Team and in 2003 became the Team’s Assistant Manager. In 2005 Geraldine was promoted to the post of Revenues Manager.

In her role, Geraldine is responsible for ensuring that the Council efficiently administers and collects its Council Tax, Business Rates and BIDS and collects other amounts due to the Council such as Sales Ledger, Car Parking Penalty Charge Notices and Housing Benefit Overpayments.

Geraldine has been instrumental in developing processes and procedures that strike the right balance between helping those in difficulty and maintaining healthy collection rates.

Geraldine also contributes to wider corporate activities with a qualification in coaching & mentoring, being a Job Evaluator and being on the Gender Pay Gap Group.

Geraldine is a shining example of someone who has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

There were no presentations by members of the public.

Audio recording – Session 1 – 11 minutes 33 seconds

There were no presentations by members of the public.

Any Items referred from other committees will be circulated as soon as they are available.

6a – Item Referred from Standards Committee: 22 October 2019 – Planning Code of Good Conduct

The Chairman advised that this referral would be taken with Item 7 (Minute 59 refers).

6b Item referred from Finance, Audit and Risk Committee: 5 December 2019 – Proposed Amendments to the Contract Procurement Rules

RESOLVED: That the proposed changes to the Contract Procurement Rules be adopted.

REASON FOR DECISION: That the Contract Procurement Rules are part of the Constitution (under Section 20) and are revised and updated periodically as part of the Council's governance and procurement review processes, contributing to effective organisational internal control. In addition, the review and adoption of the Council’s Contract Procurement Rules is a key action in the Council’s Procurement Strategy.

6c Item referred from Cabinet: 17 December 2019 - Investment Strategy (Capital and Treasury) Mid-Year Review 2019-20

RESOLVED: That the position of Treasury Management activity as at the end of September 2019 be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Council’s continued compliance with CIPFA’s code of practice on Treasury Management and the Local Government Act 2003 and that the Council manages its exposure to interest and capital risk.

6d Item referred from Cabinet: 17 December 2019 - Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) 2020/2021

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the following changes to the CTRS for 2020/2021 be approved:

A)        That a deminimis amount of £2.50 per week be introduced for reductions in entitlement, with no deminimis amount for increases in entitlement;

B)        That any payments made under the Windrush Compensation Scheme be disregarded for the purposes of CTRS.

(2)       That the level of Scheme funding to be allocated to the Parish, Town and Community Councils will be the same as 2019/2020 (£38,885).

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that the Council complies with the requirement to ensure that a Scheme is in place by 11 March 2020.

Audio recording – Session 1 – 11 minutes 38 seconds

6a – Item Referred from Standards Committee: 22 October 2019 – Planning Code of Good Conduct

The Chairman advised that this referral would be taken with Item 7 (Minute 59 refers).

Audio recording – Session 1 – 11 minutes 55 seconds

6b Item referred from Finance, Audit and Risk Committee: 5 December 2019 – Proposed Amendments to the Contract Procurement Rules

Councillor Sam North (Vice-Chairman of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee) presented the referral from the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meeting held on 5 December 2019 regarding the Proposed Amendments to the Contract Procurement Rules together with the following appendices:

·                Report considered by Finance Audit and Risk Committee;

·                Appendix A – Draft amended Contract Procurement Rules.

He advised that the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee recommended to Council: That the proposed changes be recommended for adoption.

The following Member took part in the debate:

·                Councillor David Levett.

It was proposed by Councillor Sam North, seconded by Councillor Morgan Derbyshire and:

RESOLVED: That the proposed changes to the Contract Procurement Rules be adopted.

REASON FOR DECISION: That the Contract Procurement Rules are part of the Constitution (under Section 20) and are revised and updated periodically as part of the Council's governance and procurement review processes, contributing to effective organisational internal control. In addition, the review and adoption of the Council’s Contract Procurement Rules is a key action in the Council’s Procurement Strategy.

Audio recording – Session 1 – 16 minutes 33 seconds

6c Item referred from Cabinet: 17 December 2019 - Investment Strategy (Capital and Treasury) Mid-Year Review 2019-20

Councillor Ian Albert (Executive Member for Finance and IT) presented the referral from the Cabinet meeting held on 17 December 2019 regarding the Investment Strategy (Capital and Treasury) Mid-Year Review 2019-20 together with the following appendices:

·                Report considered by Cabinet:

·                Appendix A - Capital Programme Detail including Funding 2018/19 onwards:

·                Appendix B - Treasury Management Update.

The Executive Member for Finance and IT advised that Cabinet recommended to Council: That the position of Treasury Management activity as at the end of September 2019 be noted.

The following Members asked questions and took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Richard Thake.

In response to questions the Service Director – Resources advised:

·                The policy change allowed the Council to invest outside of the UK;

·                Credit ratings were higher than the UK, which meant they were more secure;

·                This allowed for further diversification.

It was proposed by Councillor Ian Albert, seconded by Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb and:

RESOLVED: That the position of Treasury Management activity as at the end of September 2019 be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Council’s continued compliance with CIPFA’s code of practice on Treasury Management and the Local Government Act 2003 and that the Council manages its exposure to interest and capital risk.

Audio recording -  Session 1 – 24 minutes 28 seconds

6d Item referred from Cabinet: 17 December 2019 - Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) 2020/2021

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

REPORT OF THE LEGAL REGULATORY TEAM MANAGER / DEPUTY MONITORING OFFICER

The report details changes to the council’s Planning Code of Good Practice as part of its review.

RESOLVED: That the Planning Code of Good Practice as amended and contained at Appendix A be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:To ensure good governance within the Council and that the Council’s Planning Code of Good Practice remains fit for purpose and is consistent with best practice.

Audio recording – Session 1 – 31 minutes 55 seconds

The Legal Regulatory Team Manager presented the report entitled Planning Code of Good Practice together with the following appendices:

·                Appendix A – Clean version of amended Planning Code of Good Practice;

·                Appendix B – Amended Planning Code of Good Practice;

·                Appendix C – Comparison between NHDC Planning Code of Good Practice and the

LLG Model Code.

Councillor Judi Billing, Executive Member for Community Engagement, presented the referral from the Standards Committee meeting held on 22 October 2019 regarding the Planning Code of Good Practice.

The Standards Committee recommended to Council that, subject to any amendments resulting from resolutions made at the meeting, the Planning Code of Good Practice as amended and contained at Appendix A be adopted.

The Executive Member for Community Engagement thanked the Vice-Chairman of the Standards Committee, Independent Person and Reserve Independent Person for their input.

The following Members asked questions and took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Michael Weeks;

·                Councillor Paul Clark;

·                Councillor David Levett.

It was proposed by Councillor Judi Billing, seconded by Councillor Ruth Brown and:

RESOLVED: That the Planning Code of Good Practice as amended and contained at Appendix A be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:To ensure good governance within the Council and that the Council’s Planning Code of Good Practice remains fit for purpose and is consistent with best practice.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To agree the Member’s Allowances Scheme 2020/2021 having taken into account the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (‘IRP’).

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the report and findings of the IRP, as attached as Appendix A to the submitted report be accepted with the exception of Paragraphs 2.7 and 2.8 and the figures in the table at Paragraph 3.2 to read:

Leader of the Council                                        BA x 2.8          £14,280

Deputy Leader of the Council                           BA x 0.5          £2,550

Leader of each Opposition Group                     BA x 0.5          £2,550

(2)       That, subject to the following amendments to Section 4 – Special Responsibility Allowances, the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2020.21 as set out in appendix B of the submitted report be agreed:

Leader of the Council                                        £14,280

Deputy Leader of the Council                           £2,550

Leader of each Opposition Group                     £2,550

That the final paragraph of Section 4 be deleted.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that the Council meets its statutory requirements of an annual review and adoption of the scheme.

Audio recording – Session 1- 43 minutes 35 seconds

The Democratic Services Manager presented the report entitled Review of Members’ Allowances Scheme together with the following appendices:

·                Appendix A - Report of IRP Panel for 2020/21 Members’ Allowances;

·                Addendum - Appendix A - Independent Remuneration Panel Report;

·                Appendix B - Proposed Members’ Allowances Scheme 2020/2021 with tracked changes (2019/2020 with proposed Scheme highlighted).

Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb proposed and Councillor Kay Tart seconded the the recommendations.

Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb proposed and Councillor Kay Tart seconded the following amendments:

Recommendation 2.1

Add at end “and accepts its findings with the exception of paragraphs 2.7 and 2.8, amending the figures in the table under 3.2 to read:

·                Leader of the Council                            BA x 2.8          £14,280

·                Deputy Leader of the Council               BA x 0.5          £2,550

·                Leader of each opposition Group          BA x 0.5          £2,550”

Recommendation 2.2

Add at end “with the exception that in item 4, the above figures be applied to the Special Responsibility Allowances of the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council” and that the final paragraph in item 4 be deleted.

The following Members asked questions and took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Richard Thake;

·                Councillor David Levett;

·                Councillor Judi Billing;

·                Councillor Claire Strong;

·                Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb.

In response to questions the Service Director – Legal and Community advised:

·                That, although Members did not have an official exemption for this item, legislation stated that full Council had to approve the Allowances Scheme.

Members asked that, at the next review, the Independent Remuneration Panel be asked to consider more closely the allowances paid to:

·                Chairman of Area Committees;

·                Leader of Opposition Groups.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the report and findings of the IRP, as attached as Appendix A to the submitted report be accepted with the exception of Paragraphs 2.7 and 2.8 and the figures in the table at Paragraph 3.2 to read:

Leader of the Council                                        BA x 2.8          £14,280

Deputy Leader of the Council                           BA x 0.5          £2,550

Leader of each Opposition Group                     BA x 0.5          £2,550

(2)       That, subject to the following amendments to Section 4 – Special Responsibility Allowances, the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2020.21 as set out in appendix B of the submitted report be agreed:

Leader of the Council                                        £14,280

Deputy Leader of the Council                           £2,550

Leader of each Opposition Group                     £2,550

That the final paragraph of Section 4 be deleted.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that the Council meets its statutory requirements of an annual review and adoption of the scheme.

The Chairman announced that there would be a short comfort break.

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR: LEGAL AND COMMUNITY & MONITORING OFFICER

This reports sets out the review undertaken and recommends amendments to update the Council’s Constitution and propose new Panels.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That, subject to the following, the proposed amendments below, the amendments set out in Appendix A be approved:

Paragraph 4.8.9

That the restriction on the number of points of clarification that could be raised at the Planning Control Committee (currently 3) be removed;

Paragraph 9.8.2

That the wording of Paragraph (g) of the Terms of Reference be amended so that it read:

“In line with the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement to receive any presentations from developers on major planning applications for 100 dwelling and above (including Construction Management Routes) and provide comments accordingly.”

(2)       That the Terms of Reference for the Cabinet Panels at Appendices B,C and D be approved.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure the Council meets its statutory obligations and continues to improve its working practices.

Audio recording – Session 2 – 1 minute 38 seconds

The Service Director – Legal and Community presented the report entitled Constitutional and Governance Review together with the following appendices:

·                Appendix A – Schedule of proposed amendments to the Constitution;

·                Appendix B - Cabinet Panel on Housing Strategic Planning and Transport;

·                Appendix C - Cabinet Panel on Community Engagement, Enterprise and Co-operative Development;

·                Appendix D - Cabinet Panel on Environment – as amended.

Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb and Councillor Paul Clark seconded the recommendations in the report.

Section 4.8.9

It was proposed by Councillor Ian Mantle and seconded by Councillor David Levett that the limit of the number of questions of clarification (currently 3) asked of presenters at the Planning Control Committee be removed.

Upon the vote the amendment was carried.

Section 9,8,2

It was proposed by Councillor Ian Mantle and seconded by Councillor Marin Stears-Handscomb that, in respect of the proposed wording of Paragraph (g) of the Terms of Reference the words “in their area” be removed so that it read:

“In line with the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement to receive any presentations from developers on major planning applications for 100 dwelling and above (including Construction Management Routes) and provide comments accordingly.”

Upon the vote the amendment was carried.

Paragraph 4.8.20

Councillor Claire Strong proposed and Councillor Michael Weeks seconded that the requirement to stand when speaking at Full Council remain in place.

The following Members took part in the debate regarding the amendment:

·                Councillor Ruth Brown;

·                Councillor Sam Collins;

·                Councillor David Levett;

·                Councillor Judi Billing;

·                Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb;

·                Councillor Sam North;

·                Councillor Carol Stanier;

·                Councillor David Barnard;

·                Councillor Michael Weeks;

·                Councillor Kay Tart.

The Service Director – Legal and Community advised that IT were procuring extended microphones for the Chamber.

Upon the vote the amendment was lost.

Paragraph 14.6.19

It was proposed by Councillor Claire Strong that the title “Deputy Executive Member” be replaced with “Assistant Executive Member”.

The following Members took part in the debate regarding the amendment:

·                Councillor Ruth Brown;

·                Councillor Judi Billing;

·                Councillor Steve Jarvis;

·                Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb;

·                Councillor Ian Mantle;

·                Councillor Simon Harwood;

·                Councillor David Barnard;

·                Councillor Terry Hone.

The Service Director – Legal and Community clarified that it was a requirement of the Local Government Act that there were no more than 10 Cabinet Members. The Deputy Executive Members were unable to vote as, if they were, this requirement would be exceeded.

Upon the vote the amendment was lost.

Cabinet Panels

Councillor David Levett proposed and Councillor Claire Strong seconded that the Terms of Reference for the Cabinet Panels at Appendices B and C and the amended Terms of Reference for the Cabinet Panel at Appendix D be deferred to allow further work to be carried out.

The following Members took part in the debate on the amendment;

·                Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb;

·                Councillor Judi Billing.

The Chairman announced that there would be a short comfort break.

Audio Recording – Session 3 – 8 seconds

The debate regarding the amendment continued

·                Councillor Sam Collins;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

To consider any questions submitted by Members of the Council, in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11 (b).

(A) London Luton Airport

Councillor David Barnard asked a question to which Councillor Paul Clark, Executive Member for Planning and Transport, supplied a response.

Audio recording – Session 3 – 11 minutes 57 seconds

In accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11(b), one question was submitted by Members by the deadline date for questions set out in the Council’s Constitution.

(A)      London Luton Airport

Councillor David Barnard to Councillor Paul Clark (Executive Member for Planning and Transport):

“Luton Airport Ltd announced its intention to apply for major infrastructure increases, including a second terminal, to facilitate the passenger numbers to be increased from 18 million passengers to 32 million passengers per annum, along with increased freight and private aircraft movements.

There was an extensive programme of presentations to the public, and an eight week consultation period, looking for public approval, which closed on the 16th December 2019. Considering that there has been:

·                No final decision at Government level, on the proposal to build a third runway at Heathrow, and Stansted Airport’s published expansion plans. Either of these events will lead to an urgent need for  re-arranging the airspace over the South of England and nearby European airspace.

·                No demonstration of how to prevent the inevitable massive increase in airborne and ground pollution.

·                No proposed solution and financial contribution to allay the totally inadequate roads infrastructure through North Herts.

·                No guarantees that there will be legally enforceable night-time flight restrictions, despite the calculations that there will be 240,000 flights per annum

·                No justification to the expectation that North Herts’ Green Belt will be rolled back to accommodate the expansion of Wigmore Park, car parks, and fuel storage.

·                And many other un-researched implications such as the protection of our delicate water aquifers, drainage, inevitable damage to the lifestyles and peaceful existence of our village communities. (Double glazing and insulation will be ineffective in the busy summer months, when residents will want to use their gardens, and have windows open!).

Does the Executive Member, and the administration, consider that, at the least, this consultation was premature, and agree that there must be absolute opposition to this expansion programme, in agreement with our neighbours at Hertfordshire County Council, and other neighbouring Councils?”

Councillor Paul Clark provided the following response:

“In regard to the opposition f the County Council, led by Councillors Hale and Jarvis, I agree and refer my colleague to the letter that was published in MIS on Friday.”

Councillor David Barnard asked the following supplementary question:

“I would like to than the Executive Member for the reply and congratulate the Liberal Democrats for supporting the motion at County Council.

I would like to ask if the Executive Member would make public responses that have been made directly to the consultation in future meetings as it progresses.”

Councillor Paul Clark responded:

“Our responses will be made available on our website, unless it is commercially sensitive, but letters from other sources would not be.”

To consider any motions, due notice of which have been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

(A)      Sky Lanterns

RESOLVED:

That this Council notes the suffering caused to farm animals and the fire risk and litter problems resulting from the release of sky lanterns and balloons. In response to the concerns of many local residents on this matter, it resolves:

(1)       to ban the sale of and release of sky lanterns and helium balloons on all Council owned land and property. This will be implemented by appropriate wording within the Terms and Conditions issued with approval for a Land Licence to hold an event on land owned by North Hertfordshire District Council;

(2)       to publicise the ban and its reasons to encourage residents to cease the practice;

(3)       to write to the Government in support of the National Farmers Union campaign for a ban on the sale of sky lanterns.

(B)      Renewable Energy

It was proposed by Councillor Steve Jarvis, seconded by Councillor Kay Tart and:

RESOLVED:

That this Council:

(i)         recognises the importance of our work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy;

(ii)        recognises the central role that councils can play in sustainable communities, particularly through the provision of locally generated renewable electricity;

(iii)       further recognises:

·               that very large financial set up and running costs in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers result in it being impossible for local renewable electricity generators to do so;

·               that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of a renewable electricity supplier’s operation would create significant opportunities for councils to be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local people, businesses and organisations; and

·               that revenues received by councils that become local renewable electricity providers could be used to help fund local greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures and to help improve local services and facilities;

(iv)      accordingly resolves to support the Local Electricity Bill, supported by the last Parliament by a cross-party group of 115 MPs, and which, if made law, would make the set up and running costs of selling local electricity to local customers proportionate by establishing a Right to Supply; and

(v)       further resolves to:

·               inform the local media of this decision;

·               write to local MPs asking them to support the bill; and write to the organisers of the campaign for the Bill, Power for the People, (at 8 Delancey Passage, Camden, London NW1 7NN or info@powerforpeople,org,uk) expressing its support.

Audio recording – Session 3 - 16 minutes 51 seconds

The following motions had been submitted, due notice of which has been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

A.        Sky Lanterns

It was proposed by Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg and seconded by Councillor Daniel Allen that:

“This Council notes the suffering caused to farm animals and the fire risk and littler problems resulting from the release of sky lanterns and balloons.

In response to the concerns of many local residents on this matter, it resolves:

1)         to ban the release of sky lanterns and helium balloons on all Council owned land and property. This will be implemented by appropriate wording within the Terms and Conditions issued with approval for a Land Licence to hold an event on land owned by North Hertfordshire District Council;

2)         to publicise the ban and its reasons to encourage residents to cease the practice;

3)         to write to the Government in support of the National Farmers Union campaign for a ban on the sale of sky lanterns.”

The following Members took part in the debate:

·                Councillor David Levett

·                Councillor Terry Hone;

·                Councillor Gerald Morris;

·                Councillor Claire Strong;

·                Councillor Michael Muir.

Councillor Claire Strong proposed an amendment to the motion, so that Item 1 read: “to ban the sale of and release of…”

Councillors Elizabeth Denis-Harburg and Daniel Allen, as proposer and seconder of the original motion accepted this amendment.

RESOLVED:

That this Council notes the suffering caused to farm animals and the fire risk and litter problems resulting from the release of sky lanterns and balloons. In response to the concerns of many local residents on this matter, it resolves:

(1)       to ban the sale of and release of sky lanterns and helium balloons on all Council owned land and property. This will be implemented by appropriate wording within the Terms and Conditions issued with approval for a Land Licence to hold an event on land owned by North Hertfordshire District Council;

(2)       to publicise the ban and its reasons to encourage residents to cease the practice;

(3)       to write to the Government in support of the National Farmers Union campaign for a ban on the sale of sky lanterns.

Audio recording- Session 3 – 27 minutes 55 seconds

B.        Renewable Energy

It was moved by Councillor Steve Jarvis and seconded by Councillor Kay Tart that:

“This Council:

(i)         recognises the importance of our work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy;

(ii)        recognises the central role that councils can play in sustainable communities, particularly through the provision of locally generated renewable electricity;

(iii)       further recognises:

·               that very large financial set up and running costs in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers result in it being impossible for local renewable electricity generators to do so;

·               that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of a renewable electricity supplier’s operation would create significant opportunities for councils to be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local people, businesses  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.