Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair of the Council welcomed everyone to the meeting and drew attention to there being are only 20 Members present.

He advised that, due to the cessation of the Flexible Meeting Arrangements on 7 May 2021, it was now a requirement that the majority of formal meetings convene in person.

Having been unable to find a suitable alternative venue, Group Leaders agreed that the meeting would take place in the Council Chamber which could only hold this number of people whilst social distancing requirements were still in place.

Although minimal officers were present in the room, other officers had joined the meeting remotely, as the requirement to meet in person only applied to Councillors and, where required, members of the public.

There was still the opportunity for those Members not present, public and press to listen and view proceedings on the Council’s YouTube channel as the meeting was being streamed live.

As new systems were being used he asked that Members be guided by officers and be patient as things may take longer than usual.

The Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager undertook a roll call of officers attending remotely to ensure that they could here and be heard.

She advised that new cameras had been installed which were linked to the microphones and would move to show whoever had their microphone on.

An officer who was in attendance remotely would be shown on the screens around the room and would be visible on the YouTube livestream when they spoke.

If a Member wished to speak they should use the speak button (located on the microphone unit). The microphone would light up green and the Chair would be alerted the request to speak. When the Chair invited a Member to speak their microphone would be made live and would turn red at which point the Member could speak.

The normal procedure rules in respect of debate and times to speak would apply:

No speeches may be made until the mover had moved a proposal and explained the purpose and it had been seconded.

When seconding a motion or amendment, a Member may reserve their speech until later in the debate. 

In accordance with the Constitution no speech should exceed five minutes without the consent of the Chair.

If a Member had a closure motion, personal explanation or point of order, they must indicate this by pressing the speak button on their microphone and raising their hand to alert the Chair.

Voting would be via the Yes/No/Abstain buttons on the microphone unit. Instructions regarding how to use the microphone unit were included on the back of the nameplates. Details of how Members voted would be shown on the screens around the room and the result would be visible on the YouTube stream.

In the event of a tied vote the Chair would have the casting vote.

Members and Officers were required to wear masks when standing or moving around the room or the building. Masks could be removed whilst seated.

Exit  ...  view the full decision text for item 1.

Audio Recording – 46 seconds

The Chair of the Council welcomed everyone to the meeting and drew attention to there being are only 20 Members present.

He advised that, due to the cessation of the Flexible Meeting Arrangements on 7 May 2021, it was now a requirement that the majority of formal meetings convene in person.

Having been unable to find a suitable alternative venue, Group Leaders agreed that the meeting would take place in the Council Chamber which could only hold this number of people whilst social distancing requirements were still in place.

Although minimal officers were present in the room, other officers had joined the meeting remotely, as the requirement to meet in person only applied to Councillors and, where required, members of the public.

There was still the opportunity for those Members not present, public and press to listen and view proceedings on the Council’s YouTube channel as the meeting was being streamed live.

As new systems were being used he asked that Members be guided by officers and be patient as things may take longer than usual.

The Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager undertook a roll call of officers attending remotely to ensure that they could here and be heard.

She advised that new cameras had been installed which were linked to the microphones and would move to show whoever had their microphone on.

An officer who was in attendance remotely would be shown on the screens around the room and would be visible on the YouTube livestream when they spoke.

If a Member wished to speak they should use the speak button (located on the microphone unit). The microphone would light up green and the Chair would be alerted the request to speak. When the Chair invited a Member to speak their microphone would be made live and would turn red at which point the Member could speak.

The normal procedure rules in respect of debate and times to speak would apply:

No speeches may be made until the mover had moved a proposal and explained the purpose and it had been seconded.

When seconding a motion or amendment, a Member may reserve their speech until later in the debate. 

In accordance with the Constitution no speech should exceed five minutes without the consent of the Chair.

If a Member had a closure motion, personal explanation or point of order, they must indicate this by pressing the speak button on their microphone and raising their hand to alert the Chair.

Voting would be via the Yes/No/Abstain buttons on the microphone unit. Instructions regarding how to use the microphone unit were included on the back of the nameplates. Details of how Members voted would be shown on the screens around the room and the result would be visible on the YouTube stream.

In the event of a tied vote the Chair would have the casting vote.

Members and Officers were required to wear masks when standing or moving around the room or the building. Masks could  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

To elect a Chair of the Council to hold office until the election of a successor at the next Annual Meeting of the Council.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Val Bryant be elected Chair of the Council to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of the Council in 2022.

Councillor Val Bryant took the Chair then read and signed the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office and took possession of the chain of office. Councillor Bryant thanked the Council for her election as Chair and advised that her Consort for the year would be Mr Stewart Bryant.

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

Audio Recording – 4 minutes 51 seconds

The Chair of the Council called for nominations to the position of Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2021/22.

It was proposed by Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, seconded by Councillor Paul Clark and:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Val Bryant be elected Chair of the Council to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of the Council in 2022.

Councillor Val Bryant took the Chair then read and signed the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office and took possession of the chain of office. Councillor Bryant thanked the Council for her election as Chair and advised that her Consort for the year would be Mr Stewart Bryant.

The Chair thanked the former Chair of the Council for his work over the last year which had been an unusual year. Councillor Tyler had, due to the pandemic only parked in his car park space twice and had never had the opportunity to chair an “in person” meeting of full Council.

Councillor Val Bryant proposed, Councillor Paul Clark seconded and it was

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

Audio recording –

Councillor Strong advised that she wished to give apologies for the members of the Conservative Group who were unable to attend due to the decision to hold a quorate plus meeting as a result of the Covid social distancing requirements

Audio recording – 10 minutes 9 seconds

Councillor Strong advised that she wished to give apologies for the members of the Conservative Group who were unable to attend due to the decision to hold a quorate plus meeting as a result of the Covid social distancing requirements

To elect a Vice-Chair of the Council to hold office until the appointment of a successor at the next Annual Meeting of the Council.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Terry Tyler be appointed Vice-Chair of the Council to hold office until the next Annual meeting of the Council in 2022.

Councillor Terry Tyler then read and signed the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office and took possession of the Chain of office. Councillor Tyler thanked the Council for his election as Vice-Chair and advised that his Consort for the year would be Councillor Lisa Nash.

Audio Recording – 11 minutes 10 seconds

The Chair called for nominations to the position of Vice-Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2021/22.

Councillor Paul Clark informed Council that Councillor Terry Tyler had had an unusual year as Chair of the Council, during which, due to the Covid Pandemic, he had never chaired an in person meeting of Council, had not been able to attend the normal civic events and had been unable to raise funds for his chosen charities. He therefore wished to nominate him as Vice-Chair so that he could hopefully do all of those things when once again Chair.

It was proposed by Councillor Paul Clark and seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg that Councillor Terry Tyler be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Council for the Civic Years 2021/22.

Councillor Claire Strong advised Council that Councillor Simon Bloxham, although newly elected on 6 May 2021, had previously been a District Councillor and had also been a County Councillor. He held an ambition to be the Chair of the Council and follow in the footsteps of his Father. She asked Council to support this ambition.

It was proposed by Councillor Morgan Derbyshire and seconded by Councillor Claire Strong that Councillor Simon Bloxham be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2021/22.

Upon the vote it was:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Terry Tyler be appointed Vice-Chair of the Council to hold office until the next Annual meeting of the Council in 2022.

Councillor Terry Tyler then read and signed the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office and took possession of the Chain of office. Councillor Tyler thanked the Council for his election as Vice-Chair and advised that his Consort for the year would be Councillor Lisa Nash.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 15 April 2021.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council meeting held on 15 April 2021 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Audio Recording – 16 minutes 53 seconds

It was moved by Councillor Val Bryant, seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg and:

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council meeting held on 15 April 2021 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.

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, this meeting was being audio recorded as well as filmed. The audio recordings would be available to view on Mod.gov and the film recording via the NHDC YouTube channel.

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

(3)       Members were reminded to make declarations of interest before an item, the detailed reminder about this and speaking rights was set out under Chair’s Announcements on the agenda.

(4)       The Chair welcomed and congratulated the following new Members to the District Council following their successful election on 6 May 2021 - Councillors Amy Allen, Simon Bloxham, Adam Compton, Juan Cowell, Sarah Dingley, Nigel Mason and Mandi Tandi.

(5)       The Chair congratulated the following who were successfully re-elected at the District Council Elections - Councillors Ian Albert, Paul Clark, Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Terry Hone, David Levett, Ian Mantle. Claire Strong, Richard Thake, Terry Tyler and Michael Weeks.

(6)       The Chair thanked former Councillors Bill Davidson, Steve Deakin Davies, Helen Oliver and Val Shanley who did not stand for re-election.

(7)       The Chair announced that her final thanks were to the former Leader of the Council, Martin Stears-Handscomb, who was unsuccessful in being re-elected.

Martin would have very much liked to have been present at the meeting but, the Covid Social Distancing measures meant that space in the Chamber was limited. He did however hope to come to a future meeting once some form of normality resumed.

Martin served the Council for 28 and half years, the last two years as Leader of the Council.

She was sue that all would wish to join her in wishing him well in his life outside of NHDC.

Councillors Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Claire Strong, Paul Clark and Judi Billing paid tribute to former Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb.

(8)       Members were reminded to complete their Registers of Interest forms online.

This would need to be completed on a laptop or a computer through citrix. Delivery of laptops to newly elected Members would start on 27 May 2021.

If Members had any issues accessing the form they should contact the Committee Services Team.

(9)       Members were reminded that they may only speak once on a motion and once on any amendment.

(10)    The Chair advised that she did not intend to have any comfort breaks unless Members requested one.

Audio recording – 17 minutes 56 seconds

(1)       The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council policy, this meeting was being audio recorded as well as filmed. The audio recordings would be available to view on Mod.gov and the film recording via the NHDC YouTube channel.

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

(3)       Members were reminded to make declarations of interest before an item, the detailed reminder about this and speaking rights was set out under Chair’s Announcements on the agenda.

(4)       The Chair welcomed and congratulated the following new Members to the District Council following their successful election on 6 May 2021 - Councillors Amy Allen, Simon Bloxham, Adam Compton, Juan Cowell, Sarah Dingley, Nigel Mason and Mandi Tandi.

(5)       The Chair congratulated the following who were successfully re-elected at the District Council Elections - Councillors Ian Albert, Paul Clark, Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Terry Hone, David Levett, Ian Mantle. Claire Strong, Richard Thake, Terry Tyler and Michael Weeks.

(6)       The Chair thanked former Councillors Bill Davidson, Steve Deakin Davies, Helen Oliver and Val Shanley who did not stand for re-election.

(7)       The Chair announced that her final thanks were to the former Leader of the Council, Martin Stears-Handscomb, who was unsuccessful in being re-elected.

Martin would have very much liked to have been present at the meeting but, the Covid Social Distancing measures meant that space in the Chamber was limited. He did however hope to come to a future meeting once some form of normality resumed.

Martin served the Council for 28 and half years, the last two years as Leader of the Council.

She was sue that all would wish to join her in wishing him well in his life outside of NHDC.

Councillors Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Claire Strong, Paul Clark and Judi Billing paid tribute to former Councillor Martin Stears-Handscomb.

(8)       Members were reminded to complete their Registers of Interest forms online.

This would need to be completed on a laptop or a computer through citrix. Delivery of laptops to newly elected Members would start on 27 May 2021.

If Members had any issues accessing the form they should contact the Committee Services Team.

(9)       Members were reminded that they may only speak once on a motion and once on any amendment.

(10)    The Chair advised that she did not intend to have any comfort breaks unless Members requested one.

REPORT OF THE RETURNING OFFICER

To receive the report of the Returning Officer as to the results of the District Council Elections (including all Polls) held on 6 May 2021.

RESOLVED: That the report of the Returning Officer regarding the results of the District Council, County Council, Police Crime Commissioner and Parish Council Elections and Baldock, Bygrave and Clothall Neighbourhood Planning Referendum held on 6 May 2021 be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To inform Members of the results of the District Council, County Council, Police Crime Commissioner and Parish Council Elections and Baldock, Bygrave and Clothall Neighbourhood Planning Referendum held on 6 May 2021.

Audio recording – 27 minutes 8 seconds

The Retuning Officer presented the results of the District Council, County Council, Police Crime Commissioner and Parish Council Elections and Baldock, Bygrave and Clothall Neighbourhood Planning Referendum held on 6 May 2021.

RESOLVED: That the report of the Returning Officer regarding the results of the District Council, County Council, Police Crime Commissioner and Parish Council Elections and Baldock, Bygrave and Clothall Neighbourhood Planning Referendum held on 6 May 2021 be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To inform Members of the results of the District Council, County Council, Police Crime Commissioner and Parish Council Elections and Baldock, Bygrave and Clothall Neighbourhood Planning Referendum held on 6 May 2021.

To elect the Leader of the Council for the period until May 2025.

RESOLVED: That Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg be elected as Leader of the Council until Annual Council in May 2025.

Audio recording – 27 minutes 46 seconds

It was proposed by Councillor Paul Clark, seconded by Councillor Ian Albert and:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg be elected as Leader of the Council until Annual Council in May 2025.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To note the Leader of the Council’s appointment of a Deputy Leader of the Council, the Executive Members making up the Membership of the Cabinet and Deputy Executive Members for 2021/22.

RESOLVED:

(1)     That it be noted that the Leader of the Council had appointed Councillor Paul Clark as the Deputy Leader of the Council for the Civic Year 2021/22;

(2)     That it be noted that the following Members be appointed as Executive Members of the Cabinet for 2021/22 responsible for the following areas:

(3)     That it be noted that the following Members be appointed as Deputy Executive Members of the Cabinet for 2021/22 for the following areas:

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000 and Sections 4.8.1 (vii), 5.2, 5.3.4 and 5.6 of the Council’s Constitution.

Audio recording – 29 minutes 12 seconds

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, advised Council that:

·                Councillor Paul Clark was appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council for the Civic Year 2021/22;

·                That Executive Members and Deputy Executive Members were appointed as detailed in Appendix A to the report.

RESOLVED:

(1)     That it be noted that the Leader of the Council had appointed Councillor Paul Clark as the Deputy Leader of the Council for the Civic Year 2021/22;

(2)     That it be noted that the following Members be appointed as Executive Members of the Cabinet for 2021/22 responsible for the following areas:

(3)     That it be noted that the following Members be appointed as Deputy Executive Members of the Cabinet for 2021/22 for the following areas:

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000 and Sections 4.8.1 (vii), 5.2, 5.3.4 and 5.6 of the Council’s Constitution.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To determine the Committees to be appointed for 2021/22, the number of places on each and allocation thereof to the respective Groups and to appoint Members in accordance with their nominations.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That, in line with the agreement of Group Leaders, the membership of the Licensing and Appeals Committee be increased to 14 (currently 13);

(2)       That, for 2021/22, the seats allocated to each political party on the Committees to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies and the seats allocated 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 to these Minutes, be noted.

(3)       That, for 2021/22, 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 to these Minutes.

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

Audio recording – 30 minutes 15 seconds

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg presented the report entitled Appointment of Members of Committees, Joint Committees and Panels for 2021/22 together with the following appendices:

·                Appendix A – Proportionality;

·                Appendix B - Committee Places;

·                Appendix B - Committee Places.

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg proposed, Councillor Paul Clark seconded and it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)       That, in line with the agreement of Group Leaders, the membership of the Licensing and Appeals Committee be increased to 14 (currently 13);

(2)       That, for 2021/22, the seats allocated to each political party on the Committees to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies and the seats allocated 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 to these Minutes, be noted.

(3)       That, for 2021/22, 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 to these Minutes.

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 appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees (except Area Committees) for 2021/22.

RESOLVED: That the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees for 2021/22 be appointed in accordance with the details set out in Appendix C to these Minutes.

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

Audio Recording – 32 minutes 20 seconds

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg proposed, Councillor Paul Clark seconded and it was

RESOLVED: That the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees for 2021/22 be appointed in accordance with the details set out in Appendix C to these Minutes.

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

REPORT OF THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

To inform the Council of any occasions over the past year where the 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.

RESOLVED: That the report entitled Key Decisions – Annual Report on Cases of Special Urgency be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with Regulation 19 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

Audio recording – 33 minutes 39 seconds

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg presented the report entitled Key Decision - Annual Report on Cases of Special Urgency.

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg proposed, Councillor Paul Clark seconded and it was:

RESOLVED: That the report entitled Key Decisions – Annual Report on Cases of Special Urgency be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with Regulation 19 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SEVICES MANAGER

To seek approval to a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council for the Civic Year 2021/22 and approve the calendar of meetings for 2021/22.

RESOLVED: 

(1)       That the following programme of ordinary meetings of the Council be approved for the Civic Year 2021/22:

Thursday, 8 July 2021 – 7.30pm

Thursday, 23 September 2021 – 7.30pm

Thursday, 11 November 2021 – 7.30pm

Thursday, 20 January 2022 – 7.30pm

Thursday, 10 February 2022 – 7.30pm

Wednesday, 23 March 2022 - 7.30 pm.

(2)       That the Calendar of Meetings for 2021/22, as attached as Appendix D to these Minutes, be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:  To enable Members to agree a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council for 2021/22.

Audio recording – 34 minutes 58 seconds

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, presented the report entitled Approve a Programme of Ordinary Meetings for the Council for the Civic Year 2021/22 together with the following appendix:

·                Appendix A - 2021-22 - Outside Bodies List.

She expressed disappointment that, due to the cessation of the Flexibility of Meetings regulations, the meetings was not able to be held in a more flexible manner.

Councillor Claire Strong stated that she hoped that all 49 Members would be able to meet for the next Council meeting, due to be held on 8 July 2021.

Councillor Amy Allen thanked officers for their hard work in putting together previous online meetings and this quorate Annual Council meeting.

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg proposed, Councillor Paul Clark seconded and it was

RESOLVED: 

(1)       That the following programme of ordinary meetings of the Council be approved for the Civic Year 2021/22:

Thursday, 8 July 2021 – 7.30pm

Thursday, 23 September 2021 – 7.30pm

Thursday, 11 November 2021 – 7.30pm

Thursday, 20 January 2022 – 7.30pm

Thursday, 10 February 2022 – 7.30pm

Wednesday, 23 March 2022 - 7.30 pm.

(2)       That the Calendar of Meetings for 2021/22, as attached as Appendix D to these Minutes, be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:  To enable Members to agree a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council for 2021/22.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To nominate the Council’s representatives on outside organisations and other bodies for 2020/21.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the list of nominations of representatives on Outside Organisations and Other Bodies for 2021/22, as detailed in Appendix E to the Minutes be approved, with confirmation that:

(a)       The Council’s representative on Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust be Councillor Terry Tyler;

(b)       The Council’s representative on Royston First (BID) be Councillor Ruth Brow..

(2)       That Groundwork Hertfordshire, has been identified as not being in existence and therefore the nomination be removed from the list of Outside Organisations

(3)       That, subject to the usual checks on outside organisations being undertaken and satisfactory, the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership be added to the list of Outside Organisations and that the Executive Member for Environment and Leisure be nominated as the representative to this organisation;

(4)       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 – 38 minutes 51 seconds

The Democratic Services Manager presented the report entitled Nomination of Representatives on Outside Organisations and Other Bodies for 2021/22 and the associated appendix:

·                Appendix A - Nominations to Outside Bodies.

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg moved the nominations contained in the report

with the exception of those where additional votes were required, this was seconded by Councillor Clark.

Councillor Morgan Derbyshire advised that he was withdrawing his nomination to North Hertfordshire Council for Voluntary Service.

Councillor Steve Jarvis advised that there was no appointment to be made to Groundwork Hertfordshire and that the organisation should be removed from the list.

He further advised that he was, as Executive Member for Environment and Leisure, appointed to Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership and thought this should be documented on the list of Outside bodies.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the list of nominations of representatives on Outside Organisations and Other Bodies for 2021/22, as detailed in Appendix E to the Minutes be approved, with confirmation that:

(a)       The Council’s representative on Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust be Councillor Terry Tyler;

(b)       The Council’s representative on Royston First (BID) be Councillor Ruth Brown.

(2)       That Groundwork Hertfordshire, has been identified as not being in existence and therefore the nomination be removed from the list of Outside Organisations

(3)       That, subject to the usual checks on outside organisations being undertaken and satisfactory, the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership be added to the list of Outside Organisations and that the Executive Member for Environment and Leisure be nominated as the representative to this organisation;

(4)       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.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To consider an extension of the six-month rule for Councillors unable to attend Committee meetings due to the cessation of The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 No.392 and the requirement for Local Authorities to hold meetings in person for reasons related to the pandemic, including health reasons. 

RESOLVED:  That an extension of the six-month rule for Councillors unable to attend

Committee meetings owing to the Coronavirus, or health related reasons following the

cessation of The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 No.392 and the requirement for Local Authorities to hold meetings in person be approved. The six-month period will end on 26 November 2021.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)       Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 states that ‘if a member of a local authority fails throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of his last attendance to attend any meeting of the authority, he shall, unless the failure was due to some reason approved by the authority before the expiry of that period, cease to be a member of the authority’. Whilst the Local Government Association has been lobbying for this issue to be dealt with, this has so far not been addressed by central government.

(2)       The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 No.392 allowed Local Authorities to hold remote meetings until 7 May 2021. This has now expired and Local Authorities are required to hold meetings in person.

(3)       The recommendation at 2.1 is therefore required to enable Councillors to continue to serve as District Councillors whilst they feel too vulnerable to attend meetings in person and social distancing is required due to the pandemic.

Audio recording – 50 minutes 38 seconds

The Democratic Services Manager presented the report entitled Resolution to Extend the 6 Month Rule - Section 85 Local Government Act 1972.

Councillor Claire Strong stated that it was sensible and desirable to go ahead with this.

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg proposed, Councillor Paul Clark seconded and it was:

RESOLVED:  That an extension of the six-month rule for Councillors unable to attend

Committee meetings owing to the Coronavirus, or health related reasons following the

cessation of The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 No.392 and the requirement for Local Authorities to hold meetings in person be approved. The six-month period will end on 26 November 2021.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)       Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 states that ‘if a member of a local authority fails throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of his last attendance to attend any meeting of the authority, he shall, unless the failure was due to some reason approved by the authority before the expiry of that period, cease to be a member of the authority’. Whilst the Local Government Association has been lobbying for this issue to be dealt with, this has so far not been addressed by central government.

(2)       The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 No.392 allowed Local Authorities to hold remote meetings until 7 May 2021. This has now expired and Local Authorities are required to hold meetings in person.

(3)       The recommendation at 2.1 is therefore required to enable Councillors to continue to serve as District Councillors whilst they feel too vulnerable to attend meetings in person and social distancing is required due to the pandemic.

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR LEGAL AND COMMUNITY & MONITORING OFFICER

To present a report to Council regarding amendments to the Constitution following legislative changes and virtual meeting arrangements as per section 2.6.6, with effect from 7 May 2021. Further amendments were made under 2.6.2 with regards the NHDC Code of Conduct.

RESOLVED: That the amendments made to the Constitution be noted and endorsed.

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REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Constitution reflects legislative change and minor amendments required following Council resolution of 15 April 2021.

Audio recording – 53 minutes

The Service Director – Legal and Community presented the report entitled Constitutional Report to Council under Section 2.6.6 together with the following Appendices:

·                Delegated Decision 6.5.21;

·                Appendix A to the Delegated Decision - Schedule of Constitutional Amendments.

Councillor Paul Clark thanked the Monitoring Officer for her due diligence and hard work.

It was proposed by Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, seconded by Councillor Paul Clark and it was:

RESOLVED: That the amendments made to the Constitution be noted and endorsed.

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REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Constitution reflects legislative change and minor amendments required following Council resolution of 15 April 2021.