Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Michael Weeks, John Bishop, Gary Grindal, Sam Collins, Lisa Nash and Kay Tart.

Audio recording – 2:02

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Michael Weeks, John Bishop, Gary Grindal, Sam Collins, Lisa Nash, Kay Tart and Jean Green.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 23 September 2021.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 23 September 2021 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Audio Recording – 2:36

Councillor Val Bryant proposed, Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg seconded and on the vote it was:

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 23 September 2021 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

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.

There was no other business notified.

Audio recording – 3:27

There was no other business notified.

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, the meeting would be audio recorded and live streamed to the Council’s 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)       The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question;

(4)       Members were reminded that the normal rules of debate and speaking times would apply;

(5)       Members were reminded that a special meeting of Council was to be called for 7 December to discuss the results of the public consultation on the Electoral Cycle.

Audio recording – 3:28

(1)       The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded and live streamed to the Council’s 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)       The Chair drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question;

(4)       Members were reminded that the normal rules of debate and speaking times would apply;

(5)       Members were reminded that a special meeting of Council was to be called for 7 December to discuss the results of the public consultation on the Electoral Cycle.

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

There was no public participation at this meeting.

Audio recording – 5:16

There was no public participation at this meeting.

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

There were no motions on notice.

Audio recording – 5:22

There were no motions on notice.

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

Two questions were submitted by Members of the Council in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11 (b).

Councillor David Levett asked a question of Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg (Leader of the Council)

Councillor Mike Hughson asked a question of Councillor Ian Albert (Executive Member for Finance & IT)

Audio recording – 5:34

There were two questions from Members presented at this meeting.

1)         Councillor David Levett to Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg:

“North Hertfordshire has a long standing tradition of involvement with the organisation of the Remembrance Day Services in Letchworth Garden City and other North Hertfordshire towns which have shown increased attendance from the community in recent years.

Could the Leader of the Council please confirm what involvement NHDC has had with the organisation of the Remembrance Day Services this year? In particular any liaison with the Royal British Legion to ensure that these services that are much valued by the community take place.”

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg responded as follows:

“'m sure that members will be aware given the amount of information that's been sent out through our weekly Members Information Service Bulletins, what's been done around Remembrance Day. This year's process actually commenced way back in August, and Officers were in contact with the previous year's organizers for each town and village which usually holds a Remembrance Day parade or service, just the same as they do every year in order to remind them of the processes that are involved.

As the organizers started to put their applications together, some contacted us and let us know that there were issues with things like insurance cover, because the Royal British Legion’s insurance could no longer be used for this particular purpose. Some were able to use things like the Parish Council insurance or Guides’ Association insurance instead. Some did say that they had been told that it was a civic duty, and therefore everything should be organized by the Council because other councils locally do that.

In addition to the having the necessary level of insurance, road closures can only be enforced by an accredited traffic management company or by the police and organizers were contacted again during the process to let them know. So before issuing the closure, North Herts Council has to ensure that road closures are done safely, and I think the majority of the organizers do appreciate this. However, we do know that clearly, communities are going to be disappointed if Remembrance Sunday events don't take place due to the high cost of accredited traffic management companies. Officers at this council have discussed with the police their availability to install and enforce road closures and the majority of proposed events are now able to be supported in this way, which I think actually does also include Letchworth - which if you've got specific follow on questions perhaps around the Letchworth events Councillor Levett I've got further events specific info on that. I can also email it over to you.

Members have, as I said at the beginning, already been informed through the MIS bulletins what's been going on.  I've got information from the police about what the police have done and their commitments as well. But I think to cut a really long rambling answer to a quite pertinent question short; this Council has been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

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

8(a) Referral from Licensing and Regulation Committee: Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles 2022-2025.

The Chair advised that referral 8(a) would be taken with agenda item 9.

Audio recording – 17:01

8(a) Referral from Licensing and Regulation Committee: Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles 2022-2025.

The Chair advised that referral 8(a) would be taken with agenda item 9.

Councillor Daniel Allen presented referral 8a from the Licensing and Regulation Committee.

RESOLVED: That Council adopts the Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles 2022-2025 as attached at Appendix A.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)       Licensing authorities are required to publish a policy every three years by virtue of section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 (“the Act”).

(2)       A new policy must be published by 3 January 2022 to comply with this statutory requirement.

(3)       The Policy builds on the effectiveness of the existing policy with minor amendments to reflect changes in legislation, statutory guidance, consultation responses and an updated local area profile.

Audio Recording – 17:26

Councillor Daniel Allen presented the referral 8a from the Licensing and Regulation Committee: Draft Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles and moved the recommendations as in the referral.

Councillor Allen thanked the Licensing Team and the Licensing Manager for their efficiency, hard work and support in putting this report and policy together.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed, Councillor Paul Clark seconded and on the vote it was:

RESOLVED: That Council adopts the Statement of Gambling Licensing Principles 2022-2025 as attached at Appendix A.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)       Licensing authorities are required to publish a policy every three years by virtue of section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 (“the Act”).

(2)       A new policy must be published by 3 January 2022 to comply with this statutory requirement.

(3)       The Policy builds on the effectiveness of the existing policy with minor amendments to reflect changes in legislation, statutory guidance, consultation responses and an updated local area profile.

Report to follow; papers will be circulated as a supplementary agenda as soon as they are available.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)       Approves the changes made under Delegated Decision 21 October 2021 (subject to title of Revenues Manager being amended); and

(2)       Approves the further amendments set out in section 7 and 8.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Constitution remains up to date, and continues to improve its working practices where legally possible.

Audio Recording – 19:47

The Service Director – Legal & Community and Monitoring Officer presented the report entitled Constitutional Amendments along with Appendices A and B detailing the proposed changes to the constitution, along with an additional amendment as follows:

·                “in relation to the revenues and benefits manager” to read “in relation to the revenues manager”

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

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)       Approves the changes made under Delegated Decision 21 October 2021 (subject to title of Revenues Manager being amended); and

(2)       Approves the further amendments set out in section 7 and 8.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure the Constitution remains up to date, and continues to improve its working practices where legally possible.

To consider the appointment of an independent member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

RESOLVED:

(1)        That Council agrees to there being an independent person on the Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR) Committee.

(2)       That Council instructs the Service Director: Legal and Community to make the required changes to the constitution.

(3)       That the Service Director: Resources is instructed to recruit to the position, in consultation with the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

(4)       That the IRP be asked to consider an appropriate allowance for this role as part of their consideration of Members Allowances.

REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Council to conform to best practice.

Audio Recording – 21:38

Councillor Keith Hoskins presented the report entitled Independent Person on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and proposed the recommendations in the report.

Councillor Clare Billing seconded the motion.

The following Members asked questions and took part in debate:

·                Councillor Claire Strong

·                Councillor Keith Hoskins

In response to questions the Service Director – Resources advised that the Council would look to adopt similar recruitment practices used by other Local Authorities – comparable to Stevenage and HCC – in line with the Council’s usual recruitment policies.”

On the vote it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)        That Council agrees to there being an independent person on the Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR) Committee.

(2)       That Council instructs the Service Director: Legal and Community to make the required changes to the constitution.

(3)       That the Service Director: Resources is instructed to recruit to the position, in consultation with the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

(4)       That the IRP be asked to consider an appropriate allowance for this role as part of their consideration of Members Allowances.

REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Council to conform to best practice.

RESOLVED: That Council notes the use of urgency provisions in relation to the Business Rate Pooling decision made by Cabinet on 8 October 2021.

Audio Recording – 25:46

The Service Director – Resources presented the report entitled Use of Urgency in Relation to Call-In for Decision on Business Rate Pooling.

Councillor Ian Albert proposed, Councillor Sam North seconded and on the vote it was:

RESOLVED: That Council notes the use of urgency provisions in relation to the Business Rate Pooling decision made by Cabinet on 8 October 2021.