Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 216 KBVenue: Council Chamber, District Council Offices, Letchworth Garden City
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 John Bishop, Tony Hunter, Jim McNally, Faye Frost, Juan Cowell, Lisa Nash, Michael Weeks, Gary Grindal, Ian Moody and Carol Stanier. Minutes: Audio recording – 2:54
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors John Bishop, Tony Hunter, Jim McNally, Kaye Frost, Juan Cowell, Lisa Nash, Michael Weeks, Gary Grindal, Ian Moody and Carol Stanier. |
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MINUTES - 20 JANUARY 2022 To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 20 January 2022 Decision: RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 20 January be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair. Minutes: Audio Recording – 3:22
RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 20 January 2022 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 – 4:39
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.
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 audio recorded;
(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) The Chair advised that the usual rules in respect of debate and times to speak would apply.
(5) The Chair advised that there was no longer a requirement for Members to stand while addressing the Council.
(6) The Chair advised that there would be a comfort break at 9pm or at a suitable break in business thereabouts.
(7) The Chair advised that the fundraiser in support of her chosen charities would now be taking place on 22 May and reminded Members to mark the date in their calendars. Minutes: Audio recording – 4:43
(1) The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded;
(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) The Chair advised that the usual rules in respect of debate and times to speak would apply.
(5) The Chair advised that there was no longer a requirement for Members to stand while addressing the Council.
(6) The Chair advised that there would be a comfort break at 9pm or at a suitable break in business thereabouts.
(7) The Chair advised that the fundraiser in support of her chosen charities would now be taking place on 22 May and reminded Members to mark the date in their calendars.
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public. Decision: There was no public participation. Minutes: Audio recording – 7:05
There was no public participation. |
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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. Minutes: Audio recording – 7:08
There were no questions submitted by Members. |
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NOTICE OF MOTIONS To consider any motions, due notice of which have been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12. Decision: There were no motions on notice submitted. Minutes: Audio recording – 7:13
There were no motions on notice submitted.
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ITEMS REFERRED FROM OTHER COMMITTEES Any items referred from other committees will be circulated as soon as they are available. Additional documents:
Decision: 8a. Referral from Cabinet – Revenue Budget 2022/23
The Chair advised that this referral would be taken with Item 10.
8b. Referral from Cabinet – Investment Strategy (Integrated Capital and Treasury)
The Chair advised that this referral would be taken with item 11. Minutes: Audio Recording: 7:18
8a. Referral from Cabinet – Revenue Budget 2022/23
The Chair advised that this referral would be taken with Item 10.
8b. Referral from Cabinet – Investment Strategy (Integrated Capital and Treasury)
The Chair advised that this referral would be taken with item 11. |
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CHANGE TO POLLING PLACE AND POLLING STATIONS To agree the designation of polling places, to
come in to effect at the upcoming local government
elections. Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED: That the Council:
(1) Designates the polling places and new polling stations as illustrated in the proposals attached as Appendix A to the report
(2) Instructs the Monitoring Officer to amend the Constitution (4.4.1 (q) & (b)(x)) to enable amendments to polling places and polling stations between compulsory reviews to be delegated to the Service Director: Legal and Community, in consultation with the Returning Officer, relevant ward Councillors and Group Leaders.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
(1) Through lack of availability or concerns about suitability, several polling stations previously designated are no longer viable options for use at upcoming elections.
(2) The Returning Officer must therefore identify suitable alternatives for the polling places and subsequent polling stations to be used.
(3) Recommendation 2.2 is for additional flexibility specifically to agree the polling station post Council meeting and generally where this situation arises between mandatory reviews and allows for relevant Member consultation when this arises. Minutes: Audio Recording: 7:45
The Democratic Services Manager presented the report entitled Change to Polling Place & Polling Stations and highlighted the following:
· The report is to agree the designation of polling places to come into effect at the coming elections in May. · Several polling stations that were previously used are no longer viable options. · Paragraphs 8.3 and 8.4 explain the changes required. · Within the report is a proposed amendment to the Constitution.
Councillor Dennis-Harburg proposed, Councillor Brown seconded and it was put to debate.
The following Members took part in debate:
· Councillor Claire Strong
On the vote it was:
RESOLVED: That the Council:
(1) Designates the polling places and new polling stations as illustrated in the proposals attached as Appendix A to the report
(2) Instructs the Monitoring Officer to amend the Constitution (4.4.1 (q) & (b)(x)) to enable amendments to polling places and polling stations between compulsory reviews to be delegated to the Service Director: Legal and Community, in consultation with the Returning Officer, relevant ward Councillors and Group Leaders.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
(1) Through lack of availability or concerns about suitability, several polling stations previously designated are no longer viable options for use at upcoming elections.
(2) The Returning Officer must therefore identify suitable alternatives for the polling places and subsequent polling stations to be used.
(3) Recommendation 2.2 is for additional flexibility specifically to agree the polling station post Council meeting and generally where this situation arises between mandatory reviews and allows for relevant Member consultation when this arises. |
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REVENUE BUDGET 2022/23 REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES To note and adopt the Revenue Budget 2022/23 Additional documents:
Decision: Councillor Ian Albert proposed, Councillor Sam North seconded, and the recommendations in the report were put to debate.
Councillor Steve Jarvis proposed an amendment, Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg seconded.
Councillor Simon Harwood declared an interest in respect of his daughter being an employee of the Hitchin Outdoor Pool whose opening hours were being considered as part of the amendment. The Monitoring Officer advised that he take no part in the debate or vote on this amendment.
The amendment was put to the vote.
The results of the vote were as follows:
YES: 35 ABSTAIN: 0 NO: 0 TOTAL: 35
The individual results were as follows:
Cllr Val Bryant YES Cllr Adam Compton YES Cllr Adem Ruggiero-Cakir YES Cllr Amy Allen YES Cllr Claire Strong YES Cllr Clare Billing YES Cllr Daniel Allen YES Cllr David Barnard YES Cllr David Levett YES Cllr Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg YES Cllr George Davies YES Cllr Gerald Morris YES Cllr Ian Albert YES Cllr Ian Mantle YES Cllr Jean Green YES Cllr Judi Billing YES Cllr Kate Aspinwall YES Cllr Kay Tart YES Cllr Keith Hoskins YES Cllr Mandi Tandi YES Cllr Michael Muir YES Cllr Mike Hughson YES Cllr Mike Rice YES Cllr Morgan Derbyshire YES Cllr Nigel Mason YES Cllr Richard Thake YES Cllr Ruth Brown YES Cllr Sam Collins YES Cllr Sam North YES Cllr Sarah Dingley YES Cllr Sean Prendergast YES Cllr Simon Bloxham YES Cllr Simon Harwood Cllr Steve Jarvis YES Cllr Terry Hone YES Cllr Terry Tyler Cllr Tom Tyson YES
As such it was:
RESOLVED: To amend the recommendations to include an additional recommendation 2.6 as follows:
“Noting the additional flexibility resulting from the final Local Government Settlement, Council approves the following further investments to support the council’s sustainability objectives and the continuing provision of high quality leisure facilities for local people:
A. Implementation of additional wilding schemes from those set out in the Wilding Audit prepared for the council by Countryside Management at a total cost of £25k.
B. Work with user groups to investigate and implement potential extensions to open air pool opening at the end of the 2022 season at a cost of £25k.
C. Provision of expert leisure market, pre-procurement and strategic investment advice in respect of the leisure services contract retendering at a cost of £25k.”
The substantive motion as amended was put to debate.
The substantive motion as amended was put to the vote.
The results of the vote were as follows:
YES: 21 ABSTAIN: 15 NO: 0 TOTAL: 36
The individual results were as follows:
Cllr Val Bryant YES Cllr Adam Compton ABSTAIN Cllr Adem Ruggiero-Cakir YES Cllr Amy Allen YES Cllr Claire Strong ABSTAIN Cllr Clare Billing YES Cllr Daniel Allen YES Cllr David Barnard ABSTAIN Cllr David Levett ABSTAIN Cllr Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg YES Cllr George Davies ABSTAIN Cllr Gerald Morris ABSTAIN Cllr Ian Albert YES Cllr Ian Mantle YES Cllr Jean Green ABSTAIN Cllr Judi Billing YES Cllr Kate Aspinwall YES Cllr Kay Tart YES Cllr Keith Hoskins YES Cllr Mandi ... view the full decision text for item 98. Minutes: Audio Recording: 9:32
The Chair advised that she would be inviting Councillor Dennis-Harburg (Leader of the Council) to speak, following which Ian Albert (Executive Member for Finance and IT) would present the report. The Chair agreed that Councillor Albert may speak for more than 5 minutes regarding the Budget.
The Leader of the Council made an introductory speech regarding the Revenue Budget 2022/23.
The Executive Member for Finance and IT gave a detailed speech regarding the entitled Revenue Budget 2022/23 and the following Appendices:
· Appendix A – Financial Risks 2022/23 · Appendix B – Revenue Budget Savings and Investments · Appendix C – Budget Summary 2022 – 2027 · Appendix D – Resilience Index
Councillor Ian Albert proposed, Councillor Sam North seconded the recommendations in the report.
Councillor Steve Jarvis presented his amendments to the recommendations, which had been attached as an addendum to the Agenda Pack entitled Revenue Budget 2022/23: Proposed Amendments to Recommendations. Councillor Steve Jarvis proposed and Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg seconded.
Councillor Simon Harwood declared an interest in respect of his daughter being an employee of the Hitchin Outdoor Pool whose opening hours were being considered as part of the amendment. The Monitoring Officer advised that he take no part in the debate or vote on this amendment.
The following Members asked questions and took part in the debate regarding the proposed amendment:
· Councillor Claire Strong · Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg · Councillor Richard Thake · Councillor Ruth Brown
The amendment was put to the vote.
The results of the vote were as follows:
YES: 35 ABSTAIN: 0 NO: 0 TOTAL: 35
The individual results were as follows:
Cllr Val Bryant YES Cllr Adam Compton YES Cllr Adem Ruggiero-Cakir YES Cllr Amy Allen YES Cllr Claire Strong YES Cllr Clare Billing YES Cllr Daniel Allen YES Cllr David Barnard YES Cllr David Levett YES Cllr Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg YES Cllr George Davies YES Cllr Gerald Morris YES Cllr Ian Albert YES Cllr Ian Mantle YES Cllr Jean Green YES Cllr Judi Billing YES Cllr Kate Aspinwall YES Cllr Kay Tart YES Cllr Keith Hoskins YES Cllr Mandi Tandi YES Cllr Michael Muir YES Cllr Mike Hughson YES Cllr Mike Rice YES Cllr Morgan Derbyshire YES Cllr Nigel Mason YES Cllr Richard Thake YES Cllr Ruth Brown YES Cllr Sam Collins YES Cllr Sam North YES Cllr Sarah Dingley YES Cllr Sean Prendergast YES Cllr Simon Bloxham YES Cllr Simon Harwood Cllr Steve Jarvis YES Cllr Terry Hone YES Cllr Terry Tyler Cllr Tom Tyson YES
As such it was:
RESOLVED: To amend the recommendations to include an additional recommendation 2.6 as follows:
“Noting the additional flexibility resulting from the final Local Government Settlement, Council approves the following further investments to support the council’s sustainability objectives and the continuing provision of high quality leisure facilities for local people:
A. Implementation of additional wilding schemes from those set out in the Wilding Audit prepared for the council by Countryside Management at a total cost of £25k.
B. Work with user groups to investigate and implement potential extensions ... view the full minutes text for item 98. |
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INVESTMENT STRATEGY (INTEGRATED CAPITAL AND TREASURY) REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR -
RESOURCES Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED:
(1) That Council approve the adoption of the Investment Strategy (as attached in Appendix A), including the capital programme and prudential indicators.
(2) That Council approve the adoption of the four clauses in relation to the Code of Practice on Treasury Management (as detailed in paragraphs 8.12 and 8.17)
(3) That Council approve bringing forward the £150k capital allocation for NHLC: Sauna Steam Refurbishment forward in to 2021/22
REASONS FOR DECISIONS:
(1) To ensure that the capital programme meets the Council’s objectives and officers can plan the implementation of the approved schemes
(2) To ensure the Council’s compliance with CIPFA’s code of practice on Treasury Management, the Local Government Act 2003, statutory guidance from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the CIPFA Prudential Code. As well as determining and managing the Councils risk appetite in respect of investments. Minutes: Audio Recording: 1:07:18
Councillor Ian Albert presented the report entitled Investment Strategy (Integrated Capital and Treasury along with the following appendices:
· Appendix A – Investment Strategy · Appendix A1 – A full list of planned capital expenditure (2022/23 onwards) · Appendix A2 – A list of new capital schemes and schemes planned to commence from 2022/23
Councillor Ian Albert proposed the recommendations in the report, and Councillor Sam North seconded and it was put to debate.
The following Members took part in debate:
· Councillor Claire Strong · Councillor Steve Jarvis · Councillor Sam North · Councillor David Barnard
The Executive Member for Finance and IT responded to questions.
On the vote it was:
RESOLVED:
(1) That Council approve the adoption of the Investment Strategy (as attached in Appendix A), including the capital programme and prudential indicators.
(2) That Council approve the adoption of the four clauses in relation to the Code of Practice on Treasury Management (as detailed in paragraphs 8.12 and 8.17)
(3) That Council approve bringing forward the £150k capital allocation for NHLC: Sauna Steam Refurbishment forward in to 2021/22
REASONS FOR DECISIONS:
(1) To ensure that the capital programme meets the Council’s objectives and officers can plan the implementation of the approved schemes
(2) To ensure the Council’s compliance with CIPFA’s code of practice on Treasury Management, the Local Government Act 2003, statutory guidance from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the CIPFA Prudential Code. As well as determining and managing the Councils risk appetite in respect of investments. |