Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Carol Stanier, Kay Tart, Faye Frost, Juan Cowell, Sam Collins, Clare Billing, George Davies, Ian Moody and Raj Bhakar.

Audio recording – 2 minutes 1 second

 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Carol Stanier, Kay Tart, Faye Frost, Juan Cowell, Sam Collins, Clare Billing, George Davies, Ian Moody and Raj Bhakar.

 

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 19 January 2023.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 19 January 2023 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Audio Recording – 3 minutes 24 seconds

 

Councillor Sam North, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg seconded, and after a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 19 January 2023 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 – 4 minutes 19 seconds

 

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;

 

(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 clarified the rules of debate for Members.

 

(5)  The Chair advised that for the purposes of clarification that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting.

 

(6)  The Chair advised that the Chair’s Civic Event scheduled for 19 March 2023 had been cancelled.

 

(7)  The Chair advised that the North Herts Heroes Award Ceremony would take place on Friday 3 March 2023 and would be available to watch on the North Herts Council YouTube channel.

 

(8)  The Chair advised that the Council meeting scheduled for 30 March 2023 had been moved to 18 April 2023.

 

(9)  The Chair encouraged Members to promote the requirement of Photo ID for voting using the flyers and posters provided.

Audio recording – 4 minutes 26 seconds

 

(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 clarified the rules of debate for Members.

 

(5)  The Chair advised that for the purposes of clarification that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting.

 

(6)  The Chair advised that the Chair’s Civic Event scheduled for 19 March 2023 had been cancelled.

 

(7)  The Chair advised that the North Herts Heroes Award Ceremony would take place on Friday 3 March 2023 and would be available to watch on the North Herts Council YouTube page.

 

(8)  The Chair advised that the Council meeting scheduled for 30 March 2023 had been moved to 18 April 2023.

 

(9)  The Chair asked Members to promote the requirement of Photo ID for voting using the flyers and posters provided

 

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

There was no public participation at this meeting.

Audio recording – 8 minutes 0 seconds

 

There was no public participation at this meeting.

 

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

There were no questions submitted by Members.

 

 

Audio recording – 8 minutes 11 seconds

 

There were no questions submitted by Members.

 

 

 

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

There were no motions submitted.

 

 

Audio recording – 8 minutes 20 seconds

 

There were no motions submitted.

 

 

 

Any items referred from other committees will be circulated as soon as possible.

8a) Referral from Cabinet on 31 January 2023 – Revenue Budget 2023/24

 

The Chair advised that this referral would be taken with Item 10 ‘Revenue Budget 2023/24’.

 

8b) Referral from Cabinet on 31 January 2023 – Investment Strategy (Integrated Capital and Treasury)

 

The Chair advised that this referral would be taken with Item 11 ‘Investment Strategy (Integrated Capital and Treasury)’.

 

8c) Referral from Overview and Scrutiny on 24 January 2023 – Women’s Safety Charter

 

RESOLVED: That Council continued to support the work of Community Safety Partnerships and other partner agencies and work on the delivery of a Women’s Safety Charter alongside these agencies.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To highlight and enable Full Council to consider the important work of the Community Safety Partnerships and other partner agencies as well as the delivery of a Women’s Safety Charter alongside these agencies.

Audio Recording – 8 minutes 26 seconds

 

8a) Referral from Cabinet on 31 January 2023 – Revenue Budget 2023/24

 

The Chair advised that this referral would be taken with Item 10 ‘Revenue Budget 2023/24’.

 

8b) Referral from Cabinet on 31 January 2023 – Investment Strategy (Integrated Capital and Treasury)

 

The Chair advised that this referral would be taken with Item 11 ‘Investment Strategy (Integrated Capital and Treasury)’.

 

8c) Referral from Overview and Scrutiny on 24 January 2023 – Women’s Safety Charter

 

Councillor David Levett presented the referral and advised that it was vital that the Council continued to support the work of the Community Safety Partnership and other partner agencies, particularly on the delivery of the Women’s Safety Charter.

 

Councillor Dennis-Harburg thanked Councillor Levett and those involved in the creation of the Women’s Safety Charter, and commented that it would be an important piece of work for the Council.

 

Councillor David Levett proposed and Councillor Dennis-Harburg seconded, and after a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That Council continued to support the work of Community Safety Partnerships and other partner agencies and work on the delivery of a Women’s Safety Charter alongside these agencies.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To highlight and enable Full Council to consider the important work of the Community Safety Partnerships and other partner agencies as well as the delivery of a Women’s Safety Charter alongside these agencies.

 

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

 

To consider and approve the Pay Policy Statement 2023/24

 

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)  That Council approved the 2023/24 Pay Policy Statement attached at Appendix 1.

 

(2)  That Council delegated authority for revisions made in year to the pay Policy Statement to the Service Director – Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council. Revisions which might arise in the year included changes in structure, changes to employment benefits, subsequent pay awards agreed nationally and new legislative requirements.

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, Statutory Guidance issued under s40 and the Local Government Transparency Code 2015.

Audio Recording – 11 minutes 45 seconds

 

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Leader of the Council presented the item and advised:

 

·         The Pay Award for 2023/24 was not yet agreed, the current statement was based on 2022/23 rate. Recommendation 2.2 sought delegation for the statement to be updated following the agreement of the Pay Award.

·         NHDC were part of National Pay Negotiation, so were not allowed to make payments that are outside that pay bargaining.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Ralph Muncer, the Service Director – Resources advised that a pay offer had been submitted to the Unions and it was less than 12.7%, which would be covered by Councillor Albert under agenda Item 10 regarding the budget. 

 

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg proposed, Councillor Ruth Brown seconded, and after a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)  That Council approved the 2023/24 Pay Policy Statement attached at Appendix 1.

 

(2)  That Council delegated authority for revisions made in year to the pay Policy Statement to the Service Director – Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council. Revisions which might arise in the year included changes in structure, changes to employment benefits, subsequent pay awards agreed nationally and new legislative requirements.

 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, Statutory Guidance issued under s40 and the Local Government Transparency Code 2015.

 

RESOLVED: That Council:

 

(1)  Noted the position on the Collection fund and how it will be funded.

 

(2)  Noted the position relating to the General Fund balance and that due to the risk identified a minimum balance of £2.5million was recommended.

 

(3)  Noted the net revenue savings that are likely to be required in future years, combined with the Chief Finance Officer’s commentary on the reliability of estimates and the resilience index.

 

(4)  Approved the revenue savings and investments as detailed in Appendix B.

 

(5)  Approved a net expenditure budget of £18.123m, as detailed in Appendix C.

 

(6)  Approved a Council Tax increase of 2.99%, which was in line with the provisions in the Medium term Financial Strategy.

 

(7)  Approved that the revenue investment for leisure centre condition surveys (as detailed in Appendix B, reference R13) and £10k of the consultancy and legal support for the leisure contract (as detailed in Appendix B, reference R37) is brought forward so that it can be spent in 2022/23.

 

(8)  Approved an additional revenue investment (for 2023/24 only) to create a Community Wealth Fund of £100k to support the local community in delivering projects that have wider community benefits.

 

(9)  Noted the staff resourcing issues that the Council faces, particularly in relation to planning and the strategic implementation of the Local Plan. Council further notes that Cabinet and the Head of Paid Service will look at options to make use of available resources (such as carry-forward of unspent salary budgets) to support the delivery of key Council functions and priorities.

 

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure all relevant factors are considered in arriving at a budget and Council Tax level for 2023/24. To ensure that the budget is aligned to Council priorities for 2023/24 as set out in the Council Plan.

Audio Recording – 16 minutes 36 seconds

 

The Chair advised that he would invite Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, as Leader of the Council, to introduce the item and would then invite Councillor Ian Albert to present the report. The Chair noted that he had granted Councillor Albert permission to speak for longer than five minutes on this item.

 

The Leader of the Council made an introductory speech on the Revenue Budget 2023/24. 

 

Councillor Ian Albert presented the Revenue Budget to Members, and proposed an additional recommendation to the Revenue Budget. This was seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg.

 

Councillor Claire Strong thanked Councillor Ian Albert for his speech, and noted some concerns regarding the Budget, including increase in parking charges, the renewal of waste and leisure contracts and funding for Churchgate. 

 

The following Members also took part in the debate:

 

·         Councillor Alistair Willoughby

·         Councillor Ralph Muncer

·         Councillor Nigel Mason

·         Councillor Tom Plater

·         Councillor Steve Jarvis

·         Councillor Gerald Morris

·         Councillor Ruth Brown

·         Councillor Chris Hinchliff

·         Councillor Amy Allen

·         Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg

 

Councillor Ian Albert commented that it was important that Member’s Allowances increased. Playgrounds would not be closed under the budget. The administration wanted to work cross-party with the opposition and with residents to create a plan for Churchgate.

 

Having been proposed by Councillor Albert and seconded by Councillor Dennis-Harburg, the motion was put to a vote.

 

The results of the vote were as follows:

 

YES       :  23

ABSTAIN   :   2

NO        :  12

TOTAL     :  37

 

The individual results were as follows:

 

Cllr Sam North                                      ABSTAIN

Cllr Adem Ruggerio-Cakir                            YES

Cllr Alistair Willoughby                            YES

Cllr Amy Allen                                      YES

Cllr Chris Hinchliff                                YES

Cllr Chris Lucas                                    YES

Cllr Claire Strong                                  NO

Cllr Daniel Allen                                   YES

Cllr David Barnard                                  NO

Cllr David Levett                                   NO

Cllr Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg                       YES

Cllr Gerald Morris                                  NO

Cllr Ian Albert                                     YES

Cllr Ian Mantle                                     YES

Cllr James Denselow                                 YES

Cllr Jean Green                                     NO

Cllr Keith Hoskins                                  YES

Cllr Lisa Nash                                      YES

Cllr Mandi Tandi                                    NO

Cllr Michael Muir                                   ABSTAIN

Cllr Morgan Derbyshire                              NO

Cllr Nigel Mason                                    YES

Cllr Philip Weeder                                  YES

Cllr Ralph Muncer                                   NO

Cllr Richard Thake                                  NO

Cllr Ruth Brown                                     YES

Cllr Sean Nolan                                     YES

Cllr Sean Prendergast                               YES

Cllr Simon Bloxham                                  NO

Cllr Steve Jarvis                                   YES

Cllr Tamsin Thomas                                  YES

Cllr Terry Hone                                     NO

Cllr Terry Tyler                                    YES

Cllr Tom Plater                                     YES

Cllr Tom Tyson                                      YES

Cllr Tony Hunter                                    NO

Cllr Val Bryant                                     YES

 

As such it was:

 

RESOLVED: That Council:

 

(1)  Noted the position on the Collection fund and how it will be funded.

 

(2)  Noted the position relating to the General Fund balance and that due to the risk identified a minimum balance of £2.5million was recommended.

 

(3)  Noted the net revenue savings that are likely to be required in future years, combined with the Chief Finance Officer’s commentary on the reliability of estimates and the resilience index.

 

(4)  Approved the revenue savings and investments as detailed in Appendix B.

 

(5)  Approved a net expenditure budget of £18.123m, as detailed in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 189.

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

To consider the adoption of the Investment Strategy and clauses in relation to the Code of Practice on Treasury Management

RESOLVED: That Council:

 

(1)  Approved the adoption of the Investment Strategy (as attached at Appendix A as amended), including the capital programme and prudential indicators. This incorporates the changes referenced in paragraph 5.4.

 

(2)  Approved the adoption of the four clauses in relation to the Code of Practice on Treasury Management (as detailed in Paragraphs 8.11 to 8.16).

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

(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 Council’s compliance with the CIPFA code of practise 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 Council's risk appetite in respect of investments.

Audio Recording – 100 minutes and 46 seconds

 

The Chair drew attention to the point raised by Councillor Michael Muir in the previous agenda item, and clarified that the line referring to Weston Hills, Baldock referred to a car park on Chalk Hills, Baldock.

 

The Chair invited Councillor Ian Albert, Executive Member for Finance and IT to present. Councillor Albert thanked the Chair and presented the report entitled ‘Investment Strategy (Integrated Capital and Treasury)’ and advised Members of the details included within the report.

 

The following Members asked questions

 

·         Councillor Richard Thake

·         Councillor Gerald Morris

 

In response to questions, the Service Director – Resources advised that:

 

·         The decision concerning accounting standards was delegated to the Service Director – Resources.

·         There was a similar payback on solar PV across all Leisure Centres.

 

Councillor Steve Jarvis provided details on the ways in which the Council was looking at future alternatives to gas boilers. He highlighted that some of the alternatives such as PV panels were not yet viable.

 

Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Dennis-Harburg seconded and after a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That Council:

 

(1)  Approved the adoption of the Investment Strategy (as attached at Appendix A as amended), including the capital programme and prudential indicators. This incorporates the changes referenced in paragraph 5.4.

 

(2)  Approved the adoption of the four clauses in relation to the Code of Practice on Treasury Management (as detailed in Paragraphs 8.11 to 8.16).

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

(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 Council’s compliance with the CIPFA code of practise 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 Council's risk appetite in respect of investments.