Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Tamsin Thomas, Dominic Griffiths, Sam Collins, Steven Patmore, Michael Muir, Sarah Lucas and Rhona Cameron.

Audio recording – 1 minutes 46 seconds

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Tamsin Thomas, Dominic Griffiths, Sam Collins, Steven Patmore, Michael Muir, Sarah Lucas and Rhona Cameron.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 28 November 2024.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 28 November 2024 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Audio Recording – 2 minutes 28 seconds

Prior to consideration of the Minutes, Councillor David Barnard provided an apology to Officers and Members following comments he had made at the previous meeting of Council.

Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 28 November 2024 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 5 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.

Ecological Emergency

The Council has declared an ecological emergency and is committed to addressing the ecological emergency and nature recovery by identifying appropriate areas for habitat restoration and biodiversity net gain whilst ensuring that development limits impact on existing habitats in its process.

The Council has set out to do that by a) setting measurable targets and standards for biodiversity increase, in both species and quantities, seeking to increase community engagement, b) to work with our partners to establish a Local Nature Partnership for Hertfordshire and to develop Nature Recovery Networks and Nature Recovery Strategy for Hertfordshire and c) to investigate new approaches to nature recovery such as habitat banking that deliver biodiversity objectives and provide new investment opportunities.

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 recorded.

(2)   The Chair reminded Members that the Council had declared both a Climate Emergency and an Ecological Emergency. These are serious decisions, and mean 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 normal procedure rules in respect of debate and times to speak will apply.

(5)   The Chair advised that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting. A comfort break would be held at an appropriate time, should proceedings continue at length.

(6)    The Chair agreed a change to the order of the published agenda and Agenda Item 6 ‘Questions from Members’ and Agenda Item 7 ‘Notice of Motions’ were taken after Agenda Item 13.

(7)   The Chair agreed that Agenda Item 9 ‘Community Governance Review – Draft Proposals for Public Consultation’ was deferred to the Full Council meeting on Thursday 27 February 2025.

(8)   The Chair announced that Louise Symes, Strategic Planning and Projects Manager, had been working at North Hertfordshire for 30 years, and extended gratitude to Louise for her services to the Council.

RESOLVED: That the Council place on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Louise Symes for her long and valuable service to Local Government.

(9)   The Chair announced that former Councillor Tony Hunter passed away on 7 January 2025, and members stood for a minutes silence in tribute. 

Audio recording – 4 minutes 11 seconds

(1)   The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be recorded.

(2)   The Chair reminded Members that the Council had declared both a Climate Emergency and an Ecological Emergency. These are serious decisions, and mean 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 normal procedure rules in respect of debate and times to speak will apply.

(5)   The Chair advised that 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting. A comfort break would be held at an appropriate time, should proceedings continue at length.

(6)   The Chair agreed a change to the order of the published agenda and Agenda Item 6 ‘Questions from Members’ and Agenda Item 7 ‘Notice of Motions’ were taken after Agenda Item 13.

(7)   The Chair had agreed that Agenda Item 9 ‘Community Governance Review – Draft Proposals for Public Consultation’ be deferred to the Full Council meeting on Thursday 27 February 2025.

At 19:37 Councillor Sadie Billing left the Council Chamber.

(8)   The Chair announced that Louise Symes, Strategic Planning and Projects Manager, had been working at North Hertfordshire for 30 years, and extended gratitude to Louise for her services to the Council. Councillor Daniel Allen also commended Louise for her work and dedication.

Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, proposed, Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the Council placed on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to Louise Symes for her long and valuable service to Local Government.

At 19:42 Councillor Sadie Billing returned to the meeting.

(9)   The Chair announced that sadly former District Councillor Tony Hunter had passed away on 7 January 2025, and the following Members paid tribute:

•           Councillor Ralph Muncer

•           Councillor Ruth Brown

•           Councillor Claire Strong

•           Councillor Daniel Allen

•           Councillor Martin Prescott

•           Councillor David Barnard

•           Councillor Tina Bhartwas

Following on from the tributes members and officers stood for a minute’s silence in commemoration .

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

There was no public participation at this meeting.

Audio recording – 19 minutes 23 seconds

There was no public participation at this meeting.

To consider any items referred from other Committees. Any items referred to this meeting will be published as a supplementary document.

The Chair advised that the referrals from cabinet listed as 8A, 8B and 8C would be taken with the respective items on the agenda.

Audio recording – 19 minutes 38 seconds

The Chair advised that the referrals 8A, 8B and 8C from Cabinet would be taken with the respective items on the agenda.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To consider and agree the Draft Proposals for the second stage of public consultation of the Community Governance Review.

As notified, the Chair stated that this item has been deferred to the meeting of Full Council on 27 February 2025.

Audio recording – 20 minutes 28 seconds

As previously advised this item had been deferred to the meeting of Full Council on 27 February 2025.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To agree the Member’s Allowances Scheme 2025/2026 having taken into account the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (‘IRP’) and consider applying an indexation to the Scheme through to 31 March 2029.

RESOLVED: That Council

(1)   Considered the report and recommendations of the IRP, as attached as Appendix A of the submitted report.

(2)   Agreed the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2025/2026 as set out in Appendix B, amended as per tracked with specified indexation has been applied for up to the next four years, through to 31 March 2029, subject to a freeze to any increase in Special Responsibility Allowances for 2025/2026. (From 1 April 2026 the Special Responsibility Allowances, as identified by the IRP in Recommendation 12 of their report,  will be index linked.)

(3)   Expressed appreciation to the IRP for their work over the last year on this report.

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

Audio recording – 20 minutes 37 seconds

The Democratic Service Manager introduced the report entitled ‘Review of Members Allowances Scheme’ and advised that:

·       The Council was currently required to agree on an annual basis, a Scheme of Allowances payable to members for the following financial year. The current Scheme was approved by Council in January 2024.

·       Under the regulations when making or accepting a scheme the Council shall have regard to the recommendations of the Independent Renumeration Panel (IRP).

·       The scheme being purposed by the IRP included an annual indexation therefore if approved would l not require a review until 2028, post the next scheduled District Council elections.

The Chair invited Ms. Margaret Waller, as Chair of the IRP to present their report. Ms. Waller highlighted the following, that:

·       Remuneration should not be seen as an incentive to service nor should the lack of it be seen as a barrier to participation.

·       The proposals included within this report aimed to depoliticise the process of Member allowances.

·       The increase to the basic allowance of 4.1% was in line with Council staff pay award and that for the next three years all basic allowance increases would be in line with Council staff pay award.

·       The new basic allowance would be £5,999, which was slightly below average for neighboring councils.

·       One of the options looked at was increasing basic allowance in line with inflation. However, this was discarded as it would not close the gap identified by the baseline evaluation.

·       The IRP looked at benchmarking payments for Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA) against national figures for councils with similar workloads, as detailed in the data at Appendix 2 and 4.

·       Childcare and Dependent Care Allowances were recommended to increase annually in line with the October 2024 London weighted Real Living Wage of £13.85 per hour.

·       Travel and subsistence rates would remain the same.  However, it was proposed that Councillor could now claim expenses for a taxi on exceptions where no other public transport was available.

The following members asked questions:

·       Councillor Matt Barnes

·       Councillor Alistair Willoughby

In response to questions, the IRP Chair advised that:

·       The IRP did not enquire about the Councils budget forecast as the report was based purely on review findings.

·       The SRA for the Chair of Standards was not raised within the survey and therefore had not been considered for an increase within this review.

The Chair advised that each recommendation would be taken individually.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed recommendation 2.1, Councillor Tina Bhartwas seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the Council considered the report and recommendations of the IRP, as attached as Appendix A of the submitted report.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed recommendation 2.2, and Councillor Val Bryant seconded.

Councillor Ralph Muncer proposed an amendment to freeze both the Basic Allowance and Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA) for the 2025/26 financial year. Councillor David Barnard seconded the amendment.

The following members took part in the debate about the amendment:

·       Councillor Nigel Mason

·       Councillor Ian Albert

·       Councillor David  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – CUSTOMERS

For Council to consider and approve the Council Tax Reduction scheme for 2025/26.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Approved the continuation of the banded scheme for working age applicants which remains largely unchanged for 2025/2026, a small adjustment to the income bands to reflect CPI has been incorporated to ensure the scheme continues to support those most in need.

(2)   Noted the cost of the scheme is currently £9.18m noting that this is not an actual cost but a reduction of the amount of council tax collected.

(3)   Noted that the Discretionary Exceptional Hardship Scheme, previously agreed to provide additional transitional support will continue to be used to support cases of exceptional hardship.

REASONS FOR DECISION: To ensure that the Council has a Council Tax Reduction Scheme that continues to:

(1)   Provide the greatest support to the lowest income households.

(2)   Reduce the administrative burden that has been placed on the Council since the introduction of Universal Credit (UC)

(3)   Be simple to understand, meaning that customers will be able to calculate entitlement and assess the impact of potential changes in circumstances.

Audio recording – 1 hours 13 minutes 48 seconds

Councillor Daniel Allen presented the referral from 8A Cabinet stating:

·       Each year the Council was required to review its Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) in accordance with the requirements of the schedule 1A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and to either maintain the scheme, revise the scheme, or replace it.

·       The Council carried out a full review of its Council Tax Reduction Scheme in 2022/23. The review resulted in the introduction of a banded scheme from 2023/24. The new scheme was now coming to the end of its second year.

·       Following a review two adjustments were needed in 2024/25, these were in relation to the Post Office compensation scheme and an uplift to the bands to reflect the Consumer Price Index.

Councillor Ian Albert presented the report entitled ‘Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2025/2026’ and highlighted the following:

·       The adjustments were made to continue to support those in most need, the council has enhanced its policy on handling and investigating fraud.

·       The CTRS was divided into two Schemes one for working age, which accounts for two thirds of the claimants and one for pension age, the other third.

·       The banded scheme was effective as it had reduced the administrative burden and feedback received was that it was now easier to understand.

·       A hardship scheme was introduced, but the take up was low with just 6 applications in the year 2023/24 and no applications in the year 2024/25.

·       It was recognised that higher inflation may negatively affect some therefore a recommendation had been included to increase the bands to mitigate this.

·       For year 2025/26 the Cabinet reviewed options but apart from the two mentioned above they were decided against to reduce hardship to the constituents as well as cost to the Council.

·       The CTRS in 2024/25 cost approximately £9.18m, with these costs shared between the Council and the Major Precepting Authorities which were approximately 76% County Council, 12% Police and Crime Commissioner, 12% District Council.

·       The reduction to the tax base resulted in an estimated reduction in funding for North Herts of £12,000.

As part of the debate Councillor Matt Barnes thanked Councillor Ian Albert for providing a detailed introduction which answered outstanding questions and advised he would support the recommendations.

Councillor Ian Albert proposed, and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Approved the continuation of the banded scheme for working age applicants which remains largely unchanged for 2025/2026, a small adjustment to the income bands to reflect CPI has been incorporated to ensure the scheme continues to support those most in need.

(2)   Noted the cost of the scheme is currently £9.18m noting that this is not an actual cost but a reduction of the amount of council tax collected.

(3)   Noted that the Discretionary Exceptional Hardship Scheme, previously agreed to provide additional transitional support will continue to be used to support cases of exceptional hardship.

REASONS FOR DECISION: To ensure that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

To obtain early approval for spend at North Herts Leisure Centre in 2025/26, so that it can be delivered alongside the decarbonisation works. This involves seeking Council approval for spend in 2025/26 on a new flume (£300k) and a refurbishment of the pool changing rooms (£250k) that includes them being converted in a change village.  

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Noted the position of Treasury Management activity as at the end of September 2024.

(2)   Approved capital budgets in 2025/26 for a new flume (£300k) and a refurbishment of the pool changing rooms (£330k) at North Herts Leisure Centre.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   Cabinet has approved adjustments to the capital programme and has ensured the capital programme is fully funded.

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

(3)   The proposal to approve the 2025/26 capital budgets at North Herts Leisure Centre in January (rather than in the usual budget report at the end of February) means that the works can take place at the same time as the decarbonisation works, and therefore not require two periods where the pool cannot be used. It also provides a more obvious benefit to users of the facility.

Audio recording – 1 hours 22 minutes 47 seconds

N.B Councillor Paul Ward, having declared an interest due to his employment, left the Chamber at 20.53 and did not take place in the debate or vote.

Councillor Daniel Allen presented referral 8B from Cabinet.

Councillor Ian Albert presented the report ‘Second Quarter Investment Strategy (Capital and Treasury) Review 2024/25’ and highlighted that:

·       This followed the recent decision to progress with the Leisure Centre Decarbonisation Scheme and sought approval for capital expenditure for 2025/26 to take place alongside those works.

·       The Council would generate £2.4M of interest in 2024/25 from investments made during the first half of the year and it was forecast that the Council would generate £2.8M of interest over the whole of 2024/25.

·       The changes proposed and agreed by Cabinet were outlined in Table 3 of the report and included a full review of expected spend in this year.

·       The amount required for the changing rooms upgrade had increased from previous forecasts to £330k but the estimate for the flume remained unchanged at £300k.

·       Improved facilities would be popular with residents and would support the income to the Council from these facilities.

In response to a question from Councillor Ralph Muncer, the Service Director – Resources advised that the contractor who operate North Herts Leisure Centre provided income based on the leisure facilities meeting certain conditions, including a working flume and adequate changing facilities.

Councillor Ian Albert proposed,  Councillor Val Bryant seconded the recommendation and following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Noted the position of Treasury Management activity as at the end of September 2024.

(2)   Approved capital budgets in 2025/26 for a new flume (£300k) and a refurbishment of the pool changing rooms (£330k) at North Herts Leisure Centre.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   Cabinet has approved adjustments to the capital programme and has ensured the capital programme is fully funded.

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

(3)   The proposal to approve the 2025/26 capital budgets at North Herts Leisure Centre in January (rather than in the usual budget report at the end of February) means that the works can take place at the same time as the decarbonisation works, and therefore not require two periods where the pool cannot be used. It also provides a more obvious benefit to users of the facility.

N.B. At 21:00 following the conclusion of this item, there was a comfort break and the meeting reconvened at 21.11.

N.B. During the break, Councillor Lisa Nash left the meeting and did not return.

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – LEGAL AND COMMUNITY AND MONITORING OFFICER

N.B. This item was deferred from the Council meeting of 28 November 2024.

This report presents a summary of the areas reviewed and any in principle recommendations of the Constitutional & Governance Working Group (‘Working Group’) in relation to the following:

·         The Planning Control Committee meetings and Sub-Committees (including start times/ potential end times).

·         Standards Committee – recommendation to review the Terms of Reference to include other meaningful areas of remit.

·         Council Procedure Rules to be reviewed and amended in respect of Member Motions and Questions, (including agenda management, number, length of time on debate/ remit/ and Member speeches).

The report also covers areas considered but not recommended for change at this stage.

RESOLVED: That Council approves

(1)   The removal of the Planning Control Committee Sub-Committee meetings from the 2025 calendar.

(2)   That Planning Control Committee meetings commence at 7pm, from January 2025.

(3)   A Planning Control Committee Council Procedure Rule, that, any item under the consideration of the Committee, at 10.30 pm, will be the concluding item of the meeting, with any remaining business to be considered at the next available meeting (subject to the discretion of the Chair on a remaining item). Such amendment to take effect from January 2025.

(4)   The Standards Committee’s Terms of Reference be amended to include remit to consider and adopt or recommend adoption to the relevant decision-making body of relevant Ethical Standards Codes, or Protocols; and undertake any annual review of sections 1-18 of the Constitution (with the Monitoring Officer), prior to recommended change to Full Council.

(5)   The proposed amendments to the Council Procedure Rules (‘CPR’) on Member Motions, Member Questions and Rules of Debate, as follows:

i.       CPR 4.8.2 (f) and (g) order of business be move to the end of the meeting.

ii.     CPR 4.8.12(a) Motions on Notice – three Motions per Political Group – LOST.

iii.    CPR 4.8.12 (c) Motions on Notice – Scope, to be amended to areas the Council has responsibility for and are relevant to, or specifically affect the district – LOST.

iv.    CPR 4.8.12 (d) Motions on Notice - Debate to be up to 30 minutes per Motion.

v.     CPR 4.8.12 Motions on Notice – order of Motions shall be debated in rotation commencing with the largest opposition group, followed by the remaining opposition groups in descending order of group size and the administration group ending the round this order would be repeated until all Motions have been considered.

vi.    2.5.6 CPR 4.8.14 (e) Content and Length of Speeches – to be reduced per Councillor to three minutes.

(6)   The delegation to the Monitoring Officer to finalise any amendments relating to recommendations 2.3-2.5, as approved, in consultation with the Constitutional & Governance Working Group, and thereafter to be reported to Councillors via the Member Information Service.

(7)   The increase of the Non-Executive Delegated Decision financial/ contractual threshold reporting limit to £75K (from £50K) and instructs the Service Director Resources and Monitoring Officer to make the necessary amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules and Financial Regulations (and relevant Guidance documentation) accordingly.

(8)   (As the non-Decision-making body by vote of assent), that the Leader will exercise his Executive function, to change the names of the following Community Forums:

(8.1)                Baldock and District – to become Baldock and Villages Community    Forum.

(8.2)                Royston and District – to become Royston and Villages Community    Forum.

(9)   To amend section 14.6.11(b)(iv)A as detailed in paragraph 8.6-8.8 (namely):

“all functions of the Local Planning Authority primarily Planning Policy and Development Control (including enforcement functions, authorising expenditure of planning obligation monies, Biodiversity Net Gain, and Environmental Impact Assessment functions, and Tree Preservation Orders), other than matters reserved to the Planning Control Committee”

(10)  ...  view the full decision text for item 85.

Audio recording – 1 hour 41 minutes 53 seconds

The Service Director – Legal and Community presented the report titled ‘Constitutional & Governance Review’ and highlighted the following:

·       Since the original publication of the report in November, recommendations 2.9 to 2.12 had been added to the report with 2.11 and 2.12 included in the supplementary document.

·       Due to the complexities each recommendation had been reviewed individually within the report.

·       The Devolution White Paper required Authorities to have a Standards Committee as covered in recommendation 2.4.

·       Recommendations cover in 2.5 covered the rules of debate, the length of speech, the number of motions and questions which can be submitted by Members and how long is spent on each one.

·       Recommendation 2.6 outlined the delegation for further minor amendments to the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Working Group, for practical purposes.

·       The threshold for Non-Executive Delegated Decision was set in 2015 at £50k and recommendation 2.7 sought to increase this to £75K.

·       A minor amendment to the names of the Community Forums for Baldock and Royston were requested as outlined in recommendation 2.8

·       Outlined in 2.9 was the biodiversity Duty and subsequent amendments to section 14 of the constitution.

·       Outlined in 2.10 is the purposed amendments to section 14 of the Constitution relating to the Local Government Ombudsman report.

·       2.11 made recommendations on presentations by the Public.

·       2.12 made recommendations regarding the temporary arrangements for the Service Director - for Housing and Environmental Health  until the end of March 2025.

N.B. Councillor Sadie Billing left the Chamber and returned at 21.44.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Matt Barnes

·       Councillor David Barnard

·       Councillor Martin Prescott

The Service Director – Legal and Community gave the following responses:

·       •Debates on Motions had been based, following as suggestion, as per the practice by Hertfordshire County Council.

·       The intention was to create a reasonable cut off period for meetings and therefore the item being considered at 10.30pm would be the last item at that meeting. There was no discretion for the Chair.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Nigel Mason seconded to approve recommendation 2.1

The following Members took part in the Debate:

·       Councillor Martin Prescott

·       Councillor Elizabeth Dennis

The following points were raised as part of the debate:

·       If items 2.2 and 2.3 were carried, then Planning Control Committee Sub-Committee meetings would be needed to get through all items.

·       Planning applications could be discussed closer to the area where the site was located, and a Sub-Committee could support this process.

·       The Planning Control Committee was about serving the community and could the lack of Sub-Committees slow this down.

Following a vote it was:

RESOLVED: That Council approved the removal of the Planning Control Committee Sub-Committee meetings from the 2025 calendar.

N.B. Councillor Ruth Clifton left the meeting at 21.37 and did not return.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Val Bryant seconded to approve recommendation 2.2

The following Members took part in the Debate:

·       Councillor Martin Prescott

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

·       Councillor Nigel Mason

·       Councillor Emma  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

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

In accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11, four questions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution.

(A)  Free After 3pm Parking

Councillor Tim Johnson to Councillor Daniel Allen (Interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport)

(B)  Response to Local Government Re-Organisation White Paper

Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Daniel Allen (Leader of the Council)

(C)  Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) – Issued

Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Daniel Allen (Interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport)

(D)  Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) – Appeals

Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Daniel Allen (Interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport)

Audio recording – 3 hours 47 minutes

In accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11, four questions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution.

(A) Free After 3pm Parking

Councillor Tim Johnson to Councillor Daniel Allen (Interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport):

“Can the Executive Member for Planning and Transport clarify why the administration is getting rid of free after three pm parking in Royston, citing consistency across the area, when anomalies are allowed to remain elsewhere, and what consultation has been done with local businesses?"

Councillor Daniel Allen gave a response as follows:

“The parking was never free it was a subsidised tariff paid for by the Herts County Council members and since this is no longer being paid, the District has published the tariff, so any organisation has transparency as to what needs to be subsidised.”

A supplementary question was asked by Councillor Tim Johnson:

“Will the Cabinet publish the impact assessment undertaken in June 2023?”

Councillor Daniel Allen gave a response as follows:

“The assessment will be published in due course and has already been shared with the relevant parties.”

(B) Response to Local Government Re-Organisation White Paper

Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Daniel Allen (Leader of the Council):

“To ask the Leader of the Council what proposals the administration intend to bring forward in response to the Local Government Re-organisation announced as part of the Government’s English Devolution White Paper?”

Councillor Daniel Allen gave a response as follows:

“The Council is working with colleagues from the County Council, all 10 of the District and Borough Councils and the Police and Crime Commissioner to consider what the White Paper can mean for Hertfordshire. These groups have joined together in a Working Group and our council is being represented by the Managing Director. Any decisions will be based on the evidence and what is the best outcome for the communities that we serve.”

A supplementary question was asked by Councillor Ralph Muncer:

“Why are you against a singular unitary Council?”

Councillor Daniel Allen gave a response as follows:

“Our county is diverse and any reform of local government should consider residents, businesses, local representatives and stake holders and a single unitary authority would take away from the communities we serve.”

(C) Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) – Issued

Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Daniel Allen (Interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport)

“How many Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued by this authority in 2024?”

Councillor Daniel Allen gave a response as follows:

“15,623.”

A supplementary question was asked by Councillor Ralph Muncer:

“Can Councillor Allen confirm the total income from those fixed notices, and whether the directorate of which is responsible for enforcing parking in North Hertfordshire makes a net profit?”

Councillor Daniel Allen gave a response as follows:

“I do not have figures like that off the top of my head, but I will get back to you with that data.”

(D) Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) – Appeals

Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

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

There were two motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

(A)  Support the Introduction of a Youth Mobility Scheme

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Publicly endorse the principle of establishing a Youth Mobility Scheme between the UK and the European Union.

(2)   Instruct the Council Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and the Secretary of State for Education, urging them to open negotiations with the European Union to create such a scheme.

(B)  Digital Exclusion and fair representation for all in Council consultations

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Reports brought to Council that propose public consultation must explicitly explain the appropriate mix of digital and non-digital access provision for both communicating the consultation and obtaining feedback, based on the results of the equalities assessment and using the Community Consultation Strategy.

(2)   The Executive Member for Community and Partnership is required to develop a digital skills and literacy plan to help residents participate in consultations and surveys, as part of the mid-term review of the Digital Strategy 2024-27, and report back to Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny within a year with recommendations on possibilities and further actions.

Audio recording – 3 hours 57 minutes 24 seconds

There were two motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

(A)           Support the Introduction of a Youth Mobility Scheme

Councillor David Chalmers proposed the motion as follows;

This council notes that:

·       Opportunities for young people to travel, study, and work abroad foster cultural exchange, personal development, and economic growth.

·       The UK previously benefited from the EU's Erasmus+ programme, which supported youth mobility and exchange. Prior to Brexit, our young people were able to freely travel between member states, and wider European Economic Area (EEA) to live work and study without time limits.

·       Since the UK's departure from the EU, young people in North Hertfordshire and across the UK face increased barriers to living, working, and studying in European countries, limiting opportunities that were previously available. We now have a 90-day limit on the time we can spend in European countries without buying a visa.

·       Young people have been disproportionately impacted by the restrictions on mobility.

·       A Youth Mobility Scheme between the UK and the EU would offer structured opportunities for young people to gain international experience and develop skills valuable to their personal and professional futures. In North Hertfordshire, according to the 2021 Census, 26,000 young people aged between 18-35 (19% of the total population) would be eligible to benefit from the scheme. The ability to experience different cultures and gain a better perspective of the world is extremely valuable, especially for young people.

·       Local businesses – especially those in hospitality -would also benefit from the extra temporary personnel offered by young people across the EU taking advantage of the scheme.

Justification:

This motion seeks to enhance the prospects of young people across North Hertfordshire, providing them with access to opportunities that foster growth, learning, and intercultural understanding. According to the 2021 Census 26,000 young people aged between 18-35 would be eligible to take advantage of the scheme – 19% of the local population. A Youth Mobility Scheme which has been proposed by the European Union would strengthen ties between the UK and EU, aligning with the council’s commitment to creating a thriving and inclusive community. The UK currently has Youth Mobility Schemes with Australia and Japan allowing 18 – 35 year olds to move and work freely between countries for up to 2 years – the UK /EU Youth Mobility Scheme would follow this model.

Local businesses – especially those involved in hospitality – would benefit from the extra temporary personnel supplied by young people across the EU taking advantage of the scheme. Local educational institutions would also benefit from potential EU students. In April 2024 the EU Commission expressed a desire to open negotiations with the UK on a youth mobility scheme for young people aged 18-30, which was rejected by the previous Conservative Government and has yet to be accepted by the current Labour Government.

This council resolves to:

1.         Publicly endorse the principle of establishing a Youth Mobility Scheme between the UK and the European Union.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.