Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Council - Thursday, 8th October, 2026 7.30 pm

Venue: Council Chamber - District Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth, SG6 3JF. View directions

Contact: Email: Committee.Services@north-herts.gov.uk 01462 474655

Media

Items
No.	Item
31.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Members are required to notify any substitutions by midday on the day of the meeting. Late substitutions will not be accepted and Members attending as a substitute without having given the due notice will not be able to take part in the meeting. Decision: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Joe Graziano, Claire Strong, Tim Johnson, Tina Bhartwas, Lisa Nash, Ruth Clifton, Daniel Wright-Mason and Sarah Lucas. Minutes: Audio recording – 02 minutes 01 seconds Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Joe Graziano, Claire Strong, Tim Johnson, Tina Bhartwas, Lisa Nash, Ruth Clifton, Daniel Wright-Mason and Sarah Lucas.
32.	MINUTES - 16 JULY 2026 PDF 347 KB To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 16 July 2026. Decision: *RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 16 July 2026 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair. Minutes: Audio Recording – 02 minutes 24 seconds Councillor Keith Hoskins, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Sean Prendergast seconded and, it was: RESOLVED:*Thatthe Minutes of the Meeting held on 16 July 2026 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair. N.B. Councillor Martin Prescott entered the Chamber at 19:33.
33.	NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS PDF 135 KB 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: The Chair advised that he had agreed to accept an urgent item of business to consider an extension to the 6 Month Rule for Councillor Lisa Nash, which would be considered after the scheduled Part 1 and Part 2 business. As advised the Chair had accepted an urgent item of business to consider an extension to the 6 Month Rule for Councillor Lisa Nash. The matter had been agreed as urgent as the next scheduled Full Council meeting would be after the six-month period had expired. *RESOLVED:* That Council approved an extension of the six-month rule for Councillor Lisa Nash, for the reasons outlined within the report, for an additional six-month period, until 21 May 2027. REASONS FOR DECISION: (1) Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 states that ‘if a member of a local authority fails throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of his last attendance to attend any meeting of the authority, he shall, unless the failure was due to some reason approved by the authority before the expiry of that period, cease to be a member of the authority’. (2) The recommendation is required to enable Cllr Nash to continue to serve as a District Councillor. Minutes: Audio recording – 02 minutes 51 seconds The Chair advised that an urgent item of business had been accepted for consideration at the meeting concerning an extension to the six-month rule in respect of Councillor Lisa Nash, which would be considered at the conclusion of the scheduled part 1 and part 2 business. The matter had been agreed as urgent as the next scheduled Full Council meeting would be after the six-month period had expired. Audio recording – 02 hours 41 minutes 09 seconds Councillor Ruth Brown, as Liberal Democrat Group Leader, presented the report and requested an extension for Councillor Lisa Nash due to ongoing personal circumstances and current absence from work due to illness. It was noted that Councillor Nash had hoped to attend the Council meeting but was unable to do so. Councillor Ruth Brown proposed the recommendation that Council approve an extension to the six-month rule for Councillor Lisa Nash for a further six-month period, until 21 May 2027, for the reasons set out in the report. The motion was seconded by Councillor Jon Clayden, and following a vote it was: *RESOLVED*: That Council approved an extension of the six-month rule for Councillor Lisa Nash, for the reasons outlined within the report, for an additional six-month period, until 21 May 2027. REASONS FOR DECISION: (1) Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 states that ‘if a member of a local authority fails throughout a period of six consecutive months from the date of his last attendance to attend any meeting of the authority, he shall, unless the failure was due to some reason approved by the authority before the expiry of that period, cease to be a member of the authority’. (2) The recommendation is required to enable Cllr Nash to continue to serve as a District Councillor.
34.	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. 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. Decision: (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 encouraged all Members to attend Youth Democracy Day invite on 26 November 2026 and to direct any questions about the day to Committee Services. (7) The Chair advised Members that nominations for his North Herts Heroes Awards would be opening soon and further information would be available through the Members Information Bulletin. Minutes: Audio recording – 03 minutes 12 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 encouraged all Members to attend Youth Democracy Day invite on 26 November 2026 and to direct any questions about the day to Committee Services. (7) The Chair advised Members that nominations for his North Herts Heroes Awards would be opening soon and further information would be available through the Members Information Bulletin.
35.	PUBLIC PARTICIPATION To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public. Decision: There was no public participation. Minutes: Audio recording – 06 minutes 42 seconds There was no public participation.
36.	ITEMS REFERRED FROM OTHER COMMITTEES PDF 98 KB To consider any items referred from other Committees. Any items referred to this meeting will be published as a supplementary document. Decision: The Chair advised that the referral from the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee would be taken with the respective item on the agenda. Minutes: Audio recording – 06 minutes 46 seconds The Chair advised that the referral from Finance, Audit and Risk Committee would be taken with the respective item on the agenda.
37.	CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW PDF 148 KB REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – GOVERNANCE This report proposes changes to section 2, Purpose, Definition Interpretation and Amendment of the Constitution to expand the definition of a 'key decision' to include a monetary threshold to assist in defining a 'significant decision'. Additional documents: Appedix 1 Section 2 - Purpose Definition Interpretation and Amendment of the Constitution , item 37. PDF 172 KB Appendix 2- Revised Section 16 - Budget Policy Framework Procedure Rules , item 37. PDF 80 KB Decision: *RESOLVED:* That the proposed changes to Section 2, Section 16 and Section 21 of the Council’s Constitution, as outlined within the report and appendices, were adopted, subject to the amendment that the word ‘minor’ be removed from paragraph 16.3.8 of Section 16: 16.3.8 The Administration Group can only make changes to their budget proposals to the extent that they reflect new information that has become available. Such changes should be provided to the Section 151 Officer as soon as is practicable, so that they can determine the impact on the budget estimates. The changes will be published as an addendum to the Council report, along with a report on the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of the Council reserves to afford the financial impact. The Chief Finance Officer has a statutory obligation to refuse any changes that do not allow the Council to set a balanced budget. *REASON FOR DECISION:* To ensure the Council’s constitution is the framework for the Council’s operations and decision making – it ensures that the Council operates in a way which is efficient and transparent, ethical and accountable to local people. It is a reference point for Members, officers and the public and is a living document which must be kept up to date and legally compliant. This is an iterative process which is undertaken throughout the year by the Monitoring Officer in accordance with the ‘Duty to Monitor and Review the constitution which is set out in Section 2 of the constitution and includes a combination of updates under the general housekeeping delegations in respect of minor amendments as well as more substantive amendments which are undertaken through engagement of the cross-party Constitutional Working Group. Minutes: Audio recording – 06 minutes 57 seconds The Director – Governance presented the report entitled ‘Constitutional Review’ and advised that: · The report set out proposed changes to the Constitution following discussions with the Cross-Party Constitutional Working Group. · A key proposal was the introduction of a £75,000 financial threshold into the definition of a Key Decision, which would provide consistency, clarity and transparency when determining whether decisions were financially significant. · Consequential amendments were proposed to the Contract Procurement Rules. · Further amendments were proposed to Section 16 of the Constiution to better reflect existing budget-setting practices and provide a clearer process for budget setting. N.B. Councillor Dominic Griffiths entered the Chamber at 19.45. The following Members asked questions: · Councillor Matt Barnes · Councillor Paul Ward In response to questions the Director – Resources advised that: · Determination of whether items fell within the proposed provisions would likely be made by the Section 151 Officer and Director of Governance. · The emphasis should be on whether amendments reflected new information rather than the scale of the change. · The word ‘minor’ could be removed if Members considered that would provide greater clarity. · The proposals sought to ensure comparable rules for both the administration and opposition groups when making budget amendments. · Some form of judgement would be required where questions arose over whether amendments reflected new information. · Opposition group budget proposals would be considered as complete packages. · Where overlap occurred between proposals, each package would still be considered and voted on in turn. Subject to the amendment that the word ‘minor’ be removed from paragraph 16.3.8 of Section 16 as follows: 16.3.8 The Administration Group can only make ~~minor~~ changes to their budget proposals to the extent that they reflect new information that has become available. Such changes should be provided to the Section 151 Officer as soon as is practicable, to that they can determine the impact on the budget estimates. The changes will be published as an addendum to the Council report, along with a report on the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of the Council reserves to afford the financial impact. The Chief Finance Officer has a statutory obligation to refuse any changes that do not allow the Council to set a balanced budget. Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Ian Albert seconded and, following a vote, it was: *RESOLVED:* That the proposed changes to Section 2, Section 16 and Section 21 the Council’s Constitution, as outlined within the report and appendices, as amended, were adopted. *REASON FOR DECISION:* To ensure the Council’s constitution is the framework for the Council’s operations and decision making – it ensures that the Council operates in a way which is efficient and transparent, ethical and accountable to local people. It is a reference point for Members, officers and the public and is a living document which must be kept up to date and legally compliant. This is an iterative process which is undertaken throughout the year by the Monitoring Officer in accordance with the ‘Duty to Monitor ... view the full minutes text for item 37.
38.	NATIONAL SCHEME OF DELEGATION PDF 170 KB View the background to item 38. View the decision for item 38. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – PLACE This report introduces the statutory National Scheme of Delegation for planning applications that comes into effect on 31 October 2026. It seeks approval for necessary amendments to the Council Constitution to operate the National Scheme of Delegation. It also introduces (i) operational guidance that will be maintained and update as required by officers and (ii) discretionary guidance on the use of member briefings and site visits for applications of significance. Additional documents: Appendix 1 National Scheme of Delegation , item 38. PDF 87 KB Appendix 2 National Scheme of Delegation , item 38. PDF 346 KB Appendix 3 National Scheme of Delegation , item 38. PDF 235 KB National Scheme of Delegation - Conservatives Amendments , item 38. PDF 58 KB Decision: RESOLVED: (1) That the amendments to Section 8.4 of the Constitution, attached as Appendix 1, were approved for implementation from 31 October 2026. (2) That the Planning Scheme of Management, attached as Appendix 2 and guidance in relation to committee briefings and site visits, attached as Appendix 3, were noted. (3) That the Director: Place be requested to consider any amendments proposed by Members to the Planning Scheme of Management, attached as Appendix 2, relating to the guidance on committee briefings and site visits, attached as Appendix 3, before those documents are finalised and published. (4) That the Director: Place, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer, be requested to explore whether additional arrangements for Member and public engagement in planning applications determined under delegated authority could lawfully be introduced, having regard to the requirements of the National Scheme of Delegation and associated statutory guidance, with any proposals requiring constitutional amendments brought back to Full Council for consideration. REASONS FOR DECISION: (1) A mandatory, National Scheme of Delegation (NSD) takes effect from 31 October 2026. Statutory Government guidance states that authorities’ Constitutions must be amended to give effect to these new requirements in time. (2) Alongside the constitutional changes, operational guidance – the Planning Scheme of Management - will also be published. This sets out arrangements by which schemes for potential referral to Planning Control Committee are considered, as well as operational delegations to officers to make decisions in accordance with the NSD. (3) A report was published for Full Council to consider the committee briefings and site visit guidance at its meeting in April 2026. This item was deferred from consideration. (4) Subsequent legal advice, as well as good practice guidance published to assist with implementing the NSD, is now that additional and administrative guidance should not be constitutional. This enables it to be updated more efficiently and responsively. (5) This guidance is presented to provide broader context to the operational implications and procedural changes that are being introduced. Minutes: Audio recording – 17 minutes 32 seconds Councillor Daniel Allen, as Executive Member for Governance, presented the report entitled ‘National Scheme of Delegation, and advised that: · The National Scheme of Delegation was a new requirement introduced by the Government and would come into force on 31 October 2026. · The Council was required to amend its Constitution to comply with the new legal framework. · Approximately 96% of planning applications were already determined under delegated powers. · The new scheme set out which applications must be determined by officers and which may be considered by the Planning Control Committee. · Existing councillor call-in arrangements, including those linked to parish council objections, would no longer continue under the new arrangements. · Applications would fall into two categories, with some required to be determined by officers and others capable of referral to committee where they raise issues of genuine planning significance. · Determination of which applications were referred to committee would be made by the Chair of the Planning Control Committee and the Development and Conservation Manager, with substitute arrangements available where required. · Parish and Town Councils would remain statutory consultees and their views would continue to be taken into account. · Ward Councillors would continue to support residents and represent local concerns. · The report sought approval of the constitutional changes required by law together with the proposed Scheme of Management and supporting guidance. · An additional recommendation was proposed requesting the Director of Place to consider amendments proposed by Members to the Planning Scheme of Management and Planning Control Committee Additional Guidance prior to publication. The following members asked questions: · Councillor Matt Barnes · Councillor Ruth Brown In response to questions, the Director for Place advised that: · It was confirmed that Recommendation 2.3 would enable proposed amendments from Members to be considered before the guidance documents were finalised and published. · It was confirmed that the appendices did not form part of the constitutional amendments requiring approval and that Member comments would be considered through the proposed additional recommendation. · That the Constitution would take precedence in the event of any conflict. Councillor Ralph Muncer proposed an amendment, as detailed in the published Supplementary Documents, which sought to establish a Planning Panel that would consider applications and make non-binding recommendations determined under delegated powers. Councillor Steven Patmore seconded the amendment. The following Members took part in the debate on the amendment: · Councillor Martin Prescott · Councillor Donna Wright · Councillor Ruth Brown · Councillor Alistair Willoughby · Councillor Sam Collins · Councillor Nigel Mason · Councillor Amy Allen · Councillor David Barnard · Councillor Martin Prescott · Councillor Ian Mantle · Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham The following points were made as part of the debate on the amendment: · Supported the principle of a Planning Panel, having experience of similar arrangements in another authority. Such panels could provide residents, parish councils and local businesses with an opportunity to express their views in a forum separate from the formal Planning Committee process. · Opposed the amendment as a non-binding panel would have no decision-making powers or accountability. It could slow decision-making, increase bureaucracy and place additional ... view the full minutes text for item 38.
39.	CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT PROCUREMENT RULES PDF 213 KB View the background to item 39. View the decision for item 39. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES This report proposes two changes to the Council's Contract Procurement Rules. The first is to increase the threshold for procurements that only require a single quote, to reflect inflation. The second change is to allow a restriction on the location and type of supplier that can bid for contracts. Decision: *RESOLVED:* That Council adopted the changes to the Council’s Contract Procurement Rules detailed in the report. REASON FOR DECISION: (1) The increase in the threshold for single quotes reflects the impact of inflation and that not changing them creates additional work for Officers. (2) The introduction of geographical and supplier type restrictions gives the opportunity for procurements to be better aligned with policy objectives. Minutes: Audio recording – 01 hour 06 minutes 30 seconds Councillor Stewart Willoughby presented the referral from the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (Referral 6A) and the report entitled ‘Changes to the Contract Procurement Rules’ and advised that: · New Contract Procurement Rules were adopted by the Council in 2025 following implementation of the Procurement Act 2023. · Minor amendments had been made under delegated authority since their adoption. · The report proposed more substantial changes requiring approval by Full Council. · One proposed change was to increase the threshold at which more than one quotation is requiring from £10,000 to £25,000, which would better target Officer time and procurement resources. Officers would still be encouraged to obtain multiple quotations where it was likely to provide better value for money. · A second proposed change would allow below-threshold procurements to be restricted to local suppliers, small and medium enterprises, and voluntary, community and social enterprises. · The changes had been supported by the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. N.B. Councillor Val Bryant and Councillor Amy Allen entered the Chamber at 20:37. The following points were made as part of the debate by Councillor Ruth Brown: · The inclusion of voluntary, community and social enterprises and the application of the Go Local Policy were welcomed. · The changes would help support local businesses and local voluntary sector organisations. · The increase in the quotation threshold from £10,000 to £25,000 was sensible and she supported the proposal. Councillor Stewart Willoughby proposed and Councillor Ian Albert seconded, and following a vote, it was: *RESOLVED:* That Council adopted the changes to the Council’s Contract Procurement Rules detailed in the report. REASON FOR DECISION: (1) The increase in the threshold for single quotes reflects the impact of inflation and that not changing them creates additional work for Officers. (2) The introduction of geographical and supplier type restrictions gives the opportunity for procurements to be better aligned with policy objectives. N.B. Councillor Cathy Brownjohn entered the Chamber at 20.39.
40.	USE OF URGENCY IN RELATION TO CALL-IN FOR DECISIONS ON AWARDING UK SHARED PROSPERITY FUND (UKSPF) ALLOCATIONS PDF 110 KB View the background to item 40. View the decision for item 40. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES To notify Council that the urgency provisions were applied to four delegated decisions made by the Director: Enterprise (in consultation with the Executive Member for Enterprise) in relation to allocations of UKSPF funding. This was due to the need to award funding to projects that could spend the available funds by the end of September 2026. This deadline is a condition of the grant, and it is likely that the funding would have had to be returned to Government if it had not been complied with. Allowing for potential call-in would have made it extremely difficult to meet the deadline. In accordance with the Constitution, the Chair of the Council agreed to the decision being treated as a matter of urgency. The Constitution as set out in paragraph 6.3.11 (b) (i)requires that use of this provision is reported to the next meeting of Council, together with the reasons for urgency. Additional documents: Appendix A Decision Notice UKSPF Hitchin BID , item 40. PDF 205 KB Appendix B Decision Notice UKSPF Baldock Community Centre , item 40. PDF 213 KB Appendix C Decision Notice UKSPF Letchworth BID , item 40. PDF 159 KB Appendix D Decision Notice UKSPF Royston BID , item 40. PDF 159 KB Decision: *RESOLVED:* That Council notes the use of urgency provisions in relation to the decisions on the award of UKSPF funding attached at Appendix A. REASONS FOR DECISION: (1) Urgency provisions were used to ensure that the funding was allocated and spent by the 30th September deadline. (2) This is reported to Council to comply with the requirements of the Constitution. Minutes: Audio recording – 01 hour 09 minutes 55 seconds The Director – Resources presented the report entitled ‘Use of Urgency in relation to Call-in for Decisions on Awarding UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Allocation’ and advised that: · To ensure compliance with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the allocated funding was required to be spent by 30 September 2026. · The Chair of the Council had been consulted regarding the use of urgency provisions to enable the funding decisions to be made within the required timescale. · The use of urgency powers was in accordance with the Constitution. · The report was presented to inform Council that the urgency provisions had been used. N.B. Councillors Alistair Willoughby, Emma Rowe and Michael Muir declared an interest in this item due to their roles at the Baldock Community Hub which had been a recipient of the UKSPF Funding and left the Chamber for the duration of this item. As part of the debate Councillor Ruth Brown made the following points: · Welcomed the distribution of the remaining UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation and considered the approach taken to be fair. · Hoped that funding would be used for the intended purposes and noted that the funding had been allocated within the required timescale. Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Val Bryant seconded and, following a vote, it was: *RESOLVED:* That Council notes the use of urgency provisions in relation to the decisions on the award of UKSPF funding attached at Appendix A. REASONS FOR DECISION: (1) Urgency provisions were used to ensure that the funding was allocated and spent by the 30th September deadline. (2) This is reported to Council to comply with the requirements of the Constitution. N.B. Councillors Alistair Willoughby, Emma Rowe and Michael Muir returned to the Chamber at 20:42.
41.	APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR - FINANCE, AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE PDF 111 KB View the background to item 41. View the decision for item 41. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – GOVERNANCE To confirm the appointments of a new/replacement Member and Substitute Member to the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and to appoint a Vice-Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for the remainder of the civic year 2026-27. Decision: RESOLVED: (1) That for the remainder of the civic year 2026-2027 the following Member and Substitute were appointed to the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee: · Councillor Elizabeth Dennis as a Member of the Committee; and · Councillor Nigel Mason as a Substitute Member of the Committee (2) That Councillor Stewart Willoughby was appointed as the Vice Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for the remainder of the civic year, 2026-2027 *REASONS FOR DECISION:* To comply with the provisions of 4.8.1 (a) (viii) and (ix) of the Council’s Constitution following Councillor Sarah Lucas resigning as Vice Chair and from the Committee. Minutes: Audio recording – 01 hour 14 minutes 06 seconds The Democratic Services Manager presented the report entitled ‘Appointment of Vice Chair – Finance, Audit and Risk Committee’ which proposed that: · Councillor Elizabeth Dennis be appointed as a Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. · Councillor Nigel Mason be appointed as a Substitute Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. · Councillor Stewart Willoughby be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. Councillor Val Bryant proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was: RESOLVED: (1) That for the remainder of the civic year 2026-2027 the following Member and Substitute were appointed to the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee: · Councillor Elizabeth Dennis as a Member of the Committee; and · Councillor Nigel Mason as a Substitute Member of the Committee (2) That Councillor Stewart Willoughby was appointed as the Vice Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for the remainder of the civic year, 2026-2027 *REASONS FOR DECISION:* To comply with the provisions of 4.8.1 (a) (viii) and (ix) of the Council’s Constitution following Councillor Sarah Lucas resigning as Vice Chair and from the Committee.
42.	NOMINATION OF REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS PDF 151 KB View the background to item 42. View the decision for item 42. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – GOVERNANCE To consider appointing a Member Representative to the Baldock Community Centre Association 2025 and to note that the Letchworth Garden City Town Twinning Association and the Bedford and River Ivel Internal Drainage Board were no longer active bodies. Decision: RESOLVED: (1) That Council nominated and approved Councillor Mick Debenham to the outside organisation Baldock Community Centre Association 2025. (2) That Council noted the Bedford and River Ivel Drainage Board and the Letchworth Garden City Town Twinning Association were no longer active and therefore be removed from the list of appointments the Council makes. *REASONS FOR DECISION:* To comply with the provision of Standing Order 4.4.1(h) of the Council’s Constitution. Minutes: Audio recording – 01 hour 15 minutes 28 seconds The Democratic Service Manager presented the report entitled ‘Nomination of Representatives on Outside Organisations’ and advised that: · The report sought Council approval for the nomination of one representative to the Baldock Community Centre Association 2025. · The report also noted the removal of two Outside Organisations, the Bedford and River Ivel Internal Drainage Board and Letchworth Garden City Town Twinning Association, from future appointments as they were no longer active. Councillor Val Bryant proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was: RESOLVED: (1) That Council nominated and approved Councillor Mick Debenham to the outside organisation Baldock Community Centre Association 2025. (2) That Council noted the Bedford and River Ivel Drainage Board and the Letchworth Garden City Town Twinning Association were no longer active and therefore be removed from the list of appointments the Council makes. *REASONS FOR DECISION:* To comply with the provision of Standing Order 4.4.1(h) of the Council’s Constitution.
43.	EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC To consider passing the following resolution: That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the following report will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended). Decision: *RESOLVED:* That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public were excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the following report will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended). Minutes: Audio recording – 01 hour 16 minutes 46 seconds Councillor Keith Hoskins, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Jon Clayden seconded and it was: *RESOLVED:* That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the Press and Public were excluded from the meeting on the grounds that the following report will involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).
44.	PART 2 MINUTES - 16 JULY 2026 View the reasons why item 44. is restricted To take as read and approve as a true record the Part 2 minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 16 July 2026. Decision: *RESOLVED:* That the Part 2 Minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2026 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chair. Minutes: N.B. This item was considered in restriction session and therefore no recording was available. Councillor Keith Hoskins, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Val Bryant seconded and, it was: *RESOLVED:* That the Part 2 Minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2026 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chair.
45.	QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS PDF 55 KB To consider any questions submitted by Members of the Council, in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11 (b). Decision: In accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11, five questions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution. (A) Councillor Resignation if Breach of Nolan Principles Councillor Ruth Brown to Councillor Val Bryant, Leader of the Council. (B) Update on Steps Taken to Implement Recommendations of Section 106 Task and Finish Group Report Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Val Bryant, Leader of the Council. (C) Cost of Paused Local Government Reorganisation Process for the Council Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Val Bryant, Leader of the Council. (D) Staff Recruitment for Local Government Reorganisation and Cost for NHDC Councillor David Chalmers to Councillor Val Bryant, Leader of the Council. (E) Council Procedure for Unauthorised Development Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Donna Wright, Executive Member for Place. Minutes: Audio recording – 01 hour 20 minutes 22 seconds In accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11, five questions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution. (A) Councillor Resignation if Breach of Nolan Principles Councillor Ruth Brown to Councillor Val Bryant, Leader of the Council: ‘Does the Leader agree that a Councillor who has demonstrably breached the Nolan Principles should resign as a Councillor?’ Councillor Val Bryant provided the following response: ‘The Nolan Principle are embedded in the North Hertfordshire Council Constitution and form the basis of the Council’s Code of Conduct. If it is considered that a Councillor has breached the Code of Conduct, a complaint may be made to the Monitoring Officer. Details of the complaints procedure are available on the Council’s website.’ Councillor Ruth Brown asked a supplementary question, as follows: ‘On the 31^st of August 2026, the Guardian reported the Court of Appeals ruling that a rate mitigation scheme enabling businesses to avoid tax was unlawful. This practice was promoted by a company whose co-owner and financial director is a Labour member of this council. The scheme has cost councils, in particular London Boroughs, hundreds of millions in lost revenue over more than a decade. Will you ask the member of your group who promoted this practice to resign as a councillor?’ Councillor Val Bryant responded: ‘We have the Standards Committee next week and I have just looked at the papers and at this moment there are no outstanding complaints that have not been dealt with so we don’t actually have an outstanding complaint against a councillor.’ (B) Update on Steps Taken to Implement Recommendations of Section 106 Task and Finish Group Report Councillor Ralph Muncer to Councillor Val Bryant, Leader of the Council: ‘To ask the Leader of the Council to provide an update on the steps taken by the administration to implement the recommendations of the Section 106 Task and Finish Group Report which was presented to Cabinet in April 2026.’ Councillor Val Bryant responded: ‘At this stage, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s recommendations have not been approved by the Cabinet for implementation. An update will be presented to Overview and Scrutiny at its November meeting at the request of the Scrutiny Officer.’ Councillor Ralph Muncer asked a supplementary question, as follows: ‘I thank the Leader of the Council for that response and I look forward to that coming back to Overview and Scrutiny in November. But as she will recall at the meeting of Cabinet in April, there was an indication that the implementation of the recommendations of the Section 106 task and finish group may not occur as a result of Local Government Reorganisation. Now that Local Government Reorganisation has been paused, can she commit to those recommendations being implemented by and until the end of this council? And will she also further commit to ensuring that the budget is found for those recommendations to be implemented even if that means that’s not currently contained within this year’s ... view the full minutes text for item 45.
46.	NOTICE OF MOTIONS PDF 94 KB To consider any motions, due notice of which have been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12. Additional documents: 5. Notice of Motion - Local Government Reorganisation , item 46. PDF 106 KB 2. LGR Motion - Conservatives Amendments , item 46. PDF 109 KB 1. Paterntiy Leave Motion - Labour Amendments , item 46. PDF 96 KB Decision: In accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12, two motions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution. (A) Paternity Leave *RESOLVED:* That Council: (1) Request Officers work with the Executive Member – Resources to explore eligible Council employees to receive further enhanced paternity and adoption provision for second parents, including consideration of an offer of six weeks paid paternity or adoption leave at a minimum of 90% of their salary. A paper will be produced in time for a wider discussion at the January Joint Staff Consultative Committee, as well as a consultation with our staff and trade union. (2) Requested that the Leader of the Council writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade urging the Government to introduce six weeks’ fully paid paternity leave nationally. (B) Local Government Reorganisation *RESOLVED:* That Council: (1) Requested the Chief Executive of North Hertfordshire District Council to provide a full accounting of the costs already incurred by the Council as a result of LGR, including additional staffing, officer time, consultants’ fees, legal advice, recruitment, training, project management and other transition costs. (2) Requested the Leader of North Hertfordshire District Council to write to Angela Rayner MP, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to: a) demand publication of the full rationale, evidence, financial assessments and departmental analysis underpinning the decision to select four unitary authorities for Hertfordshire. b) seek an explanation of how ministers assessed the financial sustainability of the four-unitary model, including the projected £22 million first-year deficit for Central Hertfordshire. c) seek a commitment that councils will be fully compensated for reasonable and demonstrable costs incurred as a direct consequence of the Government’s LGR programme and its subsequent halt. d) seek immediate clarity and reassurance for council officers whose employment, structures, reporting arrangements and career prospects have been thrown into uncertainty. e) seek clarity on the Government’s intentions and timetable for the future of Local Government Reorganisation in Hertfordshire following the cancellation of the May 2027 shadow authority elections; and f) demand that North Hertfordshire District Council is fully consulted before any further decision is taken, with that consultation involving representatives of all political groups on the Council and not solely the administration. (3) Called on the Government to ensure that any future proposals for local government in Hertfordshire put financial sustainability, effective public services, community links and the interests of residents, council taxpayers and frontline staff ahead of arbitrary ministerial timetables (4) Called on the Government to learn the fundamental lesson from this process: councils should never again be required to spend millions of pounds, consume thousands of hours of officer time and destabilise local government before the Government has established that its proposals are financially credible, legally sound and capable of being delivered. Minutes: Audio recording – 01 hour 35 minutes 04 seconds In accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12, two motions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution. (A) Paternity Leave Councillor Dominic Griffith proposed the motion as follows: ‘This council, like many public sector organisations, faces ongoing challenges with staff recruitment and retention. These challenges can directly affect service delivery and organisational resilience. The UK offers some of the weakest statutory paternity and second parent adoption leave in Europe: just two weeks at a flat statutory rate of £194.32 per week from 6 April 2026. This is equivalent to around 40% of the national minimum wage. For many households, this level of pay is not financially viable. According to a 2023 TUC poll, over half (53 per cent) of families struggle financially when fathers and second parents take paternity leave. One in five fathers and second parents (21 per cent) are forced to return to work early because they cannot afford to stay off. Around 1 in 3 fathers take no paternity or adoption leave at all. Children with more involved fathers have improved outcomes across education, cognitive development, and emotional wellbeing. They are less likely to experience emotional or behavioural problems as teenagers and adults and are better able to regulate stress. Paternity leave plays a crucial role in establishing this early involvement. Better paternity leaves also benefits mothers. New mothers are currently left without support while recovering from birth, including the 40 per cent of births that end in caesarean section. Research shows that enabling both parents to take leave together reduces maternal postnatal depression by 26 per cent. Inadequate paternity leave is also damaging to men’s mental health. Research by The Dad Shift and November found that 45 per cent of UK fathers experience multiple symptoms of depression or anxiety in their baby’s first year. Eighty-two per cent of fathers said that improving paternity leave is the single biggest action the government could take to support new dads’ mental health. Poor mental health is a leading driver of absenteeism at work: better paternity leave could reduce this pressure on fathers employed by this council. A review from the Leeds University Business School found a strong corporate consensus that generous, enhanced parental leave acts as a vehicle for talent management. Employers who invest in these policies reap measurable rewards in long-term staff loyalty and retention rates improve. This Council believes that offering enhanced paternity and adoption leave for second parents will strengthen this council’s reputation as a modern, family-friendly employer and help address longstanding workforce retention issues. As one of the largest employers in the area, this Council has an opportunity to lead by example and promote better working standards for second parents. Therefore, Council resolves: 1. To request that the Cabinet explore, with the aim of introducing enhanced paternity leave and adoption leave for second parents for council employees, offering a minimum of six weeks paid paternity or adoption leave at a minimum 90% of ... view the full minutes text for item 46.