Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sean Prendergast, Lisa Nash, Clare Billing, Dominic Griffiths and Bryony May.

Audio recording – 1 minute 49 seconds

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sean Prendergast, Lisa Nash, Clare Billing, Dominic Griffiths and Bryony May.

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 4 December 2025.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 4 December 2025 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Audio Recording – 2 minutes 44 seconds

Councillor Keith Hoskins, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Sadie Billing seconded and it was:

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 4 December 2025 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

N.B. Councillors David Barnard and Steven Patmore entered the Chamber at 19:33.

Members should notify the Chair of other business which they wish to be discussed at the end of either Part I or Part II business set out in the agenda. They must state the circumstances which they consider justify the business being considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered.

There was no other business notified.

Audio recording – 3 minutes 42 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.

Audio recording – 3 minutes 45 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.

N.B. Councillor Sam Collins entered the Chamber at 19:35.

To receive petitions, comments and questions from the public.

There was no public participation.

Audio recording – 6 minutes 23 seconds

There was no public participation.

6A)      Standards Committee – Adoption of Updated Advice to Councillors on Outside Bodies – to be considered with Item 13.

6B)      Standards Committee – Adoption of the Monitoring Officer Protocol – to be considered with Item 14.

6C)      Finance, Audit and Risk Committee – Updated Financial Regulations – to be considered with Item 8.

Any other items referred to this meeting will be published as a supplementary document.

The Chair advised that the items referred from the Standards Committee, the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and Cabinet would be taken with the respective items on the agenda.

Audio recording – 6 minutes 26 seconds

The Chair advised that the items referred from the Standards Committee, the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and Cabinet would be taken with the respective items on the agenda.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

To update Cabinet on progress with delivering the treasury strategy for 2025/26, as at the end of September 2025.

RESOLVED:  That Council noted the position of Treasury Management activity as at the end of September 2025.

REASON FOR DECISION: 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.

Audio recording – 6 minutes 59 seconds

N.B. Councillor Paul Ward declared an interest due to his employment and left the Chamber for the duration of the item.

Councillor Ian Albert, as Executive Member for Resources presented the referral from Cabinet and the report entitled ‘Second Quarter Treasury Management Review 2025/26’ and advised that:

·       This report provided an update on the investment of surplus cash.

·       It was positive to note that the investment returns had increased to nearly £2M.

·       Estimates for 2026/27 would be reviewed as part of the budget setting process.

·       This report highlighted a breach of the treasury strategy and the extra control put in place to ensure this would not happen again.

·       Details of total interest earnt to date was highlighted in paragraph 8.3 of the report.

·       The percentage split of investments was set out in a table in paragraph 8.4 of the report.

·       Full details of investments including risks and credit ratings were detailed in paragraph 8.5 of the report.

·       Following a motion from Council, a meeting had now taken place with the Council’s treasury management adviser and an outcome report would be provided to Cabinet and Council as part of the Investment Strategy for 2026/27.

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

RESOLVED:  That Council noted the position of Treasury Management activity as at the end of September 2025.

REASON FOR DECISION: 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.

N.B. Councillor Paul Ward returned to the Chamber at 19.40.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

The last full review of the Council’s financial regulations took place in 2018. There have been partial changes made that have resulted from organisational changes. They have also been kept under review for the need for any significant changes over that period, but none have been required.

RESOLVED: That Council agreed to the adoption of the Financial Regulations as per Appendix A.

REASON FOR DECISION: Due to the passage of time since the last major review of the Financial Regulations, it was considered appropriate to carry out a full review. The proposed changes are detailed in Appendix A alongside the reasons for them.

Audio recording – 10 minutes 45 seconds

The Director – Resources presented the referral from Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and the report entitled ‘Updated Financial Regulations’ and advised that:

·       This was a slightly overdue report on the updated financial regulations of the Council.

·       The proposed schedule of changes and the reasons for the changes was set out in Appendix A. The schedule had track changes to show where the changes had been made. 

·       There had been some good discussions at the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meeting around the changes.

·       One of the recommendations that had been made by the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee had not been adopted and the reason why this had not been possible to reflect was detailed in paragraph 5.4 of the report.

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

RESOLVED: That Council agreed to the adoption of the Financial Regulations as per Appendix A.

REASON FOR DECISION: Due to the passage of time since the last major review of the Financial Regulations, it was considered appropriate to carry out a full review. The proposed changes are detailed in Appendix A alongside the reasons for them.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

This report sets out the context of Council Tax support, including the introduction of local schemes for working aged people from 2013.

RESOLVED:  That Council:

(1)   Amended the Council Tax discretionary policy to include the support provided to residents with a terminal illness, with the wording detailed in paragraph 8.17.

(2)   Approved changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme bands to reflect the impact of inflation and delegated a decision on those increases to the Director – Resources in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources.

REASON FOR DECISION: To respond to the request from Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and to consider changes for next year.

Audio recording – 12 minutes 50 seconds

Councillor Ian Albert, as Executive Member for Resources presented the referral from Cabinet and the report entitled ‘The Council Tax Reduction Scheme (Effectiveness and Proposals for 2026/27)’ and advised that:

·       This report was seeking approval of the changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2026/27, including changes to the discretionary policy.

·       This had been incorporated into the wider report requested by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the effectiveness of the CTRS.

·       This scheme worked well. It was affordable and ensured that the poorest residents did not pay any Council Tax.

·       The actions from the Marie Curie campaign that local authorities could take to prevent residents from dying in poverty were set out in paragraph 8.14 of the report.

·       As the CTRS already ensured that the poorest residents did not pay any Council Tax, this support would be best covered by an additional to the discretionary policy.

·       Inflationary uplifts to Council Tax bands of 6% in line with inflation, were referenced in paragraph 8.19 of the report.

·       As the increase to Universal Credit had not been confirmed, the Council would need to wait to ensure the final modelling had the desired outcome.

·       An addition to the wording of recommendation 2.2 was proposed to delegate authority to the Director – Resources in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources to make any inflationary changes to the CTRS bands.

Councillor Ian Albert proposed as amended and Councillor Sean Nolan seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:  That Council:

(1)   Amended the Council Tax discretionary policy to include the support provided to residents with a terminal illness, with the wording detailed in paragraph 8.17.

(2)   Approved changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme bands to reflect the impact of inflation and delegated a decision on those increases to the Director – Resources in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources.

REASON FOR DECISION: To respond to the request from Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and to consider changes for next year.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

To agree the Scale of Fees for electoral events held during 2026/27.

RESOLVED: That the Council agreed the Scale of Fees for 2026/27 as set out in Appendix A.

REASON FOR DECISION:  To enable the Council to remunerate the Returning Officer and the staff employed to carry out tasks during electoral events and to be open and transparent regarding other payments.

Audio recording – 18 minutes 2 seconds

N.B. The Democratic Services Manager and the Director – Governance declared an interest in this item as the Returning Officer and the Deputy Returning Officer and left the Chamber for the duration of the item.

The Director – Resources presented the report entitled ‘Electoral Services – Scale of Fees 2026/27’ and advised that:

·       The proposed changes to the scale of fees were set out in paragraphs 8.4-8.8 of the report.

·       The main change was to ensure that roles were continued to be paid in line with the National Living Wage.

·       Full details of the scale of fees were set out in Appendix A.

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

RESOLVED: That the Council agreed the Scale of Fees for 2026/27 as set out in Appendix A.

REASON FOR DECISION:  To enable the Council to remunerate the Returning Officer and the staff employed to carry out tasks during electoral events and to be open and transparent regarding other payments.

N.B. The Democratic Services Manager and Director – Governance returned to the Chamber at 19:50.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To detail the outcome of the interim review of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations following the Community Governance Review in 2025.

RESOLVED: That Council designated the Polling Districts and Polling Places as per the Returning Officer’s Proposals attached as Appendix A to the submitted report, effective as of 2 March 2026.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 introduced a change to the timing of compulsory reviews of UK Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places, which had to be concluded by 31 January 2025.

(2)   Outside of compulsory reviews, the (Acting) Returning Officer (RO) for each authority is also encouraged to conduct regular assessments of existing arrangements. Following completion of the Community Governance Review (CGR) 2025 which resulted in changes to parish wards – specifically in Ickleford, Baldock, Royston, Clothall and Bygrave. Therefore, the polling arrangements were required to be considered.

Audio recording 19 minutes 59 seconds

The Electoral Services Manager presented the report entitled ‘Interim Review of Polling District, Polling Places and Polling Stations’ and advised that:

·       Following completion of the Community Governance Review (CGR) in 2025, the Council was required to undertake an interim Polling District Review.

·       An interim review followed the same process as a statutory polling district and polling places review and included a public consultation period.

·       The consultation period ran between 14 October 2025 to 30 November 2025 and a total of 20 responses were received as summarised in Appendix B.

·       Consideration of the suitability of a polling place included accessibility, parking and transport links, as detailed in Appendix A.

·       Details of amendments were set out in paragraph 8.6 of the report as well as in detail in Appendix A.

·       Electors in the new polling district of Lavender Grange, which was part of Ickleford parish would continue to vote at Ickleford Village Hall.

·       The Council had applied to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to participate in the forthcoming flexible voting election pilots.

·       In preparation, it was planned to have voting hubs located in Codicote, Knebworth, Kimpton and Royston if the elections were contested.

·       If the election pilots went ahead, electors would be able to vote early in person on Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May at Voting Hubs.

In response to a question from Councillor Ralph Muncer, the Democratic Services Manager advised that early voting would be applied for any scheduled parish election or any unscheduled parish or district election on 7 May 2026.

In response to a question from Councillor Jon Clayden, the Electoral Services Manager advised that the change in the polling district boundary line affecting the dwellings in Billing Place, Hitchin was detailed in the map in Appendix B. These changes were being made to ensure that voters in these dwellings could vote at their closest polling station.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Val Bryant seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council designated the Polling Districts and Polling Places as per the Returning Officer’s Proposals attached as Appendix A to the submitted report, effective as of 2 March 2026.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 introduced a change to the timing of compulsory reviews of UK Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places, which had to be concluded by 31 January 2025.

(2)   Outside of compulsory reviews, the (Acting) Returning Officer (RO) for each authority is also encouraged to conduct regular assessments of existing arrangements. Following completion of the Community Governance Review (CGR) 2025 which resulted in changes to parish wards – specifically in Ickleford, Baldock, Royston, Clothall and Bygrave. Therefore, the polling arrangements were required to be considered.

REPORT OF DIRECTOR – GOVERNANCE AND MONITORING OFFICER

The report seeks approval to appoint a replacement Reserve Independent Person with effect from the 29 January 2026 for a period of up to 4 years.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Appointed Joel Rogers as Reserve Independent Person;

such appointments/ confirmation of continuing appointments under 2.1 be for a fixed term of up to 4 years from 29 January 2026, based on 2-years, with delegation to the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Standards Committee to extend for a further 2 years.

(2)   Delegated to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of Standards Committee, the decision (if the current Independent Person decides within term to resign/ unable to act/ no longer qualifies), to appoint one of the existing Reserve Independent Persons as the Independent Person and/ or to undertake any further recruitment, as may be required.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that the Council’s Standards processes can operate in accordance with legislative requirements if one or both Independent Person and Reserve IPs are unable to advise on a matter. This should also allow for a degree of succession planning/ training whilst experienced persons are in place.

Audio recording – 25 minutes 41 seconds

Councillor Daniel Allen, as Executive Member for Governance presented the report entitled ‘Appointment of Reserve Independent Person’ and advised that:

·       This report requested approval from Council to appoint a Reservice Replacement Independent Person following the resignation of the current Reserve Independent Person.

·       Approval was sought to appoint Joel Rogers from 29 January 2026 for a fixed term period of up to 4 years. 

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Sean Nolan seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Appointed Joel Rogers as Reserve Independent Person;

such appointments/ confirmation of continuing appointments under 2.1 be for a fixed term of up to 4 years from 29 January 2026, based on 2-years, with delegation to the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Standards Committee to extend for a further 2 years.

(2)   Delegated to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Standards Committee, the decision (if the current Independent Person decides within term to resign/ unable to act/ no longer qualifies), to appoint one of the existing Reserve Independent Persons as the Independent Person and/ or to undertake any further recruitment, as may be required.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that the Council’s Standards processes can operate in accordance with legislative requirements if one or both Independent Person and Reserve Independent Persons are unable to advise on a matter. This should also allow for a degree of succession planning/ training whilst experienced persons are in place.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR - GOVERNANCE AND MONITORING OFFICER

To provide Members with an updated guidance document on the duties, obligations and liabilities that Councillor’s will have if they are appointed to (or are on) an outside body, highlighting the main changes to the previous guidance.

RESOLVED: That Council approved and adopted the updated guidance for Councillors.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   The Council’s current guidance to Councillors on Outside Bodies was last updated in 2016.

(2)   A full review of the guidance to Councillors on outside bodies has been necessary to ensure: • Councillors are aware of their liabilities based on the type of organisation which they are appointed to and the risks associated with these appointments both to the Councillor and the Council. • That the guidance available to Councillors aligns with the updated statutory position and also best practice.

Audio recording – 28 minutes 34 seconds

Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham, as Chair of the Standards Committee, presented the referral from Standards Committee and the report entitled ‘Adoption of Updated Guidance to Councillors on Outside Bodies’ and advised that:

·       The last time the guidance to Councillors on Outside Bodies was updated was 2016.

·       There had been a late amendment to the report to change the word ‘company’ to ‘organisation’ in paragraph 8.8 of the report.

·       No fundamental changes had been made to the approach adopted by the Council and the update was to make the document easier for Members to read.

·       The initial part of the guidance had been updated to reflect the three most common types of outside body, as detailed in paragraph 8.5 of the report and point 2 of the guidance.

·       Details of any conflicts of interest that Councillors needed to be aware of was detailed in paragraphs 8.7 and 8.8 of the report.

·       Members could always seek guidance from the Monitoring Officer as detailed in points 7 and 8 of the guidance.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Claire Strong

·       Councillor Matt Barnes

In response to questions, Cllr Poopalasingham advised that the report had originally said ‘company’ instead of ‘organisation’ in paragraph 8.8 of the report.

In response to questions, the Deputy Monitoring Officer advised that:

·       The word ‘company’ had been changed to ‘organisation’ in the last bullet point of paragraph 8.8 on page 181 of the published agenda.

·       Paragraph 8.8 of the report also applied to Section 6 of the guidance to Councillors on Outside Bodies.

In response to a question, the Monitoring Officer advised that Members were covered by an Indemnity Policy, which was available on The Hub for Members to view.

Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham proposed and Councillor Ian Albert seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council approved and adopted the updated guidance for Councillors.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

(1)   The Council’s current guidance to Councillors on Outside Bodies was last updated in 2016.

(2)   A full review of the guidance to Councillors on outside bodies has been necessary to ensure: • Councillors are aware of their liabilities based on the type of organisation which they are appointed to and the risks associated with these appointments both to the Councillor and the Council. • That the guidance available to Councillors aligns with the updated statutory position and also best practice.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR - GOVERNANCE AND MONITORING OFFICER

To provide Members with a proposed Monitoring Officer protocol and to note the recent guidance document on the Golden Triangle.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Approved and adopted the Monitoring Officer Protocol into the Constitution.

(2)   Noted the guidance attached at Appendix 2 titled: The Golden Triangle: Governance Roles and Responsibilities.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   The role of the Monitoring Officer has expanded over recent years. Monitoring Officers are also required to act as consultants to anyone within the Council on matters of legality, maladministration, and impropriety.

(2)   It is therefore considered that it would be good practice for the Council to introduce an appropriate Protocol.

(3)   In August 2025, Lawyers in Local Government (LLG), the Chartered Institute for Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Society for Local Authority Chief Executives & Senior Managers (SOLACE) collaborated to produce a new guide: ‘The Golden Triangle: Governance Roles and Responsibilities’ (attached at Appendix 2). Members are invited to give consideration to this guidance to enhance their overall understanding of the interwoven nature of the roles of the three statutory officers within the Council.

Audio recording – 37 minutes 27 seconds

Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham, as Chair of the Standards Committee, presented the referral from Standards Committee and the report entitled ‘Adoption of the Monitoring Officer Protocol’ and advised that:

·       This report was to provide Members with a proposed Monitoring Officer protocol and for Members to note the recent guidance document on the Golden Triangle.

·       The emphasis on good governance has been heightened as an increased number of local authorities have found themselves in financial difficulties.

·       The Monitoring Officer role was a statutory role as highlighted in paragraph 8.1 of the report.

·       It was the obligation of the Monitoring Officer to report if the Council made a proposal or decision that could be illegal, improper or to constitute maladministration, as set out in Section 2 and 3 of the guidance at Appendix A.

·       The protocol explained the legal requirements and set out the arrangements in place to manage maladministration as detailed in paragraph 8.6 of the report.

·       The Monitoring Officer should be proactive in decision making, as highlighted in Section 3 of the guidance.

·       The Monitoring Officer could act to resolve matters informally as set out in paragraphs 8.8 and 8.9 of the report.

·       The Monitoring Officer was a very important role to ensure the Council operated to high standards.

Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham proposed and Councillor Sean Nolan seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Approved and adopted the Monitoring Officer Protocol into the Constitution.

(2)   Noted the guidance attached at Appendix 2 titled: The Golden Triangle: Governance Roles and Responsibilities.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   The role of the Monitoring Officer has expanded over recent years. Monitoring Officers are also required to act as consultants to anyone within the Council on matters of legality, maladministration, and impropriety.

(2)   It is therefore considered that it would be good practice for the Council to introduce an appropriate Protocol.

(3)   In August 2025, Lawyers in Local Government (LLG), the Chartered Institute for Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Society for Local Authority Chief Executives & Senior Managers (SOLACE) collaborated to produce a new guide: ‘The Golden Triangle: Governance Roles and Responsibilities’ (attached at Appendix 2). Members are invited to give consideration to this guidance to enhance their overall understanding of the interwoven nature of the roles of the three statutory officers within the Council.

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To confirm the appointment of a new / replacement Member, Substitute Member/s, Chair and Vice Chair to the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

RESOLVED:

(1)   That for the remainder of the 2025/26 civic year Council appointed Members to the following vacancies on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee:

•        Councillor Daniel Wright-Mason be appointed as a Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to the vacant seat on the Labour and Co-Operative Group.

•        Councillor David Barnard be appointed as a Substitute Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to the vacant seat on the Conservative Group.

(2)   That Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham be appointed as the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for the remainder of the 2025/26 civic year.

(3)   That Councillor Sarah Lucas be appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for the remainder of the 2025/26 civic year.

(4)   That Council noted the appointment of Councillor Sean Nolan as the Executive Member for Customer Experience and Deputy Leader for the remainder of the 2025/26 civic year.

(5)   That Council noted the appointment of Councillor Val Bryant as Member Representative and Councillor Sean Nolan as reserve Member Representative on the Outside Organisations ‘Herts Leaders Group’ and ‘East of England Leaders Group’.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of 4.8.1 (a) (vii), (viii) and (ix) of the Council’s Constitution following Councillor Sean Nolan resigning from the Committee / position of Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and appointment as the Deputy Leader / Executive Member for Customer Experience.

Audio recording – 43 minutes 2 seconds

The Democratic Services Manager presented the report entitled ‘Appointment of a Substitute, Member, Chair and Vice Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee’ as published.  

Following a question from Councillor Claire Strong, Councillor Val Bryant advised that the Special Interest Member Champion for Health vacancy would remain vacant for the remainder of the civic year.

Following a question from Councillor Claire Strong, the Democratic Services Manager advised that whilst there would be an extra Executive Member of Cabinet, there would not be any extra financial implications. This was because the Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) for the Executive Member for Customer Experience role would be received by Cllr Sean Nolan instead of Councillor Val Bryant who was vacating that position.

The Chair advised that a separate vote would be taken for each of the recommendations.

Councillor Val Bryant proposed and Councillor Nigel Mason seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED: That for the remainder of the 2025/26 civic year Council appointed Members to the following vacancies on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee:

•       Councillor Daniel Wright-Mason be appointed as a Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to the vacant seat on the Labour and Co-Operative Group.

•       Councillor David Barnard be appointed as a Substitute Member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee to the vacant seat on the Conservative Group.

Councillor Val Bryant proposed and Councillor Amy Allen seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Vijaiya Poopalasingham be appointed as the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for the remainder of the 2025/26 civic year.

Councillor Val Bryant proposed and Councillor Emma Fernandes seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED: That Councillor Sarah Lucas be appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee for the remainder of the 2025/26 civic year.

Councillor Val Bryant proposed and Councillor Nigel Mason seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED: That Council noted the appointment of Councillor Sean Nolan as the Executive Member for Customer Experience and Deputy Leader for the remainder of the 2025/26 civic year.

Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Nigel Mason seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED: That Council noted the appointment of Councillor Val Bryant as Member Representative and Councillor Sean Nolan as reserve Member Representative on the Outside Organisations ‘Herts Leaders Group’ and ‘East of England Leaders Group’.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of 4.8.1 (a) (vii), (viii) and (ix) of the Council’s Constitution following Councillor Sean Nolan resigning from the Committee / position of Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and appointment as the Deputy Leader / Executive Member for Customer Experience.

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(b), two questions had been submitted by the required deadline set out in the Constitution.

(A)  Support for Compassionate Neighbours Scheme and Other Schemes

Councillor Jon Clayden to Councillor Daniel Allen (Executive Member for Governance).

(B)  Protection of the Romano-British small town and Late Iron Age settlement at Baldock

Councillor Sam Collins to Councillor Donna Wright (Executive Member for Place).

Audio recording – 51 minutes 40 seconds

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

(A)  Support for Compassionate Neighbours Scheme and Other Schemes

Councillor Jon Clayden to Councillor Daniel Allen (Executive Member for Governance):

‘The sadly precarious financial position that Garden House Hospice Care finds itself in has recently led to the short-notice closure of the North Herts Compassionate Neighbours scheme. This scheme provided very much-needed support and companionship to many residents across our district, including to an elderly man in my ward who wrote to tell me how important it had been to him since the death of his wife. Could the Executive Member please update this council on the future of these schemes in North Herts, including any help the council is planning to provide?’

Councillor Daniel Allen provided the following response:

‘Thank you, Cllr Clayden, for raising this important issue. I completely understand how upsetting the closure of the Compassionate Neighbours Scheme has been for residents who have relied on it and for the families that saw the difference that it made. It provided real companionship and reassurance for people who were often at their most vulnerable. As the scheme was established by an external organisation, the Council cannot determine the future of the service or replace the service. Our officers have been engaging and will continue to engage with Garden House Hospice to understand the changes that have been made. The Council has also shared information with community groups about alternative sources of support, including local voluntary organisation, Community Forums and relevant grant and locality funding routes where appropriate. While we cannot step in, North Herts Council remains committed to working with partners and community organisations to help ensure residents area supported within our powers and available resources.’

Councillor Jon Clayden asked a supplementary question, as follows:

‘I would like to know whether there is anything this Council could do to enable people to have access to a similar scheme? It has been a lifeline for those who have been depending on it.’

Councillor Daniel Allen responded:

‘Thank you. We would encourage that anyone speak with the Community team to help them. I was going to say that we would do our best to help, but I cannot because I don’t know what is being asked of us, but I am going to say that this is a really vital service that does much to help.’

(B)  ‘Protection of the Romano-British small town and Late Iron Age settlement at Baldock

Councillor Sam Collins to Councillor Donna Wright (Executive Member for Place):

“The Late Iron age and Romano-British town at Baldock has been placed on the at-risk register by Historic England who state that the site has major problems, has high vulnerability and is declining. Historic England has also highlighted that there is no action or strategy identified or agreed to protect this site of national importance. What is the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

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

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

(A)  ‘Grey Belt’ Land and Planning Applications in North Herts

RESOLVED: That the Executive Member for Place:

(1)   Writes to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to express concern about the rise of speculative development in the countryside in North Herts.

(2)   Responds to the consultation on proposed changes to the NPPF by 10 March 2026, including the following points:

•        Green belt assessment should include villages.

•        Ensure grey belt developments occur only on previously developed land.

•        Ensure high-quality farmland and important wildlife habitats are protected from development.

•        Set ambitious and legally binding targets for genuinely affordable and socially rented homes in all new developments, with developers held to account if they are not delivered.

(B)  HertsLynx Expansion

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Instruct the Leader of the Council to write to the Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council, urging them, once funding is available, to expand the HertsLynx service to the communities within the Southern Rural area who don’t currently enjoy the benefits of this innovative service, as well as to welcome the planned enhancements to the service currently experienced by those living elsewhere in North Herts.

(2)   Instruct Officers to work with Hertfordshire County Council in order to identify the best way North Hertfordshire District Council can encourage and support any proposals for the expansion and service enhancement of the HertsLynx, including investigating any potential financial support from S106 contributions that this Council could offer in order to deliver these ambitions.

(C)  Action on Fly-tipping

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Use its powers given under the Environmental Protection Act (1990) to issue Fixes Penalty Notices for minor fly tipping offences. In line with the 2023 amendment increasing the maximum fine to £1000, higher penalties will be applied where appropriate.

(2)   Instruct Officers to work on a public information campaign to increase awareness of the SCRAP code, as well as the steps members of public should take to report fly-tipping to the Council.

(3)   Continue to work with the police to tackle the crime of fly-tipping by unauthorised commercial operators and pursue the objective of prosecuting all serious offenders.

Audio recording – 56 minutes 35 seconds

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

N.B. Councillors Claire Strong, Martin Prescott and Daniel Allen declared an interest in this item due to their position as Members and substitutes of the Planning Control Committee and left the Chamber for the duration of this item.

N.B. Councillor Emma Rowe declared an interest in this item due to her employment and left the Chamber for the duration of the item.

N.B. Councillors Nigel Mason and Emma Fernandes declared an interest in this item due to their positions as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Planning Control Committee and advised they would not take part in the debate or vote on the motion but would remain in the Chamber.

In response to a question from Councillor Val Bryant, the Monitoring Officer explained that the motion related to planning policy at a high level, and it did not prevent Members of the Planning Control Committee from taking part, however, they should be careful when expressing views and have an open mind when considering applications at Committee.

(A)  ‘Grey Belt’ Land and Planning Applications in North Herts

Councillor Louise Peace proposed the motions as follows:

‘Changes to the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) in December 2024 introduced a new concept in planning: grey belt. “For the purposes of plan-making and decision-making, ‘grey belt’ is defined as land in the green belt comprising previously developed land and/or any other land that, in either case, does not strongly contribute to any of purposes (a), (b), or (d) in paragraph 143.”

Villages in North Herts now find that surrounding ‘green belt’ land can be considered as ‘grey belt’ as (a), (b) and (d) in paragraph 143 of the 2024 NPPF made no reference to villages – only that neighbouring towns should not merge into one another and it should ‘…preserve the setting and special character of historic towns’. Proposed revisions to the NPPF, currently at consultation stage, go further than this with (a) and (b) clearly stating that villages should not be included in these considerations. Provided that certain ‘golden rules’ are followed such as the provision of 50% 'affordable' housing, applications can now be made on green belt land that would previously have been untenable.

The result of this in Ickleford, in my ward of Cadwell, is that some 350 homes are currently under consideration or at pre-application stage on undeveloped edge of village green field sites with another approximately 50 homes on the border of neighbouring Bearton ward. North Hertfordshire needs new homes, but it needs to be able to build these homes where there is infrastructure available to support residents. Residents deserve readily available NHS services, good public transport options including safe walking and cycling access to employment and homes where the sewerage network isn't already at capacity. Large developments on edge of village locations result in communities reliant on cars, using roads that are already at a standstill at peak periods.

In December  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.