Agenda item

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

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

 

(A)  The Great Home Upgrade

 

RESOLVED:

 

The Council:

 

(1)   Calls upon the Prime Minister to call for a Great Homes Upgrade and a commitment to retrofit 19 million homes by 2030.

 

(2)   Calls on the Chancellor to commit to investing over the next three years to begin a Great Homes Upgrade, and that the government will commit to working with housing associations, private rental properties and owner occupiers to upgrade properties for net zero and commits to setting up a retrofitting taskforce to target resources now to achieving net zero through upgrading properties.

 

(3)   Commits to writing to our neighbouring local authorities to ask them to join us to join the campaign.

 

(B)  Ecological Emergency

 

RESOLVED:

 

The Council:

 

(1)   Declares an ecological emergency.

 

(2)   Ensures that addressing the ecological emergency and nature recovery are considered as strategic priorities for planning policies and design guides for new development, including master-planning of sites, by identifying appropriate areas for habitat restoration and biodiversity net gain and ensuring that development limits impact on existing habitats in its process.

 

(3)   Set measurable targets and standards for biodiversity increase, in both species and quantities, seeking also to increase community engagement.

 

(4)   Work with our partners to establish a Local Nature Partnership for Hertfordshire as soon as possible, in keeping with the urgency of this declaration.

 

(5)   Work with our partners to develop Nature Recovery Networks and Nature Recovery Strategy for Hertfordshire, again in keeping with the urgency of this declaration.

 

(6)   Look for opportunities to work in partnership with local charities and environmental organisations to deliver nature recovery in North Hertfordshire.

 

(7)   Investigate new approaches to nature recovery such as habitat banking that deliver biodiversity objectives and provide new investment opportunities.

 

(8)   Commits to considering biodiversity net gain policies within the review of the Local Plan at the earliest achievable opportunity, with a commitment to set a local BNG policy, which goes beyond the minimum, nationally required, 10% increase.

 

(D)  Community Infrastructure Levy

 

Following the debate, and before being put to a vote, Cllr Ian Moody withdrew the motion on the basis of the statement by the Executive Member for Planning and Transport.

 

(C)  Waste Contract Renewal – Changes to the Residual Waste Collection Cycle

 

RESOLVED: That the motion was lost.

 

(E)  Solar Energy Policy

 

The Chair advised that this motion had been withdrawn.

 

 

Audio recording – 26 minutes 08 seconds

 

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

 

(A)  The Great Home Upgrade

 

Councillor Chris Hinchliff proposed the submitted motion as follows:

 

“This council believes that a green recovery from the pandemic is not only possible but imperative if we are to meet our carbon reduction targets as a local authority. However, up to now much of the proposed actions from National Government are little more than rhetoric. We need to turn rhetoric into action.

 

As a local authority, we have worked on several environmental actions that have assisted residents and the wider environment. These include the ‘Solar Together’ scheme, utilising the Home Upgrade Grant to improve homes that are earning under £30k annually (and with an EPC rating of E, F, or G (plus some D-rated properties)), and have worked with environmental groups throughout the district to spread eco-friendly messaging.

 

We note that melting ice caps and forest fires can often seem like someone else’s crisis when many are taking effect so far from our homes. But we also note that crises closer to home affecting thousands of local families cannot be separated from those further afield. Here in North Herts there are 6193 households living in fuel poverty, and many homes affected by damp. Across the UK there are more than 24 Million Homes leaking heat.

 

Housing in the UK is leaky and draughty. We have older housing than every EU country, and our homes leak heat three times faster than those in Northern Europe. 56% of homes in North Herts fall below a good level of energy efficiency (EPC rating C). This means we spend more money and energy keeping our homes warm. For those who can afford to, this leads to higher carbon emissions from burning fuel for heating — 14% of the UK’s total emissions come from our homes. For the 3.18 million UK households (13.4%) that can’t, living in a cold home could be putting their health at risk.

 

Upgrading our homes would mean that everyone can live in a warm, comfortable home that doesn’t pollute the planet. But for more than a decade, we’ve had stop-start policy when it comes to making our homes warmer and less polluting. The main problem is the Treasury’s reluctance to put proper money towards retrofitting. Right now, home upgrades are still just in the hundreds of thousands a year — just 118,000 insulation measures were installed in 2020.

 

There is no route to decarbonising the economy without retrofitting these more than 24 million homes across the UK. Doing so would not only help to protect our planet, but can improve housing, lead to cheaper energy bills and create hundreds of thousands of good quality jobs. Here in North Herts there are 38,873 properties that require retrofitting.

 

The highest standard of whole-house retrofits can mean that households only have their heating on for a few days a year. However, the Energy Efficiency Infrastructure Group (EEIG) estimates that if all homes were upgraded to the EPC C efficiency band, households could save £400 each on average — that’s £7.5bn total savings across the whole country by 2030. Plus, if our homes are less reliant on fossil fuels, then households will be insulated against sudden rises in energy prices.

 

With proper investment from the government and companies, the Great Homes Upgrade could directly create at least 190,000 jobs across the UK. Other estimates vary quite widely, but all suggest that we could create hundreds of thousands of jobs. The Construction Leadership Council estimates that upgrading 12m homes by 2030 could create nearly 500,000 jobs. A key part of the Great Homes Upgrade should be training up tens of thousands of people to fill these jobs. And because there are homes in need of upgrading all over the country, these jobs wouldn’t be limited to one region. This means new, secure, well-paid, long-term jobs making our homes and local areas healthier and happier places to live in.

 

·         North Herts calls upon the Prime Minister to call for a Great Homes Upgrade and a commitment to retrofit 19 million homes by 2030.

·         We also call on the Chancellor to commit to investing over the next three years to begin a Great Homes Upgrade, and that the government will commit to working with housing associations, private rental properties and owner occupiers to upgrade properties for net zero and commits to setting up a retrofitting taskforce to target resources now to achieving net zero through upgrading properties.

·         We also commit to writing to our neighbouring local authorities to ask them to join us to join the campaign.”

 

Councillor Sean Prendergast seconded the motion.

 

The following Members took part in the debate:

 

·         Councillor David Levett

·         Councillor Gerald Morris

·         Councillor Sam Collins

·         Councillor Steve Jarvis

·         Councillor Matt Barnes

·         Councillor Tamsin Thomas

·         Councillor Alistair Willoughby

·         Councillor Daniel Marsh

·         Councillor Sean Prendergast

·         Councillor Claire Strong

 

Councillor Plater summarised that he was bemused by the suggestion that the climate emergency did not require urgent action. This motion would see the creation of up to 190k jobs directly and 500k in total. There were over 38,000 properties in North Herts which required upgrading and residents could not afford for the Council to do nothing.

 

Having been proposed and seconded and, following a vote, it was:

 

RESOLVED:

 

The Council:

 

(1)  Calls upon the Prime Minister to call for a Great Homes Upgrade and a commitment to retrofit 19 million homes by 2030.

 

(2)  Calls on the Chancellor to commit to investing over the next three years to begin a Great Homes Upgrade, and that the government will commit to working with housing associations, private rental properties and owner occupiers to upgrade properties for net zero and commits to setting up a retrofitting taskforce to target resources now to achieving net zero through upgrading properties.

 

(3)  Commits to writing to our neighbouring local authorities to ask them to join us to join the campaign.

 

(B)  Ecological Emergency

 

Councillor Steve Jarvis proposed the submitted motion as follows:

 

“Council notes that loss of nature, alongside climate change, represents a major threat to future generations of North Herts residents and that the UN Biodiversity Conference COP15 that took place in December 2022 agreed to progress global actions to deal with this.

 

The Council therefore resolves to:

 

1.    Declare an ecological emergency.

2.    Ensure that addressing the ecological emergency and nature recovery are considered as strategic priorities for planning policies and design guides for new development, including master-planning of sites, by identifying appropriate areas for habitat restoration and biodiversity net gain and ensuring that development limits impact on existing habitats in its process.

3.    Set measurable targets and standards for biodiversity increase, in both species and quantities, seeking also to increase community engagement.

4.    Work with our partners to establish a Local Nature Partnership for Hertfordshire as soon as possible, in keeping with the urgency of this declaration.

5.    Work with our partners to develop Nature Recovery Networks and Nature Recovery Strategy for Hertfordshire, again in keeping with the urgency of this declaration.

6.    Look for opportunities to work in partnership with local charities and environmental organisations to deliver nature recovery in North Hertfordshire.

7.    Investigate new approaches to nature recovery such as habitat banking that deliver biodiversity objectives and provide new investment opportunities.”

 

Councillor Ruth Brown seconded the motion.

 

The following Members took part in the debate:

 

·         Councillor David Levett

·         Councillor Gerald Morris

·         Councillor Michael Muir

·         Councillor Chris Hinchliff

·         Councillor Ralph Muncer

·         Councillor Dominic Griffiths

·         Councillor Sam Collins

·         Councillor Claire Strong

 

During the debate an additional recommendation was suggested by Councillor Chris Hinchliff. This amendment was approved by Councillor Jarvis, as proposer, and Councillor Brown, as seconder.

 

Councillor Jarvis summarised that there had been lots of examples of what has happened and much of this is related to planning issues. There were some good examples of work around the district to tackle the emergency, but more needed to be done. The motion was more than just a slogan and was about sending a message to the community and it was hoped that this would inspire action by residents. The Council could only do a limited amount of what was required, so community action would be necessary. 

 

Having been proposed and seconded and, following a vote on the amended motion, it was:

 

RESOLVED:

 

The Council:

 

(1)  Declares an ecological emergency.

 

(2)  Ensures that addressing the ecological emergency and nature recovery are considered as strategic priorities for planning policies and design guides for new development, including master-planning of sites, by identifying appropriate areas for habitat restoration and biodiversity net gain and ensuring that development limits impact on existing habitats in its process.

 

(3)  Set measurable targets and standards for biodiversity increase, in both species and quantities, seeking also to increase community engagement.

 

(4)  Work with our partners to establish a Local Nature Partnership for Hertfordshire as soon as possible, in keeping with the urgency of this declaration.

 

(5)  Work with our partners to develop Nature Recovery Networks and Nature Recovery Strategy for Hertfordshire, again in keeping with the urgency of this declaration.

 

(6)  Look for opportunities to work in partnership with local charities and environmental organisations to deliver nature recovery in North Hertfordshire.

 

(7)  Investigate new approaches to nature recovery such as habitat banking that deliver biodiversity objectives and provide new investment opportunities.

 

(8)  Commits to considering biodiversity net gain policies within the review of the Local Plan at the earliest achievable opportunity, with a commitment to set a local BNG policy, which goes beyond the minimum, nationally required, 10% increase.

 

(D)  Community Infrastructure Levy

 

Councillor Ian Moody proposed the submitted motion as follows:

 

“Following the adoption of the Local Plan Council believes that in order to maximise contributions and funding for infrastructure that the introduction of a Community Infrastructure Levy could be the best way to achieve this and ensure new developments contribute to the sustainability of the District and take into account the amount of cumulative development proposed. The government is also undertaking a consultation on the introduction of a mandatory CIL and is asking for local authorities to begin pilot testing in 2025.

 

Council request that:

 

1.    North Hertfordshire District Council asks to be one of the pilot authorities for the introduction of a mandatory CIL.

2.    The relevant officers prepare a report on the requirements for the introduction of CIL and the timescales for introduction if not accepted as a pilot authority.

3.    The report sets out the advantages or otherwise of the introduction of a CIL.

4.    The report details the potential financial implications and additional funding from the adoption of a CIL.

5.    The report is presented to Council at the meeting scheduled for 23/11/23.”

 

N.B. Councillor Amy Allen left the Chamber during this item and returned at 20.37.

 

Councillor David Levett seconded the motion.

 

In response to the motion, the Executive Member for Planning and Transport advised that:

 

·         They had much sympathy with the points raised about smaller developments.

·         The motion calls for the Council to be a pilot authority for Community Infrastructure Levy, however these are set to be replaced by an Infrastructure Levy and provisions were made for this in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

·         This move had been opposed by the Local Government Association and the District Councils Network and following this the government made several proposed amendments, but it was not known when this would be presented.

·         Planning Officers were monitoring the situation and ensuring that the Executive Member was kept informed of developments.

·         The priority of the Council following the adoption of the Local Plan was to update the SPDs and then begin a review process of the Local Plan itself.

·         Requested the motion be withdrawn on the understanding that this was being monitored and the concern regarding smaller developments was shared.

 

Before the motion was put to a vote Cllr Moody withdrew the motion on the basis of the statement by the Executive Member for Planning and Transport.

 

N.B. Councillor Ian Moody left the Chamber at 20.38 and did not return.

 

(C)  Waste Contract Renewal – Changes to the Residual Waste Collection Cycle

 

Councillor David Levett proposed the submitted motion, in the absence of Councillor Adam Compton, as follows:

 

“This Council notes the intention to introduce to 3 weekly collections for residual waste when the new waste contract is introduced.

 

Council has committed to engage with the community and put people first through its Council Plan 2022-2027 and has committed on waste and recycling to deliver change by development of the recycling and waste service to deliver any local outcomes of the national waste strategy, consider sustainability initiatives and options for renewal of the contract in 2025.

 

Given that this is a significant change to the service we provide to the public and to ensure through community engagement with its residents that the proposed changes are supported by the majority we want to know what residents think of the planned change to the collection cycle for residual waste.

 

Therefore Council proposes to call a referendum of all North Herts residents prior to committing to any change from the current bi-weekly collection asking:

 

Should North Herts Council

 

A          Retain the current bi-weekly collection of residual waste.

or

B          Move to a 3 weekly collection of residual waste.”

 

Councillor Mandi Tandi seconded the motion.

 

Councillor Amy Allen, as Executive Member for Recycling and Waste Management, provided a response to the Motion, including that:

 

·         There had already been consultation on this, including surveys via email and social media, and thousands of responses had been received. Within these responses over half said their bin was not full on collection day and 84% said the Council needed to do more to incentivise people to reduce waste and increase recycling.

·         The reduced routes required to be taken by the waste fleet would amount to a 60-tonne reduction in carbon emissions.

·         This was an important change to make to commit to the climate emergency the Council had declared.

·         The costs of the referendum would be large, with the referendum itself costing in the region of £200k, with a further £100k in liable costs to East Herts Council.

·         Failure to comply with the agreement would damage the relationship with East Herts Council.

·         If the outcome was to retain 2-weekly collection of residual waste, then there would be a gap in services between the expiry of the current contract and the implementation of the new contract.

·         Usually, members of the public were content with these changes once they had been fully explained. 

·         There were no changes proposed to the extra support for residents, which was already managed on an application basis.

·         There would be a Waste Awareness Officer employed from 2024 to help communicate the messages, but ongoing conversations were already being held with the public.

·         Only residual waste was being moved to 3-weekly collection, not recycling, food waste or garden waste.

 

The following Members took part in the debate:

 

·         Councillor Matt Barnes

·         Councillor Ralph Muncer

·         Councillor Tamsin Thomas

·         Councillor Tom Tyson

·         Councillor Tom Plater

·         Councillor Daniel Marsh

·         Councillor Nigel Mason

·         Councillor Ruth Brown

·         Councillor Steve Jarvis

·         Councillor Chris Lucas

·         Councillor Elizabeth Dennis

 

Councillor Levett summarised that this had been an interesting debate and the first and only time Full Council had to comment. There were concerns raised by Overview and Scrutiny Committee in its referral to Cabinet on this item. As not all wards voted in the recent election it could not have been a referendum on this issue and the number of votes cast provide a different perspective. The item had twice been considered by Cabinet, but not by Full Council and the matter would affect every single person in the district. A small proportion of the overall population responded to the survey; therefore the population has not had a say. Whilst it was acknowledged there would be cost implications and the impact on meeting climate targets, but it was more important to promote democracy.

 

Councillor Ralph Muncer requested a recorded vote on this item.

 

Having been proposed and seconded and, following a vote, the result was as follows:

 

YES                 :           9

ABSTAIN        :           3

NO                  :           28

TOTAL            :           40

 

The individual results were as follows:

 

Cllr Daniel Allen                                  

Cllr Alistair Willoughby                                   NO

Cllr Amy Allen                                                NO

Cllr Bryony May                                              NO

Cllr Cathy Brownjohn                                     NO

Cllr Chris Hinchliff                                          NO     

Cllr Chris Lucas                                              NO

Cllr Claire Strong                                            YES

Cllr Clare Billing                                             NO

Cllr Daniel Marsh                                           NO

Cllr Daniel Wright-Mason                               NO

Cllr Dave Winstanley                                      NO

Cllr David Levett                                             YES

Cllr Dominic Griffiths                                      NO

Cllr Elizabeth Dennis                                      NO

Cllr Gerald Morris                                           YES

Cllr Ian Albert                                     

Cllr Ian Mantle                                                NO

Cllr James Denselow                                     NO

Cllr Keith Hoskins                                           NO

Cllr Lisa Nash                                                 ABSTAIN

Cllr Louise Peace                                           NO

Cllr Mandi Tandi                                             YES

Cllr Matt Barnes                                             NO

Cllr Michael Muir                                            YES

Cllr Michael Weeks                                        YES

Cllr Mick Debenham                                       NO

Cllr Nigel Mason                                             NO

Cllr Philip Weeder                                          NO

Cllr Raj Bhakar                                               ABSTAIN

Cllr Ralph Muncer                                          YES

Cllr Richard Thake                                         YES

Cllr Ruth Brown                                              NO

Cllr Sam Collins                                             ABSTAIN

Cllr Sean Nolan                                              NO

Cllr Sean Prendergast                                    NO

Cllr Steve Jarvis                                             NO

Cllr Tamsin Thomas                                       NO

Cllr Terry Hone                                               YES

Cllr Tom Plater                                               NO

Cllr Tom Tyson                                               NO

Cllr Val Bryant                                                NO

 

As such it was: 

 

RESOLVED: That the motion was lost.

 

(E)  Solar Energy Policy

 

The Chair advised that this motion had been withdrawn.