Decisions

RESOLVED:

(1)         That Council noted the content of this report and the draft Hertfordshire submission document at Appendix A which formed the proposed collective submission to Government on Local Government Reorganisation.

(2)         That Council indicated its support for a preferred option, to be considered by Cabinet as part of its deliberations on 19 November 2025, was to submit the proposal and identify a two unitary option as preferred.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: On 5 February 2025, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution wrote to all leaders of two-tier councils to formally invite them to develop proposals for a single tier of local government in their counties. Cabinet is legally required to make the decision as to this Council’s response to the Minister’s request, but the recommendations allow all councillors to consider and debate this important issue before an indicative nonbinding vote, which will be considered by Cabinet as part of its decision making on 19 November 2025.

(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 advised Members to encourage parish councils within their respective wards to respond to the consultation on Developer Contributions sent out by the Task & Finish Group before the deadline on 20 November 2025.

(7)         The Chair advised Members to submit their comments on the Polling District Review consultation by 30 November 2025 and that Full Council would designate polling places at the meeting in January.

(8)         The Chair encouraged all Members to attend Youth Democracy Day on 20 November 2025 and to direct any questions about the day to Committee Services.

(9)         The Chair advised Members that the Council would be supporting White Ribbon Day 2025 by holding a White Ribbon Pledge Event and Bake Sale on 25 November 2025 at the Council Offices and that all Members were welcome to attend.   

There was no other business notified.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors David Barnard, Val Bryant, Clare Billing, Rhona Cameron, Ruth Clifton, Elizabeth Dennis, Claire Strong, Tamsin Thomas and Stewart Willoughby.

The Chair invited Mr Ben Smithson to provide Council with a verbal presentation on Item 5 – Local Government Reorganisation in Hertfordshire – Submission of Final Proposals.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the External Audit Auditors Annual Report 24/25.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the External Audit Plan & Strategy 24/25.

REFERAL TO CABINET: That Finance, Audit and Risk Committee note and comment to Cabinet on the Medium Term Financial Strategy, as attached at Appendix A.

REASON FOR REFERAL: Adoption of a Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and communication of its contents will assist in the process of forward planning the use of Council resources and in budget setting for 2026/2027 onwards, culminating in the setting of the Council Tax precept for 2026/27 in February 2026. Alongside the Council Plan, this will support the Council in setting a budget that is affordable and aligned to Council priorities.

RECOMMENDATION TO CABINET: That Finance, Audit and Risk Committee provide comments to Cabinet on the proposed Procurement Strategy (as attached at Appendix A) with a focus on any risk and governance issues.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION: Having a Procurement Strategy provides a focus for procurement activity and guidance, so that it can support the delivery of Council priorities.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the progress by officers and the Shared Anti-Fraud Service to deliver the Anti-Fraud Plan for the Council.

The Chair led a discussion regarding possible agenda items for future meetings.

There was no public participation at this meeting.

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

(2)       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.

(3)       The Chair advised that section 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution did not apply to this meeting.

There was no other business notified.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 10 September 2025 be approved, as amended, as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ruth Brown, Stewart Willoughby, Steven Patmore and Sarah Lucas.

Having given due notice Councillor Matt Barnes substituted for Councillor Brown.

The Principal Planning Officer provided an update on Planning Appeals.

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

(2)   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.

(3)   The Chair clarified matters for the registered speakers.

(4)   The Chair advised that Section 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution applied to the meeting.

(5)   The Chair advised that Section 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution applied to the meeting.

(6)   The Chair confirmed the cut off procedure should the meeting proceed at length.

There was no other business notified.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 9 October be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

No apologies for absence were received.

The Chair confirmed that the registered speakers were in attendance.

RESOLVED: That Tree Preservation Order (TPO/00221) be CONFIRMED.

RESOLVED: That application 25/01745/S73 be GRANTED planning permission subject to the following:

a)    Providing delegated powers to the Development and Conservation Manager to update conditions and informatives as set out in the report above.

b)    Conditions as set out in the report with the following amendments to Conditions 7 and 21:

‘Condition 7

BNG Management Plan

The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved Biodiversity Net Gain – Landscape and Ecological Management and Maintenance Plan Rev C (October 2025) prepared by James Blake Associates unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To enhance biodiversity in accordance with the NPPF and the North Hertfordshire Local Plan Policy NE4.

Condition 21

Open Space Management and Maintenance

The development shall be carried out in accordance with the Open Space Management and Maintenance Scheme contained in the Biodiversity Net Gain – Landscape and Ecological Management and Maintenance Plan Rev C (October 2025) prepared by James Blake Associates. The open spaces provided shall be retained for their intended purpose and in accordance with the approved management plan unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason: To ensure adequate open space and amenity provision as per NHLP Policy NE6.’

c)     Completion of a new Section 106 agreement if required in consultation with the Chair.

RESOLVED: That application 25/01539/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.