Decisions
Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies.
Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.
21/05/2026 - EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC ref: 7786 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: 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 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).
21/05/2026 - APPROVAL OF POTENTIAL EXIT PAYMENT - PART 2 ref: 7787 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Jo Dufficy
21/05/2026 - APPROVAL OF POTENTIAL EXIT PAYMENT - PART 1 ref: 7788 Recommendations Approved
To seek approval of Council for the authority
to make an exit payment, should redundancy arise following
completion of consultation and redeployment processes, where the
cost exceeds the threshold of £100,000 as set out in the Pay
Policy Statement.
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED:
(1) That Council approved the payment of the exit payment, if required, the details of which were set out in the Part 2 report.
(2) That Council used the General Fund reserve to fund the cost.
REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that, if required, following the completion of consultation and redeployment processes, the Council has complied with the approval process as set out in the Constitution and the Pay Policy Statement for any exit payment that exceeds the limit applied (£100,000).
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Jo Dufficy
21/05/2026 - KEY DECISIONS - ANNUAL REPORT ON CASES OF SPECIAL URGENCY ref: 7783 Recommendations Approved
The purpose of this report is to inform the
Council of any occasions over the past year where the provisions
relating to “Special Urgency” have been used in
connection with the publication of an intention to make a Key
Decision, as required by legislation.
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That the report was noted.
REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with Regulation 19 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (“the Regulations”).
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: James Lovegrove
21/05/2026 - CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS ref: 7777 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
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 reminded Members about the requirements to update their Register of Interests if a change in personal circumstances had occurred.
(7) The Chair thanked Faith Churchill, the Chair’s Secretary, and announced that a bouquet would be sent in recognition of her hard work and support over the past year.
(8) The Chair reminded Members to respond to the survey circulated to all Members following Member Development Week and advised that Committee Services would contact Members who been unable to attend compulsory or required training.
(9) The Chair encouraged Members to add their favourite places in North Herts to the map outside the Council Chamber as part of the ‘Love North Herts’ campaign.
21/05/2026 - MINUTES - 23 APRIL 2026 ref: 7775 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 April 2026 were approved as a true record of the proceedings and signed by the Chair.
21/05/2026 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE ref: 7764 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Clare Billing, Ruth Clifton and Joe Graziano.
21/05/2026 - EXTENSION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF FINANCE, AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE ref: 7781 Recommendations Approved
To extend the appointment of John Cannon as
Independent Member of Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR) Committee until
31st March 2028. This reflects the positive contribution that John
Cannon has made to the Committee, it is also in accordance with
CIPFA best practise and reflects Local Government Reorganisation
timelines.
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That John Cannon’s appointment as the Independent Member for the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee was extended until 31st March 2028.
REASON FOR DECISION: John Cannon was appointed as the Independent Member for Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR) Committee in July 2022, for a period of 4 years. The request to extend his appointment reflects the positive contribution that he has made and is the practical option with the Local Government Reorganisation timeline of April 2028. It is also in line with CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) best practice.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Ian Couper
21/05/2026 - NOMINATION OF REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER BODIES FOR 2026/27 ref: 7785 Recommendations Approved
The purpose of this report is to present a
list setting out the nomination of representatives on Outside
Organisations and Other Bodies for 2026/27.
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED:
(1) That the list of nominations of representatives on Outside Organisations and Other Bodies for 2026/2027, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, published as a supplement, was approved, as amended, with confirmation that:
· The Council’s representatives to the Baldock Town Twinning Association be Councillors Rhona Cameron and Stewart Willoughby.
· The Council’s substitute representative to the Hertfordshire Health Scrutiny Committee be Councillor Elizabeth Dennis.
· The Council’s remaining vacant representative on the King George V Playing Fields User Group be Councillor Val Bryant.
· The Council’s representative to the London Luton Airport Consultative Committee be Councillor Emma Fernandes.
· The Council’s representative to Survivors Against Domestic Abuse (SADA) be Councillor Elizabeth Dennis.
· Councillor Tina Bhartwas be removed as the Council’s representative on the Letchworth Civic Trust.
(2) That Political Group Leaders notify the Democratic Services Manager of nominations to the remaining vacancies or any changes to the existing representatives on outside organisations. Note the one remaining vacancy being on the Baldock Youth and Community Association.
REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of Standing Order 4.8.1(b)(iv) and (v) of the Council’s Constitution.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Susan Le Dain
21/05/2026 - APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRS AND VICE-CHAIRS OF COMMITTEES FOR 2026/27 ref: 7780 Recommendations Approved
The purpose of this report is to inform the
Council of the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees
(except Community Forums) for 2026/27.
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Committees (except Community Forums) for 2026/27 be appointed in accordance with the details set out in Appendix 1 to the report, published as a supplement, with the addition of:
· Councillor Val Bryant as Chair of Employment Committee.
· Councillor Ian Albert as Vice-Chair of Employment Committee.
· Councillor Claire Strong as Vice-Chair of Joint Staff Consultative Committee.
REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with the provisions of Standing Order 4.8.1(a)(ix) of the Council’s Constitution.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: James Lovegrove
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF THE VICE-CHAIR OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7774 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Sean Prendergast was elected as Vice-Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2026/27.
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF THE CHAIR OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7765 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Keith Hoskins was elected as Chair of the Council for the Civic Year 2026/27.
21/05/2026 - ADJOURNMENT ref: 7782 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
The meeting of the Annual Council was adjourned at 20:13 to allow meetings of each Community Forum to convene to elect Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Community Forums for the Civic Year, following which, there was a comfort break.
The meeting reconvened at 20:31.
21/05/2026 - APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES, JOINT COMMITTEES AND PANELS FOR 2026/27 ref: 7779 Recommendations Approved
The purpose of this report is to inform the
Council of the appointment of Members of Committees for
2026/27.
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED:
(1) That for 2026/27, the seats allocated to each political group on those Committees to which Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 applies, and those to which it does not apply, as set out in Appendix 1, published as a supplement, as amended, were noted.
(2) For the Planning Control Committee only, that the number of substitute Members for each Political Group be increased by 1.
(3) That for 2026/27, Members were appointed to the various Committees and other bodies in accordance with the wishes of the political groups, as detailed in Appendix 2, published as a supplement, as amended, with the addition of:
· Councillor Daniel Allen as Substitute on Planning Control Committee.
· Councillor Steven Patmore as Substitute on Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
· Councillor Michael Muir as Substitute on Planning Control Committee.
· Councillor Steven Patmore as Substitute on Employment Committee.
(4) That for 2026/2027, each political Group Leader was appointed to the Constitutional and Governance Working Group, as detailed in paragraph 8.6 of the report.
REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: James Lovegrove
21/05/2026 - NOTING THE APPOINTMENT OF THE DEPUTY LEADER OF THE COUNCIL AND MEMBERS OF THE CABINET FOR 2025/26 (INCLUDING SPECIAL INTEREST MEMBER CHAMPIONS) ref: 7778 Recommendations Approved
The purpose of this report is to inform the
Council of the Leader's appointment of members of the Cabinet for
2026/27.
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED:
(1) That the appointment of the Deputy Leader of the Council for the Civic Year 2026/27 was noted as Councillor Sean Nolan.
(2) That the Members appointed as Executive Members of the Cabinet for 2026/27 and the areas for which they will be responsible, as detailed in Appendix 1, published as a supplement, was noted.
(3) That the Special Interest Member Champions for 2026/27, their purpose and role, as detailed in Appendix 1, published as a supplement, was noted.
REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000 and Sections 4.8.1 (a) (vii), 5.2 and 5.3.4 of the Council’s Constitution and 2.3 for information purposes.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: James Lovegrove
21/05/2026 - APPROVE A PROGRAMME OF ORDINARY MEETINGS FOR THE COUNCIL FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7784 Recommendations Approved
The purpose of this report is to seek approval
to a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council for the Civic
Year 2026/27.
Decision Maker: Council
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Council
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That the Calendar of Meetings for 2026/27, as attached as Appendix 1, was approved.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
(1) To enable Members to agree a programme of ordinary meeting of the Council for 2026/27.
(2) To enable Members to agree the Calendar of Meetings for 2026/27.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: James Lovegrove
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF A VICE-CHAIR FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7767 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Southern Rural Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Southern Rural Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Paul Ward be elected as Vice-Chair of the Southern Rural Community Forum for the Civic Year 2026-27.
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF A CHAIR FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7766 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Southern Rural Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Southern Rural Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Dominic Griffiths be elected as Chair of the Southern Rural Community Forum for the Civic Year 2026-27.
21/05/2026 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE ref: 7772 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Southern Rural Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Southern Rural Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Joe Graziano.
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF A VICE-CHAIR FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7769 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Letchworth Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Letchworth Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Tamsin Thomas be elected as Vice-Chair of the Letchworth Community Forum for the Civic Year 2026-27.
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF A CHAIR FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7768 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Letchworth Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Letchworth Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Sadie Billing be elected as Chair of the Letchworth Community Forum for the Civic Year 2026-27.
21/05/2026 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE ref: 7789 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Letchworth Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Letchworth Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
No apologies for absence were received.
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF A VICE-CHAIR FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7760 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Baldock and Villages Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Baldock and Villages Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Emma Rowe be elected as Vice-Chair of the Baldock and Villages Community Forum for the Civic Year 2026-27.
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF A CHAIR FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7759 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Baldock and Villages Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Baldock and Villages Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Alistair Willoughby be elected as Chair of the Baldock and Villages Community Forum for the Civic Year 2026-27.
21/05/2026 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE ref: 7761 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Baldock and Villages Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Baldock and Villages Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
No apologies for absence were received.
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF A VICE-CHAIR FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7771 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Royston and Villages Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Royston and Villages Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Bryony May be elected as Vice-Chair of the Royston and Villages Community Forum for the Civic Year 2026-27.
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF A CHAIR FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7770 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Royston and Villages Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Royston and Villages Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Tim Johnson be elected as Chair of the Royston and Villages Community Forum for the Civic Year 2026-27.
21/05/2026 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE ref: 7776 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Royston and Villages Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Royston and Villages Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ruth Clifton.
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF A VICE-CHAIR FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7763 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Hitchin Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Hitchin Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Clare Billing be elected as Vice-Chair of the Hitchin Community Forum for the Civic Year 2026-27.
21/05/2026 - ELECTION OF A CHAIR FOR THE CIVIC YEAR 2026/27 ref: 7762 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Hitchin Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Hitchin Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
RESOLVED: That Councillor Ian Albert be elected as Chair of the Hitchin Community Forum for the Civic Year 2026-27.
21/05/2026 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE ref: 7773 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Hitchin Community Forum
Made at meeting: 21/05/2026 - Hitchin Community Forum
Decision published: 22/05/2026
Effective from: 21/05/2026
Decision:
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Clare Billing.