Decisions

RESOLVED: That the Committee

(1) Considered the responses to the public consultation.

(2) Commented on the Policy, attached as Appendix A, and delegated authority to the Licensing and Community Safety Manager, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Regulation Committee, to make amendments to the policy, as outlined at the meeting.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1) The existing policy has worked well since its adoption with effect from 26 October 2020, following a public consultation on a number of changes to policy.

(2) The adoption of a policy ensures that applicants, licence holders, and the public have a clear understanding of the licensing process and objectives; it also ensures a consistent and transparent approach to decision-making.

(3) Continued efficiencies through smarter ways of working, supported by the co-operation of the licence holders, has resulted in changes to the policy that will improve the customer experience and make best use of existing resources.

(4) Government has published two new documents that local authorities must consider when adopting its next policy, and they have been considered as part of this consultation process.

(5) Early discussions with the North Herts Taxi Drivers Association identified some additional suggestions that were included in the policy published for consultation.

RESOLVED: That the Committee

(1) Endorsed and commented on the Sex Establishment Licensing Policy, attached as Appendix A.

(2) Delegated authority to the Licensing and Community Safety Manager, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing and Regulation Committee, to make amendments to the Policy, as outlined at the meeting.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1) The current policy worked well when the district did have a licensed sex shop, however some minor amendments are needed to ensure it remains fit for purpose, particularly in areas of safeguarding and the Council’s White Ribbon commitment.

(2) The adoption of a policy ensures that applicants, licence holders, and the public have a clear understanding of the licensing process and objectives; it also ensures a consistent and transparent approach.

The Licensing and Community Safety Manager provided Members with a verbal update on progress of matters raised at the meeting of the Committee on 14 October 2024.

There was no public participation.

(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 for purposes of clarification that 4.8.23(a) of the constitution did apply to this meeting and Members were required to be present for the entirety of an Item to vote.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lisa Nash.

There was no other business notified.

The Chair confirmed that the registered speakers were in attendance.

(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.

There was no other business notified.

The Chair advised that the Minutes from the 30 January 2025 were added to the Agenda in error and had been approved at the Planning Control Committee meeting on 25 February 2025.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ruth Brown and Sadie Billing.

RESOLVED: That application 24/02343/FPP be REFUSED subject to the reasons set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manage and supplementary document.

RESOLVED: That a decision on the confirmation of TPO/00215 be DEFERRED to allow for a new provisional Tree Preservation Order to be issued with an amended plan that provided for a revision in the extent of the land covered by a TPO.

RESOLVED: That the Committee

(1)    Considered and noted the Annual Report, together with the actions proposed post benchmarking.

(2)    Approved the Whistleblowing Policy, Appendix 1, in relation to anonymous allegations, as amended, as follows:

Page 30 of agenda item:

“Concerns expressed anonymously are much less powerful but will be considered at the discretion of the Monitoring Officer.”

“In exercising this discretion the factors to be taken into account would include:

·         the seriousness of the issues raised;

·         the credibility of the concern;

·         the likelihood of confirming the allegation from other sources and;

·         the reasoning behind wanting to remain anonymous.

Please remember that if you do not tell us who you are (and are therefore raising a concern anonymously) it will may be difficult for us to look into the matter…” 

(3)    Requested that the Whistleblowing Policy be included within the Code of Conduct training, which was mandatory for Members to complete.

REASONS FOR DECSION:

(1)  Good practice indicates that the Whistleblowing Policy should be reviewed annually. It affords the opportunity to comment on and improve arrangements at the Council.

(2)  To ensure Members are aware of the Whistleblowing Policy and their role within the Policy.

(3)  To use wording that encourages Council employees to use the Whistleblowing Policy as often as required.

RESOLVED: That the Committee

(1)  Noted the content of the report and makes any suggestions on future actions.

(2)  Noted the changes to the Standards Committee’s local remit and potential changes in future following the publishing of the English Devolution White Paper.

(3)  Requested that the completion figures of mandatory training for Members (Safeguarding and Data Protection)  be added to future Standards Matters reports. 

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure good governance within the Council and keep the Committee abreast of changes locally and nationally.

There was no public participation.

(1)  The Chair advised that, in accordance with Council policy this 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 for the purpose of clarification Clause 4.8.23(a) of the Constitution does not apply to this meeting.

There was no other business notified.

RESOLVED:That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 23 October 2024 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Dominic Griffiths.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Noted the outcome of the first stage consultation.

(2)   Agreed the Draft Proposals for the Community Governance Review, launching a public consultation on these [note that the Final Recommendations will be considered at a future Council meeting, taking the results of the public consultation into account] to subject to the following amendments:

i     Letchworth:

       ii.  That the proposed number of councillors for parishes with fewer than 500

            electors be reduced from 7 to 5.

(3)   Noted that hard-copy leaflets will be distributed to households in areas where external parish boundaries are proposed to be moved, new parish councils established, or new parish wards implemented.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: The Council is required to keep parish electoral arrangements under review. Following the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) review of district electoral arrangements (Council size and warding patterns), it is necessary to review parish arrangements across the district to bring them into alignment, ensure they remain fit for purpose, and to ensure they continue to reflect local needs. This report provides Draft Proposals following the first round of public consultation. Before Final Recommendations can be developed and considered, there must be a public consultation on the Draft Proposals, the responses to which will be taken into account in forming the Final Recommendations.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Approved the ongoing additional budget of £112k per year for inclusion in the Budget 2025/26 (Revenue Budget and Investment Strategy).

(2)   Noted the proposed Leadership Team and Senior Management arrangements as set out in the report and the proposed timetable for the implementation of these arrangements.

(3)   Waived the constitutional requirements for the appoint of a Director, in this instance, and authorise the Head of Paid Service to offer the new role of Director - Regulatory to the current Service Director Housing and Environmental Health.

(4)   Authorised the Monitoring Officer and Chief Finance Officer to make the necessary amendments to the Council’s Constitution (including the Contract Procurement Rules and Financial Regulations) and any consequential title changes to other Policy and Procedure documentation, to reflect the new Leadership Team and Senior Management arrangements.             

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To ensure that the Council has a Leadership Team and Senior Management structure that is fit for purpose and is able to deliver the Council’s priorities. The proposed structure also responds to one of the recommendations in the Corporate Peer Challenge report.

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Noted the position on the Collection Fund and how it would be funded.

(2)   Noted the position relating to the General Fund balance and that due to the risks identified a minimum balance of £2.6 million was recommended.

(3)   Noted the revenue savings that were likely to be required in future years, combined with the Chief Finance Officer’s section 25 report (Appendix D) which provided a commentary on the risks and reliability of estimates contained in the budget.

(4)   Approved the revenue savings and investments as detailed in Addendum Appendix B, as amended by additional proposals.

(5)   Approved the capital programme as detailed in Appendix C.

(6)   Approved a net expenditure budget of £22.914m, as detailed in Appendix E as amended.

(7)   Approved a Council Tax increase of 2.99%, which was in line with the provisions in the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

(8)   Approved the Investment Strategy as detailed in Appendix F.

(9)   Approved the adoption of the four clauses in relation to the Code of Practice on Treasury Management (as detailed in paragraphs 8.32 to 8.35).

(10) Approved to increase Grant funding for Community Forums by £30,000 for 2025/26 only, in the light of the continued reduced support to local organisations from County Council Member Locality Budgets.

(11) Approved to set aside a contingency budget of £40k in 2025/26 that will allow cost effective feasibility work to be carried out to further assess whether there are viable options for a Learner pool at Royston Leisure Centre.

(12) Approved that once having spoken with residents, particularly in the rural communities, to add an additional Community Safety Officer post at a cost of £52,000 per year from 2025/26 onwards.

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   To ensure that all relevant factors are considered in arriving at a budget (revenue and capital) and Council Tax level for 2025/26. To ensure that the budget is aligned to Council priorities for 2024-28 as set out in the Council Plan.

(2)   The Council’s Investment Strategy is set to comply with relevant statutory guidance, including the CIPFA Prudential Code. The Strategy also sets out the Council’s approach to risks in relation to the investment of surplus cash.

RESOLVED:That Council:

(1)   Approved the 2025/26 Pay Policy Statement attached at Appendix 1.

(2)   Delegated authority for revisions made in year to the Pay Policy Statement, to the Service Director - Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council. Revisions which might arise in the year include changes in structure, changes to employment benefits, subsequent pay awards agreed nationally and new legislative requirements.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, Statutory Guidance issued under s40 and the Local Government Transparency Code 2015.

RESOLVED: That Council:

REASONS FOR DECISIONS:

(1)   The Council is required to set the Council Tax and to set the overall level of Council Tax for the following financial year, taking into account the precepts of all major and local precepting authorities.

(2)   The level of Council Tax Requirement has been considered necessary to meet the budgeting needs of the Council for 2025/26.

The Chair advised that the item referred from Cabinet would be taken with the respective item on the agenda.

There were no motions received by Members of the Council, in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

There were no questions submitted by Members of the Council, in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.11 (b).

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 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 the Committee about the upcoming Chair’s Civic Event and Awards, being held on Friday 28 February 2025.

There was no other business notified.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on 15 January and 23 January 2025 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chair.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Lisa Nash, Steven Patmore, Sam Collins and Cathy Brownjohn.