Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chairman presented a cheque to Sally Hassells of the Milton Children’s Hospice, the designated Chairman’s Charity for 2006-2007. 

To elect the Chairman of the Council for the 2007-2008 Civic Year. 

Councillor Mrs CAED Murfitt gave an overview of her two years as Chairman of the Council, drawing attention not only to the many challenges which had faced the Council during this period but also to its successes. She gave special thanks to the dedicated group of helpers who had assisted in fund raising for her designated charities, and to former Councillor Bob Bryant and her own family for their support.

On the nomination of Councillor JD Batchelor, seconded by Councillor RMA Manning, and there being no further nomination, Council

Councillor Stewart accepted the office and signed the declaration of acceptance. He thanked Council for electing him as Chairman and advised that he considered it to be a great privilege. Councillor Stewart thanked Councillor Mrs Murfitt for her work as Chairman during the past two years.

Councillors RMA Manning, JD Batchelor and NN Cathcart paid further tribute to Councillor Mrs Murfitt, who was subsequently presented with flowers and champagne as a mark of the Council’s appreciation for her work.

To appoint the Vice-Chairman of the Council for the 2007-2008 Civic Year. 

On the nomination of Councillor RMA Manning, seconded by Councillor JD Batchelor, and there being no further nomination, Council

Councillor Barrett accepted the office and signed the declaration of acceptance. He thanked Council for appointing him to the office of Vice-Chairman and advised that he looked forward to serving the Council and supporting the Chairman.

Councillors JD Batchelor, SGM Kindersley, DC McCraith, AG Orgee and RJ Turner declared personal non-prejudicial interests as elected Cambridgeshire County Councillors.

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2007 as a correct record.

Council RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2007 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

To receive the attached report on the results of the elections held on 3 May 2007.

The Report of the Returning Officer was RECEIVED.  New members were welcomed to the Council and returning members congratulated on their re-election.

The Chairman made the following announcements:

·                      The Member Toolkit had been distributed to all Members along with two copies of the Member Undertaking, one of which should be signed and returned to Democratic Services;

·                      Diary pages for 2007-2008 had been placed in Members’ pigeonholes for collection;

·                      The Chairman’s nominated charity for 2007-2008 was the Cambridge Society for the blind (CamSight), an organisation undertaking voluntary work with blind and handicapped people in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire.

“The response (to my previous question on the subject) from Cllr. Mrs. Spink as Planning Portfolio Holder included the statement that she considered that the present status of the metal conveyor belt was 'unlawful development'.

1.    What steps are being taken to bring this into a 'lawful' status?

2.                                      Is it possible at this stage to place an enforcement order on this development?

3.                                      Can I assume that had an enforcement order been placed on the conveyor belt development when it was first drawn to the attention of the Planning or Environmental Health Services; a normal planning application would have had to be submitted, or that legal proceedings could have been taken against TKA?

“If such a planning application had been made, can I assume that it would have involved

1.                  notification and consultation with the Parish Council, the residents, and the local member?

2.                  The PC and the local member and the residents having the opportunity to bring to the committee's attention the extent of the local problems?

3.                  A decision would have been made by the Planning Committee, taking into account those objections and any recommendations of the planning officers?

4.                  A decision, which could have included conditions on structure and materials; sighting and orientation; as well as restrictions on the timing of the use of that facility?

5.                  TKA having the right to have taken any decision to appeal?

“Failing to serve an enforcement order on TKA at the appropriate time prevented those parties from having an input into the decision.

·                       Please can you confirm the above?

·                       What measures are in place to ensure that such a failure does not occur again?

·                      Can we offer the residents any hope of improved conditions related to the noise they are subject to at present?”

Councillor RB Martlew asked the Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder the following question:

“The response (to my previous question on the subject) from Cllr. Mrs. Spink as Planning Portfolio Holder included the statement that she considered that the present status of the metal conveyor belt was 'unlawful development'.

1.     What steps are being taken to bring this into a 'lawful' status?

2.                                      Is it possible at this stage to place an enforcement order on this development?

3.                                      Can I assume that had an enforcement order been placed on the conveyor belt development when it was first drawn to the attention of the Planning or Environmental Health Services; a normal planning application would have had to be submitted, or that legal proceedings could have been taken against TKA?

“If such a planning application had been made, can I assume that it would have involved

1.                  Notification and consultation with the Parish Council, the residents, and the local member?

2.                  The PC and the local member and the residents having the opportunity to bring to the committee's attention the extent of the local problems?

3.                  A decision would have been made by the Planning Committee, taking into account those objections and any recommendations of the planning officers?

4.                  A decision, which could have included conditions on structure and materials; sighting and orientation; as well as restrictions on the timing of the use of that facility?

5.                  TKA having the right to have taken any decision to appeal?

“Failing to serve an enforcement order on TKA at the appropriate time prevented those parties from having aninput into the decision.

·                       Please can you confirm the above?

·                       What measures are in place to ensure that such a failure does not occur again?

·                      Can we offer the residents any hope of improved conditions related to the noise they are subject to at present?”

Councillor Dr DR Bard, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, referred to the following letter by the Corporate Manager (Planning and Sustainable Communities) which had been received by Councillor Martlew and would be circulated to all Members.

“I apologise for the delay in replying formally to your further questions of the 6^th February 2007, to Cllr Bard.

First, can I just update you with the current situation regarding the second (LDC) Lawful Development Certificate application for the scrap metal conveyor and the planning application for its hood.  The LDC has recently been issued and the planning permission can now be granted for the hood.  The Area Environmental Health Officer, Brian Heffernan, will be writing to the complainants in the next few days to update them on the progress since the agreement between the Company and this Council was agreed last year, and he will copy you in.  It may be that more evening monitoring will be required in the summer months to assess the worst-case conditions for the complainants.  Once planning permission is granted for the conveyor housing he will encourage the company to carry out the modification  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7a

“The Smoking Ban comes into force on July 1st. What pro-active action is being or is going to be taken by SCDC to ensure that the Smoking Ban in enforced? And what action is or will be taken to ensure that pavements and streets outside pubs and clubs in South Cambridgeshire are kept clean following the introduction of the Smoking Ban? The latest edition of Local Government First forecasts that up to 25 tonnes of extra cigarette rubbish could be dumped on Britain’s streets every day as a result of the new smoke-free laws. Has SCDC considered selling special fire-proof butt bins to pub and club owners to fix to their properties? Will the provision of butt bins be a mandatory requirement for any changes to an establishment’s licensing requirements?” 

Councillor NCF Bolitho asked the Environmental Health Portfolio Holder the following question:

“The Smoking Ban comes into force on July 1st. What pro-active action is being or is going to be taken by SCDC to ensure that the Smoking Ban in enforced? And what action is or will be taken to ensure that pavements and streets outside pubs and clubs in South Cambridgeshire are kept clean following the introduction of the Smoking Ban? The latest edition of Local Government First forecasts that up to 25 tonnes of extra cigarette rubbish could be dumped on Britain’s streets every day as a result of the new smoke-free laws. Has SCDC considered selling special fire-proof butt bins to pub and club owners to fix to their properties? Will the provision of butt bins be a mandatory requirement for any changes to an establishment’s licensing requirements?”

Councillor MP Howell, Environmental Health Portfolio Holder, advised that the Cabinet, at its meeting on 8 March 2007, had approved the appointment of two employees over a 12-month period to work on implementation of the smoking ban. Priorities for the Council in implementing the ban would be education rather than self-policing, and acting to ensure pavements and other public areas remained clean. Fixed penalty notices and prosecution would be used to deal with serious breaches, however the intention was to work with residents and businesses. Councillor Howell advised that the full text of his response would be forwarded to all Members by e-mail.

“The Cabinet is to be congratulated in helping to convince the Government that Northstowe should be built as one of the five new eco-towns in Britain. What action, however, is the appropriate portfolio holder or holders taking to ensure that the houses (including a large number of affordable properties) that will be built there will be powered entirely by solar and wind power to ensure they have a zero carbon footprint? In other words conventional forms of heating and lighting should not be installed. It would also be eco-friendly and eco-efficient if the roofs of all the properties could be grassed over or planted with wild flowers.” 

Councillor NCF Bolitho asked the Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder the following question:

“The Cabinet is to be congratulated in helping to convince the Government that Northstowe should be built as one of the five new eco-towns in Britain. What action, however, is the appropriate portfolio holder or holders taking to ensure that the houses (including a large number of affordable properties) that will be built there will be powered entirely by solar and wind power to ensure they have a zero carbon footprint? In other words conventional forms of heating and lighting should not be installed. It would also be eco-friendly and eco-efficient if the roofs of all the properties could be grassed over or planted with wild flowers.”

Councillor Dr DR Bard, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, welcomed the recent endorsement by the government of a vision for a sustainable green settlement at Northstowe. It was necessary now for the government to support its words with adequate funding to make this vision a reality, as Section 106 developer contributions would not be sufficient to cover the amounts required.

Dr Bard went on to advise that the Council currently lacked legislative control over methods of heating and lighting new houses; however, detailed negotiations would take place with Gallahers and English Partnerships to ensure satisfactory development.

“Will the Housing Portfolio Holder please confirm that tenants' representative for the purpose of Housing Stock Options Appraisals will be elected by and from all the Council's tenants in a process overseen by Electoral Reform Ballot Services as an independent and credible organisation outside the Council?”

Councillor NJ Scarr asked the Housing Portfolio Holder the following question:

“Will the Housing Portfolio Holder please confirm that tenants' representative for the purpose of Housing Stock Options Appraisals will be elected by and from all the Council's tenants in a process overseen by Electoral Reform Ballot Services as an independent and credible organisation outside the Council?”

Councillor Mrs DSK Spink, Housing Portfolio Holder, advised that Cabinet had decided, at its meeting on 12 April 2007, to establish a joint working group of councillors and tenant representatives to look at future options for the Council’s housing stock. That work would take place in two phases – firstly an examination and evaluation of the options, so that the Council could determine by the end of this year whether it wished to retain its landlord role or whether it wished to explore transferring its housing to a new or existing housing association. If the Council decided to explore stock transfer further it would commence the project’s second phase early next year. This would involve detailed preparations and tenant consultation including a tenant ballot run by an independent body. At the earliest such a ballot would take place late in 2008.

For many years the Council had enjoyed a positive relationship with the district wide Tenant Participation Group (TPG) which comprised 20 volunteer tenants; however, in recognition of the need to ensure that the TPG was fully representative of tenants’ views, the Council had been working over the last few months with the TPG to revise the ‘Tenant Compact’ which provided the framework within which the Council promoted tenant involvement and participation in its housing services. That work was programmed to complete in September of this year.

It would be premature to bring agreement of the new Tenant Compact forward to June and its implementation would need to be programmed and managed within available resources taking account of other priorities but as a key element of the housing stock options project. In view of the urgent need to address the problem of funding the Council’s housing service it would be irresponsible to delay work on the housing options project. A course of action was required which took the Council towards more robust tenant representation but which also recognised the important work of the TPG to date.

Councillor Mrs Spink advised that she proposed to write to all tenants next month inviting them to get involved in the project through a variety of different ways. One of those ways will be to join the TPG. Tenants who also wanted to get involved in the joint working group would be invited to put their names forward for this project at the same time. If as a result more expressions of interest to get involved from respondents or current members of the TPG were received than the five available places then the TPG would be offered the services of the Council’s own elections team to organise a ballot of tenants to select their representatives.

This proposal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7d

To note all petitions received since the last Council meeting.

No petitions had been received since the last meeting. 

To elect the Leader of the Council for the 2007-2008 Civic Year. 

In accordance with Article 7 of the Constitution, it is for the Leader subsequently to make appointments to the Cabinet and to allocate portfolio responsibilities.

Councillor Manning announced the appointment of Members to the Cabinet and the allocation of Portfolio responsibilities as follows:

On the nomination of Councillor Dr DR Bard, seconded by Councillor MP Howell, and there being no further nomination, Council

Members of the Liberal Democrat abstained from the vote.

Councillor Manning announced the appointment of Members to the Cabinet and the allocation of Portfolio responsibilities as follows:

Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that:

(a)               delegated authority be given to the Leader and the Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, in consultation with the Executive Director, to continue to work with Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council to develop a structure and scheme of delegation to Officers of the three authorities to provide development control advice to the Joint Committees, such scheme to be approved by the relevant Joint Development Control Committee at its first meeting;

(b)               the joint development control committees be authorised to exercise their delegated powers from 1 September 2007 but may meet prior to that date in preparation for the discharge of their duties;

(c)               the Leader and Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder be authorised to agree changes to the terms of reference and appendices governing the working of the joint committees (but not the extent of the powers delegated) following consultation with the Executive Director; and

(d)               delegated authority be given to the Leader and Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Executive Director to resolve issues in relation to the proposed joint policy-making arrangements for consideration by Cabinet and Council at a later date. 

Council RESOLVED that:

(a)               Delegated authority be given to the Leader and the Growth and Sustainable Communities Portfolio Holder, in consultation with the Executive Director, to continue to work with Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council to develop a structure and scheme of delegation to Officers of the three authorities to provide development control advice to the Joint Committees, such scheme to be approved by the relevant Joint Development Control Committee at its first meeting;

(b)               The joint development control committees be authorised to exercise their delegated powers from 1 September 2007 but may meet prior to that date in preparation for the discharge of their duties;

(c)               The Leader and Growth and Sustainable Communities Portfolio Holder be authorised to agree changes to the terms of reference and appendices governing the working of the joint committees (but not the extent of the powers delegated) following consultation with the Executive Director; and

(d)               Delegated authority be given to the Growth and Sustainable Communities Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Executive Director to resolve issues in relation to the proposed joint policy-making arrangements for consideration by Cabinet and Council at a later date.

Councillor Dr DR Bard proposed and Councillor RMA Manning seconded the following recommendations of the Cabinet;

“That:

(a)               Delegated authority be given to the Leader and the Growth and Sustainable Communities Portfolio Holder, in consultation with the Executive Director, to continue to work with Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council to develop a structure and scheme of delegation to Officers of the three authorities to provide development control advice to the Joint Committees, such scheme to be approved by the relevant Joint Development Control Committee at its first meeting;

(b)               The joint development control committees be authorised to exercise their delegated powers from 1 September 2007 but may meet prior to that date in preparation for the discharge of their duties;

(c)               The Leader and Growth and Sustainable Communities Portfolio Holder be authorised to agree changes to the terms of reference and appendices governing the working of the joint committees (but not the extent of the powers delegated) following consultation with the Executive Director; and

(d)               Delegated authority be given to the Leader and Growth and Sustainable Communities Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Executive Director to resolve issues in relation to the proposed joint policy-making arrangements for consideration by Cabinet and Council at a later date. “

Councillor MJ Mason proposed and Councillor NJ Scarr seconded an amendment in the following terms:

“That

(a)               Delegated authority be given to the Leader and the Growth and Sustainable Communities Portfolio Holder, in consultation with the Executive Director, to continue to work with Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council to develop a structure and scheme of delegation to Officers of the three authorities to provide development control advice to the Joint Committees, such scheme to be approved by the Constitution Review Working Party and confirmed by Council before the first meeting of the relevant joint committee:

(b)               The joint development control committees be authorised to exercise their delegated powers from 1 September 2007 but may meet prior to that date in preparation for the discharge of their duties;

(c)               The Leader and Growth and Sustainable Communities Portfolio Holder be authorised to agree changes to the terms of reference and appendices governing the working of the joint committees (but not the extent of the powers delegated) following consultation with the Executive Director; and

(d)               Delegated authority be given to the Leader and Growth and Sustainable Communities Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Executive Director to resolve issues in relation to the proposed joint policy-making arrangements for consideration by Cabinet and Council at a later date. “

The amendment, on being put, was declared lost.

Council RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Cabinet be agreed as set out above.

It is a legal requirement that 25% of the Standards Committee be independent members (‘Independent’ in this context means simply a person who is not a member or officer of the Council, any parish council in the district or any other relevant authority; it has no connotation with political independence from any party or political group).  An appointments process has begun to fill the vacancies left after resignations of two of the independent members.  Article 9 of the Constitution states that, “[Independent Members’] appointment shall be ratified by Council on the recommendation of the appointments panel of the Standards Committee”, but it will not be possible to complete the appointments process in time to report the results to Council on 19 July.  The next ordinary meeting of Council is on 18 October.

The Standards Committee Appointments Panel Task and Finish Group RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that, in this instance only and due to the extraordinary circumstances, authority be delegated to the Standards Committee Appointments Panel to appoint at least three independent members to the Standards Committee for four-year terms from 2007/08-2011/12. 

Council RESOLVED that, in this instance only and due to the extraordinary circumstances, authority be delegated to the Standards Committee Appointments Panel to appoint at least three independent members to the Standards Committee for four-year terms from 2007/08 to 2011/12. 

Council RESOLVED that, in this instance only and due to the extraordinary circumstances, authority be delegated to the Standards Committee Appointments Panel to appoint at least three independent members to the Standards Committee for four-year terms from 2007/08 to 2011/12. 

The Constitution Review Working Party RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

(1)               That a Policy Development Committee be established, its Terms of Reference to be considered by the Constitution Review Working Party for agreement by Council and inclusion in the Constitution.

(2)               That every non-Executive Member of the Council shall be afforded the opportunity to sit on at least one of the following Council bodies:

(a)               Planning Committee;

(b)               Licensing Committee, Licensing Committee (2003 Act), Licensing Committee (2005 Gambling Act);

(c)               Scrutiny and Overview Committee;

(d)               Policy Development Committee (subject to approval of (1) above);

(e)               Employment Committee;

(f)                 Electoral Arrangements Committee;

(g)               Audit Panel.

(3)               That Executive (Cabinet) Members shall not sit on the above bodies, excepting the Employment Committee which shall continue to be subject to the provisions of Table One of Part 3 of the Constitution (Portfolio Holder with responsibility for staffing to be an ex officio Member of this Committee);

(4)               That any Member with suitable experience be invited by the Scrutiny and Overview Committee to serve as an additional member of Task and Finish groups as appropriate;

(5)               That the size of the above bodies be agreed as follows:

(a)               Planning Committee - 15 Members;

(b)               Licensing Committee and Licensing Committee (2003 Act) – 15 Members;

(c)               Scrutiny and Overview Committee – 15 Members;

(d)               Policy Development Committee (subject to approval of (1) above) – 5 Members;

(e)               Employment Committee – 7 Members;

(f)                 Electoral Arrangements Committee – 7 Members;

(g)               Audit Panel – 7 Members.

Council RESOLVED that

(1)               a Policy Development Committee be established, its Terms of Reference to be considered by the Constitution Review Working Party for agreement by Council and inclusion in the Constitution;

(2)               every non-Executive Member of the Council shall be afforded the opportunity to sit on at least one of the following Council bodies:

(a)               Planning Committee;

(b)               Licensing Committee, Licensing Committee (2003 Act), Licensing Committee (2005 Gambling Act);

(c)               Scrutiny and Overview Committee;

(d)               Policy Development Committee (subject to approval of (1) above);

(e)               Employment Committee;

(f)                 Electoral Arrangements Committee;

(g)               Audit Panel;

(3)               Executive (Cabinet) Members shall not sit on the above bodies, excepting the Employment Committee which shall continue to be subject to the provisions of Table One of Part 3 of the Constitution (Portfolio Holder with responsibility for staffing to be an ex officio Member of this Committee);

(4)               any Member with suitable experience be invited by the Scrutiny and Overview Committee to serve as an additional member of Task and Finish groups as appropriate;

(5)               the size of the above bodies be agreed as follows:

(a)               Planning Committee - 14 Members;

(b)               Licensing Committee and Licensing Committee (2003 Act) – 12 Members;

(c)               Scrutiny and Overview Committee – 12 Members;

(d)               Policy Development Committee (subject to approval of (1) above) – 5 Members;

(e)               Employment Committee – 7 Members;

(f)                 Electoral Arrangements Committee – 7 Members;

(g)               Audit Panel – 7 Members.

(6)               the requirement in Article 6.01 for the Scrutiny and Overview Committee to comprise between 14 and 16 Members be deleted; and

(7)               the Audit Panel be renamed the Corporate Governance Committee.

Having regard to the recommendations of the Constitution Review Working Party, Councillor RMA Manning proposed and Councillor SM Edwards seconded a Motion in the following terms:

(1)               “That a Policy Development Committee be established, its Terms of Reference to be considered by the Constitution Review Working Party for agreement by Council and inclusion in the Constitution.

(2)               That every non-Executive Member of the Council shall be afforded the opportunity to sit on at least one of the following Council bodies:

(a)               Planning Committee;

(b)               Licensing Committee, Licensing Committee (2003 Act), Licensing Committee (2005 Gambling Act);

(c)               Scrutiny and Overview Committee;

(d)               Policy Development Committee (subject to approval of (1) above);

(e)               Employment Committee;

(f)                 Electoral Arrangements Committee;

(g)               Audit Panel.

(3)               That Executive (Cabinet) Members shall not sit on the above bodies, excepting the Employment Committee which shall continue to be subject to the provisions of Table One of Part 3 of the Constitution (Portfolio Holder with responsibility for staffing to be an ex officio Member of this Committee);

(4)               That any Member with suitable experience be invited by the Scrutiny and Overview Committee to serve as an additional member of Task and Finish groups as appropriate;

(5)               That the size of the above bodies be agreed as follows:

(a)               Planning Committee - 14 Members;

(b)               Licensing Committee and Licensing Committee (2003 Act) – 12 Members;

(c)               Scrutiny and Overview Committee – 12 Members;

(d)               Policy Development Committee (subject to approval of (1) above) – 5 Members;

(e)               Employment Committee – 7 Members;

(f)                 Electoral Arrangements Committee – 7 Members;

(g)               Audit Panel – 7 Members.

(6)               That the requirement in Article 6.01 for the Scrutiny and Overview Committee to comprise between 14 and 16 Members be deleted.

(7)               That the Audit Panel be renamed the Corporate Governance Committee.”

The Motion, on being put, was declared carried, the voting being recorded as follows:

FOR: (28)

AGAINST: (26)

TJ Wotherspoon advised that he had voted against the Motion in error.

Council RESOLVED to accept the Motion moved by Councillor RMA Manning and seconded by Councillor SM Edwards, as set out in Minute 10c above.

(1)               To appoint Members to Committees and Joint Committees of the Council. In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Council Resolution in May 2006 to introduce proportionality, Council is required to allocate seats to political groups on committees and joint committees in accordance with the rules of political balance.

(2)               Following the District Council’s elections held on 3 May 2007 it is anticipated that the political groups will be constituted as follows:

(3)               Final details setting out membership of each political group will be circulated to councillors prior to the meeting. Under the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, political groups have to be formally established before they can be recognised. At the time of preparing this report, officers had not received formal notification under the above legislation.

(4)               Councillors who do not align to a group will have no entitlement to seats on committees and do not have to be allocated seats on any committee. Seats can be allocated to these Members, however, at the discretion of the Council. It is recommended that Council allocate a seat to these Councillors on the Scrutiny and Overview and Licensing Committees. Should the non-group Councillors come together to constitute a group then they would become legally entitled to a percentage of seats on each committee proportional to their group’s overall membership of the Council

(5)               The membership of groups in proportion to the total membership of the Council is therefore as follows:

Non-group Councillors represent 3.51% of the total membership of the Council.

(6)               The following table recommends an allocation of seats on Committees and the Audit Panel, based on the above percentages. It is recommended that single seats on the Licensing and Scrutiny and Overview Committees be allocated to the non-group Councillors and an additional seat on the Planning Committee to the Liberal Democrat Group. The allocation of this extra seat to the Liberal Democrat Group will allow greater opportunity for non-Executive Members of that group to be offered seats on the Council’s standing committees. It is considered that the allocations in table 1 accord with the principles of proportionality and the desire of the Constitution Review Working Party for each non-Executive Member to be afforded the opportunity to sit on at least one of the Council’s Standing Committees. Council may, however, alter the allocations at its discretion, subject to notes (1) to (5) below.

TABLE 1 SIZE AND RECOMMENDED ALLOCATION OF SEATS ON COMMITTEES AND THE AUDIT PANEL FOR 2007-2008

Council RESOLVED

(1)               That appointments to Committees and Joint Committees be made for the 2007-2008 civic year (as set out below).

(2)               That Councillor AG Orgee be appointed to the Standards Committee in place of Councillor EW Bullman.

Licensing Committee, Licensing Committee (2003 Act), Licensing Committee (2005 Gambling Act)

12 Members

Planning Committee

14 Members

Scrutiny and Overview Committee

12 Members

Policy Development Committee

5 Members

Employment Committee

7 Members

*Plus the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for staffing matters

Electoral Arrangements Committee

7 Members

Corporate Governance Committee

7 Members

Northstowe Joint Development Control Committee

6 Members

Fringe Sites Joint Development Control Committee

6 Members

Standards Committee

6 District Councillors

Council RESOLVED

(1)               That appointments to Committees and Joint Committees be made for the 2007-2008 civic year (as set out below).

(2)               That Councillor AG Orgee be appointed to the Standards Committee in place of Councillor EW Bullman.

Licensing Committee, Licensing Committee (2003 Act), Licensing Committee (2005 Gambling Act)

12 Members

Planning Committee

14 Members

Scrutiny and Overview Committee

12 Members

Policy Development Committee

5 Members

Employment Committee

7 Members

*Plus the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for staffing matters

Electoral Arrangements Committee

7 Members

Corporate Governance Committee

7 Members

Northstowe Joint Development Control Committee

6 Members

Fringe Sites Joint Development Control Committee

6 Members

Standards Committee

6 District Councillors

This is a standing working party of Council. In accordance with a previous Resolution the working party shall comprise the Leader, Deputy Leader, Chairman of the Council and the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee plus one representative of each of the political groups.

A request for nominations to the working party has been circulated to Group Leaders and the nominations of the groups will be reported at the meeting.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Leader, Deputy Leader, Chairman of Council and Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee be appointed to the Constitution Review Working Party along with one representative of each of the political groups.

Council RESOLVED that the following appointments be made to the Constitution Review Working Party for the 2007-2008 Civic Year:

(In addition to appointments by office*)

·         Appointments by Office:

Councillor JH Stewart, Chairman of the Council

Councillor RMA Manning, Leader of the Council

Councillor SM Edwards, Deputy Leader of the Council

Councillor Mrs EM Heazell, Chairman of the Scrutiny and Committee

Council RESOLVED that the following appointments be made to the Constitution Review Working Party for the 2007-2008 Civic Year:

(In addition to appointments by office*)

*Appointments by Office:

Councillor JH Stewart, Chairman of the Council

Councillor RMA Manning, Leader of the Council

Councillor SM Edwards, Deputy Leader of the Council

Councillor Mrs EM Heazell, Chairman of the Scrutiny and Committee

Following the Resolution of Council on 25 January 2007, Council is required to appoint nine Members to the Climate Change Working Group in accordance with political proportionality.

RECOMMENDATION

That 9 Members be appointed to the Climate Change Working Group for 2007-2008, appointments to be made in accordance with political proportionality.

Council RESOLVED that the following appointments be made to the Climate Change Working Group for the 2007-2008 Civic Year:

9 Members

Council RESOLVED that the following appointments be made to the Climate Change Working Group for the 2007-2008 Civic Year:

9 Members

(1)               Attached is a list of the bodies to which Council is requested to make appointments.

(2)               The appointments have been categorised as follows:

·                     Appointments where vacancies have arisen following elections or otherwise;

·                     Appointments to be made on a politically proportionate basis;

·                     Annual appointments by office;

·                     Ratification of existing appointments until the end of the members’ term(s) of office (see paragraph 4 below).

·                     Bodies which have been disbanded since May 2006, or to which the District Council no longer makes appointments (to be noted).

(3)               Details of the appointments have been circulated to Group Leaders for endorsement. A final version, incorporating nominations to fill vacancies, will be circulated as soon as it is available.

(4)               In order to streamline the appointment process and reduce officers’ and group leaders’ workloads Council is recommended to agree, that, with effect from the 2007-2008 Civic Year, appointments be made until the expiry of the appointee or appointees’ term(s) of office.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council make appointments to outside bodies as set out in the Appendices, appointments to be made until the expiry of the appointee or appointees’ term(s) of office.

Council RESOLVED that the Group Leaders be authorised to agree and publish nominations to outside and joint bodies by no later than 31 May 2007.

Council RESOLVED that the Group Leaders be authorised to agree and publish nominations to outside and joint bodies by no later than 31 May 2007.

Appointments subsequently agreed by the Group Leaders are attached as an Appendix to these Minutes.

To determine whether to send representatives to the Annual Meeting and Conference of the Local Government Association to be held in Birmingham on 3-5 July 2007 and, if so, decide on an appointment from Council.

Council RESOLVED that no representative be nominated to attend the Annual Conference of the Local Government Association. 

Council RESOLVED that no representative be nominated to attend the Annual Conference of the Local Government Association. 

In accordance with Standing Order 1.2 it is necessary for Council, at its Annual Meeting, to agree Terms of Reference for the Committees it has agreed to establish for the 2007-2008 Civic Year.

Terms of Reference for the Joint Planning Committees are subject to separate consideration by Council at Agenda Item 11a above.

Council is recommended to RESOLVE:

(1)               That no changes be made to the Terms of Reference of the following committees:

·                      Licensing Committee, Licensing Committee (2003 Act), Licensing Committee (2005 Gambling Act);

·                      Employment Committee;

·                      Electoral Arrangements Committee;

·                      Audit Panel.

(2)               That the Chief Executive be authorised to amend the Terms of Reference of the Planning Committee to reflect the joint working arrangements, subject to the agreement of the recommendations in Agenda Item 11a above;

(3)               That the Chief Executive be authorised to amend the Terms of Reference of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee following the establishment and agreement of Terms of Reference for the Policy Development Committee, subject to the agreement of the recommendation in Agenda Item 11c above.

Council RESOLVED

(1)               That no changes be made to the Terms of Reference of the following committees:

·                     Licensing Committee, Licensing Committee (2003 Act), Licensing Committee (2005 Gambling Act);

·                     Employment Committee;

·                     Electoral Arrangements Committee;

·                     Corporate Governance Committee (formerly the Audit Panel)

(2)               That the Chief Executive be authorised to amend the Terms of Reference of the Planning Committee to reflect the joint working arrangements, subject to the agreement of the recommendations in Agenda Item 11a above;

(3)               That any amendments to the Terms of Reference of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee which may be required following the establishment of the Policy Development Committee, be considered by the Constitution Review Working Party and submitted to the next meeting of Council for agreement.

Council RESOLVED

(1)               That no changes be made to the Terms of Reference of the following committees:

·                     Licensing Committee, Licensing Committee (2003 Act), Licensing Committee (2005 Gambling Act);

·                     Employment Committee;

·                     Electoral Arrangements Committee;

·                     Corporate Governance Committee (formerly the Audit Panel)

(2)               That the Chief Executive be authorised to amend the Terms of Reference of the Planning Committee to reflect the joint working arrangements, subject to the agreement of the recommendations in Agenda Item 11a above;

(3)               That any amendments to the Terms of Reference of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee which may be required following the establishment of the Policy Development Committee, be considered by the Constitution Review Working Party and submitted to the next meeting of Council for agreement.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive in respect of the process for the approval of the Performance Plan (report and appendices attached). 

Council is RECOMMENDED:

(a)               To instruct the 2007 Performance Plan to be prepared on the basis of:-

(i)                 The previously approved priorities for 2007/08 (customer service, affordable housing and successful, sustainable communities at Northstowe and other growth areas);

(ii)                The proposals in Appendix 1 to achieve those priorities in 2007/08;

(iii)              The performance indicator targets in Appendix 2;

(iv)              The CGI Improvement Plan approved by the Council on 26^th April 2007;

(v)               The structure given in paragraph 9, above.

(b)               To delegate detailed approval of the Performance Plan to the Cabinet for publication by the statutory deadline of 30^th June.

Council RESOLVED:

(1)               That the 2007 Performance Plan be prepared on the basis of:

(i)                 The previously approved priorities for 2007/08 (customer service, affordable housing and successful, sustainable communities at Northstowe and other growth areas);

(ii)                The proposals to achieve those priorities in 2007/08, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report;

(iii)              The performance indicator targets set out in Appendix 2 to the report;

(iv)              The CGI Improvement Plan approved by Council on 26 April 2007;

(v)               The structure given in paragraph 9 of the report;

(vi)              Comments and concerns raised by Members at the Annual Council Meeting.

(2)               The authority be delegated to the Cabinet to approve the Performance Plan by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2007.

Council considered a report recommending approval of a process for the approval of the Performance Plan 2007. A number of areas of concern were identified during the course of debate on the plan. The Deputy Leader undertook that these matters would be taken into account as part of the process of approving the plan by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2007.

Council RESOLVED:

(1)               That the 2007 Performance Plan be prepared on the basis of:

(i)                 The previously approved priorities for 2007/08 (customer service, affordable housing and successful, sustainable communities at Northstowe and other growth areas);

(ii)                The proposals to achieve those priorities in 2007/08, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report;

(iii)              The performance indicator targets set out in Appendix 2 to the report;

(iv)              The CGI Improvement Plan approved by Council on 26 April 2007;

(v)               The structure given in paragraph 9 of the report;

(vi)              Comments and concerns raised by Members at the Annual Council Meeting.

(2)               The authority be delegated to the Cabinet to approve the Performance Plan by the statutory deadline of 30 June 2007.

The attached public speaking scheme has been developed in consultation with the Chairman of the Planning Committee. The guidance draws on best practice at other authorities with public speaking schemes and is recommended to Council for approval with effect from 1 July 2007.

RECOMMENDATION

That public speaking at Planning Committee be introduced with effect from 1 July 2007 based on the attached scheme, that the Planning Committee be authorised to review and amend the scheme from at its discretion, and that Part 4 of the Constitution be amended accordingly.

Council RESOLVEDthat public speaking at Planning Committee be introduced with effect from 1 July 2007, based on the scheme attached to the Agenda, that the Planning Committee be authorised to review and amend the scheme at its discretion, and that Part 4 of the Constitution be amended accordingly.

Council RESOLVEDthat public speaking at Planning Committee be introduced with effect from 1 July 2007, based on the scheme attached to the Agenda, that the Planning Committee be authorised to review and amend the scheme at its discretion, and that Part 4 of the Constitution be amended accordingly.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive and Head of Revenues (attached). 

Council considered and NOTED a report setting out details of debts written off under powers delegated to the Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder and the Chief Finance Officer. 

Councillor TJ Wotherspoon reviewed the ‘Pride not Prejudice’ conference to celebrate gypsy and traveller youth, which he had recently attended. The event had included talks by the Commissioner of the Campaign for Racial Equality and the Deputy Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Police, covering key issues such as the provision of home education and the problems of racial abuse through name-calling.

Councillor Dr DR Bard commended a consultation document from the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) on Gypsy and Traveller sites, discussed at a recent meeting at Robinson College. Councillor Bard advised that it was crucial for Members and parish councils to engage with the consultation process.  

Councillor MJ Mason provided an update from the Internal Drainage Boards (IDB) for Old West, Waterbeach Level and Swaffham Internal Drainage Boards, focussing on changes being introduced by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The Council currently made payments by way of annual special levy to six Internal Drainage Boards :- Old West, Waterbeach, Swaffham, Bedforshire, Over and Willingham and Swavesey. The total Special Levy payments for 06/07 was £113,909.95.

Councillor Mason advised that DEFRA had written to all IDBs with a request to consider further re-organisation by amalgamation of small boards into larger groups. The three IDBs were currently looking at a range of proposed options and scenarios. Whilst it was unlikely that further re-organisation was imminent one option to create a new district by amalgamation of the three existing IDBs would result in an increase of £40,600 in special levy to District Councils. Furthermore in Waterbeach District a major pumping station capital replacement programme might also have long term implications for District Council levies.

Councillor Mason reminded Members that the Council needed to be aware of changes in IDB structures and the implications for future budgets. The Chairman noted that these matters had been raised with the Chief Executive.

To note the Chairman’s engagements since the last Council meeting:

The Chairman’s engagements since the last meeting were noted.

Councillor Mrs CAED Murfitt thanked Members for attending the recent Charity Concern which had raised £1,200.  Mrs Murfitt went on to advise that she had written letters responding to schoolchildren regarding the future of Milton County Park. She asked the Chairman to write to Nuttalls thanking them for the exemplary manner in which they had undertaken the A428 improvement project. The Chairman agreed that he would be happy to do so.