Agenda, decisions and minutes

Chairman Charlie Nightingale presented cheques for £2,983.50 each to Alison Horsley, East Anglian Air Ambulance and Robert Altham, Volunteer County Co-ordinator for Cambridgeshire, Help for Heroes, the Chairman’s nominated charities for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 civic years.

To elect the Chairman of the Council for the 2011-2012 Civic Year.

In accordance with Council Standing Orders 7.3-7.4, where the Chairman of Council is retiring, he shall preside over the election of his successor.  All nominees for the Chairmanship shall leave the room prior to voting upon the Chairmanship.

RESOLVED that Councillor Tony Orgee be elected Chairman of the Council for the 2011/12 civic year.

On the nomination of Councillor Ray Manning, seconded by Councillor Sebastian Kindersley, and there being no further nominations, it was RESOLVED that Councillor Tony Orgee be elected Chairman of the Council for the 2011/12 civic year.

Councillor Orgee signed the acceptance of office and thanked Council for entrusting him with the honour and responsibility of the Chairmanship.  He led tributes to the former Chairman, Councillor Charlie Nightingale, and presented Councillor Nightingale with mementoes of his time in office, including a Past Chairman’s badge.  Councillor Nightingale thanked Council for its support, in particular Councillor Orgee as his Vice-Chairman.  Councillors Manning and Kindersley spoke of Councillor Nightingale’s enthusiasm for his role, his record number of civic engagements and his successful fundraising for charity.

To appoint the Vice-Chairman of the Council for the 2011/12 Civic Year. 

RESOLVED that Councillor Bard be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council for the 2011/12 civic year.

Councillor Ray Manning, seconded by Councillor Simon Edwards, proposed Councillor David Bard.  Councillor Sebastian Kindersley, seconded by Councillor Liz Heazell, proposed Councillor John Batchelor.  A vote was held and, with 31 votes for Councillor Bard and 19 for Councillor Batchelor it was RESOLVED that Councillor Bard be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council for the 2011/12 civic year.

The following interests were declared:

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 April 2011 as a correct record.

The Chairman was authorised to sign the minutes of 14 April 2011 as a correct record subject to the following amendments:

·                      Item 103(a), Notice of motion standing in the names of Councillors Sebastian Kindersley and Jonathan Chatfield:

·                     “…input through the Northstowe Planning Parish Forum”

·                     “…that plans for the full A14 upgrade must be reinstated resolutions for the problems on the A14 must be found…”

·                      Item 106, Job Evaluation Project: inclusion of Councillor Ben Shelton’s name in the list of attendees.

To receive the attached report on the results of the elections held on 5 May 2011.

The Report of the Returning Officer was RECEIVED and the newly-elected councillors introduced themselves and were welcomed to the Council.  The Chairman recognised the work of former Councillor Frances Amrani, and Council paid tribute to the elections team, Returning Officer and all others who had helped with the election, referendum and counting.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, the executive or the head of paid service.

Council stood for a moment of silence to honour the memory of Paul Bytheway, of the Revenues and Benefits Service, who passed away the previous week.

The Chairman introduced Council to Mike Hill who would be starting as Corporate Manager, Health and Environmental Services, on 16 June 2011 and welcomed Mr Hill to the meeting and to South Cambridgeshire.  The Chairman also welcomed Mrs Kathy English, Independent Standards Committee Chairman, who would be presenting that Committee’s annual report.

At the request of the Chairman, Council, with two votes against and two abstentions, RESOLVED to suspend Standing Order 21.4, Recording of Business, to allow any attendees to record, blog or tweet from the Chamber.

The Leader introduced the new Cabinet, which was more closely aligned with the Council’s organisational structure, and reported that the Electoral Arrangements Committee would be asked to report to Council in July 2011 following consideration of whether the Boundary Commission should be requested to undertake a review of the South Cambridgeshire-Cambridge City boundary.

“Regarding the Council Meeting on 24th February 2011, para. 11(b): In what way exactly would a wind turbine be judged differently to another structure of a similar size such as a manufacturing plant, water tower, crane or communications mast etc. as regards visual impact or noise? Does the motion mean that a planning application for a wind turbine might be rejected whereas an application for some other development of equivalent size, noise etc. would be considered for approval?”

Mr Brettle is not able to be present at the meeting and the Chairman will ask the question on his behalf.

The Chairman, speaking on Mr Brettle’s behalf, asked, “Regarding the Council Meeting on 24th February 2011, para. 11(b): In what way exactly would a wind turbine be judged differently to another structure of a similar size such as a manufacturing plant, water tower, crane or communications mast etc. as regards visual impact or noise? Does the motion mean that a planning application for a wind turbine might be rejected whereas an application for some other development of equivalent size, noise etc. would be considered for approval?”

Councillor Nick Wright, Planning Portfolio Holder at the time the question was originally received, replied that the Council was very supportive of new businesses and other employment generating development, particularly in the current economic climate, and therefore would want to grant planning permission wherever possible for development which created jobs.  He emphasised that this was not to say that planning permission would always be granted: all planning applications were determined on their individual merits and the Council must ensure that development proposals of whatever scale would not have an adverse impact on local amenity and would fit well with the Council’s policies as well as with national policy.  If there were instances where an adverse impact would arise from any of the uses mentioned in the question, and these impacts could not be mitigated by revising the scheme or through appropriate planning conditions, planning permission might have to be refused.

To note all petitions received since the last Council meeting.

None received. 

For decision. 

On the proposition of Councillor Mark Howell, Housing Portfolio Holder, seconded by Councillor Liz Heazell, Council AGREED to defer item 10, Fulbourn: Compulsory Purchase Order, Windmill Estate Redevelopment to a later meeting to enable negotiations to continue. 

On the proposition of Councillor Mark Howell, Housing Portfolio Holder, seconded by Councillor Liz Heazell, Council AGREED to defer item 10, Fulbourn: Compulsory Purchase Order, Windmill Estate Redevelopment to a later meeting to enable negotiations to continue. 

Officers have considered that, when the principles of proportionality are applied to the political composition of the authority, certain committee sizes do not adequately reflect the political make-up of the authority, and RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL that, where Council has the authority to set the size of a committee, committee sizes of 17, 19 and 20 be avoided.

With the above in mind, the Administration has RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

(1)               To establish the following committees for the 2011/12 municipal year:

·                     Corporate Governance Committee (7 Members)

·                     Electoral Arrangements Committee (7 Members)

·                     Employment Committee (7 Members)

·                     Licensing Committee (15 Members)

·                     Planning Committee (14 Members)

·                     Scrutiny and Overview Committee (12 Members)

(2)               That the Terms of Reference for the above committees remain as set out in Article 6 and Part 3, Table One of the Council’s Constitution.

RESOLVED

(1)               To establish the following committees for the 2011/12 municipal year:

·                     Corporate Governance Committee (7 Members)

·                     Electoral Arrangements Committee (7 Members)

·                     Employment Committee (7 Members)

·                     Licensing Committee (15 Members)

·                     Planning Committee (14 Members)

·                     Scrutiny and Overview Committee (12 Members); and

(2)               That the Terms of Reference for the above committees remain as set out in Article 6 and Part 3, Table One of the Council’s Constitution.

Councillor Ray Manning proposed the recommendation on the agenda, stating that he believed that they best reflected the Council’s proportionality, the 14-member Planning Committee size had worked well when used previously, and that there was no particular reason to increase any committee sizes.  Councillor Simon Edwards seconded the motion.

Councillor Hazel Smith proposed an amendment to retain the Planning Committee size of 15 members.  Councillor Sebastian Kindersley seconded the motion.  Members speaking in favour of the amendment pointed out that regulatory committees were non-political, that it was essential to have enough members for long meetings to remain quorate until the end, and that committees with odd numbers of members were less reliant upon the Chairman’s casting vote.  Members speaking against the amendment noted that the Corporate Governance Inspection team had recommended a Planning Committee size of twelve, that the Planning Committees of neighbouring authorities were all smaller, and that more members led to longer, less focussed, meetings.

The amendment was put to the vote and, with 21 votes in favour, 29 against and 1 abstention, the amendment FELL.

The original motion was put to the vote and, with 33 votes in favour, 17 against and 1 abstention, Council RESOLVED

(1)               To establish the following committees for the 2011/12 municipal year:

·                     Corporate Governance Committee (7 Members)

·                     Electoral Arrangements Committee (7 Members)

·                     Employment Committee (7 Members)

·                     Licensing Committee (15 Members)

·                     Planning Committee (14 Members)

·                     Scrutiny and Overview Committee (12 Members); and

(2)               That the Terms of Reference for the above committees remain as set out in Article 6 and Part 3, Table One of the Council’s Constitution.

(1)               Council is required to appoint Members to its Committees. 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. In making such appointments, Council is required to adhere to the following principles set out in Section 15(5) of the Act:

(i)             Not all seats are allocated to the same political group;

(ii)            The majority group should be allocated the majority of seats on each committee;

(iii)          Subject to (i)-(ii) above,that the number of seats on committees allocated to each political group bears the same proportion to the total of all the seats on the ordinary committees (62 seats) as the number of members of each group to the membership of the authority (57 Members); and

(iv)          Subject to (i)-(iii) above, that the number of the seats on each body allocated to each political group is in the same proportion to the total number of seats on that body as the number of members of that group to the membership of the authority.

(2)               The Council’s current political balance is as follows:

(3)               Non-group Councillors have no entitlement to seats on committees and do not have to be allocated seats on any committee; however, Council resolved on 24 May 2007 that every non-Executive Member of the Council should 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)           Employment Committee;

(e)           Electoral Arrangements Committee;

(f)             Corporate Governance Committee.

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

The non-group Councillors (Councillor Cathcart and Councillor Mrs Murfitt) together make up 3.51% of the total membership of the Council.

(5)               Table 1 below set outs an allocation of seats on Committees, based on the percentage of seats on the Council held by each group:

TABLE 1 ALLOCATION OF SEATS ON COMMITTEES FOR 2011/12 TO THE COUNCIL’S POLITICAL GROUPS

(6)               The Liberal Democrat group has offered one of its seat on the Licensing Committees to Councillor Mrs CAED Murfitt, which she has accepted,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Council RESOLVED 

(1)               That seats be allocated on committees in accordance with the table below:

and;

(2)               That, based on the allocations at (1) above, and the requirement for political proportionality, the following appointments to Committees be made for the 2011/12 civic year:

Corporate Governance Committee

7 Members:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

Electoral Arrangements Committee

7 Members:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

Employment Committee

7 Members:

* as Finance and Staffing Portfolio Holder

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

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

15 Members:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

Planning Committee

14 Members:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

Scrutiny and Overview Committee

12 Members:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

The Chairman reminded members that only Council could make appointments to these committees, and that any vacancies would have to wait until the next Council meeting to be filled.  

On the proposal of Councillor Ray Manning, seconded by Councillor Simon Edwards, Council RESOLVED 

(1)               That seats be allocated on committees in accordance with the table below:

and;

(2)               That, based on the allocations at (1) above, and the requirement for political proportionality, the following appointments to Committees be made for the 2011/12 civic year:

Corporate Governance Committee

7 Members:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

Electoral Arrangements Committee

7 Members:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

Employment Committee

7 Members:

* as Finance and Staffing Portfolio Holder

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

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

15 Members:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

Planning Committee

14 Members:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

Scrutiny and Overview Committee

12 Members:

Group Leaders and the Convenor of the Independent Group have been requested to submit nominations to Committees in accordance with the allocations set out in the table below. Details of the nominations received from the political groups have been enclosed separately with the agenda. 

RECOMMENDATION

That Council allocate seats and make appointments and substitute appointments to Joint Committees in accordance with the above table, and based on the requirement for political proportionality. 

Council RESOLVED 

(1)               That seats be allocated on joint committees in accordance with the table below:

and;

(2)               That, based on the allocations at (1) above, and the requirement for political proportionality, the following appointments to Committees be made for the 2011/12 civic year:

Joint Development Control Committee: Cambridge Fringes

6 Members:

Substitutes:

District Council Spokesman

Charlie Nightingale

Northstowe Joint Development Control Committee

6 Members:

Substitutes:

District Council Spokesman

Tim Wotherspoon

On the proposal of Councillor Ray Manning, seconded by Councillor Simon Edwards, Council RESOLVED 

(1)               That seats be allocated on joint committees in accordance with the table below:

and;

(2)               That, based on the allocations at (1) above, and the requirement for political proportionality, the following appointments to Committees be made for the 2011/12 civic year:

Joint Development Control Committee: Cambridge Fringes

6 Members:

Substitutes:

District Council Spokesman

Charlie Nightingale

Northstowe Joint Development Control Committee

6 Members:

Substitutes:

District Council Spokesman

Tim Wotherspoon

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. 

Group Leaders and the Convenor of the Independent Group have been requested to submit nominations to Committees in accordance with the allocations set out above.  The Conservative Group has offered its seat to Councillor Nigel Cathcart.

Details of the nominations received from the political groups in time for the agenda publication have been enclosed separately with the agenda, and any further nominations will be circulated to Council as soon as they are available.

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 for 2011/12, along with one representative of each of the political groups.

Council RESOLVED that the Chairman of the Council, Leader, Deputy Leader and Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee be appointed to the Constitution Review Working Party for the 2011/12 Civic Year, along with the following representatives from the political groups: 

Councillor Sebastian Kindersley asked that the Constitution Review Working Party review the use of social media during meetings to allow those present to access social media if they wished to, without requiring Council bodies to suspend the relevant Standing Order at the start of each meeting.

On the proposal of Councillor Ray Manning, seconded by Councillor Simon Edwards, Council RESOLVED that the Chairman of the Council, Leader, Deputy Leader and Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee be appointed to the Constitution Review Working Party for the 2011/12 Civic Year, along with the following representatives from the political groups: 

To appoint the Climate Change Working Group in accordance with the requirements of political proportionality:

The Administration has proposed an increase in the size of the Working Group from nine to ten members, and offered one of their seats to Councillor Nigel Cathcart.  If Councillor Cathcart accepts the seat, the proportions would be:

Group Leaders and the Convenor of the Independent Group have been requested to submit nominations to Committees in accordance with the allocations set out in the above table. Details of the nominations received from the political groups in time for the agenda publication have been enclosed separately with the agenda, and any further nominations will be circulated to Council as soon as they are available.

RECOMMENDATION

That 10 Members be appointed to be Climate Change Working Group for 2011/12, appointments to be made in accordance with political proportionality. 

Council RESOLVED 

(1)               That seats be allocated on the Climate Change Working Group in accordance with the table below:

and;

(2)               That, based on the allocations at (1) above, and the requirement for political proportionality, the following appointments to the Climate Change Working Group be made for the 2011/12 civic year:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

Councillor Ray Manning reported that Councillor David Whiteman-Downes would be the Conservative Group’s sixth nominee.  In response to questions about the requirement to offer seats to non-group members, it was confirmed that Councillor Nigel Cathcart had seats on the Constitution Review Working Party and on the Standards Committee.

On the proposal of Councillor Ray Manning, seconded by Councillor Simon Edwards, Council RESOLVED 

(1)               That seats be allocated on the Climate Change Working Group in accordance with the table below:

and;

(2)               That, based on the allocations at (1) above, and the requirement for political proportionality, the following appointments to the Climate Change Working Group be made for the 2011/12 civic year:

Substitutes in hierarchical list:

Membership of the Standards Committee is not subject to political proportionality, but it must meet the following requirements as set out in Article 9 of the Council’s Constitution:

·                      Must have at least 6 District Council members (serving four-year terms);

·                      No more than one Executive Member may be appointed;

·                      The Committee should include representatives from all groups represented on the Council and should be constituted so that no one group dominates;

·                      District Council appointments must have the support of the full Council

The current district council members of the Standards Committee are:

The four-year term of Councillor Tony Orgee (Conservative) expires in May 2011, and he is willing to serve a further term.  Council is asked to consider the total number of District Council appointments to Standards Committee to ensure that the above criteria are met, and to make such District Council member appointments.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council re-appoint Councillor Tony Orgee to the Standards Committee for 2011-2015, in accordance with the above requirements.

Council RESOLVED to re-appoint Councillor Tony Orgee to the Standards Committee for 2011-2015.

Councillor David Bard, Vice-Chairman of the Council, took the chair for this item after Councillor Tony Orgee declared a personal interest.  

On the nomination of Councillor David Bard, seconded by Councillor Ray Manning, Council RESOLVED to re-appoint Councillor Tony Orgee to the Standards Committee for 2011-2015.

Councillor Tony Orgee then returned to the chair.

In accordance with Standing Order 7.2, the Chairman of the Council shall preside over the election of Chairmen of Committees and Sub-Committees of the Council.  In order to minimise disruption to the meeting, nominees will not be required to leave the room during should an election be held.

In the event of a tie, the provisions of Standing Order 16.7 below shall be followed:

Voting on appointments

Where there are three or more candidates for appointment and there is, after balloting, no candidate with a clear majority, meaning in this case the votes of more than 50% of members present and voting, the candidate with the least number of votes shall withdraw and there shall be a fresh ballot of the remaining candidates; and so on as necessary until a candidate has that majority. Where there are two candidates only, or two candidates remain, a vote shall be taken. In the event of a tie, a second vote shall be taken. In the event of a continuing tie, the matter shall be decided by the toss of a coin.

The administration’s list of nominations for Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen is below.  Where an alternative nomination is proposed, Council is RECOMMENDED to resolve that the Council meeting be adjourned to allow the relevant bodies to hold election(s) for these position(s), otherwise it is RECOMMENDED that these proposals be accepted:

It is further RECOMMENDED that it be accepted as read that the Planning Committee has appointed to the Planning Enforcement Sub-Committee the nominees listed in Agenda Item 12, subject to any changes made at the Council meeting, and that the Licensing Committee (2003 Act) has confirmed its existing procedure of appointments of Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee and Sub-Committee Chairmen, and Confirmation of the Procedure for the Appointment of Members as given below:

(a)               that all Members of the Licensing Committee, excepting any Members who choose not to be so appointed, be appointed to the Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee, to act as Chairmen of the Sub-Committee, subject to the Chairmen having received, or giving a commitment to undertake, the appropriate training required for the role; and

(b)               that the Democratic Services Team Leader be authorised to appoint three Members to the Sub-Committee when it is required to meet, comprising a Chairman from the pool agreed in (a) above and two Members of the Committee, dependent on availability, having regard to potential conflicts of interest and in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee.

Agendas for each of the above meetings are available on-line at www.scambs.gov.uk/meetings.

Council adjourned to allow its Committees, Sub-Committees and Working Groups to elect their Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen for the 2011/12 Civic Year. Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen were elected as follows:

Council adjourned to allow its Committees, Sub-Committees and Working Groups to elect their Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen for the 2011/12 Civic Year. Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen were elected as follows:

Sawston Medical Centre has established a patient reference group, for which it seeks the appointment of a South Cambridgeshire District Councillor before the end of May 2011.  The Practice Business Manager agrees that, if the Council wishes, an appointment could be made for up to four years or until the end of the appointee’s term of office, whichever is sooner. The Group’s Constitution is attached for information.

For Decision on whether or not to include the Sawston Patient Reference Group on the list of outside bodies to which Council makes appointments.

Council RESOLVED to include the Sawston Patient Reference Group on the list of outside bodies to which Council makes appointments.

On the proposal of Councillor Ray Manning, seconded by Councillor Simon Edwards, Council RESOLVED to include the Sawston Patient Reference Group on the list of outside bodies to which Council makes appointments.

Details of the appointments required, along with background information where relevant, are enclosed separately and have been circulated to Group Leaders and the Convenor of the Independent Group. Details of the nominations received from the political groups in time for the agenda publication have been enclosed separately with the agenda, and any further nominations will be circulated to Council as soon as they are available.

RECOMMENDATION

To make appointments to outside, joint and other Member bodies where appointments are required annually existing terms of office have concluded and where other vacancies have arisen. 

Council RESOLVED to appoint Members to joint and other Member bodies as follows:

Council RESOLVED to appoint Members to outside bodies for four years or until the end of the individual Member’s term of office as follows:

Council received the list of nominations of members seeking to represent the Council on outside bodies. 

Joint Bodies

On the proposal of Councillor Ray Manning, seconded by Councillor Simon Edwards, Council RESOLVED to appoint Members for 2011/12 to the following joint bodies:

Outside and Other Member Bodies

Councillor Bridget Smith noted that she had been the reserve member on the Adults Wellbeing and Health Scrutiny Committee since 2009/10.  Votes were held for positions where more members had been nominated than vacancies were available.

On the proposal of Councillor Ray Manning, seconded by Councillor Simon Edwards, Council RESOLVED to appoint Members to the following outside and other bodies for four years or until the end of the individual Member’s term of office:

The Annual Report of the Standards Committee has been enclosed separately.

Council RECEIVED the Standards Committee Annual Report. 

Mrs Kathleen English, Standards Committee Chairman and Independent Member, presented the 2010/11 Annual Report to Council, which highlighted the major changes coming in 2012 when the Localism Bill became law and noted the absence again this year of any complaints about district councillors’ conduct.  Mrs English thanked Standards Committee members for their enthusiasm and commitment in light of so many significant changes, and the officers who supported the Committee.  In response to members’ comments about the outcomes of hearings, Mrs English emphasised that the current regime was statutory and not necessarily a system the Committee would have chosen to operate, and that the presence of the subject member at a hearing was essential for the hearing panel members to receive evidence from both sides.  The Chairman commended the positive comments made by members and Mrs English for her hard work.

Council RECEIVED the Standards Committee Annual Report. 

The Annual Report of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee has been enclosed separately. 

Council RECEIVED the Scrutiny and Overview Committee Annual Report. 

Scrutiny and Overview Committee Chairman Councillor James Hockney presented the Committee’s Annual report, highlighting the Committee’s achievements, in particular the four Task and Finish Group Reviews, improved consultation with children and young people, and the on-going consideration of major issues facing South Cambridgeshire.  Jackie Sayers, Scrutiny Development Officer, was thanked for her hard work and support.

Council RECEIVED the Scrutiny and Overview Committee Annual Report. 

In accordance with Council Standing Order 1.1(b)(xiii), Council, at its annual meeting, will receive the Leader of the Major Opposition Group’s Annual Report.  Please note that Council on 23 April 2009 resolved that this report would be discretionary.

Council RECEIVED the Major Opposition Group Leader’s Annual Report.  

Councillor Sebastian Kindersley, Major Opposition Group Leader, addressed Council.  He commended the successful appointment of a new Chief Executive, which demonstrated the benefits of cross-party working.  He had reviewed the questions asked by members and motions made during 2010/11 Council meetings and felt that there was room for improvement, as the majority of questions had come from opposition group members and there had been only three cross-party motions.  He urged the administration to be more progressive with their future aims, approaches and actions for the Council.  He concluded by referring to South Cambridgeshire’s first-place finish in the UK Quality of Life survey, which he saw as due in no small part to the work of officers and asked members for a message of support for officers at a difficult time, to which Council responded with a round of applause.

Council RECEIVED the Major Opposition Group Leader’s Annual Report.  

To note. 

Council NOTED the annual write-offs report.

The Finance and Staffing Portfolio Holder commended the work of the Revenues and Benefits service, which had the best collection rates in the Eastern Region and one of the best in the country.  The percentage of write-offs was tiny compared to the amount collected, and reflected only those debts which the Council did not have any reasonable expectation of collecting.  In response to questions, he confirmed that no debts relating to Smithy Fen had been written off and that action continues.  He undertook to provide members with further details in the near future.

Council NOTED the annual write-offs report.

In accordance with Article 15.03, a schedule of changes made to the Constitution during 2010/11 is attached for information. 

Council NOTED the list of amendments made to the Constitution during the previous year. 

Council NOTED the list of amendments made to the Constitution during the previous year.

The Leader reported that the effect on the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership of legislative changes was not yet known, but it was likely that the Partnership in its current form would remain until the new police commissioners had been appointed.  The Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire Partnerships had proposed to merge as so many of the same attendees were members of both, but the government had prohibited a merger at this time.  The Leader hoped that the new Policing Bill would include provision for establishing a more widespread forum for crime and disorder issues.

The Chairman noted that no written updates had been received. 

“Given the position the council is at with its proposed gypsy and traveller policies and taking account of current adopted development control policies, why has the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Trust been told by planning officers that it must at this time include a traveller site in its masterplan for developing the Ida Darwin Hospital site for housing?” 

Councillor John Williams asked, “Given the position the council is at with its proposed gypsy and traveller policies and taking account of current adopted development control policies, why has the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Trust been told by planning officers that it must at this time include a traveller site in its masterplan for developing the Ida Darwin Hospital site for housing?”  

Councillor Tim Wotherspoon, Northstowe & New Communities Portfolio Holder, replied that there had been two consultations on the Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document: a 2006 consultation on the principles and a 2009 consultation on site options, the latter of which had included the Ida Darwin site.  He referred to the Council’s duty to promote racial equality including improving relations between different communities, and that the Masterplan was at an early stage and could provide sites both for Travellers and the settled community.

Councillor Williams, as his supplementary question, asked whether the Council was abusing its position as the planning authority by directing developers to include Travellers’ sites in their Masterplans.  Councillor Wotherspoon undertook to provide a written response to all members, which would be appended to the minutes.

“Does the Leader not agree that the increased knowledge cabinet members gain by attending meetings /discussions / briefings with Ministers should be shared with all members by means of written reports so that members and officers can be better informed?”

Councillor Liz Heazell asked Leader, “Does the Leader not agree that the increased knowledge cabinet members gain by attending meetings /discussions / briefings with Ministers should be shared with all members by means of written reports so that members and officers can be better informed?”

The Leader replied that the administration preferred to require less, rather than more, paper and was reluctant to increase the number of information items coming to Council.  He explained that many of the meetings Cabinet members had with Ministers were neither formal nor minuted, but where minutes were produced, they would be taken to Portfolio Holder meetings where all members could participate in a discussion.

Councillor Heazell asked that short reports or e-mail be produced to ensure that all members had a clear understanding of issues coming from the government and Councillor Manning agreed to produce short reports or e-mail where issues were of general interest rather than of particular relevance to one portfolio.  He reminded members that it was a coalition government and that it would also be helpful to have short reports or e-mails from the Opposition group on their discussions with Ministers.

“Cambridgeshire’s delivery of sustained reductions in local carbon emissions is being affected both by ‘delayering’ and severe budget cuts. Does the Leader agree that the government’s aspirations on climate change are likely to be significantly undermined unless additional measures are brought in to help struggling authorities here and elsewhere and what support/incentives would he like to see from government?” 

Councillor Stephen Harangozo asked, “Cambridgeshire’s delivery of sustained reductions in local carbon emissions is being affected both by ‘delayering’ and severe budget cuts. Does the Leader agree that the government’s aspirations on climate change are likely to be significantly undermined unless additional measures are brought in to help struggling authorities here and elsewhere and what support / incentives would he like to see from government?” 

Councillor Peter Topping, Sustainability, Planning and Climate Change Portfolio Holder, replied that there were opportunities for local leadership and that he believed that South Cambridgeshire was already in a strong position through some of its projects like the Sustainable Parish Energy Programme, the Rampton Drift eco-home project, solar panels at South Cambridgeshire Hall and the recycling scheme.  He hoped that Ministers would listen to the experiences of Councils like South Cambridgeshire to help deliver the government’s green ambitions.  He undertook to ask officers to write to the government with details of the Council’s experience.

“In view of the fact that affordable housing is in short supply in our district, and that we should be considering all opportunities for its provision, what is the view of this council on the Government’s proposal to grant permitted development rights to change of use from commercial B use classes to residential C3 use class, and is this council responding to the ongoing government consultation on this issue?” 

Councillor Tumi Hawkins asked, “In view of the fact that affordable housing is in short supply in our district, and that we should be considering all opportunities for its provision, what is the view of this council on the Government’s proposal to grant permitted development rights to change of use from commercial B use classes to residential C3 use class, and is this council responding to the ongoing government consultation on this issue?” 

Councillor Peter Topping, Sustainability, Planning and Climate Change Portfolio Holder, replied that the Council had an interest in maintaining a good balance between housing and jobs, and that he intended to seek further detail from the government about how Councils could receive infrastructure benefits from such a change of use.  In response to Councillor Hawkins’ supplementary question, he undertook to get a written response from officers about the level of empty Class B properties which could potentially be used for housing, including affordable housing.

“It can not have passed the notice of any member how unhappy many of our staff are having learnt that they will be facing significant reductions in their salaries in 2 years time.  The potential impact on this council of low staff morale resulting from officers who do not believe that their considerable efforts are valued, are great.  Please can the leader itemise the actions he will be personally taking to support those staff who are losing out?” 

Councillor Bridget Smith asked, “It can not have passed the notice of any member how unhappy many of our staff are having learnt that they will be facing significant reductions in their salaries in 2 years time.  The potential impact on this council of low staff morale resulting from officers who do not believe that their considerable efforts are valued, are great.  Please can the leader itemise the actions he will be personally taking to support those staff who are losing out?” 

Councillor Simon Edwards, Finance and Staffing Portfolio Holder, agreed that the effect on staff had not gone unnoticed and replied that the Council had offered counselling to all employees, that employees could access the Employee Assistance Helpline free of charge and in complete confidence, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Two seminars, delivered by the Money Advice Service, had been arranged for June, aiming at helping staff to make financial efficiencies in their personal budgets.  There had already been four Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) seminars delivered and a pension scheme guidance note made available to all staff.  In parallel with these actions, a new sickness management strategy had been adopted which included support arrangements and opportunities for personal development.

Councillor Smith regretted that her question had been reported in the media, and especially the responses made to the article which had added to officers’ distress, and asked Councillor Edwards what steps Cabinet would take to address the public misperception of officers’ remuneration.  Councillor Edwards sympathised with officers and hoped that the two years’ protection offered enough time for staff to undertake suitable retraining and find other jobs within the organisation, but felt that trying to rectify the situation with a press release would provide further opportunities for distressing comments, which would not improve the situation for officers.

“In the process of setting the budget for the current financial year and noting the emerging medium term financial strategy, members have expressed concern that the Council will no longer be debt free and will need to finance the proportion of the national housing debt of some £206 million over the next thirty years.  Can the Leader now share with members any latest information from CLG, giving an indication as to the timescale and payment of this debt, together with the method of raising the necessary loan finance?” 

Councillor Mike Mason asked, “In the process of setting the budget for the current financial year and noting the emerging medium term financial strategy, members have expressed concern that the Council will no longer be debt free and will need to finance the proportion of the national housing debt of some £206 million over the next thirty years.  Can the Leader now share with members any latest information from CLG, giving an indication as to the timescale and payment of this debt, together with the method of raising the necessary loan finance?”

Councillor Simon Edwards, Finance and Staffing Portfolio Holder, replied that the Council was currently undertaking a business modelling exercise to inform how the debt could best be managed and to ensure that service priorities are addressed appropriately, and that a fresh stock condition survey had just been completed.  He emphasised that the debt would have to be met from within the Housing Revenue Account and would therefore be paid for out of the rental income stream from Council houses and not from the General Fund.  A revised debt settlement figure was expected from Communities and Local Government (CLG) in November 2011, with the final figure in February 2012.  The Council would need to have completed the detailed business plan modelling and treasury management strategy in time for raising the finances for April 2012.  One option would be to borrow the full £200M from the Public Works Loan Board but other options would be considered during the year.  The Housing Portfolio Holder would receive a detailed project plan at his 15 June meeting.

Councillor Mason, as his supplementary question, asked Councillor Edwards to ensure that all members had received all the information before the start of the annual budget process.  Councillor Edwards reiterated that the debt was being imposed on the Housing Revenue Account, which was ring-fenced, and would have no impact on Council Tax levels or the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

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

The Chairman’s engagements were NOTED. 

The Chairman’s engagements were NOTED.  Councillor Nightingale, in response to a question from Councillor Deborah Roberts, whose father had been a member of the 6^th Airborne on the Rhine Crossing, encouraged her to visit the Imperial War Museum at Duxford where the flag unveiled in memory of the Rhine Crossing was on display.