Agenda, decisions and minutes

Council stood in silent tribute to the memory of Daphne Spink MBE, who had passed away.  Daphne Spink had served residents of South Cambridgeshire as a Councillor for 26 years and as Leader of the Council from 2001 to 2005.

Councillors John Batchelor and Dr Ian Sollom each declared a non-disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to item 12 (Appointment of Directors to South Cambs Limited, Trading as Ermine Street Housing (Company No. 08336413) and Shire Homes Lettings Limited (Company No. 10718044)) and indicated their intention to take no part in discussion and voting on this item.

Members are requested to inform Democratic Services of any changes in their Register of Members’ Financial and Other Interests form.

The Chairman reminded Members that they needed to update the Register of Interests whenever their circumstances changed.

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the Annual meeting held on 23 May 2018 as a correct record.

The minutes of the Annual meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 23 May 2018 were confirmed as a correct record for signature by the Chairman, subject to amendment of the third paragraph of Minute 18 (Major Opposition Group Leader’s Annual Statement) on page 17 by the substitution of “Davies” for “Davis”.

During consideration:-

·         Councillor Bridget Smith noted, with reference to page 14 of the minutes, that Gamlingay Village College, GVC Leisure Ltd, no longer existed now that the college was an Academy Trust and should be removed from the list of outside bodies.

·         Councillor Nick Wright commented that there was a vacancy for a District Council representative on “Visit Cambridge”.  Councillor Bridget Smith indicated that she proposed to attend the next meeting and would then consider who was best suited to fill the vacancy.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader, the Executive or the Head of Paid Service.

Councillor Bridget Smith, the Leader of the Council, made the following announcements: 

(a)  Parklife 2018

The Leader reported that Parklife had taken place on 1 July 2018 and had been a huge success.  Approximately 4,000 members of the public had attended  and participated in a variety of free activities on offer.  38 staff and 16 Members had volunteered to help. The role of the Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust in supporting the event was also acknowledged.  The Leader recorded her sincere thanks to all those who had volunteered and had made the day such a success.

(b)  Stephen Hills – Director of Housing

The Leader noted with regret that Stephen Hills, Director of Housing, would be leaving the Council on 20 July 2018.  She paid tribute to Stephen, noted his many achievements during his employment with the Council and wished him every success in his future role.

(c)  Daphne Spink MBE

The Leader paid tribute to Daphne Spink MBE, a former Leader of the Council, who had passed away in June.

(d)  Rory Cattermole

The Leader reported with sadness that she, together with Councillors Hales and Dr. Hawkins, had represented the Council at the funeral of Rory Cattermole, son of former Councillor Doug Cattermole.

 To note that no questions from the public have been received.

 No questions from the public had been received.

To note that no petitions have been received since the last Council meeting.

No petitions for consideration by the Council had been received. 

Civic Affairs Committee

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL

Introduces a twelve month pilot scheme to allow the public to make written representations at full Council meetings in accordance with the scheme set out at Appendix A.

Council AGREED:

To introduce a twelve month pilot scheme to allow the public to make written representations at full Council meetings in accordance with the scheme set out at Appendix A.

Councillor Dr. Douglas de Lacey, Chairman of the Civic Affairs Committee, presented a report which invited the Council to consider the recommendation of the Committee, at its meeting held on 26 June 2018, regarding a proposal to introduce a pilot scheme to allow members of the public to make written representations at full Council meetings without giving prior notice.

There was no discussion and upon being put to the vote, with 40 Members voting in favour, none against and no abstentions, Council unanimously

RESOLVED:

To introduce a twelve month pilot scheme to allow the public to make written representations at full Council meetings in accordance with the scheme set out at Appendix A.

To receive any verbal reports and updates from the Leader/Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holders on the work of their Portfolio areas.

The Leader introduced this item which was an innovation at Council meetings and was intended to give Council the opportunity to receive brief updates on the work of Cabinet Members. 

Council then received verbal reports from the Leader, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holders as follows:

(a)  The Leader

Councillor Bridget Smith, the Leader of the Council:

·         noted that economic development fell within her portfolio area and promotion of business in South Cambridgeshire was a key priority for the new Administration.  With that in mind, she had organised a series of talks at business breakfasts to enable discussions with local businesses on how the Council could facilitate and support business growth in South Cambridgeshire.

·         reported on her attendance at the Local Government Association (LGA) Annual Conference in Birmingham, noting that she was a representative on the District Councils’ Network.

·         reported on her membership of a number of bodies, including an Assembly for authorities along the Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford Arc; LGA Transport East and the East of England Leaders’ Board.

In response to a question from Councillor Wright, the Leader explained that she and the Planning Portfolio Holder had been invited to speak at a “Snapdragon” breakfast event on 6 July 2018 on the vision of the new Administration for South Cambridgeshire.

Following a question from Councillor Dr Bhattacharya, the Leader commented that it was not intended that Cabinet members would submit written reports to Council.  This new slot on the agenda would be run on a pilot basis and reviewed in six months’ time.  Cabinet members would be happy to provide further information as required outside the meeting.

(b)  Deputy Leader

Councillor Aidan Van de Weyer, the Deputy Leader:

·         noted that the Local Plan Inspector’s report was expected within the next few weeks and arrangements may need to be made to schedule an extraordinary Council meeting to consider adoption of the Local Plan.

·         reported that the Waterbeach Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) would be submitted to Cabinet on 5 September 2018 and would be subject to consultation in the Autumn.  Bourn Airfield SPD was expected to follow.

·         updated Council on a meeting he had attended in relation to the route and timescale for construction of the Cambridge to Bedford section of the east/west rail link, noting that supporting housing and economic growth along the corridor would now be a major factor in determining the route.

·         provided an update on the work of the GCP, noting that consideration of certain projects had been deferred due to the pause requested in the Mayoral Transport Statement; advised that he was the Skills Portfolio Holder on the GCP and explained the work being undertaken on apprenticeships and noted that at the end of the following year the first five year tranche of government funding would end and the GCP would therefore need to demonstrate how it had met its objectives, in order to secure a future tranche of funding.

In response to a question from Councillor Topping, the Deputy Leader indicated that it was not possible to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Attached are the reports summarising the work of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in May/June 2018.

The Council noted reports prepared by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority summarising the work of the Authority during May and June 2018.

The Council’s representatives on the Combined Authority were invited to comment on the reports, as summarised below:-

The Leader of the Council reported that the Combined Authority had discussed the interim report of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Commission.  The report would form the basis of the Industrial Strategy which would fall within the ownership of the Business Board.

The Leader additionally noted that approximately 12% of the £100m fund for affordable housing had been spent to date and indicated the general wish for this funding to be committed more quickly.

The Mayor’s Interim Transport Strategy would be discussed further by the Combined Authority Board on 25 July 2018.  It was noted that some GCP projects had been put on hold in view of the pause requested in the Mayor’s Interim Transport Statement and it was hoped these might be able to progress subject to the outcome of the Board’s meeting.

Councillor Chamberlain noted that there had been a meeting subsequent to that referred to in the papers before Council.

Councillor Topping indicated that he had substituted for Councillor Chamberlain at a meeting and noted that there had been a discussion on how to make sure the pipeline of GCP funding kept flowing notwithstanding the pause requested by the Combined Authority.

Council RECEIVED the reports summarising the work of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in May/June 2018.

To notify Council of debts written off under powers delegated to the Finance Portfolio Holder and the Chief Financial Officer as required by the Constitution.

Council NOTED

The amounts written off under delegated powers.

Councillor John Williams, the Finance Portfolio Holder, presented a report which notified the Council of debts written off under powers delegated to the Portfolio Holder and Chief Finance Officer.  This was being reported in line with the requirements of the Constitution.

Whilst acknowledging that it was regrettable to have to write off debts, the Portfolio Holder highlighted the fact that in the last financial year the Council had ranked 3^rd out of 326 local authorities for Council Tax collection and 25^th for collection of business rates.  The Portfolio Holder congratulated the staff involved for their efforts.

He concluded by noting that if residents or businesses experienced difficulties, they should be encouraged to contact the Council for support and advice.

Council NOTED the amounts written off under delegated powers.

To nominate replacement directors to the Council’s two companies to replace the current incumbent, the Director of Housing, who leaves the Council on 20 July 2018.

Council AGREED

1.    The  nominations of:

a)    Mike Hill, Director of Health and Environmental Services, to serve as a Director of South Cambs Limited in an Executive capacity; and

b)    Heather Wood, Head of Housing Advice and Options, to serve as a Director of Shire Homes Lettings Limited in an Executive capacity.

2.    That the relevant current delegations of authority to the Director of Housing in these regards pass to the above named post holders.

3.    That Stephen Hills be nominated to serve as a non-Executive Director of South Cambs Limited.

Councillor Hazel Smith, the Housing Portfolio Holder,  proposed  the nomination of replacement directors to the Council’s two companies (to replace the current incumbent, Stephen Hills, Director of Housing, who would be leaving the Council on 20 July 2018), together with the transfer of the delegations to the named officers, as set out in the submitted report.  Councillor John Williams, the Finance Portfolio Holder, seconded the proposal.

Upon being put to the vote, votes were cast as follows:

For (37):

Councillors Henry Batchelor, Ruth Betson, Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Anna Bradnam, Tom Bygott, Dr. Martin Cahn, Nigel Cathcart, Grenville Chamberlain, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Gavin Clayton, Graham Cone, Dr. Claire Daunton, Dr. Douglas de Lacey, Clare Delderfield, Sue Ellington, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Jose Hales, Bill Handley, Philippa Hart, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Pippa Heylings, Steve Hunt, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Dawn Percival, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Nick Sample, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Peter Topping, Aidan Van de Weyer, Bunty Waters, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.

Against (0):

Abstain  (3):

Councillors John Batchelor, Dr. Ian Sollom and Nick Wright.

Council

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Council nominates:

a)    Mike Hill, Director of Health and Environmental Services, to serve as a Director of South Cambs Limited in an Executive capacity; and

b)    Heather Wood, Head of Housing Advice and Options, to serve as a Director of Shire Homes Lettings Limited in an Executive capacity.

2.    That the relevant current delegations of authority to the Director of Housing in these regards pass to the above named post holders.

3.    That Stephen Hills be nominated to serve as a non-Executive Director of South Cambs Limited.

Council, at the Annual Meeting on 23 May 2018, delegated authority to the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Group Leaders, to make appointments to vacancies on outside bodies.

The  following appointment has been agreed:

·         Cambridgeshire Health and Wellbeing Board – Councillor Alex Malyon (Substitute)*

(* Note:  Councillor Sue Ellington at the last meeting of the Council queried whether the Council was entitled to a substitute place on the Cambridgeshire Health and Wellbeing Board.  The County Council has confirmed that the Council may appoint a substitute).

Council is also asked to note:-

·         a variation to representation on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Partnership whereby the representative and substitute positions have been reversed with Councillor Neil Gough, as Environmental Services and Licensing Portfolio Holder, now acting as the Council’s representative and Councillor Peter Fane as substitute.

·         that consultation is continuing with the Group Leaders to fill vacancies on the Old West and Swavesey Internal Drainage Boards.

Council was reminded that, at the Annual meeting on 23 May 2018, it had delegated authority to the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Group Leaders, to make appointments to vacancies on outside bodies.

Council NOTED

That the following appointment had been agreed:

Cambridgeshire Health and Wellbeing Board – Councillor Alex Malyon (Substitute)

Council also NOTED

·         a variation to representation on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Partnership whereby the representative and substitute positions had been reversed with Councillor Neil Gough, as Environmental Services and Licensing Portfolio Holder, now acting as the Council’s representative and Councillor Peter Fane as substitute.

·         that consultation was continuing with the Group Leaders to fill vacancies on the Old West and Swavesey Internal Drainage Boards.

To provide an information report on three urgent  decisions which were exempted from call-in under Scrutiny and Overview Procedure Rules 12.18 – 12.20.

The Council received an information report from the Monitoring Officer on three decisions taken as a matter of urgency and which had been exempted from call-in under Scrutiny and Overview Procedure Rules 12.18 – 12.20.  Rule 12.19 provided that decisions taken as a matter of urgency must be reported to the next available meeting of the Council.

Details of the following three decisions were set out in the report, together with the reasons for urgency in each case:-

(i)    To give consent to the making of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Business Rates Supplements Functions) Order and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order, including any acceptance of any minor changes which did not alter the substantial meaning;

(ii)   To approve the Council’s response to a consultation on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Minerals and Waste Local Plan;

(iii)  To approve South Cambridgeshire District Council entering into Heads of Terms followed thereafter by a contract to purchase 27 affordable homes on a site at Grace Crescent, Hardwick.

Council NOTED the report.

A period of 30 minutes will be allowed for this item to include those questions where notice has been provided (as set out on the agenda below) and questions which may be asked without notice.

Members wishing to ask a question without notice should indicate this intention to the Democratic Services Team Leader prior to commencement of the item.  Members’ names will be drawn at random by the Chairman until there are no further questions or until the expiration of the time period.

Can the Leader update on progress on securing funding for Cambourne High Street? 

Can the Leader update on progress on securing funding for Cambourne High Street?

The Leader of the Council responded that a successful residents’ engagement day had been held in Cambourne. Applications had been made to the GCP to secure funding for the essential infrastructure works to facilitate a viable scheme and the GCP had agreed to fund some initial scoping works to assist with their consideration.  Additionally a bid was being worked up for submission to the Combined Authority.

Councillor Betson, by way of a supplementary question, asked how the Leader would ensure collaboration and transparency with the Parish Council and Local Councillors going forward, noting that there had been a lack of communication over the engagement event.  The Leader responded by apologising for the lack of consultation over the event.  There were lessons to be learned in order to ensure better communication in the future.

There was no Leader and only 2 Portfolio Holders at the recent Scrutiny Committee meeting. Does the Leader see that the role of Scrutiny is to scrutinise officers rather than the Executive?

There was no Leader and only 2 Portfolio Holders at the recent Scrutiny Committee meeting. Does the Leader see that the role of Scrutiny is to scrutinise officers rather than the Executive?

The Leader noted that she had been on holiday when the last Scrutiny and Overview Committee meeting had taken place but that the Deputy Leader had been present.  Under the new governance arrangements, there was a whole Cabinet approach to decision making meaning that all Cabinet members were responsible and should be able to deal with any subject.

Councillor Wright noted that the new Administration had been in political control for almost 100 days and, by way of supplementary question, sought clarification as to why more proposals were not coming forward for pre-scrutiny.

The Leader reflected that the new  Administration was still in the early days of its political control and that it was important that time was taken to develop the new priorities properly, rather than to rush into them.  Initially Scrutiny and Overview had largely inherited its workload but was already developing its own ambitious programme of work and priorities for reviews.

When will we have a forward plan of Portfolio Holder meetings?

When will we have a forward plan of Portfolio Holder meetings?

The Leader reiterated that there would be a whole Cabinet approach to decision making with more decisions taken collectively by Cabinet.  There was therefore no intention to hold Portfolio Holder meetings.  However Portfolio Holders would be happy to meet with any Councillors who would like to do so.

Additionally, the Leader noted that she regularly met with the other Group Leaders.

Councillor Waters, as a supplementary question, asked whether the decision not to hold Portfolio Holder meetings could be seen to be a less transparent way of decision making.  The Leader, in response, reflected that the proposal to move to a system of pre-scrutiny was designed to enhance the involvement of all Members in decision making and to make the process more transparent.  Scrutiny and Overview Committee gave Members the opportunity to shape and influence decisions and increased the scope for participation by all Members.

Does this new administration intend to continue operating our successful Ermine Street Housing Ltd?

Does this new administration intend to continue operating our successful Ermine Street Housing Ltd?

The Finance Portfolio Holder stated yes in response to the question.

Councillor Cone welcomed the response but asked why the Administration appeared to have changed its position with regard to Ermine Street Housing Limited, citing previous statements in literature issued to residents.

The Finance Portfolio Holder indicated that his response should not be taken to mean that by continuing with the company, its operation would not be subject to review. Ermine Street Housing Limited would be reviewed to ensure it reflected the Administration’s values whilst continuing to deliver revenue for the Council.

Our budget shows we require a saving this year of £450,000. Has the Finance Portfolio Holder identified where the cuts will be made?

Our budget shows we require a saving this year of £450,000. Has the Finance Portfolio Holder identified where the cuts will be made?

The Finance Portfolio Holder noted that the Administration had inherited a £450,000 deficit in the budget and questioned how the opposition had intended to cover the shortfall.  He confirmed that the Administration would make the necessary adjustments to cover the deficit and would ensure that a balanced budget was set in future years.

As a supplementary question, Councillor Bygott asked when the list of savings would be published suggesting it was already late in the year to identify the necessary savings. In response, the Finance Portfolio Holder commented that the budget had been set by the previous Administration and that his Group was working to achieve a balanced budget, both by increased income as well as through savings.  Proposals would be submitted via Scrutiny and Overview Committee to Cabinet.

With the recent Community Chest decisions, can the Leader explain why this administration has cut the money given to Parish Councils by 50%?

With the recent Community Chest decisions, can the Leader explain why this administration has cut the money given to Parish Councils by 50%?

The Finance Portfolio Holder noted no decision had yet been taken.  A review of the Community Chest and Community Energy Grants was being carried out by the Grants Advisory Committee and any recommended amendments would be presented to Scrutiny and Overview and Cabinet.

As a supplementary question, Councillor Dr. Bhattacharya asked how the impact on parishes with small precepts would be addressed if there was a decision to reduce the grant available to parishes by 50%.  The Finance Portfolio Holder encouraged Councillor Dr. Bhattacharya to attend the Scrutiny and Overview Committee in order to present her arguments.

Why did the Cabinet of this Council vote through powers for the Combined Authority to impose a business rate levy which, because the supplement will be levied on business properties with a rateable value of £50,000 or more, will impact disproportionately on South Cambridgeshire?

Why did the Cabinet of this Council vote through powers for the Combined Authority to impose a business rate levy which, because the supplement will be levied on business properties with a rateable value of £50,000 or more, will impact disproportionately on South Cambridgeshire?

The Leader of the Council responded that the proposal had been a component of the original devolution deal as agreed by the previous Administration and signed by the Leader at the time.  The Cabinet had considered that it would have been unreasonable not to have given consent to the necessary orders, given that it had formed part of the original devolution deal. In terms of the comment regarding the disproportionate impact on South Cambridgeshire, the Leader noted that should the Mayor use the power to implement the business levy, businesses in the area would need to vote on the proposal and only if the majority voted in favour of it, would the proposal proceed.  Any money secured by the business rate levy would have to be spent to benefit those businesses in the area concerned.

As a supplementary question, Councillor Topping questioned why the Cabinet had given away their negotiating stance so early in the life of the Administration.  The Leader repeated that the proposal had formed part of the original devolution deal, as had the proposal to devolve the skills function.  However she assured the Council that the Administration would do its utmost to defend businesses and to promote business growth in the District.

Will this administration support my request to ensure that in the reconfiguration of this building, a space is given for breastfeeding and expressing mothers, both staff, councillors and visitors?

Will this administration support my request to ensure that in the reconfiguration of this building, a space is given for breastfeeding and expressing mothers, both staff, councillors and visitors?

The Customer Services and Business Improvement Portfolio Holder advised that the Council would provide one of its meeting rooms at the front of the building for this purpose.  A nursing chair had been delivered and a blind would be fitted.  A notice would be placed on the door which would state that priority was given to nursing parents. In addition a second nursing chair would be located in the First Aid room.  This would offer an alternative facility should it be required.  She confirmed that there would be no discrimination against anyone breastfeeding anywhere in the building, including in the Council Chamber.

As a follow up question, Councillor Williams asked if employees who wished to express milk, either for themselves or for others, would have the choice to continue to do so, thereby removing the assumption that a return to work meant the need to stop breastfeeding. The Portfolio Holder expressed her support for employees to continue to be able to make this choice.

I am pleased to note that the Parish Council tool kit is being progressing and drafts have been sent to a limited number of Parish councils to test the format. Can the portfolio holder assure us that the loneliness programme will continue to be rolled out as determined in the corporate plan?

I am pleased to note that the Parish Council tool kit is being progressed and drafts have been sent to a limited number of Parish councils to test the format. Can the portfolio holder assure us that the loneliness programme will continue to be rolled out as determined in the Corporate Plan?

The Housing Portfolio Holder indicated that the whole Council applauded the passion and determination that Councillor Ellington had brought to raising the profile of health and wellbeing across the Council.  The growing percentage of older people across the District was recognised and the Council needed to work with partners to ensure they enjoyed an excellent quality of life in homes they could afford to live in, in a green and safe environment.

While South Cambridgeshire District Council would continue to work with partners to support older people across South Cambridgeshire, all health and wellbeing actions and resources committed in the Corporate Plan would be reviewed to ensure they aligned with and delivered the Administration’s priorities around homes that residents could afford to live in, putting the environment first and supporting local businesses.  To this end, whilst she would continue with the development of the Parish toolkit to showcase and share best practice amongst community groups across the District, the Portfolio Holder indicated that she would also prioritise ensuring that older people had warm, affordably energy efficient homes to keep them safe and well and out of hospital and tackling air pollution and improving air quality as the number of homes increased.

Councillor Ellington, as a supplementary question, noted that she had made a commitment to go to every Town and Parish Council which expressed an interest in moving forward with the toolkit and asked if the Portfolio Holder intended to honour that pledge.

The Portfolio Holder responded that time constraints did not enable her to make such a commitment but if Councillor Ellington had the time to do so, this would be welcomed.

A period of 30 minutes shall be allowed for each Motion to be moved, seconded and debated, including dealing with any amendments.  At the expiry of the 30 minute period, debate shall cease immediately, the mover of the original Motion will have the right of reply before the Motion or amendment is put to the vote.

That this Council continues to oppose congestion charging for Cambridge.

The following motion was LOST:

That this Council continues to oppose congestion charging for Cambridge.

Councillor Grenville Chamberlain moved the following motion as set out on the agenda:-

“That this Council continues to oppose congestion charging for Cambridge.”

In moving the motion, Councillor Chamberlain expressed the view that the problem of congestion in Cambridge city centre would only be addressed by a significant improvement in public transport and that this was unlikely to be achieved within the lifetime of this Council.  He noted that there was scope to investigate alternative options for addressing air pollution, such as measures to control the entry of the most polluting vehicles into the city and, recognising the rapid evolution of vehicle technology, promoting the use of electric vehicles by requiring developers to include electric charging points in new developments.   He commented that residents of South Cambridgeshire had no alternative to using cars as public transport was not a realistic option and that accordingly the District’s residents would be unfairly taxed by the introduction of congestion charging. Additionally he pointed out that charging would impact on people who could not afford to live in the city. Councillor Chamberlain accordingly urged the Council to confirm its continued opposition to congestion charging for Cambridge.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Sue Ellington.

During discussion:

·         Councillor Aidan Van de Weyer outlined the nature of the measures being considered by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) to manage traffic in Cambridge.  He acknowledged the need for high quality public transport in order to achieve modal shift.  The GCP was working on its city access strategy and could not exclude any specific measures at this stage but he expressed the view that charging would not be acceptable unless other adequate modes of transport were first in place to enable people to travel into the city for work or other reasons.  Councillor Van de Weyer expressed the view that the motion would unreasonably bind the work of the GCP.

·         Councillor John Williams referred to comments by the Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council that congestion charging should not proceed until alternative measures were in place and indicated that this reflected the Administration’s position.  Councillor Williams felt that there was a need for a “carrot and stick” approach to encouraging modal shift. He believed it was unlikely the metro would be in place for at least another ten years.  Therefore in the short term, it was likely that subsidised buses would need to be part of the solution, but at the same time it was important to address congestion in the city.  A package of demand management measures, which need not necessarily include congestion charging, could be introduced which could bring in revenue to fund improved public transport. 

·         Councillor Nick Wright argued that a congestion charge would be an unfair tax on the residents of South Cambridgeshire who had to travel into the city for work.  He referred to a previous proposal to exclude City residents from charging and  emphasised that any new system had to be fair to the residents of South Cambridgeshire.

·         Councillor Philippa Hart agreed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16a

The issue of single use plastics is high in the public consciousness and the Council has a significant opportunity to reduce usage in SouthCambs - through its roles as service provider, procurement agency, employer and advocate.

This Council notes:

·         That 300 million tons of new plastic is made each year, half of which is for single use plastic such as packaging and convenience foods. Whilst some plastics have had a positive impact on our lives when used correctly, in many cases, such as plastic bags, straws, takeaway food containers, plastic bottles and coffee cups, there are practical alternatives available that are either reusable, recyclable or sustainable.

·         That 800 million tonnes of the plastic produced each year ends up in our oceans. Plastic which ends up in the River Cam and other watercourses locally contributes to this total, and can release toxic chemicals which harm the health of wildlife.In 2016, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimated that by weight, there could be more plastic in our oceans than fish, as soon as 2050. As plastics are durable and strong they will stay in our environment for up to an estimated 600 years. (Columbia University)

·         That 78 million tonnes of plastic packaging is produced every year, of which only 14% goes to recycling whilst 32% leaks into land and sea (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).

·         That marine plastic leads to coastal / offshore dead zones, entanglement, death through ingestion, toxic transfer and, once degraded into micro plastics, contamination of the food chain – including our own. We are quite literally eating the plastic that has ended up in our seas.

·         That South Cambridgeshire has a comprehensive recycling scheme for both householders and businesses and is able to collect the full range of plastic packaging for which recycling processes exist. We need to reduce the amount of plastic used whilst also ensuring that our collection system is used correctly and we capture as much of this plastic as possible.In 2017-18 the Shared Waste service collected 22,500 tonnes of recycling in the blue bins and 3,000 tonnes of this was plastic packaging.

·         That the introduction of the 5p plastic bag levy has led to an 85% reduction in disposable plastic bag usage.

·         That in 2015, Bristol adopted the “Refill” scheme which aims to get shops, cafes and businesses to offer free water refill points in every major city and town in England by 2021. Bristol city now has more than 200 free water refill points. It is estimated that if every city resident in Bristol refilled one bottle once a week, the city could cut the use of disposable bottles by 22.3 million a year. In December 2017, London Mayor Sadiq Khan pledged to create 20 new water fountains and other refill points together with a Refill app.

·         That the Treasury has put out a call for evidence on Single Use Plastics and is exploring both a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles and a reform of the Packaging Recovery Note system to strengthen  ...  view the full agenda text for item 16b

Following alteration of  the original motion by the mover, with the consent of Council, Council AGREED the following motion:

The issue of single use plastics is high in the public consciousness and the Council has a significant opportunity to reduce usage in SouthCambs - through its roles as service provider, procurement agency, employer and advocate.

This Council notes:

·         That 300 million tons of new plastic is made each year, half of which is for single use plastic such as packaging and convenience foods. Whilst some plastics have had a positive impact on our lives when used correctly, in many cases, such as plastic bags, straws, takeaway food containers, plastic bottles and coffee cups, there are practical alternatives available that are either reusable, recyclable or sustainable.

·         That 800 million tonnes of the plastic produced each year ends up in our oceans. Plastic which ends up in the River Cam and other watercourses locally contributes to this total, and can release toxic chemicals which harm the health of wildlife.In 2016, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimated that by weight, there could be more plastic in our oceans than fish, as soon as 2050. As plastics are durable and strong they will stay in our environment for up to an estimated 600 years. (Columbia University)

·         That 78 million tonnes of plastic packaging is produced every year, of which only 14% goes to recycling whilst 32% leaks into land and sea (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).

·         That marine plastic leads to coastal / offshore dead zones, entanglement, death through ingestion, toxic transfer and, once degraded into micro plastics, contamination of the food chain – including our own. We are quite literally eating the plastic that has ended up in our seas.

·         That South Cambridgeshire has a comprehensive recycling scheme for both householders and businesses and is able to collect the full range of plastic packaging for which recycling processes exist. We need to reduce the amount of plastic used whilst also ensuring that our collection system is used correctly and we capture as much of this plastic as possible.In 2017-18 the Shared Waste service collected 22,500 tonnes of recycling in the blue bins and 3,000 tonnes of this was plastic packaging.

·         That the introduction of the 5p plastic bag levy has led to an 85% reduction in disposable plastic bag usage.

·         That in 2015, Bristol adopted the “Refill” scheme which aims to get shops, cafes and businesses to offer free water refill points in every major city and town in England by 2021. Bristol city now has more than 200 free water refill points. It is estimated that if every city resident in Bristol refilled one bottle once a week, the city could cut the use of disposable bottles by 22.3 million a year. In December 2017, London Mayor Sadiq Khan pledged to create 20 new water fountains and other refill points together with a Refill app.

·         That the Treasury has put out a call for evidence on Single Use Plastics and is exploring  ...  view the full decision text for item 16b

In accordance with Council Standing Order No. 14.7(a), Councillor Pippa Heylings indicated that she proposed to alter the motion of which she had given notice, with the consent of the meeting, by deletion of the third paragraph of the motion (on page vi of the Council agenda) which began with the words “This Council commits….” and ended with the words “used by society.” and the insertion of the following words:-

“Accordingly this Council agrees to task the Climate Change and Environment Advisory Committee, in coordination with Environmental Services and Licensing Portfolio Holder and other relevant Portfolio Holders, with:

(a)  investigating ways in which this Council can significantly reduce the sale, provision and use of avoidable single-use plastic and influence its neighbours and partners to do likewise; and

(b)  bringing forward its final evidence-based recommendations to Cabinet before the end of this year.”

Councillor Heylings accordingly moved the following motion, as altered:-

“The issue of single use plastics is high in the public consciousness and the Council has a significant opportunity to reduce usage in SouthCambs - through its roles as service provider, procurement agency, employer and advocate.

This Council notes:

·         That 300 million tons of new plastic is made each year, half of which is for single use plastic such as packaging and convenience foods. Whilst some plastics have had a positive impact on our lives when used correctly, in many cases, such as plastic bags, straws, takeaway food containers, plastic bottles and coffee cups, there are practical alternatives available that are either reusable, recyclable or sustainable.

·         That 800 million tonnes of the plastic produced each year ends up in our oceans. Plastic which ends up in the River Cam and other watercourses locally contributes to this total, and can release toxic chemicals which harm the health of wildlife. In 2016, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimated that by weight, there could be more plastic in our oceans than fish, as soon as 2050. As plastics are durable and strong they will stay in our environment for up to an estimated 600 years. (Columbia University)

·         That 78 million tonnes of plastic packaging is produced every year, of which only 14% goes to recycling whilst 32% leaks into land and sea (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).

·         That marine plastic leads to coastal / offshore dead zones, entanglement, death through ingestion, toxic transfer and, once degraded into micro plastics, contamination of the food chain – including our own. We are quite literally eating the plastic that has ended up in our seas.

·         That South Cambridgeshire has a comprehensive recycling scheme for both householders and businesses and is able to collect the full range of plastic packaging for which recycling processes exist. We need to reduce the amount of plastic used whilst also ensuring that our collection system is used correctly and we capture as much of this plastic as possible. In 2017-18 the Shared Waste service collected 22,500 tonnes of recycling in the blue bins and 3,000 tonnes of this was plastic packaging.

·         That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16b

South Cambs DC face a growing gap in the skills we need to become a truly 21st century business and those available in the market.  In the past we have had problems recruiting staff for several reasons.

There is an untapped market of potential employees who are disabled.  

According to the Government’s Briefing paper on People with Disabilities in Employment published on 29th June 2018, only 50.75% of people of working age with a disability are employed as opposed to 81.1% of people without a disability.  9.1% of people with a disability are unemployed and 44% are economically inactive.  Only a quarter of people with a learning disability, speech impairment or mental health condition are employed.

South Cambs Hall is fully DDA compliant.  We have good parking, good access, a terrific working space and a supportive staff.  However we will need to address public transport solutions so that people with disability can even better reach us from some parts of South Cambs.

This Council therefore requests the Employment and Staffing Committee to review the Council’s activity to promote equality and diversity amongst its workforce and, in particular, actively seeks ways to make South Cambridgeshire District Council an Employer of Choice for people with disabilities.

Council AGREED the following motion:

South Cambs DC face a growing gap in the skills we need to become a truly 21st century business and those available in the market.  In the past we have had problems recruiting staff for several reasons.

There is an untapped market of potential employees who are disabled. 

According to the Government’s Briefing paper on People with Disabilities in Employment published on 29th June 2018, only 50.75% of people of working age with a disability are employed as opposed to 81.1% of people without a disability.  9.1% of people with a disability are unemployed and 44% are economically inactive.  Only a quarter of people with a learning disability, speech impairment or mental health condition are employed.

South Cambs Hall is fully DDA compliant.  We have good parking, good access, a terrific working space and a supportive staff.  However we will need to address public transport solutions so that people with disability can even better reach us from some parts of South Cambs.

This Council therefore requests the Employment and Staffing Committee to review the Council’s activity to promote equality and diversity amongst its workforce and, in particular, actively seeks ways to make South Cambridgeshire District Council an Employer of Choice for people with disabilities.

Councillor Peter McDonald moved the following motion as set out on the agenda:-

“South Cambs DC face a growing gap in the skills we need to become a truly 21st century business and those available in the market.  In the past we have had problems recruiting staff for several reasons.

There is an untapped market of potential employees who are disabled. 

According to the Government’s Briefing paper on People with Disabilities in Employment published on 29th June 2018, only 50.75% of people of working age with a disability are employed as opposed to 81.1% of people without a disability.  9.1% of people with a disability are unemployed and 44% are economically inactive.  Only a quarter of people with a learning disability, speech impairment or mental health condition are employed.

South Cambs Hall is fully DDA compliant.  We have good parking, good access, a terrific working space and a supportive staff.  However we will need to address public transport solutions so that people with disability can even better reach us from some parts of South Cambs.

This Council therefore requests the Employment and Staffing Committee to review the Council’s activity to promote equality and diversity amongst its workforce and, in particular, actively seeks ways to make South Cambridgeshire District Council an Employer of Choice for people with disabilities.”

In moving his motion, Councillor McDonald drew attention to Government statistics indicating that only 50.75% of people of working age with a disability were employed as opposed to 81.1% of people without a disability and that 44% of disabled people were economically inactive.  He believed that there was a significant untapped market of potential employees who were disabled and that there was an opportunity for the Council to become a 21^st century employer by seeking to make the Council an employer of choice for disabled people.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Eileen Wilson.

During discussion:

·         Councillor Nick Wright felt that this was not a motion anyone could oppose but queried why it had been submitted to Council rather than the relevant Committee.

·         Councillor Sue Ellington asked what percentage of disabled employees was currently employed by the Council and how this compared with the national standard.

Councillor Wilson, speaking as the seconder on the motion, commented that it was shocking that only just over 50% of people with a disability were in employment.  She indicated that she had personal experience of living and working with people with disabilities and emphasised that, with reasonable adjustments in the workplace as appropriate, together with support, there was no reason why a person with a disability should not reach their full potential.

Councillor McDonald summed up on the motion. In so doing, he responded to Councillor Ellington’s question noting that approximately 3% of employees at South Cambridgeshire District Council were registered disabled.  The Employment and Staffing Committee could set a key performance indicator for the employment of disabled people.

Council, by affirmation

RESOLVED:

South Cambs DC face a growing gap in the skills we need to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16c

That South Cambridgeshire District Council write to the Government Minister responsible requesting the immediate suspension of the Universal Credit roll out in South Cambridgeshire. This is now imperative following the National Audit Office report that raised the potential negative impacts on lives of claimants and the questionable economic rationale behind continued implementation. 

Council AGREED the following motion:

That South Cambridgeshire District Council write to the Government Minister responsible requesting the immediate suspension of the Universal Credit roll out in South Cambridgeshire. This is now imperative following the National Audit Office report that raised the potential negative impacts on lives of claimants and the questionable economic rationale behind continued implementation.

Councillor Gavin Clayton moved the following motion as set out on the agenda:-

“That South Cambridgeshire District Council write to the Government Minister responsible requesting the immediate suspension of the Universal Credit roll out in South Cambridgeshire. This is now imperative following the National Audit Office report that raised the potential negative impacts on lives of claimants and the questionable economic rationale behind continued implementation.”

In moving the motion, Councillor Clayton noted that the aim of Universal Credit had been to make benefits unified and more accessible and to encourage people into work. Councillor Clayton, citing the National Audit Office (NAO)  report, believed that the national policy was not working, in particular highlighting the financial hardship caused by late payments to claimants.  He noted that only 10% of the eventual number of claimants were now claiming Universal Credit and given the difficulties identified by the NAO about operation of the system to date, was concerned at the implications once the full service was rolled out.  The NAO report had highlighted the large percentage of claimants paid late or who were unable to access the system and Councillor Clayton was concerned at the consequential impact on people who were already disadvantaged.  He also highlighted the impact in South Cambridgeshire, particularly with regard to housing costs, and on an individual level. The NAO had acknowledged that there was no practical alternative to continuing with Universal Credit but Councillor Clayton believed that it was right for the Council to call for a suspension of the roll out of Universal Credit in South Cambridgeshire.

Councillor Jose Hales seconded the motion.

During discussion:

·         Councillor John Williams, citing the NAO report, expressed concerns about how  Universal Credit was working in practice and comented that it had led to many claimants being left in financial hardship. He was concerned at the potential impact of the policy for some of the most vulnerable people in the district.

·         Councillor Nigel Cathcart argued in favour of a suspension of the roll out to allow reflection on the problems being experienced with Universal Credit and introduction of modifications to address such problems.

·         Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins noted that if claimants did not receive payments on time it was likely to result in an increase in rent arrears which was pertinent in view of the Council’s role as a landlord.

·         Councillor Ruth Betson reported on comments she had received from Heidi Allen, MP for South Cambridgeshire, who sat on the Select Committee for Work and Pensions, regarding the roll out of Universal Credit.  She suggested that when Universal Credit came to South Cambridgeshire in October, Job Centre staff would have the benefit of experience and lessons learned from areas where it had already been rolled out. Councillor Betson commented that only brand new claimants going onto benefits in October would go onto Universal Credit, with existing claimants staying on the current system for time being and also highlighted changes already made to Universal Credit. 

·         Councillor Philippa Hart reflected that rent arrears were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16d

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

The Council noted those engagements attended by the Chairman since the last meeting.

The Chairman referred to a correction needed in respect of the event on 1 July 2018 which should have read “Opening the SCDC Milton Country Parklife event”.