Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, First Floor, South Cambridgeshire Hall

Contact: Democratic Services  03450 450 500 Email: democratic.services@scambs.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES

To receive apologies for absence from Members.

Minutes:

Apologies for Absence were received from Councillors Ruth Betson, Grenville Chamberlain, Dr. Douglas de Lacey, Jose Hales, Philippa Hart, Pippa Heylings, Alex Malyon, Dawn Percival and Nick Sample.

2.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Minutes:

Councillors John Batchelor and Dr. Ian Sollom declared non-pecuniary interests as non-remunerated Directors of Ermine Street Housing.

 

Councillor Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 20 as a member of Cambourne Town Council.

 

Councillor Mark Howell declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 8(d) Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and Conditions, as a friend of former District Councillor Kevin Cuffley, who owned a taxi licence.

 

Councillor Nigel Cathcart declared an interest in item 8(l) as he paid rent on a Council owned garage.

 

Councillor Heather Williams declared an interest in all budget related items as a Council Taxpayer.

 

Councillor Brian Milnes declared a pecuniary interest in item 12 Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel, as Vice Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee.

3.

Register of Interests

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

Minutes:

The Chairman requested that Members inform Democratic Services of any changes to their registered interests.

4.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 516 KB

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2019 as a correct record.

 

A confidential minute containing exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) has been circulated to Members only at item 19 on the agenda.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2019 were agreed as a correct record. 

5.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Minutes:

The Chairman reported that owing to the absence of Councillor Dr. Douglas de Lacey, the Chairman of Council, she had asked Councillor Dr. Claire Daunton to assist with the duties of the Vice Chairman at this meeting.

 

Volunteer Appreciation Event on Friday 26 June

The Chairman reported that the Council was holding a Volunteer Appreciation Event on Friday 26 June from 7.30pm to 9.00pm, to celebrate those people who make our villages better places to live for our communities. All Members were invited to nominate one volunteer in their community by 6 March, who will attend the event as their guest.

 

Retirement of Peter Topping

Councillor Bridget Smith, the Leader of Council, paid tribute to Peter Topping, who had stood down as the Member for the Whittlesford ward. He had served the Council as Leader, Cabinet member, Leader of the Opposition group and ward councillor. The Leader welcomed Councillor Heather Williams as the new Opposition Group Leader and Councillor Graham Cone as Deputy Leader and looked forward to working with them both in the future. Councillor Heather Williams thanked the Leader and praised Peter Topping for his tireless work for residents.

 

Tony Nicholas

Nigel Cathcart reported the sad news that Tony Nicholas, who had been the Member for Cottenham from May 2002 until June 2004, had died. Councillor Cathcart paid tribute to Tony Nicholas as a constructive and sensible district and parish councillor, who would be missed by the community he had served. The Chairman asked that Council’s regards for Tony Nicholas be formally minuted.

6.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

6a

From Dr Bryan Cameron

Under the Article 36 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2010, the Council is required to register all planning applications and is required to make the register available for public inspection.

 

However, since late last month, there have been no new planning applications recorded in the register.

 

Has the Council altogether ceased to function as the district's local planning authority or is the Council continuing to consider planning applications without disclosing them in the public planning register as is required by law?

 

(Note: Dr Bryan is unable to attend the meeting and has requested that his question be asked by Mr Daniel Fulton).

Minutes:

In the absence of Dr Bryan Cameron, Daniel Fulton asked the following question:

“Under Article 36 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2010, the Council is required to register all planning applications and is required to make the register available for public inspection.

 

However, only 11 applications have been received over the last few weeks, which is 200 fewer than over the same period last year. It had been impossible to access any applications online, although they were accessible again now.

 

Please can the Council provide details of the IT upgrade that led to the temporary cessation?”

 

Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Member for Planning, commented that this was a different question from that submitted by Dr. Cameron. She explained that the Shared Planning Service was in the process of transitioning from two separate planning systems onto a single platform. This was a central plank of the new operating model. During the transition period applications had been registered on the new system. As from 19 February 2020 all applications had now been registered on the new system, which was more efficient and streamlined than the previous system.

 

The Chairman explained that supplementary questions were only permitted from the questioner, who was not present.

 

6b

From Mr Daniel Fulton

I was very pleased to learn recently that the Council has asked the Local Government Association’s Planning Advisory Service to conduct an independent review of the shared planning service.   Will the Leader of the Council agree to the report being made available to the public once it is issued?

 

Minutes:

Mr Daniel Fulton asked the following question:

“I was very pleased to learn recently that the Council has asked the Local Government Association’s Planning Advisory Service to conduct an independent review of the shared planning service. Will the Leader of Council agree to the report being made available to the public once it is issued?”

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Member for Planning, explained that the Planning Advisory Service wold be reviewing the Planning Committees and not the Planning service. The draft terms of reference of this review would become available shortly and the review would be published once it concluded.

 

As a supplementary question Mr Daniel Fulton stated that the Planning Committee had passed a resolution to amend the planning delegation scheme within the Constitution, but asserted that according to the Local Government Act 2000, only full Council had this power and so argued that the amendment was ultra vires and the existing Constitution was still in effect. He invited the Lead member for Planning comment to comment on this.

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins announced that if Mr Fulton provided a copy of his supplementary question he would receive a written response.

7.

PETITIONS

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

Minutes:

The Chairman explained that no new petitions had been submitted to the Council. It was noted that Mr Tariq Ahmed’s petition, which had been discussed at the last Council meeting, had been taken into consideration as part of the Council’s consultation on the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and Conditions, which was listed as item 8(d) on the agenda.

8.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:

8a

Medium Term Financial Strategy (Cabinet - 4 December 2019) pdf icon PDF 714 KB

Cabinet

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL

 

1.    Acknowledge the projected changes in service spending and the overall resources available to the Council over the medium term;

 

2.    Approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy at Appendix A and the updated financial forecast at Appendix B.

 

Decision:

Council

 

AGREED       to

 

(a)       Acknowledge the projected changes in service spending and the overall resources available to the Council over the medium term;

 

(b)       Approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy at Appendix A and the updated financial forecast at Appendix B.

 

Minutes:

Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, presented this item on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to the financial year 2024/25. He explained that the MTFS was reviewed every six months and he expressed the hope that the Government’s plans would be clearer by the time of the next review. The following assumptions had been made:

·         A retention of 40% of Business Rates, which equated to a loss of £2.3 million from 2021/22.

·         New Homes Bonus would be phased out entirely by 2022/23.

·         Commercial income had been estimated from Ermine Street Housing Ltd, but not from any other investments.

·         These assumptions meant that the Council had a £5.7 million shortfall by the end of 2024/25.

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, expressed her thanks to officers who had written such a clear and concise report. She expressed her disappointment that there had been no national agreement amongst local authorities regarding the division of Business Rates.

 

Councillor Heather Williams explained that the increase in the funding gap from £3 million to £5.7 million and the perceived risk to service provision that this entailed, meant that she could not support the MTFS. Councillor John Williams explained that the administration had assumed a worst case scenario in identifying a £5.7 million shortfall, for example no income had been estimated from any commercial investments, with the exception of Ermine Street Housing Ltd.

 

In response to concerns expressed by Councillors Mark Howell and Heather Williams, Councillor John Williams assured Council that the administration’s MTFS was based on the principle that any Council Tax increases would be within the Government’s guidelines of a £5 or 2.99% maximum increase and so there was no intention of triggering a referendum by exceeding those limits.

 

Councillor John Williams proposed and the Leader seconded the recommendations in the report. A vote was taken and were cast as follows:

 

In favour (26):

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Dr. Martin Cahn, Nigel Cathcart, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Gavin Clayton, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.

 

Against (9):

Councillors Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Graham Cone, Sue Ellington, Mark Howell, Deborah Roberts, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams and Nick Wright.

 

Abstain (0):

 

Council

 

RESOLVED

 

To

 

(a)       Acknowledge the projected changes in service spending and the overall resources available to the Council over the medium term;

 

(b)       Approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy at Appendix A and the updated financial forecast at Appendix B.

8b

Annual Pay Policy Statement (Employment & Staffing Committee, 23 January 2020) pdf icon PDF 219 KB

The Employment and Staffing Committee

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL

 

Approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2020.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council

 

AGREED       To approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2020.

Minutes:

Councillor Henry Batchelor, Chairman of the Employment and Staffing Committee, proposed the recommendations in this report to ensure that the Council complied with the Localism Act 2011 and approved the annual Pay Policy Statement which been thoroughly discussed at the meeting of the Employment and Staffing Committee on 23 January 2020. Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, seconded the proposal.

 

Councillor Graham Cone asked whether support was offered to staff who wished to move from the Council’s childcare voucher scheme to the Government’s scheme. Councillor John Williams agreed that the administration would take this into account.

 

Councillor Heather Williams welcomed the fact that the mean gender pay gap was in favour of females, but she asserted that true equality meant asking why this was and considering if there were barriers for men seeking better paid employment. Councillor Henry Batchelor explained that the number of men employed in the waste service was one of the main reasons for the inequality.

 

Councillor Nick Wright asked for the figures on how much the Council had paid in redundancy payments and gardening leave over the last year. Councillor John Williams agreed to provide a written response to Councillor Wright’s question.

 

Councillor Gavin Clayton welcomed the fact that the ratio between the highest and lowest paid was 1:9 and suggested that there be a target for the authority and that the Council should also consider whether our contractors should also abide by this. Councillor John Williams agreed that the Council should be proud of its ratio and suggested that the Employment and Staffing Committee consider whether future Pay Policy statements should include a target.

 

A vote was taken and were cast as follows:

 

In favour (35):

 

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Anna Bradnam, Tom Bygott, Dr. Martin Cahn, Nigel Cathcart, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Gavin Clayton, Graham Cone, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Sue Ellington, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Mark Howell, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams, John Williams, Eileen Wilson and Nick Wright.

 

Against (0):

 

Abstain (0):

 

Council

 

RESOLVED 

 

To approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2020.

8c

Appointment of Monitoring Officer (Employment & Staffing Committee, 23 January 2020) pdf icon PDF 230 KB

The Employment and Staffing Committee

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL

 

Appoint  Rory McKenna as the Council’s Monitoring Officer.

Decision:

Council

 

AGREED        To appoint Rory McKenna as the Council’s Monitoring Officer.

Minutes:

Councillor Henry Batchelor, Chairman of the Employment and Staffing Committee, proposed and Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, seconded the appointment of Rory McKenna as this authority’s Monitoring Officer.

 

Council by affirmation

 

RESOLVED  

 

To appoint Rory McKenna as the Council’s Monitoring Officer.

8d

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and Conditions (Licensing Committee - 10 February 2020) pdf icon PDF 178 KB

Licensing Committee

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL 

 

Approve and adopt the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy with effect from 1 April 2020.

 

 

Note: Members are reminded that at its meeting held on 28 November 2020, the Council received a petition and agreed to give it due consideration when considering the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and Conditions.  The petition is referred to at Appendix B to the attached report.

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council

 

NOTED          and gave full consideration to the petition presented to full Council on 28 November 2019.

 

Council AGREED   

 

1.    To approve and adopt the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy with effect from 1 April 2020 as detailed in the agenda subject to:

 

A.     Inclusion of the following amendments to the Policy, as detailed in the supplement report:

·           Paragraph 3.16 (d) of the policy being amended to:

“New Hackney Carriage vehicles will need to comply with this immediately, and those vehicles currently licensed as a Hackney Carriage will have to comply by 1st December 2021 Failure to do so will result in the vehicle licence being revoked, or not renewed.”

 

·         Paragraph 3.16 (h) of the policy being amended to:

“All vehicles fitted with a tail lift for wheelchairs must provide a valid Lifting Operations Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) certificate of compliance to prove that the tail lift has been tested and checked to the required standards. It must be retested every six months as per Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements.”

 

·         Replacement of the table at paragraph 3.27 (k) of the policy with the table set out in the supplement report.

 

2.     The inclusion of an extra paragraph in the Policy under the heading “Requests for Data”:

“iv) There will be a report to Licensing Committee at least once a year showing how many times a request for data has been received, granted access to, and for what purposes.”

Minutes:

The Chairman explained that this policy had been proposed by the Licensing Committee and would usually be presented by its Chairman, but as she was chairing the meeting she invited Councillor Bill Handley, Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licensing, to present the report.

 

Councillor Bill Handley introduced this report, which invited Council to approve a new Taxi Licensing Policy for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, drivers, proprietor (vehicles) and operators following an extensive public consultation process, which included workshops as well as Licensing Committee meetings.

 

Councillor Handley commented that the significant changes to the previous policy were in two main areas: those intended to protect the environment and public health and those designed to further protect both passenger and driver. A number of the new measures brought the Council’s policies into line with those in Cambridge City Council’s licensing policy.

 

Councillor Handley then proceeded to highlight the most significant changes to the policy:-

 

Age Limit

An upper age limit would be introduced for vehicles of 9 year for the renewal of vehicle licences from December 2021.

 

Plate Exemption Policy

A “Plate Exemption” policy would continue to apply, on request, for operators of executive/chauffeur-based work but the word “primarily” was replaced by the word “solely” to remove any ambiguity and to provide clarity and consistency.

 

Internal Vehicle Notice

A compulsory Internal Vehicle Notice was to be displayed by all licensed vehicles at all times. This was for the safety of the public to allow the on-board identification of both driver and vehicle.

 

Wheelchair accessible

The trade had made the point that there was currently a very limited choice of wheelchair accessible ultra-low and zero emission vehicles on the market. The Licensing Committee had listened to the trade on this but considered that the needs of disabled passengers should not be compromised. Since central government had made it clear that the sale of private petrol and diesel fuelled vehicles was to be phased out, possibly as early as 2035, there would be an incentive for companies to introduce suitable vehicles. This part of the policy would be reviewed from time to time as the situation changed as suitable vehicles become available.

 

Door signage

The new Policy had not changed from the previous 2018 policy on door signage, although Councillor Handley recognised that changes in the market had brought this matter into more focus. Councillor Handley referred to the petition received at the Council meeting in September 2019 but noted that ultimately the Licensing Committee had rejected the claim that it was difficult or potentially dangerous for drivers to have to change signs at the side of the highway and the door signage enabled a clear mechanism for reporting issues to the operator.

 

Installation of CCTV Cameras to all Vehicles (including “plate exempt”)

Concerns regards privacy had been discussed at the Licensing Committee of 10 February 2020. The operators of executive and chauffeur-style “plate-exempt” vehicles had asked for an exemption for their vehicles on the grounds of privacy. The Licensing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8d

8e

2020 - 2025 Business Plan (Cabinet - 5 February 2020) pdf icon PDF 233 KB

Cabinet

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCL

 

1.    Adopt the 2020-25 Business Plan action grid at Appendix A to the report.

 

2.    Authorise the Chief Executive to make any minor wording changes required to final drafts, in consultation with the Deputy Leader.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council

 

AGREED        to

 

(a)      Adopt the proposed 2020-25 Business Plan action grid at Appendix A.

 

(b)      Authorise the Chief Executive to make any minor wording changes required to final drafts, in consultation with the Deputy Leader.

Minutes:

Councillor Neil Gough, the Deputy Leader (non-statutory), presented the Business Plan, which provided clear and measurable actions that the Council will carry out up until 2025 to achieve the overarching priorities. He highlighted the following points:

·         Promotion of Mobile Warden Schemes

·         Promotion of Green agenda, including the provision of LED footway lighting

·         Trial of electric collection vehicles

·         Provision of £100,000 for zero carbon communities

 

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Neil Gough and seconded by Councillor John Williams.

 

Councillor Heather Williams suggested that the Business Plan favoured business interests over the interests of residents. Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, explained that local businesses were vital to the wellbeing of the District’s residents.

 

Councillor Nick Wright stated that the core of the Plan was from the previous administration. He praised the commitment to sustainability and paperless meetings. He commented that the replacement of footway lights was well overdue. He stated that more should be done for communities and was concerned that there was no commitment to supporting village pubs. The Leader explained that whilst pubs were not specifically mentioned in the Plan, which took a strategic overview, pubs were included in lower level documents. Councillor John Williams asserted that there had been insufficient funds in the budget under the previous administration to replace the footway lights.

 

Councillor Peter McDonald explained most of the focus was on Small and Medium Enterprises who employed fewer than 10 people. These businesses needed the Council’s support more than larger organisations.

 

Councillor Sue Ellington stated that the Plan did little to tackle social isolation and that it was pity that the time banking initiative had been lost. She expressed concern that no new villages were coming forward to ask for a Mobile Warden Scheme and so only existing schemes were being supported. Councillor Handley was happy to report that a new Mobile Warden Scheme had been set up in his ward of Over and Willingham.

 

Councillor Sarah Cheung-Johnson welcomed the provision of community buildings in Northstowe.

 

Councillor Nigel Cathcart supported the “green to our core” initiative and the need to support local initiatives and schemes. However, he also highlighted the need for conservation and that many historic buildings in the District needed protection.

 

Councillor Gavin Clayton asked if the target to build 50 council homes was ambitious enough and congratulated the administration in pledging to support refugee families. He welcomed the ambitious plans for Northstowe, but asked that Cambourne not be forgotten.

 

Councillor Dr. Martin Cahn supported the Plan, but expressed concern that the word culture had been omitted. He stated that including this when supporting the construction of community buildings would help businesses.

 

Councillor Geoff Harvey thanked officers for their work in producing the Plan and delivering on it. He asserted that by making South Cambs Hall more energy efficient provided an exemplar for other organisations in the District.

 

Councillor John Williams explained that the Plan had been developed after speaking to residents. He referred to the enthusiasm expressed by parish councils about the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8e

8f

Localised Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTS): 2020/21 (Cabinet - 5 February 2020) pdf icon PDF 167 KB

Cabinet

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL

 

Approve

 

1.    The adoption of Option 1, comprising the Localised Council Tax Support (LCTS) Income Bands scheme currently in operation, with an uprating of calculation figures in line with the Consumer Price Index.

 

2.    The delegation of future annual inflation adjustments to scheme limits to the LCTS scheme limits to the Head of Finance in liaison with the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council

 

AGREED       to

 

(a)       Approve the adoption of Option 1 in the report, comprising the LCTS Income Bands scheme currently in operation, with an uprating of calculation figures in line with the Consumer Price Index;

 

(b)       Approve the delegation of future annual inflation adjustments to the LCTS scheme limits to the Head of Finance in liaison with the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance.

Minutes:

Following agreement of the Council, signalled by affirmation, to vary the order of business in accordance with Standing Order 13(c), this item was discussed after Agenda Item 8a (Medium Term Financial Strategy).

 

Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member of Finance, proposed the recommendations in the report, which reviewed the Localised Council Tax Support scheme for 2019/20 and sought agreement for the scheme for 2020/21. Councillor Heather Williams seconded the proposal.

 

Councillor Gavin Clayton expressed his concern at the increase in the use of food banks in Cambourne due to Universal Credit. The Leader invited Councillor Clayton to discuss this matter with her outside the meeting to look at whether the Council could develop a local solution to support residents in Cambourne.

 

A vote was taken and votes were cast as follows:

 

In favour (35):

 

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Anna Bradnam, Tom Bygott, Dr. Martin Cahn, Nigel Cathcart, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Gavin Clayton, Graham Cone, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Sue Ellington, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Mark Howell, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams, John Williams, Eileen Wilson and Nick Wright.

 

Against (0):

 

Abstain (0):

 

Council

 

RESOLVED to

 

(a)       Approve the adoption of Option 1 in the report, comprising the LCTS Income Bands scheme currently in operation, with an uprating of calculation figures in line with the Consumer Price Index;

 

(b)       Approve the delegation of future annual inflation adjustments to the LCTS scheme limits to the Head of Finance in liaison with the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance.

8g

Review of Reserves and Provisions (Cabinet - 5 February 2020) pdf icon PDF 613 KB

Cabinet

 

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL    

 

 

1.    That the Reserves as summarised at paragraph 13 of the report be released and transferred to the General Reserve on 31 March 2020.

 

2.    That the Reserves proposed for replenishment or combination, and the outstanding balances at 31 March 2020 proposed for release, as detailed in Appendix A to the report, be approved.

 

3.    That the proposed new Reserves, as summarised at paragraph 16 of the report, be approved.

 

4.    That the movement in Reserves in 2019/20, as set out in Appendix A, and the estimated balance of Reserves of £41.763 million, be noted.

Decision:

Council

 

AGREED       

 

(a)       That the Reserves as summarised at paragraph 13 of the report be released and transferred to the General Reserve on 31 March 2020.

 

(b)       That the Reserves proposed for replenishment or combination, and the outstanding balances at 31 March 2020 proposed for release, as detailed in Appendix A to the report, be approved.

 

(c)       That the proposed new Reserves, as summarised at paragraph 16 of the report, be approved.

 

(d)       That the movement in Reserves in 2019/2020 as set out in Appendix A, and the estimated balance of Reserves of £41.763 million, be noted.

 

Minutes:

Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, proposed the recommendations in the report, which advised the Council of the outcome of the Cabinet’s review of the Council’s Revenue Reserves and Provisions as part of the 2020/21 budget setting process. He explained that the commas in paragraph 8 of the report should have been decimal points. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, Deputy Leader.

 

Councillor Heather Williams asked how the management consultants had been funded. Councillor John Williams explained that a Transformation budget had been set up and any funds that were unspent would be returned to reserves.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Heather Williams, Councillor John Williams confirmed that the Children and Young People reserve was ring-fenced. The Leader added that the Children and Young People City and South Cambs Area Partnership Committee, which had allocated funds, no longer existed, so the decision had been taken to ensure that the funds that the Council previous paid to the Committee could still be spent on initiatives that benefitted children.

 

Councillor Sue Ellington explained that Webbs Hole sluice was vital to land drainage in her ward of Swavesey and she asserted that Mare Fen needed to be completed before work commenced on Phase 2 of Northstowe.

 

Councillor John Williams assured Council that funds were not being moved from the Community Chest reserves and the Council would have greater flexibility to move extra funds for Community Chest applications.

 

A vote was taken and were cast as follows:

 

In favour (31):

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Anna Bradnam, Dr. Martin Cahn, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Graham Cone, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Sue Ellington, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Mark Howell, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams, John Williams, Eileen Wilson and Nick Wright.

 

Against (1):

Councillor Deborah Roberts.

 

Abstain (2):

Councillors Nigel Cathcart and Gavin Clayton.

 

Council

 

RESOLVED 

 

(a)       That the Reserves as summarised at paragraph 13 of the report be released and transferred to the General Reserve on 31 March 2020.

 

(b)       That the Reserves proposed for replenishment or combination, and the outstanding balances at 31 March 2020 proposed for release, as detailed in Appendix A to the report, be approved.

 

(c)       That the proposed new Reserves, as summarised at paragraph 16 of the report, be approved.

 

(d)       That the movement in Reserves in 2019/2020 as set out in Appendix A, and the estimated balance of Reserves of £41.763 million, be noted.

 

8h

Capital Strategy (Cabinet - 5 February 2020) pdf icon PDF 571 KB

Cabinet

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL

 

Approve

 

1.    The updated Capital Strategy attached at Appendix A to the report which sets out the policy framework for the development, management and monitoring of capital investment; and

 

2.    The Prudential Indicators.

 

 

Decision:

Council

 

AGREED       to approve (i) the updated Capital Strategy attached at Appendix A to the report which sets the policy framework for the development, management and monitoring of capital investment, and (ii) Prudential Indicators.

 

Minutes:

John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, proposed the recommendations in the report, which undertook an annual review of the Capital Strategy and invited Council to approve it, as recommended by Cabinet on 5 February 2020. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer.

 

Councillor Heather Williams supported the Strategy and stated that officers needed the support and resources in order to carry out their job.

 

Councillor Nick Wright welcomed this report but expressed concern that the Council could replace Section 106 Agreements with the Community Infrastructure Levy, which would mean less funding for local infrastructure. Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Leader Member for Planning, assured Members that there were no plans to do this, but that it was sensible to periodically review the Council’s position.

 

A vote was taken and votes were cast as follows:

 

In favour (32):

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Anna Bradnam, Tom Bygott, Dr. Martin Cahn, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Graham Cone, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Sue Ellington, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Mark Howell, Steve Hunt, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams, John Williams, Eileen Wilson and Nick Wright.

 

Against (0):

 

Abstain (2):

Councillors Nigel Cathcart and Gavin Clayton.

 

Council

 

RESOLVED  to approve (i) the updated Capital Strategy attached at Appendix A to the report which sets the policy framework for the development, management and monitoring of capital investment, and (ii) Prudential Indicators.

 

8i

Capital Programme 2020/2021 to 2024/2025 (Cabinet - 5 February 2020) pdf icon PDF 300 KB

Cabinet

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL 

 

Approve the revised Capital Programme outlined at Appendix A.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council 

 

AGREED        to approve the revised Capital Programme outlined at Appendix A.

Minutes:

Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, proposed the recommendations in the report, which invited Council to approve the Capital Programme for the years 2020/21 to 2024/25. He explained that the Programme proposed £96 million for the investment programme, which included £1.9 million for South Cambs Hall and £1.3 million for LED street lighting. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer.

 

Councillor Graham Cone asked whether the increase in funding for refuse collection vehicles was due to the planned purchase of electric vehicles. He requested information on mileage and what areas the vehicles would be serving. Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, explained that electric bin lorries were more fuel efficient than current vehicles and so the Council was going to try one out in March. The administration was also looking at hydrogen powered vehicles. Councillor John Williams explained that bin lorries needed to be replaced in any case and it made sense to look at more energy efficient alternatives.

 

Councillor Mark Howell suggested that the renewable energy proposed for South Cambs Hall could have been better spent on providing charging points for electric vehicles for taxi drivers. Councillor Heather Williams added that the Council’s own premises should not be a priority for this authority. Councillor John Williams stated that the renewable energy initiatives being installed at South Cambs Hall would pay for themselves in 16 years and would encourage other businesses to do the same. This would help the Council to become net carbon neutral by 2050.

 

Councillor Heather Williams explained that she would not support the Investment Strategy, as she was of the view that allocating £300 million without proper scrutiny was too risky.  Councillor Nick Wright stated that he continued to support Ermine Street Housing, which brought in funds to the Council. However, Councillor Wright expressed concern regarding the plan to invest in commercial land, which was high risk and could become a liability if there was an economic downturn.

 

Councillor Sue Ellington stated that this authority was once debt free and she expressed concern at the proposal for the Council to take on debt of £119 million. Councillor John Williams responded to the comments made during earlier speeches.

 

A vote was taken and votes were cast as follows:

 

In favour (24):

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Dr. Martin Cahn, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.

 

Against (9):

Councillors Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Graham Cone, Sue Ellington, Mark Howell, Deborah Roberts, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams and Nick Wright.

 

Abstain (2):

Nigel Cathcart, Gavin Clayton

 

Council 

 

RESOLVED  to approve the revised Capital Programme outlined at Appendix A.

8j

Treasury Management Strategy (Cabinet - 5 February 2020) pdf icon PDF 1000 KB

Cabinet

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL  

 

Approve the updated Treasury Management Strategy attached at Appendix A to the report which sets the policy framework for the Council’s treasury management activity, including (i) the Treasury Management Policy Statement; (ii) Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and (iii) Treasury Indicators.

 

Decision:

Council  

 

AGREED        to approve the updated Treasury Management Strategy attached at Appendix A to the report which sets the policy framework for the Council’s treasury management activity, including (i) the Treasury Management Policy Statement, (ii) Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and (iii) Treasury Indicators.

Minutes:

Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, proposed and Councillor Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, Deputy Leader, seconded this proposal, which invited the Council to approve the Treasury Management Strategy. Councillor Heather Williams explained that the opposition supported Ermine Street Housing Ltd and were happy to support the Treasury Management Strategy.

 

A vote was taken and votes were cast as follows:

 

In favour (33):

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Anna Bradnam, Tom Bygott, Dr. Martin Cahn, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Graham Cone, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Sue Ellington, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Mark Howell, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams, John Williams, Eileen Wilson and Nick Wright.

 

Against (0):

 

Abstain (2):

Councillors Nigel Cathcart and Gavin Clayton.

 

Council  

 

RESOLVED To approve the updated Treasury Management Strategy, attached at Appendix A to the report, which sets the policy framework for the Council’s treasury management activity, including (i) the Treasury Management Policy Statement, (ii) Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and (ii) Treasury Indicators.

8k

Summary General Fund Revenue Budget 2020/21 (Cabinet - 5 February 2020) pdf icon PDF 488 KB

Cabinet

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL 

 

1.    Approve the 2020/2021 General Fund Revenue Budget based on known commitments at this time and planned levels of service/functions resulting in a Budget Requirement of £24.329 million; and

 

2.    Approve the District Council Precept on the Collection Fund (Council Tax Requirement) of £9.562 million in 2020/2021 (based on the Government Settlement) and a Band D Council Tax of £150.31.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council 

 

AGREED        to

 

(a)       Approve the 2020/2021 General Fund Revenue Budget based on known commitments at this time and planned levels of Service/functions resulting in a Budget Requirement of £24.350 million; and

 

(b)       Approve the District Council Precept on the Collection Fund (Council Tax Requirement) of £9.562 million in 2020/2021 (based on the Government Settlement) and a Band D Council Tax of £150.31.

Minutes:

Councillor John Williams introduced this report on the General Fund Revenue Budget for 2020/21. He reported that in the table on paragraph 21 of the report, on page 313 of the agenda, the figures in the table should be in pounds, not millions of pounds and the figures in paragraph 33a of the report, on page 316 of the agenda, should be £92.116 million and £38.207 million.

 

Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, made the following points:

·         He thanked the Head of Finance for working with other Cambridgeshire authorities to set up a Business Rates pooling scheme which realised an extra £1 million to the Council.

·         An extra £5 million had been allocated to reduce the authority’s carbon footprint, including improving the efficiency of the Council’s housing stock and the purchasing of an electric bin lorry.

·         £4.5 million would be generated from investments over the next 12 months.

·         Income would continue to be generated from Ermine Street Housing Ltd, from business premises on Cambridge Science Park and Colmworth Trade Park, and from a return on a loan to deliver a new Ice Rink on the edge of Cambridge.

·         £200,000 would be invested in expanding the Mobile Warden Scheme.

·         £200,000 would support local businesses.

·         It was proposed to increase Council Tax by £5 for a Band D property.

 

Councillor John Williams proposed and Councillor Neil Gough seconded the recommendations in the report.

 

Councillor Heather Williams proposed an amendment to recommendation 1, seconded by Councillor Graham Cone, by the addition of the words shown in italics:

 

1)    Approve the 2020/21 General Fund Revenue Budget based on known commitments at this time and planned levels of service/functions resulting in a Budget requirement of £24.350 million, subject to:

 

a.    The inclusion of the following additional items:

 

                I.             Support for Olympic Athletes

 

£10,000

 

To establish an “Olympic Hopefuls” grant for residents of the District who are in full time education and are preparing for the next Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, this summer and future games. Applications to be processed, assessed and determined in the same way as Community Chest grants.

 

               II.              Youth Engagement

 

£5,000

 

To enable the Council to organise a youth engagement event or events in order to raise awareness and encourage young people to get involved. Parish councils/meetings to be invited to send 2 representatives aged 21 or under to event(s) where local issues could be debated and provide an introduction to the different layers of local government and how to get involved and all members being given the opportunity to get involved on an apolitical level.

 

             III.             Long Service Awards

 

£13,500

 

To extend the long service awards scheme (that currently applies after 20 years’ service) so that awards are given to staff at intervals of five years’ service starting at five years’ employment with South Cambridgeshire District Council.

 

b.    The £28,500 required to fund the above items, be met from a reduction to the budget within communications for the South Cambridgeshire magazine of £15,000 and a reduction in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8k

8l

Housing Revenue Account Revenue and Capital Budget 2020/2021 (Cabinet - 5 February 2020) pdf icon PDF 495 KB

Cabinet

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL 

 

1.    Approve the HRA revenue budget for 2020/2021 as shown in the HRA Budget Summary as presented at Appendix A;

 

2.    Approve the HRA Medium Term Financial Strategy forecasts as shown in Appendix B;

 

3.    Approve the Housing Capital Programme as shown in Appendix C.

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council 

 

AGREED       to

 

(a)       Approve the HRA revenue budget for 2020/2021 as shown in the HRA Budget Summary as presented at Appendix A;

 

(b)       Approve the HRA Medium Term Financial Strategy forecasts as shown in Appendix B;

 

(c)       Approve the Housing Capital Programme as shown in Appendix C;

 

(d)       Approve the Service Charges as shown in Appendix D.

Minutes:

Councillor Hazel Smith, Lead Cabinet Member for Housing, presented this report on the Housing Revenue Account Revenue and Capital Budget for 2020/21. She made the following points:

·         On page 406 of the agenda, it should read 3 Shared Ownership homes at Impington Lane, Impington and the figure should be £150,000.

·         It was proposed to add agreement of Service Charges at Appendix D to the recommendations, although some of these had already been agreed at Cabinet.

·         The Council had contracted out to build 265 homes, but the aim was to increase this number, as homes in Northstowe had planning permission.

·         It was possible that the Council would have to borrow in the short-term.

 

Councillor Hazel Smith proposed and Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, seconded the recommendations in the report.

 

Councillor Mark Howell expressed his support for these proposals, which were good for the Housing Revenue Account in the long term. He asked for assurance that capital receipts would not be returned to Government. Councillor Hazel Smith assured Council that Right to Buy receipts would continue to be used to build new Council owned properties.

 

In response to Councillor Nigel Cathcart, Councillor Hazel Smith confirmed that there would be no exorbitant increases in rent under the current administration and details of the 2.7% increase from 2020/21 were provided in paragraph 32 of the report.

 

A vote was taken and were cast as follows:

 

In favour (33):

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Tom Bygott, Dr. Martin Cahn, Nigel Cathcart, Gavin Clayton, Graham Cone, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Sue Ellington, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Mark Howell, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams, John Williams, Eileen Wilson and Nick Wright.

 

Against (0):

 

Abstain (0):

 

Council 

 

RESOLVED  to

 

(a)       Approve the HRA revenue budget for 2020/2021 as shown in the HRA Budget Summary as presented at Appendix A;

 

(b)       Approve the HRA Medium Term Financial Strategy forecasts as shown in Appendix B;

 

(c)       Approve the Housing Capital Programme as shown in Appendix C.

 

(d)       Approve the Service Charges as shown in Appendix D.

9.

Council Tax Resolution pdf icon PDF 294 KB

To approve the formal Council Tax resolution for 2020/21 (Report to follow)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council 

 

AGREED        The Council Tax Resolution, as detailed at Appendix A.

Minutes:

Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member of Finance, introduced this item, which invited Council to formally approve the total Council Tax for the residents of South Cambridgeshire District, including the Council Tax requirements of precepting organisations. Councillor John Williams proposed and Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, seconded the recommendations in the report.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts explained that she would not be supporting this proposal, as any increases needed to be paid for by ordinary residents, who would be funding sustainable initiatives, which she did not believe would not make any difference when compared to the energy usage of countries like India, China, the United States and Germany. She added that Council Tax from residents also paid for the Police force, whom she had little confidence in, due to their apparent recent inaction regarding protestors in Cambridge.

 

Councillor Nick Wright stated that the increase in Council Tax might have been unnecessary if the Council had not employed management consultants and suggested that it was unclear what they had achieved.

 

Councillor Dr. Martin Cahn explained that whilst it was simple to cut services, it was difficult re-instate them. He supported the modest increase in Council Tax, as it would be used to rebuild public services.

 

Councillor Heather Williams stated that any increase in Council Tax was a difficult decision, but she recognised that the Council had little choice. She declared an interest as Council Taxpayer.

 

Councillor John Williams stated that the Council did not know what the results would be of the Government’s Fair Funding review and it so would be foolish to not increase Council Tax by the maximum amount permitted. Recent history showed that those local authorities who had not increased Council Tax in the past, had then experienced financial difficulties. He urged Council to support the proposal, as it was in the best interests of the District’s residents.

 

A vote was taken and were cast as follows:

 

In favour (33):

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Anna Bradnam, Tom Bygott, Dr. Martin Cahn, Nigel Cathcart, Gavin Clayton, Graham Cone, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Sue Ellington, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Mark Howell, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams, John Williams, Eileen Wilson and Nick Wright.

 

Against (1):

Councillor Deborah Roberts.

 

Abstain (0):

 

Council RESOLVED TO NOTE

1.        That on 26th November 2019 the Council calculated the Council Tax Base 2020/2021:

(a)           for the whole Council area as 63,617.60 [Item T in the formula in Section 31B(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)] and,

(b)           for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish precept relates as in Appendix B.

2.        That the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2020/2021 (excluding Parish precepts) is calculated as £9,562,361.

 

Council RESOLVED to approve the following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Swavesey Byeways Rate 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 133 KB

The Swavesey Byeways Advisory Committee

 

RECOMMENDED THAT COUNCIL  

 

Retains the level of the Swavesey Byeways rate at £1.20 per hectare for land within the charge paying area for the period 2020/21 in order to fund the required level of maintenance.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council  

 

AGREED        To retain the level of the Swavesey Byeways rate at £1.20 per hectare for land within the charge paying area for the period 2020/21 in order to fund the required level of maintenance.

Minutes:

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Member for Planning, introduced this report which detailed the annual meeting of the Swavesey Byeways Advisory Committee held on 3 February 2020 and sought to set the level of the Swavesey Byeways rate. Councillor Dr. Hawkins proposed and Councillor Sue Ellington seconded the recommendation in the report.

 

Councillor Nick Wright expressed concern that the Council had not provided the road planings required to repair the pot holes on the byeways in question. Councillor Ellington stated that this was a contentious issue affecting her ward and asked that the Council act to resolve it. Councillor Hawkins explained that she was liaising with the Head of Shared Waste and Environment on this matter.

 

A vote was taken and votes were cast as follows:

 

In favour (32):

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Anna Bradnam, Tom Bygott, Dr. Martin Cahn, Nigel Cathcart, Gavin Clayton, Graham Cone, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Sue Ellington, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Mark Howell, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Judith Rippeth, Deborah Roberts, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, Heather Williams, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.

 

Against (2):

Councillors Bunty Waters and Nick Wright

 

Abstain (0):

 

Council  

 

RESOLVED   To retain the level of the Swavesey Byeways rate at £1.20 per hectare for land within the charge paying area for the period 2020/21 in order to fund the required level of maintenance.

11.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH COMBINED AUTHORITY pdf icon PDF 344 KB

Attached are the reports summarising the work of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in October and November 2019 and January 2020.  At the time of publication of this agenda, the Council had not received the decision summary for the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny  Committee held on 27 January 2020.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council noted reports prepared by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority summarising the work of the Authority during October and November 2019 and January 2020.

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, announced that the Mayor had launched a £100,000 housing scheme and discussions were taking place on the possibility of running a pilot in South Cambridgeshire. A site had been identified but any construction would be subject to planning permission.

 

The Leader also reported that she had given evidence to the Public Service Reform Commission and commented on the work of the Climate Commission.

 

Council NOTED the report on the recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

12.

Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel pdf icon PDF 333 KB

To consider the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) in respect of a variation to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council  

 

AGREED        to

 

(a)       The Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendations on proposed revisions to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances 2019/20, as set out in Appendix A to the report.

 

(b)       To approve the implementation of the amendments to Special Responsibility Allowances from the date of adoption of the revised scheme (ie: 20 February 2020).

 

(c)       Authorise the Interim Director of Corporate Services to implement and advertise any revisions to the scheme and to make any consequential amendments required to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances in Part 6 of the Constitution.

Minutes:

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, introduced this report, which considered the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel with regard to the Special Responsibility Allowances paid to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee and the Chairman of the Joint Development Control Committee. The Leader proposed and Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, seconded the recommendations in the report.

 

Councillor Brian Milnes declared a pecuniary interest in this item as the Vice-Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee. He did not participate in the debate and did not vote.

 

Councillor Heather Williams expressed the view that it would be inappropriate for councillors to increase their own allowances, having just agreed to increase Council Tax.

 

Councillor John Williams stated that the Council employed an Independent Remuneration Panel to give their fair and honest opinion. The increases proposed were modest and gave a recognition of the extra work involved by the postholders.

 

A vote was taken and votes were cast as follows:

 

In favour (22):

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Dr. Martin Cahn, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Bill Handley, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Peter McDonald, Judith Rippeth, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.

 

Against (8):

Councillors Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Graham Cone, Sue Ellington, Mark Howell, Deborah Roberts, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams and Nick Wright.

 

Abstain (1):

Councillor Gavin Clayton.

 

Council  

 

RESOLVED  to

 

(a)       To approve the Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendations on proposed revisions to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances 2019/20, as set out in Appendix A to this report.

 

(b)       To approve the implementation of the amendments to Special Responsibility Allowances from the date of adoption of the revised scheme (ie: 20 February 2020).

 

(c)       To authorise the Interim Director of Corporate Services to implement and advertise any revisions to the scheme and to make any consequential amendments required to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances in Part 6 of the Constitution.

13.

Membership of Committees and Outside Bodies

(a)  To note and endorse the following appointments to committees to fill the vacancies created by the resignation of Councillor Peter Topping:-

 

·         Audit and Corporate Governance Committee –  Councillor Mark Howell

·         Brexit Advisory Group – Councillor Heather Williams

·         Civic Affairs Committee – Councillor Heather Williams

·         Employment and Staffing Committee – Councillor Heather Williams

·         Planning Committee – Councillor Sue Ellington

 

(b)  To note and endorse the following substitute appointments to fill the vacancies created by the resignation of Councillor Peter Topping and changes in appointments at (a) above:-

 

Scrutiny and Overview Committee – Councillor Heather Williams

Audit and Corporate Governance Committee – Councillor Graham Cone

Grants Advisory Committee – Councillor Tom Bygott

Employment and Staffing Committee - Councillor Grenville Chamberlain

Climate and Environment Advisory Committee – Councillor Ruth Betson

 

(c)   To note and endorse the following change in membership of committees and substitute arrangements:-

 

Licensing Committee:

      Councillor Heather Williams replaced by Councillor Mark Howell as a member of the committee.

      Councillor Nigel Cathcart replaced by Cllr Gavin Clayton as a member of the committee.

      Councillor Mark Howell replaced by Councillor Heather Williams as a substitute member of the committee.

      Councillor Gavin Clayton replaced by Cllr Nigel Cathcart as a substitute member of the committee.

 

(d)  To note and endorse any other changes in the membership of committees which have been made in accordance with the wishes of the Leader of the political group to which the seat has been allocated.

 

(e)  To note and endorse the following appointments and substitute appointments to outside bodies to fill the vacancies created by the resignation of Councillor Peter Topping:

 

·         Greater Cambridge Partnership Combined Authority Joint Assembly – Councillor Heather Williams appointed as Conservative Group representative.

·         Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Scrutiny and Overview Committee – Councillor Heather Williams appointed as Conservative Group substitute.

 

(f)    To note and endorse any other changes required in membership of outside bodies.

 

 

Minutes:

The Council noted changes in membership made in accordance with the wishes of Group Leaders in respect of places allocated to their Groups on committees and outside bodies.

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, reported that Councillor Brian Milnes had been appointed as the Council’s representative on the A505 Royston to Granta Park Strategic Growth and Transport Study Steering Group, replacing former Councillor Peter Topping. Councillor Jose Hales had been appointed as substitute.

 

Council

 

RESOLVED    To note and endorse the changes to membership and substitutes of Committees and Outside Bodies detailed at item 13 of the agenda.

14.

Calendar of Meetings 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 132 KB

To approve the Calendar of Meetings 2020/21.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council 

 

AGREED      The Calendar of meetings 2020/21 as set out at Appendix A, with the following amendments:

·       Council to meet on 15 April 2021, upgrading it from a reserve date.

·       The time of Planning Committee meetings was amended to 10am.

·       Officers to consider moving the Council meeting scheduled for 18 February 2021, as this was in half-term.

Minutes:

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, proposed and Councillor Anna Bradnam, Chairman, seconded the Calendar of Meetings for 2020/21, as detailed in the agenda.

 

It was noted that a Council meeting had been scheduled for Tuesday 14 July 2020 to avoid clashes with meetings of the County Council.

 

Councillor Heather Williams suggested that the meeting of the Council on 15 April 2021 shown as a reserve meeting in the draft Calendar of Meetings should be included as a scheduled meeting. Council agreed this by affirmation.

 

Councillor Dr. Ian Sollom asked if an alternative date for the Council meeting on 18 February 2021 could be considered, as this was in half-term. It was agreed that officers would investigate this.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts asked that Planning Committee meet at 10:00am instead of 10:30am. Councillor John Batchelor, Chairman of Planning Committee, explained that the Committee only met at 10:30am if a briefing had been scheduled before the meeting, which was usually not the case. Council agreed to amend the start date of Planning Committee in the Calendar of Meetings to 10am.

 

Council by affirmation

 

RESOLVED 

 

To approve the Calendar of meetings 2020/21 as set out at Appendix A, with the following amendments:

·         Council to meet on 15 April 2021, upgrading it from a reserve date.

·         The time of Planning Committee meetings to be amended to 10am.

·         Officers to consider moving the Council meeting scheduled for 18 February 2021, as this is in half-term.

In accordance with Standing Orders, Council agreed by affirmation that the meeting should continue beyond four hours.

15.

QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS

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.

15a

From Councillor Dr. Ian Sollom

With the welcome announcement of a preferred route option for East West Rail that will connect Cambourne and surrounding communities, both existing and planned, to the national rail network, can the administration explain how they will ensure that communities along the route are properly engaged and heard in the next phase of developing a specific route alignment?

 

Minutes:

With the welcome announcement of a preferred route option for East West Rail that will connect Cambourne and surrounding communities, both existing and planned, to the national rail network, can the administration explain how they will ensure that communities along the route are properly engaged and heard in the next phase of developing a specific route alignment?

 

Councillor Dr. Aiden Van de Weyer, Deputy Leader, explained that following the announcement of the preferred route option, Council officers would be meeting with representatives from the East West Rail Company to ensure that the Council, local communities, parish councils, residents and all other stakeholders were fully engaged with before and during the public consultation on the detailed route alignment.

 

Councillor Dr. Ian Sollom expressed his concern that East West Rail had not contacted the parish councils in his ward and the first event in Cambourne was due to take place in the middle of the day, which few residents would be able to attend. Councillor Dr. Sollom asked if East West Rail could be persuaded to improve their consultation process. Councillor Dr. Van de Weyer explained that the Council had received feedback from parish councils on the proposed timing of consultation events and the authority was liaising with East West Rail on the preferred options.

15b

From Councillor Sue Ellington

Can the lead member tell us how South Cambridgeshire District Council plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day?

Minutes:

Can the lead member tell us how South Cambridgeshire District Council plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day?

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, thanked Councillor Ellington for her question, which helped to promote the Council’s plans for this event. To ensure a lasting tribute, a tree with a plaque would be planted outside South Cambs Hall. Grants would be provided by the Council for residents to host their own events. The deadline for applications was Sunday 15 March.

 

Councillor Sue Ellington asked if there were any plans for VJ Day in August. Councillor Bridget Smith stated that this was being considered and suggested that Councillor Ellington discuss this with her outside the meeting. It was noted that the Chairman and Vice Chairman should be involved in any discussions as they would be expected to perform any ceremonial role.

15c

From Councillor Nigel Cathcart

Could the Leader of the Council please give an update regarding the development of Cambourne High Street?

 

Minutes:

Could the Leader of the Council please give an update regarding the development of Cambourne High Street?

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning, explained that proposals for a mix of residential and commercial development had been discussed with the developer’s agent and were considered at a Design enabling Panel. The Council was waiting to receive a planning application.

 

Councillor Nigel Cathcart stated that a High Street had been planned and was an important part of any community. He asked whether the Council had looked at any other fine examples of new High Street developments. Councillor Dr. Hawkins confirmed that this was the case and the Council had engaged a company called Pegasus to help ensure a good standard of design in any new development.

15d

From Councillor Gavin Clayton

Please would the Leader undertake to request officers to bring forward a progress report to Cabinet on the action requested in my motion to Council on 18 July 2019, most notably to deliver a Single Equality Scheme and to join the Encompass Network's Safer Spaces Scheme so that there is a visible reassurance for LGBTQ+ residents of South Cambridgeshire District Council?

Minutes:

Please would the Leader undertake to request officers to bring forward a progress report to Cabinet on the action requested in my motion to Council on 18 July 2019, most notably to deliver a Single Equality Scheme and to join the Encompass Network's Safer Spaces Scheme so that there is a visible reassurance for LGBTQ+ residents of South Cambridgeshire District Council?

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, explained that whilst the Council had decided not to join the Safer Spaces Scheme, an annual report would go to Cabinet in May providing details on the work carried out this year, including Diversity and Equality training for staff, promotion of Hate Crime Awareness week and an event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, which had been led by Councillor Dr. Martin Cahn. An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion forum for South Cambridgeshire would be set up to improve equality and diversity both at the Council and across the District. The Equality Impact Form had been re-designed to make it relevant to a predominantly rural District and when approved, would be put on the website.

 

Councillor Gavin Clayton expressed his concern about the rise in hate crime and asked whether more could be done to encourage businesses to sign up to a Single Equality Scheme. The Leader of Council announced that she would ask Councillor Peter McDonald to look into this as part of his role as business champion.

15e

From Councillor Nick Wright

Minutes:

Scheme of delegation difficulties have resulted in a number of planning decision notices being delayed. Is there anything that members of the Council can do to aid officers come to more timely decisions?

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Leader Member for Planning, announced that meetings to review requests in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman would resume from next week. Depending on the outcome of this process, officers would review the need for any additional Planning Committee meetings.

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins responded to a supplementary question from Councillor Nick Wright regarding the deliverability of the Five Year Land Supply reminding Members that the Government had changed the way in which sites that could be delivered was calculated and referring to the impact of the recent decision of the Planning Committee to approve a development in Northstowe.

15f

From Councillor Heather Williams

Will the administration consider allowing parishes to apply for the Three Free Trees and put them on district council land?

 

Minutes:

Will the administration consider allowing parishes to apply for the Three Free Trees and put them on district council land?

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, confirmed that this would be considered and only be rejected if there were good reasons to do so. Officers were prepared to work with parish councils to identify suitable sites. Councillor Heather Williams welcomed this response and confirmed that many parish councils wished to benefit from this initiative.

15g

From Councillor Ruth Betson

Does the leader approve of the GCP’s C2C route?

 

Minutes:

Does the leader approve of the GCP’s C2C route?

 

In the absence of Councillor Ruth Betson, it was agreed that a written answer be provided.

15h

From Councillor Graham Cone

Is the Leader accepting the removal of 1.7miles of trees for the C2C? 

 

Minutes:

Is the Leader accepting the removal of 1.7miles of trees for the C2C? 

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, stated that this was a decision for the Greater Cambridge Partnership and not for this authority.

 

Councillor Graham Cone asked for the Leader’s personal view on this issue. The Leader reiterated that this was a matter for the Greater Cambridge Partnership, who had decided to remove the issue from their agenda of the Board meeting held on 19 February 2020.

16.

NOTICES OF MOTION

A period of 30 minutes will 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, or if the original  Motion has been amended, the mover of that amendment now forming part of the substantive motion, will have the right of reply before it is put to the vote.

16a

Standing in the name of Councillor Peter Fane

This Council recognises the invaluable contribution of EU citizens working in jobs that provide Council services to residents and are crucial to key sectors of the economy in the City and South Cambs, including the health and care sectors, as well as their contribution to our society as a whole.

This Council therefore:

  • Pledges to support and protect all EU citizens who live or work in the District, throughout and after the Brexit process
  • Confirms that it believes that all EU citizens in the District should retain their right to vote in and be candidates in local elections;
  • Requests Cabinet to explore ways in which it can help EU citizens in the District apply for permanent residence and citizenship.

 

Decision:

Following the agreement of the mover of the motion to an alternative to remove the words “and protect” from the first bullet point of his motion:-

 

Council AGREED the following motion:-

 

This Council recognises the invaluable contribution of EU citizens working in jobs that provide Council services to residents and are crucial to key sectors of the economy in the City and South Cambs, including the health and care sectors, as well as their contribution to our society as a whole.

 

This Council therefore:

  • Pledges to support all EU citizens who live or work in the District, throughout and after the Brexit process
  • Confirms that it believes that all EU citizens in the District should retain their right to vote in and be candidates in local elections;
  • Requests Cabinet to explore ways in which it can help EU citizens in the District apply for permanent residence and citizenship.

Minutes:

Councillor Peter Fane proposed the following motion, as set out in the agenda:

 

“This Council recognises the invaluable contribution of EU citizens working in jobs that provide Council services to residents and are crucial to key sectors of the economy in the City and South Cambs, including the health and care sectors, as well as their contribution to our society as a whole.

 

This Council therefore:

  • Pledges to support and protect all EU citizens who live or work in the District, throughout and after the Brexit process
  • Confirms that it believes that all EU citizens in the District should retain their right to vote in and be candidates in local elections;
  • Requests Cabinet to explore ways in which it can help EU citizens in the District apply for permanent residence and citizenship.

 

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Peter McDonald.

 

Councillor Fane explained that this motion was following on from the work of the cross party Brexit Advisory Group and the need to support small businesses due to their contribution to the local economy and the wider community.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts expressed her support for the motion, but recommended that the words “and protect” be removed, as this was the responsibility of the Cambridgeshire Constabulary. Councillor Fane agreed and the amendment was accepted without debate.

 

By affirmation Council 

 

RESOLVED

 

This Council recognises the invaluable contribution of EU citizens working in jobs that provide Council services to residents and are crucial to key sectors of the economy in the City and South Cambs, including the health and care sectors, as well as their contribution to our society as a whole.

 

This Council therefore:

  • Pledges to support all EU citizens who live or work in the District, throughout and after the Brexit process
  • Confirms that it believes that all EU citizens in the District should retain their right to vote in and be candidates in local elections;
  • Requests Cabinet to explore ways in which it can help EU citizens in the District apply for permanent residence and citizenship.

16b

Standing in the name of Councillor Geoff Harvey

With reference to the Future Homes Standard 2019 Consultation on changes to Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations for new dwellings (consultation closed 7th Feb 2020):-

This Council deplores:-

1.    That the Government wishes to take away from local government and planning authorities their already very limited powers to require energy efficiency standards higher than national minimum standards embodied in Part L of Building Regulations (now subject to revision).

2.    That following revision, the proposed new Future Homes Standard will not be in force until 2025

3.    That regarding transitional arrangements, of the two options consulted upon, this Government is promoting the option with the least focus on raising the insulation standards of building fabric.

4.    That transitional arrangements will allow these already limited building fabric requirements to be side-stepped by the installation of green energy add-ons such as heat pumps and solar PV, masking a poor standard of insulation.

 

This Council urges Government to listen to and act upon the concerns raised nationally by professional planners, architects and engineers and by responsible developers alike; concerns being articulated, for example, by the London Energy Transition Initiative (LETI), representing the views of over 1000 built environment professionals.

When the Government scrapped the Zero Carbon Homes policy in 2015 it not only delivered a huge windfall to developers but also set back progress towards a low carbon future by many years. This Government is doubling down on that error by proposing a new standard that will not come into force until 2025. Transitional arrangements will allow developers to largely escape building to higher standard of fabric until that date so that 10 critical years will have been lost. Insulation standards proposed beyond 2025 are inadequate. At the same time, local planning authorities will be prevented from intervening. This policy direction will simply add to our stock of poorly insulated homes needing to be expensively upgraded in future with retrofit insulation.

The ‘fabric first’ approach to reducing emissions from dwellings is a central plank of the Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD, adopted by SCDC 8th Jan 2020. Whilst green energy add-ons are to be encouraged, their operational lifetime is perhaps 25 years and they are more readily retrofitted. High quality building fabric would deliver its benefits for 100 years or more but is extremely costly when installed as a retrofit upgrade. The most effective way to reduce carbon emissions is to reduce heat loss at source as the first priority. 

It is a national scandal that the Government, having announced a 2050 zero carbon target, is now consulting on plans effectively allowing poorly insulated homes to be built for another five years at least whilst further limiting the ability of local authorities to intervene. If building regulations are to have primacy in setting sustainability standards, these must encourage a ‘fabric first’ approach and the highest possible standards of insulation.

 

This Council authorises officers to write to the Ministry for Housing,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 16b

Decision:

Council AGREED the following motion:-

 

With reference to the Future Homes Standard 2019 Consultation on changes to Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations for new dwellings (consultation closed 7th Feb 2020):-

This Council deplores:-

1.    That the Government wishes to take away from local government and planning authorities their already very limited powers to require energy efficiency standards higher than national minimum standards embodied in Part L of Building Regulations (now subject to revision).

2.    That following revision, the proposed new Future Homes Standard will not be in force until 2025

3.    That regarding transitional arrangements, of the two options consulted upon, this Government is promoting the option with the least focus on raising the insulation standards of building fabric.

4.    That transitional arrangements will allow these already limited building fabric requirements to be side-stepped by the installation of green energy add-ons such as heat pumps and solar PV, masking a poor standard of insulation.

 

This Council urges Government to listen to and act upon the concerns raised nationally by professional planners, architects and engineers and by responsible developers alike; concerns being articulated, for example, by the London Energy Transition Initiative (LETI), representing the views of over 1000 built environment professionals.

 

When the Government scrapped the Zero Carbon Homes policy in 2015 it not only delivered a huge windfall to developers but also set back progress towards a low carbon future by many years. This Government is doubling down on that error by proposing a new standard that will not come into force until 2025. Transitional arrangements will allow developers to largely escape building to higher standard of fabric until that date so that 10 critical years will have been lost. Insulation standards proposed beyond 2025 are inadequate. At the same time, local planning authorities will be prevented from intervening. This policy direction will simply add to our stock of poorly insulated homes needing to be expensively upgraded in future with retrofit insulation.

 

The ‘fabric first’ approach to reducing emissions from dwellings is a central plank of the Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD, adopted by SCDC 8th Jan 2020. Whilst green energy add-ons are to be encouraged, their operational lifetime is perhaps 25 years and they are more readily retrofitted. High quality building fabric would deliver its benefits for 100 years or more but is extremely costly when installed as a retrofit upgrade. The most effective way to reduce carbon emissions is to reduce heat loss at source as the first priority.

 

It is a national scandal that the Government, having announced a 2050 zero carbon target, is now consulting on plans effectively allowing poorly insulated homes to be built for another five years at least whilst further limiting the ability of local authorities to intervene. If building regulations are to have primacy in setting sustainability standards, these must encourage a ‘fabric first’ approach and the highest possible standards of insulation.

 

This Council authorises officers  ...  view the full decision text for item 16b

Minutes:

Councillor Geoff Harvey moved the following motion, as set out in the agenda:

 

“With reference to the Future Homes Standard 2019 Consultation on changes to Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations for new dwellings (consultation closed 7th Feb 2020):-

This Council deplores:-

1.    That the Government wishes to take away from local government and planning authorities their already very limited powers to require energy efficiency standards higher than national minimum standards embodied in Part L of Building Regulations (now subject to revision).

2.    That following revision, the proposed new Future Homes Standard will not be in force until 2025.

3.    That regarding transitional arrangements, of the two options consulted upon, this Government is promoting the option with the least focus on raising the insulation standards of building fabric.

4.    That transitional arrangements will allow these already limited building fabric requirements to be side-stepped by the installation of green energy add-ons such as heat pumps and solar PV, masking a poor standard of insulation.

 

This Council urges Government to listen to and act upon the concerns raised nationally by professional planners, architects and engineers and by responsible developers alike; concerns being articulated, for example, by the London Energy Transition Initiative (LETI), representing the views of over 1000 built environment professionals.

 

When the Government scrapped the Zero Carbon Homes policy in 2015 it not only delivered a huge windfall to developers but also set back progress towards a low carbon future by many years. This Government is doubling down on that error by proposing a new standard that will not come into force until 2025. Transitional arrangements will allow developers to largely escape building to higher standard of fabric until that date so that 10 critical years will have been lost. Insulation standards proposed beyond 2025 are inadequate. At the same time, local planning authorities will be prevented from intervening. This policy direction will simply add to our stock of poorly insulated homes needing to be expensively upgraded in future with retrofit insulation.

 

The ‘fabric first’ approach to reducing emissions from dwellings is a central plank of the Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD, adopted by SCDC 8th Jan 2020. Whilst green energy add-ons are to be encouraged, their operational lifetime is perhaps 25 years and they are more readily retrofitted. High quality building fabric would deliver its benefits for 100 years or more but is extremely costly when installed as a retrofit upgrade. The most effective way to reduce carbon emissions is to reduce heat loss at source as the first priority

 

It is a national scandal that the Government, having announced a 2050 zero carbon target, is now consulting on plans effectively allowing poorly insulated homes to be built for another five years at least whilst further limiting the ability of local authorities to intervene. If building regulations are to have primacy in setting sustainability standards, these must encourage a ‘fabric first’ approach and the highest  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16b

16c

Standing in the name of Councillor Dr. Ian Sollom

South Cambridgeshire District Council is proud of its efforts to tackle discrimination in all its forms and we condemn racism and antisemitism of any form.  Following the Council’s very moving ceremony led by Cllr Cahn on Holocaust Memorial Day, and as part of the Council’s ongoing equalities work we resolve to adopt the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism, which define antisemitism as:-

 

‘a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.’

 

The guidelines highlight various manifestations and are accessible at:-

 

https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/working-definition-antisemitism

 

This Council underlines its condemnation of all forms of racism and religious discrimination in all its manifestations and adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the working model for challenging and confronting incidents of this form of discrimination.

 

Decision:

Council AGREED the following motion:-

 

South Cambridgeshire District Council is proud of its efforts to tackle discrimination in all its forms and we condemn racism and antisemitism of any form.  Following the Council’s very moving ceremony led by Cllr Cahn on Holocaust Memorial Day, and as part of the Council’s ongoing equalities work we resolve to adopt the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism, which define antisemitism as:-

 

‘a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.’

 

The guidelines highlight various manifestations and are accessible at:-

 

https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/working-definition-antisemitism

 

This Council underlines its condemnation of all forms of racism and religious discrimination in all its manifestations and adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the working model for challenging and confronting incidents of this form of discrimination.

Minutes:

Councillor Dr. Ian Sollom moved the following motion, as set out in the agenda:

 

“South Cambridgeshire District Council is proud of its efforts to tackle discrimination in all its forms and we condemn racism and antisemitism of any form.  Following the Council’s very moving ceremony led by Cllr Cahn on Holocaust Memorial Day, and as part of the Council’s ongoing equalities work we resolve to adopt the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism, which define antisemitism as:-

 

‘a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.’

 

The guidelines highlight various manifestations and are accessible at:-

 

https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/working-definition-antisemitism

 

This Council underlines its condemnation of all forms of racism and religious discrimination in all its manifestations and adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the working model for challenging and confronting incidents of this form of discrimination.”

 

Councillor Heather Williams seconded this motion.

 

Councillor Dr. Sollom stated that this was a timely motion as it marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the fourth year in a row that the number of nationally recorded anti-Semitic hate crimes had increased.

 

Councillor Heather Williams supported the motion and stated that all hate crimes needed to be tackled. Councillor Nick Wright agreed and praised the “Reflections” event held by a local Imam who pulled Members together in prayers and thoughts.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts spoke in favour of the motion. She stated that her home city of York had a dubious anti-Semitic past and warned that anti-Semitism was on the rise across Europe.

 

Both Councillor Phillip Allen and Councillor Gavin Clayton stated that they had visited Auschwitz and recommended the educational experience to everyone. Councillor Martin Cahn commented that he had lost family members in the holocaust, which had many non-Jewish victims. He asserted that the key was to respect the views of others, even those you disagreed with.

 

By affirmation, Council 

 

RESOLVED

 

South Cambridgeshire District Council is proud of its efforts to tackle discrimination in all its forms and we condemn racism and antisemitism of any form.  Following the Council’s very moving ceremony led by Cllr Cahn on Holocaust Memorial Day, and as part of the Council’s ongoing equalities work we resolve to adopt the internationally recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) guidelines on antisemitism, which define antisemitism as:-

 

‘a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.’

 

The guidelines highlight various manifestations and are accessible at:-

 

https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/working-definition-antisemitism

 

This Council underlines its condemnation of all forms of racism and religious discrimination in all its manifestations and adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism as the working model for challenging and confronting incidents of this form of discrimination.

16d

Standing in the name of Councillor Dr. Martin Cahn

South Cambridgeshire District Council has no close links to other local authorities in Europe, either through membership of European local authority networks or through twinning arrangements. The Government insists that we are leaving the European Union, but not Europe, and it would seem an appropriate moment to emphasise that in South Cambridgeshire, at least, the desire for close links to Europe remains. The adjoining districts of both Fenland and Cambridge are twinned with European local authorities, as are Bourn, Comberton, the Fen Edge villages, Foxton, the Shelfords/Stapleford and Sawston as well as Huntingdon, St Ives, Ely and Soham Town Councils and Burwell Parish Council in adjoining districts.

 

Withdrawal from the EU also does not mean that we are necessarily withdrawing from all European programmes. The EU’s Interreg programmes promote interaction with local authorities across borders, including its external borders, and the North Sea, North West Europe and UK?Northern France programmes are currently open to Cambridgeshire. One can anticipate that the UK Government, if it is to keep to its promises, will continue to fund participation in these, but for South Cambridgeshire to do this it is necessary to build links with local authorities in Europe.

 

The development of such twinning links is generally done through the establishment of a twinning association. The twinning budget of Cambridge, which is twinned with both Heidelberg and Szeged, is £8140 including grants to the two twinning associations. Membership of international networks is generally more expensive than this, but may allow the development of more connections.

 

This Council notes the lack of international links in South Cambridgeshire and proposes that this Council:

 

1)    emphasises our commitment to pan?European activity by European local authorities.

2)    supports the development of links with European local authorities in order to maintain our links with our counterparts in Europe following withdrawal from the European Union.

3)    calls upon the Cabinet to:

a.    examine in more detail potential means of increasing our own links with European local authorities and localities, examining the costs and the benefits, and report back.

b.    examine means of supporting and promoting the development of European links by the parish and town councils in the District.

 

Decision:

Council AGREED the following motion:-

 

South Cambridgeshire District Council has no close links to other local authorities in Europe, either through membership of European local authority networks or through twinning arrangements. The Government insists that we are leaving the European Union, but not Europe, and it would seem an appropriate moment to emphasise that in South Cambridgeshire, at least, the desire for close links to Europe remains. The adjoining districts of both Fenland and Cambridge are twinned with European local authorities, as are Bourn, Comberton, the Fen Edge villages, Foxton, the Shelfords/Stapleford and Sawston as well as Huntingdon, St Ives, Ely and Soham Town Councils and Burwell Parish Council in adjoining districts.

 

Withdrawal from the EU also does not mean that we are necessarily withdrawing from all European programmes. The EU’s Interreg programmes promote interaction with local authorities across borders, including its external borders, and the North Sea, North West Europe and UK?Northern France programmes are currently open to Cambridgeshire. One can anticipate that the UK Government, if it is to keep to its promises, will continue to fund participation in these, but for South Cambridgeshire to do this it is necessary to build links with local authorities in Europe.

 

The development of such twinning links is generally done through the establishment of a twinning association. The twinning budget of Cambridge, which is twinned with both Heidelberg and Szeged, is £8140 including grants to the two twinning associations. Membership of international networks is generally more expensive than this, but may allow the development of more connections.

 

This Council notes the lack of international links in South Cambridgeshire and proposes that this Council:

 

1)    emphasises our commitment to pan?European activity by European local authorities.

2)    supports the development of links with European local authorities in order to maintain our links with our counterparts in Europe following withdrawal from the European Union.

3)    calls upon the Cabinet to:

a.    examine in more detail potential means of increasing our own links with European local authorities and localities, examining the costs and the benefits, and report back.

b.    examine means of supporting and promoting the development of European links by the parish and town councils in the District.

Minutes:

Councillor Dr. Martin Cahn moved the following motion, as set out in the agenda:

 

“South Cambridgeshire District Council has no close links to other local authorities in Europe, either through membership of European local authority networks or through twinning arrangements. The Government insists that we are leaving the European Union, but not Europe, and it would seem an appropriate moment to emphasise that in South Cambridgeshire, at least, the desire for close links to Europe remains. The adjoining districts of both Fenland and Cambridge are twinned with European local authorities, as are Bourn, Comberton, the Fen Edge villages, Foxton, the Shelfords/Stapleford and Sawston as well as Huntingdon, St Ives, Ely and Soham Town Councils and Burwell Parish Council in adjoining districts.

 

Withdrawal from the EU also does not mean that we are necessarily withdrawing from all European programmes. The EU’s Interreg programmes promote interaction with local authorities across borders, including its external borders, and the North Sea, North West Europe and UK?Northern France programmes are currently open to Cambridgeshire. One can anticipate that the UK Government, if it is to keep to its promises, will continue to fund participation in these, but for South Cambridgeshire to do this it is necessary to build links with local authorities in Europe.

 

The development of such twinning links is generally done through the establishment of a twinning association. The twinning budget of Cambridge, which is twinned with both Heidelberg and Szeged, is £8140 including grants to the two twinning associations. Membership of international networks is generally more expensive than this, but may allow the development of more connections.

 

This Council notes the lack of international links in South Cambridgeshire and proposes that this Council:

 

1)    emphasises our commitment to pan?European activity by European local authorities.

2)    supports the development of links with European local authorities in order to maintain our links with our counterparts in Europe following withdrawal from the European Union.

3)    calls upon the Cabinet to:

a.    examine in more detail potential means of increasing our own links with European local authorities and localities, examining the costs and the benefits, and report back.

b.    examine means of supporting and promoting the development of European links by the parish and town councils in the District.”

 

Councillor Gavin Clayton seconded the motion.

 

Councillor Dr. Cahn expressed his surprise at the fact that the District Council was not twinned with another authority, when Fenland District Council, Cambridge City Council and many parish councils had twinned with suitable authorities from overseas.

 

Councillor Nick Wright proposed and Councillor Deborah Roberts seconded that the motion be amended to allow twinnings with authorities from any nation and not just those from Europe. Councillor Cahn did not accept this amendment.

 

Councillor Heather Williams stated that in its current guise the motion could appear to be anti-Brexit and it was time to move on. Councillor Deborah Roberts explained that the world had changed and links should be established with authorities from the Commonwealth.

 

Councillor Steve Hunt explained that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16d

16e

Standing in the name of Councillor Heather Williams

That this council opposes congestion charging in Cambridge.

 

Decision:

The following motion was LOST:

 

That this Council opposes congestion charging in Cambridge.

Minutes:

Councillor Heather Williams moved the following motion, as set out in the agenda:

 

“That this Council opposes congestion charging in Cambridge.”

 

The motion was seconded by Councillor Tom Bygott.

 

Councillor Heather Williams stated that the infrastructure was not in place to provide alternative forms of transport, which made the District’s residents reliant on their cars to visit Cambridge. She added that having energy efficient cars was expensive and not a practical choice for most people. She warned that tradespeople would be unfairly penalised, as using public transport was not an option.

 

Councillor Tom Bygott suggested that the solution to congestion was to have viable alternatives and a congestion charge was treating the symptom not the cause of the problem. He recommended that the Council support the installing of more charge points for electric cars. He warned that it had been suggested that City residents be exempt from the charge, which would then fall on the District’s residents.

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, recommended that the Council reject this motion, which would commit the authority to opposing the congestion charge before the issue was properly discussed. She supported evidence based decision making.

 

Councillor Eileen Wilson stated that congestion charging was an option and could be used to fund better public transport, which was needed with the extra development being planned.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts stated that cars were a necessity for rural residents and it was unlikely that public transport would ever become a viable alternative for most of the District’s residents.

 

Councillor Nick Wright stated that according to London Transport the cost of financing a congestion charge made up approximately three quarters of the income, so a Cambridge congestion charge was unlikely to provide significant funds for alternatives to the car.

 

Councillor Dr. Aiden Van de Weyer assured the Council that at this stage there were no firm plans for a congestion charge and that the Greater Cambridge Partnership was reviewing all available options.

 

A vote was taken and were cast as follows:

 

In favour (8):

Councillors Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Graham Cone, Sue Ellington, Mark Howell, Deborah Roberts, Heather Williams and Nick Wright.

 

Against (21):

Councillors Philip Allen, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Dr. Martin Cahn, Gavin Clayton, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Geoff Harvey, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Steve Hunt, Tony Mason, Brian Milnes, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.

 

Abstain (0):

 

The Chairman declared this motion to be LOST.

17.

CHAIRMAN'S ENGAGEMENTS

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

 

 

Date

Venue/Event

Attending

 

 

 

November

 

 

 

 

 

Sun 17

A Service of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Great St Mary’s Church, Cambridge

Vice-Chairman

 

 

 

Mon 25

Service of Thanksgiving and Pie Social, hosted by the Chaplain, 501st Combat Support Wing, Base Chapel at RAF Alconbury

Vice-Chairman

 

 

 

December

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tues 10

 

King's College Schools Carol Service, King's Chapel

 

Cogwheel Trust Carol Service, Magdalene College Chapel, Cambridge

 

 

Chairman

 

 

 

Vice-Chairman

 

 

 

 

Fri 19

South Cambs District Council Chairman’s Reception

Chairman/Vice-Chairman

 

 

 

Fri 20

Huntingdonshire District Council Carol Service, St Mary’s Church, Huntingdon

 

Vice-Chairman

 

 

 

January

 

 

 

 

 

Mon 27

SCDC Holocaust Memorial Day, South Cambs Hall

 

Chairman/Vice-Chairman

 

Minutes:

Council noted the Chairman’s engagements since the last Council meeting, as set out in the agenda. 

18.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The press and public are likely to be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business in accordance with the provisions of Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Act).

 

Paragraph 3 refers to information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

 

Minutes:

The Chairman moved and Councillor Dr. Claire Daunton seconded:

 

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that, if present, there would be a disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

 

Council, by affirmation

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that, if present, there would be a disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

 

19.

Minutes (Exempt)

A minute containing exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) has been circulated to Members of the Council only.  The press and public are likely to be excluded from the meeting during any discussion on the accuracy of the exempt minute.

Minutes:

Council agreed the Minute of the meeting held on 28 November 2019, which contained exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), which had been circulated to Members of the Council only.

 

Councillor John Williams reported that the Council had now purchased the property at Cambridge Science Park referred to in the minute.

20.

THIRD PARTY LOAN

Decision:

Council 

 

AGREED       to

 

(a)    Approve an investment of up to the sum stated in the exempt report by way of a 3rd party loan on the basis of the terms referred to in that exempt report.

 

(b)    Approve the requirement for a formal legal agreement between the Council and the third party as laid out in the exempt report.

 

(c)    Agree that the Council will not seek to make profit on the community scheme, thus any profit made via interest after costs, will be given back to the third party to better youth provision.

Minutes:

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, introduced this item, which sought approval for a 3rd party loan.

 

Councillor Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya proposed an amendment to the recommendation, to include the following paragraph:

“Agree that the Council will not seek to make profit on the community scheme, thus any profit made via interest after costs will be given back to the third party to better youth provision.”

 

The Leader seconded the amendment, which was accepted without debate.

 

Councillor Nick Wright and Councillor Mark Howell thanked the Leader for accepting the amendment. Councillor Howell reported that it was often more difficult for community organisations to raise revenue funding.

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins expressed support for the loan, which would also benefit residents surrounding villages.

 

The Leader proposed and Councillor John Williams seconded the amended recommendations.

 

Council by affirmation

 

RESOLVED  to

 

(a)    Approve an investment of up to the sum stated in the exempt report by way of a 3rd party loan on the basis of the terms referred to in that exempt report.

 

(b)    Approve the requirement for a formal legal agreement between the Council and the third party as laid out in the exempt report.

 

(c)    Agree that the Council will not seek to make profit on the community scheme, thus any profit made via interest after costs will be given back to the third party to better youth provision.