Agenda, decisions and minutes

With the Chairman’s permission, Councillor Mrs DP Roberts made a statement in response to recent publicity following the publication of the findings of the Standards Board for England in respect of her behaviour towards staff and comments on travellers’ issues. Councillor Mrs Roberts advised that she wished to take this opportunity to apologise sincerely to staff and to the travelling community for her behaviour and comments. Her conduct had been unacceptable and she acknowledged it had damaged the good work undertaken with the travelling community over the past two years. She had accepted the verdict of the Standards Board, and asked for forgiveness from the Council and the community. She advised that the residents of Foxton and Fowlmere would have the opportunity to decide whether it was appropriate for her to continue to represent them at the local elections in May 2007.

Councillor SM Edwards, Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, advised that he had written to all staff to provide reassurance that incidences of bullying and harassment would not be tolerated. He hoped that the new Member contract would provide a suitable conduit for Officers to raise any problems in this regard. He reminded Members that Councillor Mrs Roberts had apologised for her actions and advised that there had been no similar actions in recent months. He considered it would be a great shame were positive progress with travellers’ issues made over the past two years to be jeopardised by the current issue and urged Council to accept Mrs Roberts’ apology.

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2006 as a correct record.

RESOLVED

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2006 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

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

Councillor RT Summerfield and Councillor Mrs HM Smith declared personal non-prejudicial interests in Agenda item 19(c) (Motion regarding the future of Milton Country Park) as members of Milton Parish Council, the Community Centre and Grounds Committee and the Save Milton Country Park campaign. 

Councillor MJ Mason advised that he had previously commented on Agenda item 11 (Local Development Framework Core Strategy) as a member of Histon Parish Council. Notwithstanding this involvement he intended to consider the matter afresh as a district councillor.

The Constitution Review Working Party considered and supported a number of proposed changes to Council Standing Orders (Constitution Part 4, pages D1-D16). The proposed changes are set out in the attached document, marked in underlined text.

It is necessary for Council to consider changes to Standing Orders at this stage of the meeting in order to seek approval of the change which will allow Council to elect a Leader under Agenda item 5.

The Working Party RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the revised Council Standing Orders be approved for incorporation into the Constitution.

Council RESOLVED that the revised Standing Orders be approved as recommended by the Constitution Review Working Party and incorporated into the Constitution. 

Council considered a number of proposed changes to Council Standing Orders recommended by the Constitution Review Working Party.

Councillor JD Batchelor expressed concern that, under the proposals brought forward, there was no scope for the Liberal Democrat Group to put forward a candidate for the position of Leader of the Council.

Council RESOLVED that the revised Standing Orders be approved as recommended by the Constitution Review Working Party and incorporated into the Constitution. 

(Consideration of this item is subject to Council agreeing changes to Standing Orders under item 4 above).

Following the resignation of Cllr Dr DR Bard on 11 January 2007 Council is requested to elect the Leader of the Council. 

Council RESOLVED that Councillor RMA Manning be elected Leader of the Council.

Councillor Dr DR Bard proposed and Councillor JA Hockney seconded the nomination of Councillor RMA Manning to the position of Leader of the Council.

Council RESOLVED that Councillor RMA Manning be elected Leader of the Council.

Councillor RMA Manning briefly addressed the Council. Other Members took the opportunity to congratulate Councillor Manning on his election, welcoming the prospect of working constructively with him for the benefit of the district.

Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) East Anglia, PRide Awards 2006/7

Best Small Team of the Year: SCDC Communications Team (Sally Carroll and Kelly Quigley)

Silver Award for the Communications Team (Sally Carroll and Kelly Quigley) and the Environmental Health Service (Carol Archibald and Iain Green) for their food and safety inspection, "Scores on the Doors" campaign in the Best Low Budget (CIPR) East Anglia PRide Awards 2006/7.

Kelly Quigley, Communications Officer

Highly Commended (second place)

Young Communicator of the Year (CIPR) East Anglia PRide Awards, 2006/7 

HELA Award (Highly Commended)

Carol Archibald, Health and Safety and Food Safety Team, Environmental Health Service

(HELA = Health and Safety Executive Local Authority Enforcement Liaison Committee)

The Chairman congratulated Officers who had recently won the following awards:

Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) East Anglia, PRide Awards 2006/7

Best Small Team of the Year: SCDC Communications Team (Sally Carroll and Kelly Quigley)

Silver Award for the Communications Team (Sally Carroll and Kelly Quigley) and the Environmental Health Service (Carol Archibald and Iain Green) for their food and safety inspection, "Scores on the Doors" campaign in the Best Low Budget (CIPR) East Anglia PRide Awards 2006/7.

Kelly Quigley, Communications Officer

Highly Commended (second place)

Young Communicator of the Year (CIPR) East Anglia PRide Awards, 2006/7 

HELA Award (Highly Commended)

Carol Archibald, Health and Safety and Food Safety Team, Environmental Health Service

(HELA = Health and Safety Executive Local Authority Enforcement Liaison Committee)

Councillors SM Edwards and RMA Manning collected the awards of behalf of the individuals and services concerned.

The Chairman announced the recent death of former Councillor Mrs Mary Course. Mrs Course had been the Local Ward Member for Melbourn for 21 years, during which time she had held the positions of Chairman of the General Purposes and Conservation Committees and Vice-Chairman of the Council and had represented the Council on the Farmland Museum and Folk Museum. Mrs Course had recently attended the opening of the sports facilities at Melbourn, something which she had worked hard to bring about over many years. The Chairman of Council extended deepest sympathies to Mrs Course’s family and friends. Following this announcement, Council stood in silence as a mark of respect.

The Chairman referred to a card, which had been passed to her thanking staff for their hard work over the course of the past year, and a letter from Teversham Parish Council thanking Officers for their support regarding issues at Camp Hill.

1.                  Wind turbines and solar panels are becoming readily available, even sold in B&Q now.  Why are council and other grants only available if these energy saving devices are professionally installed when an installation inspection team already exist in your Building Control Department?  Can the system be changed so that self installed units also receive any grants that may be available and thus encourage more people to save or generate energy.  I feel sure there are many other people like me who are perfectly capable of installing this equipment and keen to do so.

2.                  It is now agreed that the effects of climate change are serious and will become more so.  Quite rightly the required level of insulation in new buildings has to be of a much higher level but why do the Building Inspectors still not include this as one of their inspections?  Most builders, I'm sure, meet the requirements but there must be some that do not.  These are never caught.

Wouldn’t it be good if South Cambs became a Beacon Council for its renewable energy and climate change initiatives?

Mr David White asked the Conservation, Sustainability and Community Planning Portfolio Holder the following question:

1.                  Wind turbines and solar panels are becoming readily available, even sold in B&Q now.  Why are council and other grants only available if these energy saving devices are professionally installed when an installation inspection team already exists in your Building Control Department?  Can the system be changed so that self installed units also receive any grants that may be available and thus encourage more people to save or generate energy?  I feel sure there are many other people like me who are perfectly capable of installing this equipment and keen to do so.

2.                  It is now agreed that the effects of climate change are serious and will become more so.  Quite rightly the required level of insulation in new buildings has to be of a much higher level but why do the Building Inspectors still not include this as one of their inspections?  Most builders, I'm sure, meet the requirements but there must be some that do not.  These are never caught.

Wouldn’t it be good if South Cambs became a Beacon Council for its renewable energy and climate change initiatives?

Councillor JA Hockney, Conservation, Sustainability and Community Planning Portfolio Holder, advised that the Low Carbon Buildings Grant scheme was an EEC3 initiative provided by the utilities. The Council was focussed on promoting such schemes but had no control over them.

As a supplementary question Mr. White advised that he hoped the number of energy efficiency devices used in the district could be increased and asked for assurance that the Council would apply pressure on government to encourage such activities further. He advised Council that he was aware of a grant scheme whereby residents could be given funding to help develop renewable energy in their homes. The Chairman requested that Mr White provide further details of the scheme.

The Chairman of Council advised that the Council was aware of the need to reduce its carbon footprint and assured Mr White that achieving Beacon Council status for renewable energy and climate change initiatives would be an excellent thing. Councillor JA Hockney, Conservation, Sustainability and Community Planning Portfolio Holder, advised that the Council’s new Sustainability Officer commenced employment in February 2007. He undertook to raise these matters with the new officer. Councillor Hockney went on to advise Mr White of detailed provisions regarding current statutory and non-statutory requirements in respect of energy efficiency as applied to Building Regulations and undertook to forward details in writing.

In accordance with Standing Order 10.3 the Chairman advised that she had accepted the following question, received after the deadline, from Mr Roger Price to the Leader of the Council:

“As a result of the recent Standards Board findings and the publication of the offensive comments towards the travelling community, we would like to ask as members of this community if the Leader of the Council can ensure that Cllr Roberts will have no further dealings or responsibility relating to our community?”

Councillor RMA Manning, Leader of the Council, advised that Councillor Mrs Roberts had made a full and sincere apology at the start of the meeting. In terms of further action he announced he would be seeking a change to the allocation of Cabinet portfolios at the Cabinet meeting scheduled to take place immediately after the Council meeting. In addition, he would be seeking the support of Members to request an Extraordinary meeting of the Council at which Members could consider further action in the best interests of the Council.

“The Constitution (Part 5, Section F, Paragraph 4) makes reference to members not bringing their office into disrepute. Based on this Code of Conduct can the Leader of the Council please provide me with justification for retaining a cabinet member who has been found guilty by the Standards Board for England on three separate counts of bringing her office into disrepute?”

Councillor RF Bryant requested and received the Chairman’s permission to withdraw the question he had submitted, set out at Agenda Item 7(b). 

The Chairman advised that she had accepted a question from Councillor NJ Scarr to the Leader of the Council, received after the deadline for the submission of Member questions. The wording of Councillor Scarr’s question was circulated prior to the meeting.

Councillor NJ Scarr requested and received the Chairman’s permission to withdraw the question.

In accordance with Standing Order 10.3 the Chairman advised that she had accepted the following question, received after the deadline, from Mrs Jones to the Leader of the Council:

“Can the Leader of the Council assure me, my family and many of the people of Cottenham that the situation following the Standards Board judgement is not a personal/political "Witch hunt" against Councillor Roberts, a hardworking, sometimes outspoken and courageous member of SCDC?

I must also insist that, if she is forced to leave her position, then all those present at the confidential meeting held in December 2004 must be brought to task. They were, I understand experienced councillors and paid civil servants, so why did they say or do nothing at the time? One councillor has since given information and gone on Radio and television quoting words from a confidential meeting; can this be right?”

Councillor RMA Manning, Leader of the Council, advised that no-one had a problem with hard working Members. The other matters raised in the question had been fully discussed elsewhere and he was not prepared to revisit them at this stage. Any further action would be taken by the Council by majority vote and would be taken in the best interests of the Council.

Mrs Jones replied that the recent adverse publicity surrounding Councillor Mrs Roberts had set back relations between the Council and the travelling community. She urged all parties to stop all vindictiveness and get back to doing what was right for the whole community.

A settlement was agreed, I believe in May 2006, between this Council and TKA Tallent of Bourn Airfield concerning the noise nuisance experienced by residents of Caldecote. A meeting was held in September last to explain the agreement to Caldecote Parish Council and the residents. At my request Planning Officers as well as officer from Environmental Services and the Legal Section attended.

On behalf of the residents I asked what the position was regarding the ground for an applicant seeking permission to apply for Lawful Development status; specifically what measure needed to be taken to prevent a four-year claim from becoming established. The planning officers present were unable to provide this information but promised to do so as a result of that meeting. In spite of various approaches to me to various officers, no explanation has been received to date. I have discovered various factors however and ask the Portfolio Holder to confirm the following:

(i)                  to prevent an unauthorised development from establishing a right after 4 years to a Lawful Development Certificate, an enforcement notice must be served by the Planning Authority.

(ii)                Complaints from residents and the Parish Council together with photographic and other evidence about the timing of the installation of the conveyor were received by the Council from 2001.

(iii)               An application for lawful development was received from TKA Tallent and refused in or around September 2005.

(iv)              A further application was received around September 2006.

Could the Portfolio Holder tell us:

(i)                  Why no enforcement notice was issued before, or at least following, the first rejection of the application for a certificate?

(ii)                Whether the second application has been accepted?

(iii)               What is the present status of the conveyor?

(iv)              At what stages Members were involved in the decision-making process?

(v)                If, as I suspect, there was no Member involvement, why was this so?

Following a brief discussion, the matter was referred for consideration by the appropriate Corporate Manager and by the Scrutiny and Overview Committee.

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

A settlement was agreed, I believe in May 2006, between this Council and TKA Tallent of Bourn Airfield concerning the noise nuisance experienced by residents of Caldecote. A meeting was held in September last to explain the agreement to Caldecote Parish Council and the residents. At my request Planning Officers as well as officers from Environmental Services and the Legal Section attended.

On behalf of the residents I asked what the position was regarding the grounds for an applicant seeking permission to apply for Lawful Development status; specifically what measure needed to be taken to prevent a four-year claim from becoming established. The planning officers present were unable to provide this information but promised to do so as a result of that meeting. In spite of various approaches to various officers, no explanation has been received to date. I have discovered various facts however and ask the Portfolio Holder to confirm the following:

(i)                  To prevent an unauthorised development from establishing a right after 4 years to a Lawful Development Certificate, an enforcement notice must be served by the Planning Authority.

(ii)                Complaints from residents and the Parish Council together with photographic and other evidence about the timing of the installation of the conveyor were received by the Council from 2001.

(iii)               An application for lawful development was received from TKA Tallent and refused in or around September 2005.

(iv)              A further application was received around September 2006.

Could the Portfolio Holder tell us:

(i)                  Why no enforcement notice was issued before, or at least following, the first rejection of the application for a certificate?

(ii)                Whether the second application has been accepted?

(iii)               What is the present status of the conveyor?

(iv)              At what stages Members were involved in the decision-making process?

(v)                If, as I suspect, there was no Member involvement, why was this so?

Councillor Mrs DSK Spink MBE, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder, referred Councillor RB Martlew to her detailed written response which had been circulated to all Members prior to the meeting.

Councillor Martlew thanked Councillor Mrs Spink for her response. He reiterated that the problems had been caused by continuing delay and inaction, and that, as a result, residents were suffering serious noise problems.

Following a brief discussion, the matter was referred for consideration by the appropriate Corporate Manager and by the Scrutiny and Overview Committee.

To note all petitions received since the last Council meeting.

The Chairman advised that no petitions had been received since the last meeting. 

Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the Workforce Plan 2006/07 to 2008/09 be approved.

Council RESOLVED that the Workforce Plan 2006/07 to 2008/09 be approved.

Councillor SM Edwards, Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, introduced the Workforce Plan 2006/07 to 2008/09, which had been recommended for approval by the Cabinet. Councillor Edwards drew Council’s attention to figures in the plan which showed that staff retention had improved, but that the ‘top-heavy’ age profile of the workforce gave rise to concerns of a skill shortage following the retirement of older members of staff. He hoped that initiatives such as the apprenticeship scheme, being developed in partnership with the Cambridge Regional College, would go some way to addressing these concerns.

Council RESOLVED that the Workforce Plan 2006/07 to 2008/09 be approved.

Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the policy for the award of discretionary rate relief set out in the appendices to the Cabinet report be adopted in order to facilitate future awards of relief from the financial year 2007/08 onwards. 

Council RESOLVED that the policy for the award of discretionary rate relief set out in the appendices to the Cabinet report be adopted in order to facilitate future awards of relief from the financial year 2007/08 onwards.

Council RESOLVED that the policy for the award of discretionary rate relief set out in the appendices to the Cabinet report be adopted in order to facilitate future awards of relief from the financial year 2007/08 onwards.

The Constitution Review Working Party RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

 (1) That the following changes be approved with effect from the 2007-2008 Civic Year and that Article 6 (Scrutiny and Overview Committee) and Part 3 (Responsibility for Functions) of the Constitution be amended accordingly:

(a)   That the Audit Panel report directly to Council.

(b)   That membership of the Panel be no longer restricted to Members of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee.

(c)   That Cabinet Members be not eligible to sit on the Panel.

(d)   That the Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee be not eligible to Chair the Panel.

(2) That revised Terms of Reference, attached to this Agenda, be approved with effect from the 2007-2008 Civic Year.

The changes supported by the working party have been incorporated as an addition to Table One of Part 3 of the Constitution (Responsibility for functions). The document is attached to this Agenda.

Council RESOLVED:

(1)               That the following changes be approved with effect from the 2007-2008 Civic Year and that Article 6 (Scrutiny and Overview Committee) and Part 3 (Responsibility for Functions) of the Constitution be amended accordingly:

(a)               That the Audit Panel report directly to Council.

(b)               That membership of the Panel be no longer restricted to Members of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee.

(c)               That Cabinet Members be not eligible to sit on the Panel.

(d)               That the Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee be not eligible to Chair the Panel.

(2)               That revised Terms of Reference, attached to the Agenda, be approved with effect from the 2007-2008 Civic Year.

Council RESOLVED:

(1)               That the following changes be approved with effect from the 2007-2008 Civic Year and that Article 6 (Scrutiny and Overview Committee) and Part 3 (Responsibility for Functions) of the Constitution be amended accordingly:

(a)               That the Audit Panel report directly to Council.

(b)               That membership of the Panel be no longer restricted to Members of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee.

(c)               That Cabinet Members be not eligible to sit on the Panel.

(d)               That the Chairman of the Scrutiny and Overview Committee be not eligible to Chair the Panel.

(2)               That revised Terms of Reference, attached to the Agenda, be approved with effect from the 2007-2008 Civic Year.

 The Constitution Review Working Party RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

(1)   That the changes to Article 12, set out in the Appendix, be approved.

(2)   That the Officer Employment Procedure Rules be amended to reflect the following:

(a)   That the appointment and dismissal of the Executive Director be reserved to full Council following a recommendation by the Employment Committee.

(b)   That Corporate Managers’ appointments be undertaken by the Employment Committee and their dismissal by Council with a recommendation from the Employment Committee.

(3)   That, subject to approval of (1) and (2) above, the Chief Executive be authorised to make further minor textual revisions to the Constitution required for consistency.

Revisions to Article 12 supported by the working party are included with this Agenda.

Council RESOLVED:

(1)               That the changes to Article 12, set out in the Appendix to the report, be approved.

(2)               That the Officer Employment Procedure Rules be amended to reflect the following:

(a)               That the appointment and dismissal of the Executive Director be reserved to full Council following a recommendation by the Employment Committee.

(b)               That Corporate Managers’ appointments be undertaken by the Employment Committee and their dismissal by Council with a recommendation from the Employment Committee.

(3)               That, subject to approval of (1) and (2) above, the Chief Executive be authorised to make further minor textual revisions to the Constitution required for consistency.

Council RESOLVED:

(1)               That the changes to Article 12, set out in the Appendix to the report, be approved.

(2)               That the Officer Employment Procedure Rules be amended to reflect the following:

(a)               That the appointment and dismissal of the Executive Director be reserved to full Council following a recommendation by the Employment Committee.

(b)               That Corporate Managers’ appointments be undertaken by the Employment Committee and their dismissal by Council with a recommendation from the Employment Committee.

(3)               That, subject to approval of (1) and (2) above, the Chief Executive be authorised to make further minor textual revisions to the Constitution required for consistency.

The Standards Committee and Constitution Review Working Party RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the Procedure for Local Investigations, be approved for incorporation into the Constitution.

A copy of the procedure is attached to this Agenda.

Council RESOLVED that the Procedure for Local Investigations, attached to the Agenda, be approved for incorporation into the Constitution.

Council RESOLVED that the Procedure for Local Investigations, attached to the Agenda, be approved for incorporation into the Constitution.

The Standards Committee and Constitution Review Working Party RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the Procedure for local Standards Committee hearings be approved and incorporated into the Constitution.

 A copy of the local procedure is attached to this Agenda.

Council RESOLVED that the Procedure for local Standards Committee Hearings, attached to the Agenda, be approved and incorporated into the Constitution.

Council RESOLVED that the Procedure for local Standards Committee Hearings, attached to the Agenda, be approved and incorporated into the Constitution.

The Constitution Review Working Party RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the last sentence of Article 14.05 be amended as follows:

“The affixing of the Common Seal will be attested by the Chief Executive.”

Council RESOLVED that the last sentence of Article 14.05 be amended as follows:

“The affixing of the Common Seal will be attested by the Chief Executive or his nominee.”

Council RESOLVED that the last sentence of Article 14.05 be amended as follows:

“The affixing of the Common Seal will be attested by the Chief Executive or his nominee.”

To consider a report recommending that Council adopt the Core Strategy Development Plan Document.

The strategy is attached in hard copy as Appendix 1. Appendices 2-4 are available electronically on the Council’s website, www.scambs.gov.uk, or by contacting the Planning Policy Manager on the number/e-mail set out in the report.

Council RESOLVED:

(a)               That the Core Strategy DPD, as contained in Appendix 1, be adopted and that the matter proceed in accordance with Regulations 35 and 36;

(b)               That the Sustainability Statement be agreed as contained in Appendix 3; and

(c)               That the Core Strategy Habitats Directive Assessment be agreed as contained in Appendix 4.

Council considered a report recommending approval of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD). Members congratulated Officers for their hard work and dedication in producing the first strategy of its kind to be declared sound by the Secretary of State.

Council RESOLVED:

(a)               That the Core Strategy DPD, as contained in Appendix 1, be adopted and that the matter proceed in accordance with Regulations 35 and 36;

(b)               That the Sustainability Statement be agreed as contained in Appendix 3; and

(c)               That the Core Strategy Habitats Directive Assessment be agreed as contained in Appendix 4.

Councillor MJ Mason requested to be recorded as voting against the recommendations, on the basis that the Inspector had not had sufficient regard to the pressure on infrastructure brought about by new housing development in the district.

Council is requested to consider whether it wishes to extend the contract with Mr GJ Harlock to continue to serve as Chief Executive, Chief Finance Officer and Returning Officer for a further period to 30 June 2009.

Mr Harlock was initially appointed on a 1-year fixed-term contract from 1 July 2006, extendable by mutual consent. Mr Harlock has indicated his willingness to continue to serve in the combined posts of Chief Executive, Chief Finance Officer and Returning Officer for a further period of two years.

If Council is minded to approve Mr Harlock’s reappointment, it is suggested that negotiations on the detailed Terms and Conditions be delegated to be undertaken by the Leader of the Council and Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Chairmen of the Employment and Scrutiny and Overview Committees.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council determine whether it wishes to extend the contract with Mr GJ Harlock to continue to serve as Chief Executive, Chief Finance Officer and Returning Officer for a further period to 30 June 2009. If Council is minded to approve Mr Harlock’s reappointment, it is recommended that negotiations on the detailed Terms and Conditions be delegated to be undertaken by the Leader of the Council and Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Chairmen of the Employment and Scrutiny and Overview Committees.

Council RESOLVED that the contract with Mr GJ Harlock to serve as Chief Executive, Chief Finance Officer and Returning Officer be extended for a further period to 30 June 2009, and that negotiations on the detailed Terms and Conditions be delegated to be undertaken by the Leader of the Council and Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Chairmen of the Employment and Scrutiny and Overview Committees.

Council considered a report regarding the Chief Executive’s conditions of employment.

Council RESOLVED that the contract with Mr GJ Harlock to serve as Chief Executive, Chief Finance Officer and Returning Officer be extended for a further period to 30 June 2009, and that negotiations on the detailed Terms and Conditions be delegated to be undertaken by the Leader of the Council and Resources, Staffing, Information and Customer Services Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Chairmen of the Employment and Scrutiny and Overview Committees.

Following the Resolution by Council in September 2006 to establish a climate change group, to consider a report recommending approval of details of various matters necessary to establish the group.

Council RESOLVED that:

(a)               A ‘Task and Finish’ body called the Climate Change Working Group be established, consisting of nine District Council Members, appointed on a proportional basis, supported by relevant Council officers, and by independent experts co-opted as and when required, and detailed to present its report to Council within a set period.

(b)               The Terms of Reference set out in paragraph 5 be approved, subject to reference being made for the group to advise on actions to be undertaken under the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change.

(c)               The membership of the group include a representative from the Local Strategic Partnership.

(d)               The inclusion of £3,000 in the 2007-2008 estimates by way of budget for the group be approved, and

(e)               The Democratic Services Section be requested to convene meetings within guidelines set by Members.

Council considered a report regarding the detail of establishing a climate change meeting. The view was expressed that the Terms of Reference should be expanded to make reference to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change, and that a member of the Local Strategic Partnership should be co-opted as a non-voting representative. Council supported the recommendations subject to these amendments.

Council RESOLVED that:

(a)               A ‘Task and Finish’ body called the Climate Change Working Group be established, consisting of nine District Council Members, appointed on a proportional basis, supported by relevant Council officers, and by independent experts co-opted as and when required, and detailed to present its report to Council within a set period.

(b)               The Terms of Reference set out in paragraph 5 be approved, subject to reference being made for the group to advise on actions to be undertaken under the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change.

(c)               The membership of the group include a representative from the Local Strategic Partnership.

(d)               The inclusion of £3,000 in the 2007-2008 estimates by way of budget for the group be approved, and

(e)               The Democratic Services Section be requested to convene meetings within guidelines set by Members.

To consider the recommendation of the Independent Panel that basic and special responsibility allowances should increase by 2.5% on the 2006/07 rates. The Panel also recommended that the special responsibility allowance paid to the Chairman of the Licensing Committee be reduced to £2,100 per annum. The minutes of the Remuneration Panel meeting held on 20 December 2006 are attached for information.

The effect of accepting the Panel’s recommendations would be:

A 2.5% increase is in line with the allowance for inflation applied to the estimates generally and has been provided for in the proposed allowances budget for 2007/08 of £337,112.

RECOMMENDATION

That the recommendations of the Independent Panel be approved and the following allowances paid for 2007-2008:

Council RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Independent Panel be approved and the following allowances paid for 2007-2008:

Council considered the recommendations of the Independent Panel regarding basic and special responsibility allowance levels for 2007-2008. The Panel had recommended that allowance rates be increased by 2.5% on 2006-2007, with the exception of the allowance for the Chairman of the Licensing Committee, which was recommended to reduce to £2,100 per annum. Members sought clarification on issues raised in the notes of the Independent Panel which were attached to the Agenda for information.

Councillor NJ Scarr proposed and Councillor MP Howell seconded a Motion that the basic allowance be not increased on the basis of fewer Council meetings during 2007-2008. The Motion, on being put, was declared lost.

Council RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Independent Panel be approved and the following allowances paid for 2007-2008:

Councillors Mrs SJO Doggett, MP Howell and NJ Scarr requested to be recorded as voting against the recommendation.

Council, at its meeting on 26 October 2006, agreed its schedule of meetings for the 2007-2008, subject to the dates in July and October 2007 being given further consideration to avoid clashes with school holidays.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Council meetings in July and October 2007 be held on Thursday 19 July and Thursday 18 October 2007.

Council RESOLVED that the Council meetings in July and October 2007 be held on Thursday 19 July and Thursday 18 October.

Council RESOLVED that the Council meetings in July and October 2007 be held on Thursday 19 July and Thursday 18 October.

(* indicates that the Minutes have already been confirmed as a correct record) 

The Minutes of the following meetings were RECEIVED, subject to matters outlined in Minutes 16a-16b below:

Transformation Committee, 21 November 2006

Cabinet, 14 December 2006

Planning Committee, 6 December 2006

Scrutiny and Overview Committee, 16 November 2006

Scrutiny and Overview Committee, 21 December 2006

Cabinet, 11 January 2007. 

In respect of Minute 13 – Milton Country Park, Councillor Mrs HM Smith advised that she had requested full information to be given to Cabinet on the cost implications of closing the park, as part of its subsequent deliberations on the subject, rather than a separate report.

Councillor Mrs EM Heazell requested that Minute 5 – Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) Business Plan, be amended to reflect that Cabinet had offered its congratulations to all staff involved with the recent successes of the DLO.

There were no questions on joint meetings which had taken place since the last Council meeting. 

Councillor Mrs JM Guest advised that the Melbourn Community Sports Committee had appointed a new general manager and had opened a new gymnasium.

Councillor RE Barrett advised that he had attended the meeting of the County Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee on 9 January 2007, at which the new Primary Care Trust structure had been discussed.

“This Council regrets the loss of any post offices in South Cambridgeshire and notes with concern the announcement by the Government on 14 December 2006 of Ministers’ plans to close 2,500 Post Office branches across the UK.

“This Council further notes the social importance of Post Offices to the well being of communities and individuals in South Cambridgeshire.

“This Council believes that the recently announced closure programme is unnecessary and calls on the government to end the branch closure programme, open up further business opportunities for the network and carry out a review of which additional Government functions could be carried out through Post Offices.

“This Council welcomes the decision of the Government to withdraw its previous proposals to scrap completely the Post Office Card Account (POCA), but calls on Ministers to ensure that any replacement POCA should be open freely to all pensioners and benefit recipients who want one.  This Council calls on the Government to avoid putting pressure on current and future POCA users to switch to having benefits and pensions paid directly into bank accounts.”

Note: This motion will require a seconder before it may be debated.

Council RESOLVED that:

This Council regrets the loss of any post offices in South Cambridgeshire and notes with concern the announcement by the Government on 14 December 2006 of Ministers’ plans to close 2,500 Post Office branches across the UK.

This Council further notes the social importance of Post Offices to the well being of communities and individuals in South Cambridgeshire.

This Council believes that the recently announced closure programme is unnecessary and calls on the government to end the branch closure programme, open up further business opportunities for the network and carry out a review of which additional Government functions could be carried out through Post Offices.

This Council welcomes the decision of the Government to withdraw its previous proposals to scrap completely the Post Office Card Account (POCA), but calls on Ministers to ensure that any replacement POCA should be open freely to all pensioners and benefit recipients who want one.  This Council calls on the Government to avoid putting pressure on current and future POCA users to switch to having benefits and pensions paid directly into bank accounts.

Councillor JP Chatfield moved and Councillor RMA Manning seconded the Motion set out under Agenda Item 19(a).

The Motion, on being put, was declared carried.

Council RESOLVED that:

This Council regrets the loss of any post offices in South Cambridgeshire and notes with concern the announcement by the Government on 14 December 2006 of Ministers’ plans to close 2,500 Post Office branches across the UK.

This Council further notes the social importance of Post Offices to the well being of communities and individuals in South Cambridgeshire.

This Council believes that the recently announced closure programme is unnecessary and calls on the government to end the branch closure programme, open up further business opportunities for the network and carry out a review of which additional Government functions could be carried out through Post Offices.

This Council welcomes the decision of the Government to withdraw its previous proposals to scrap completely the Post Office Card Account (POCA), but calls on Ministers to ensure that any replacement POCA should be open freely to all pensioners and benefit recipients who want one.  This Council calls on the Government to avoid putting pressure on current and future POCA users to switch to having benefits and pensions paid directly into bank accounts.

“In the interest of accountability to the electorate, all decisions made by Full Council should have the votes recorded and retained to be accessed on request, accessibility to be in accordance with the Access to Information Procedure Rules.”

“In the interest of accountability to the electorate, all decisions made by full Council should have the votes recorded and retained to be accessed on request, accessibility to be in accordance with the Access to Information Procedure Rules.”

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

FOR: (20):

AGAINST (29):

ABSTAINED (1): JA Hockney

Councillor Dr SEK van de Ven moved and Councillor RB Martlew seconded a Motion in the following terms:

“In the interest of accountability to the electorate, all decisions made by full Council should have the votes recorded and retained to be accessed on request, accessibility to be in accordance with the Access to Information Procedure Rules.”

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

FOR: (20):

AGAINST (29):

ABSTAINED (1): JA Hockney

“This Council congratulates the volunteers behind the Save Milton Country Park campaign on raising the issue of the future of the Park to front page news in the local paper. This Council supports the Save Milton Country Park campaign and deplores the decision taken by Cabinet to instruct officers to close the park if no suitable partnership to take on the management of the park could be arranged or appeared likely by 31st August.” 

RESOLVED

This Council supports the aims of the ‘Save the Milton Country Park’ campaign to keep Milton Country Park open, congratulates the volunteers for raising the profile of the issue and encourages all parties to work together to find a long term partnership for the management of the park. 

Councillor Mrs HM Smith moved and RT Summerfield seconded a Motion in the following terms:

“This Council congratulates the volunteers behind the Save Milton Country Park campaign on raising the issue of the future of the Park to front page news in the local paper. This Council supports the Save Milton Country Park campaign and deplores the decision taken by Cabinet to instruct officers to close the park if no suitable partnership to take on the management of the park could be arranged or appeared likely by 31st August.”

Councillor Mrs VG Ford moved and SM Edwards seconded an amendment in the following terms:

“This Council supports the aims of the ‘Save the Milton Country Park’ campaign to keep Milton Country Park open, and encourages all parties to work together to find a long term partnership solution for the management of the park.”

With the consent of the mover and seconder, the amendment was further amended as follows:

“This Council supports the aims of the ‘Save the Milton Country Park’ campaign to keep Milton Country Park open, congratulates the volunteers for raising the profile of the issue and encourages all parties to work together to find a long term partnership for the management of the park.”

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

FOR (29):

AGAINST (17)

ABSTAIN (1) MP Howell

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

FOR (37)

AGAINST (2): JD Batchelor, Mrs PM Bear

ABSTAIN (1): MP Howell

NOT VOTED (8):

Council RESOLVED that:

This Council supports the aims of the ‘Save the Milton Country Park’ campaign to keep Milton Country  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19c

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

Council noted the list of engagements attended by the Chairman since the last meeting.