Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Virtual meeting - Online. View directions

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 Gavin Clayton, Sarah Cheung Johnson, Tony Mason, Judith Rippeth and Dr. Ian Sollom.

2.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Minutes:

None. 

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 674 KB

To authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the meeting held on the 20 February 2020 as a correct record.

 

A confidential minute containing exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) is circulated for Members only at item 23 on the agenda.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 20 February were agreed as a correct record, subject to the following amendments:

·         Councillor Dr. Claire Daunton to be recorded as acting in the place of the Vice Chairman.

·         In minute 5, Councillor Heather Williams’ name to be correctly recorded.

·         In minute 8(d), the first bullet point to read “… by the police or an enforcement officer.”

·         In minute 8(d), the duplication of the heading “Ultra-low and Zero” be removed.

·         In minute 16(c), the word Iman be corrected to “Imam”.

 

In response to a query from Councillor Nick Wright, Councillor Bridget Smith, the Leader of Council, apologised for the lateness of responses to requests for information made at the last Council meeting. This was due to the pressure officers had been under because of the COVID-19 virus.

5.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Minutes:

The Chair made the following announcements:

·         Councillor Dr. Richard Williams was welcomed to his first Council meeting.

·         Sadly, Planning Enforcement Officer William Trotter had died following a short illness. A letter of condolence had been sent to his family.

·         The Chair and the Vice-Chair had donated three months’ worth of their special responsibility allowances to the Chair’s charities and other councillors were encouraged to do the same.

·         £1,300 had been raised for both the Carers’ Trust and the Trussell Trust.

 

The Leader also welcomed Councillor Dr. Richard Williams to his new role and expressed her condolences to the colleagues, friends and family of William Trotter. She thanked the Chair and Vice-Chair for agreeing to continue in their respective roles due to the current circumstances. She extended those thanks to all Chairs, Vice-Chairs and committee members who were expecting to move on, but had accepted the need to provide stability at the current time.

6.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

6a

From Mr David Brown

This Council has met only once so far this year, on 20 February 2020. Six days after that meeting on 26 February, officers of this Council stated to members of the public in a legal undertaking that the Council’s scheme of delegation for planning decisions in effect prior to February 2020 would remain in effect unless or until the full Council decided otherwise.

 

But then nine days later, and without this Council having met, officers stated to the High Court that the Council had amended its scheme of delegation on 12 February.

 

Both of these statements can not be true. 

 

Can the Leader of the Council please explain which of the preceding statements is in fact true and please explain how ordinary members of the public such as myself should know which statements made by the Council's officers can be relied upon to be truthful and which can not?

Minutes:

Mr David Brown had submitted the following question:

“This Council has met only once so far this year, on 20 February 2020. Six days after that meeting on 26 February, officers of this Council stated to members of the public in a legal undertaking that the Council’s scheme of delegation for planning decisions in effect prior to February 2020 would remain in effect unless or until the full Council decided otherwise.

 

“But then nine days later, and without this Council having met, officers stated to the High Court that the Council had amended its scheme of delegation on 12 February.

 

“Both of these statements can not be true. 

 

“Can the Leader of the Council please explain which of the preceding statements is in fact true and please explain how ordinary members of the public such as myself should know which statements made by the Council's officers can be relied upon to be truthful and which can not?”

 

The Chair noted that Mr Brown was unable to attend the meeting to ask his question in person and had asked that he be provided with a written response.

 

The Leader of Council provided the following statement in response to the question, which also formed the written response which was provided to Mr Brown after the meeting:

“Planning Committee met on 12 February and changed the scheme of delegation. We reported this to the High Court in a case related to Steeple Morden on 6 March. We were challenged that only Council could make this change. Rather than cause any further delay in defending our decision on 12 February, we decided to take the decision to Council. For reasons we are all aware of, April Council was postponed, and the item is on our agenda today. I am sorry that Mr Brown did not understand the sequence of events. The court has today refused permission for the challenge to proceed at Steeple Morden on the basis that it is unarguable.”

7.

PETITIONS

To note all petitions received since the last Council meeting.

Minutes:

The Chair explained that the Council had not received any petitions since the previous Council meeting.

8.

Variation of Order of Business

Minutes:

The Chair noted that, whilst in accordance with Council Standing Order 2, items 8 and 9 of the agenda would ordinarily be taken following consideration of reports and recommendations of Cabinet and committees (item 11), he considered that it would be conducive to the dispatch of business for these items to be dealt with as the first substantive items of business on the agenda. He therefore moved, and Councillor Bridget Smith seconded a proposal to vary the order of business to enable the items to be taken in the order indicated on the agenda.

 

Council, by affirmation,

 

RESOLVED

 

To deal with the times of business in the order indicated in the agenda.

9.

Covid-19 - Changes to decision making processes pdf icon PDF 253 KB

In the light of the national emergency concerning Covid-19 (Coronavirus), to agree Standing Orders for the conduct of remote meetings and consider other measures required in order to allow Council business to continue.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council AGREED to

 

A)       Endorse the postponement of the annual Council meeting in view of the Government’s COVID 19 restrictions and that prior to 7 May 2021 an annual meeting of the Council shall only take place following lifting of the Covid 19 restrictions by the Government and confirmation that it is safe to return to physical meetings:

 

(a) where called by the Chair; or

(b) where called by the Chief Executive or Monitoring Officer; or

(c) following a resolution calling for an Annual Meeting being  

  passed at an ordinary or extraordinary meeting of the Council.

 

B)       Note that, as a consequence of A) above, all current appointments  of chairmen, vice-chairmen and of members of committees, joint committees, other bodies and substitutes shall continue until the next annual meeting or until such time as the Council may determine.  

 

C)       Endorse the decision of the Chief Executive to convene this meeting as an ordinary meeting of the Council, and to authorise the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Leader and/or relevant Chair(s), to alter the frequency, move or cancel meetings or to vary the dates and times of meetings, as required.

 

D)       Approve the Standing Order for remote meetings, as set out at Appendix A, with amendment to provide for removal of the need for Members to stand when speaking at meetings of Full Council and the removal of paragraph 5.1(j) in the Public Questions Scheme, as it is a duplication.

 

E)      Amend the delegated powers of the Chief Executive to act in an emergency contained in paragraph 3.5.2 of the Scheme of Delegation in Part 4 of the Constitution, until specified otherwise by the Council, to read as follows:

 

“The Chief Executive (or any other Chief Officer or Head of Service in their absence) may exercise any power or function, which is in law capable of delegation, in any emergency threatening life, limb or substantial damage to property within the District, or where necessary in order for the Council to continue to carry out its functions or to maintain service delivery.  This power shall include authority to incur expenditure not provided for within the budget or borrowing where the Chief Executive considers this essential for the purposes of managing or responding to the emergency or maintaining essential service delivery.  The Chief Executive shall consult with the Leader of the Council (unless the Leader  cannot be contacted after all reasonable efforts have been made). The Chief Executive shall update the Executive or Council, as appropriate, on the use of such powers.”

 

F)        Approve, until specified otherwise by the Council, the increase in the current maximum limit for a supplementary estimate to £100,000 on the understanding that if it later becomes evident that this additional expenditure can be met from savings elsewhere in the budget, it will be, and to delegate authority to the Leader, the Chief Executive and the Chief Finance Officer to approve such supplementary revenue and capital estimates.

 

G)        Authorise the Monitoring Officer to make any necessary and  ...  view the full decision text for item 9.

Minutes:

The Chair proposed and Councillor Heather Williams seconded the recommendations in the report with the removal of paragraph 5(j), as a duplication, and the removal of the requirement in Standing Orders for councillors to stand at remote meetings of Council.

 

By affirmation, Council RESOLVED to

 

A)       Endorse the postponement of the annual Council meeting in view of the Government’s COVID 19 restrictions and agree that prior to 7 May 2021 an annual meeting of the Council shall only take place following lifting of the Covid 19 restrictions by the Government and confirmation that it is safe to return to physical meetings:

 

(a) where called by the Chair; or

(b) where called by the Chief Executive or Monitoring Officer; or

(c) following a resolution calling for an Annual Meeting being passed at an ordinary or extraordinary meeting of the Council.

 

B)       Note that, as a consequence of A) above, all current appointments  of chairmen, vice-chairmen and of members of committees, joint committees, other bodies and substitutes shall continue until the next annual meeting or until such time as the Council may determine.  

 

C)       Endorse the decision of the Chief Executive to convene this meeting as an ordinary meeting of the Council, and authorise the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Leader and/or relevant Chair(s), to alter the frequency of, move or cancel meetings or to vary the dates and times of meetings, as required.

 

D)       Approve the Standing Order for remote meetings, as set out at Appendix A, with the additional amendment removing the need for Members to stand when speaking at meetings of Full Council and the removal of paragraph 5.1(j) in the Pubic Questions Scheme, as it is a duplication.

 

10.

Planning Scheme of Delegation (Planning Committee - 12 February 2020) pdf icon PDF 145 KB

To invite Council to approve and adopt the changes to the Planning Scheme of Delegation which was determined by Planning Committee at its meeting on 12February 2020 and to confirm the consequential changes to the Constitution.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council

 

AGREED       to approve and adopt the changes to the Planning Scheme of Delegation as set out in Appendix A which was determined by Planning Committee at its meeting on the 12th February and authorise officers to confirm the necessary changes to the constitution that have been made and to allow officers to proceed to take delegated decisions.

Minutes:

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning, presented this report, which recommended amendments to the Planning Scheme of Delegation that had been agreed by the Planning Committee on 12 February 2020. In moving the recommendation, Councillor Dr. Hawkins stated that the proposed amendment would remove ambiguity. She explained that the Planning Scheme of Delegations was changed in 2016, to allow decisions to be referred to the Planning Committee if the Chairman of the Committee and the Joint Director of Planning agreed to reasons provided by the Parish Council or Local Member. It was noted that the Planning Advisory Service had been commissioned to undertake a review of the three Greater Cambridge planning committees later in the year.

 

Councillor John Batchelor seconded the recommendation.

 

Councillor Heather Williams proposed and Councillor Nick Wright seconded the following amendment:

That the motion be amended by the deletion of the words shown in strikethrough and the addition of the words shown in bold text

4. It is recommended that Council: -

 (a) Approves and adopts the changes to the Planning Scheme of Delegation as set out inAppendix A, which was determined by Planning Committee at its meeting on the 12th February,  subject to the amendment of the paragraph numbered 1 in the Powers and Functions delegated by Planning Committee in Appendix A to read as follows:

1. A local member or Parish Council writes, or emails a request for a particular application to be considered by Planning Committee, sound planning reasons are given for why this is considered necessary and the request is accepted by the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development, in consultation with the Chair of Planning Committee (or Vice-Chair in his/her absence).and the officer’s recommendation is in conflict with that of the parish council or the local member who has made the request.

(b)and authorise officers to confirm the necessary changes to the constitution that have been made, subject to the further change, as set out above, being made, and to allow officers to proceed to take delegated decisions.”

 

Councillor Heather Williams expressed the view that the amendment was democratic and would encourage more involvement from residents, which would enhance the reputation of the Council and restore faith in the planning system.

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins stated that the right for an automatic referral had been removed by the Conservative administration in 2016. Parish councils were statutory consultees, their views were valued and their concerns were recognised, but an automatic referral would remove the control of the Planning Committee’s agenda away from the Council to parish councils. Many parish councillors were elected unopposed, so to empower them in this way could be regarded as undemocratic. The Council would engage with parish councils in the forthcoming review.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts stated that the Leader had written to all parish councils, promising full participation in the consultation process, but the consultation had not happened and so it was wrong to make a decision now. She  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Whittlesford By-Election

To note the election of Richard Williams, as Councillor for the Whittlesford Ward, following the Whittlesford By-Election held on 27 February 2020.

 

To note that the result of the By-Election has had no impact on the political balance of the Council or political proportionality on committees and other forums.

Minutes:

Council NOTED the election of Councillor Dr. Richard Williams to the Whittlesford ward. This had resulted in no change to the political balance of the Council.

12.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:

12a

Adoption of Revised Constitution (Civic Affairs Committee - 3 March 2020) pdf icon PDF 143 KB

Civic Affairs Committee recommended that Council:-

 

(a)  Adopts the revised Constitution (Appendix B), Ethical Handbook (Appendix C),  Public Speaking Scheme (Appendix D1) and Petitions Scheme (Appendix D2) with effect from the new Municipal Year.

 

(b)  Authorises the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council, to make any further typographical or minor amendments to the Constitution prior to its publication.

 

Note: The accompanying report contains slightly amended recommendations to reflect adjustments needed relating to virtual meetings.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council AGREED to

 

A)       Adopt, subject to (B) below, the revised Constitution (Appendix B), Ethical Handbook (Appendix C), Public Speaking Scheme (Appendix D1) and Petitions Scheme (Appendix D2) with effect from 22 May 2020.

 

B)       Note that, for the conduct of virtual meetings, the Constitution may be superseded by the provisions of The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 and any revised Standing Orders agreed by the Council relating to virtual meetings.

 

C)       Authorise the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Chairman of the Council, to make any further typographical or minor amendments to the Constitution prior to its publication.

Minutes:

Councillor Dr Douglas de Lacey, Chair of Council, introduced this report, which recommended that Council adopt the revised Constitution, Ethical Handbook, Public Speaking Scheme and Petitions Scheme. He explained that it was a “living document” and so it was proposed that the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Chair, would have delegated authority to make minor amendments prior to publication.

 

Councillor Dr. Claire Daunton thanked Councillor Mark Howell and Councillor Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, the two other members of the Constitution Review Task and Finish Group. She also thanked the Group’s supporting officers for the immense amount of work they had carried out. She added that external solicitors had examined the proposals and recommended certain amendments.

 

Councillor Heather Williams congratulated all those who worked on the production of the new Constitution, but explained that she could not support its adoption, as it would include rules on the Planning Scheme of Delegation that she was opposed to.

 

Councillor Hazel Smith congratulated the Constitution Review Task and Finish Group on doing an excellent job of modernising the constitution.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts stated that the Constitution had grown in size, which made it more difficult to find information, compared to the old document.

 

Councillor Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer congratulated officers and councillors involved in producing the new Constitution and expressed his disappointment at the fact that there was no consensus regarding its agreement. He stated that legal requirements made it impossible to produce a short document and the new Constitution’s improved structure made it more usable than before.

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins stated that unfortunately Cambridgeshire County Council had indicated its intention to withdraw from the Joint Development Control Committee Cambridge Fringes and so this part of the Constitution would have to be amended.

 

Councillor Nick Wright regretted that his group could not support this, but this was due to their opposition to the Planning Scheme of Delegation.

 

Councillor Eileen Wilson and Councillor Bill Handley expressed concern about the accuracy of the map of the wards in Part 8 of the draft Constitution.

 

Councillor Dr. Martin Cahn stated that the terms of reference of the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee in the new Constitution would have to be updated if Council agreed the proposed amendments later in the meeting. He explained that Constitutions had to be long to avoid ambiguity.

 

Councillor Tom Bygott stated that he could not support the Constitution as he opposed the Scheme of Planning Delegation. He expressed concern at the fact that only one page in the Constitution was dedicated to citizens’ rights and highlighted the section on citizen’s conduct.

 

Councillor Pippa Heylings welcomed the democratic provisions in the new Constitution which allowed public questions three days before the meeting, compared to seven days in the old Constitution. She expressed disappointment that not all councillors were supporting this.

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, welcomed the new Constitution, which was written in plain English, complied with the new regulations on accessibility and was easier to navigate than  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12a

12b

MILTON COUNTRY PARK AND FINANCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 (Cabinet - 6 May 2020) pdf icon PDF 161 KB

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

 

(a)  South Cambridgeshire District Council issues a conditional grant of £50,000 to the charitable Trust responsible for operating Milton Country Park in two equal instalments of £25,000, the first being advanced in May 2020 and the second no earlier than September 2020;

 

(b)  The first instalment be subject to the Head of Finance reviewing the Trust’s current financial position via bank statements; and

 

(c)   The second instalment be subject to the Head of Finance reviewing the Trust’s Management Accounts in addition to business efficiency measures, fundraising efforts and revised cashflow forecast.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council AGREED that

 

A)       SCDC issues a conditional grant of £50,000 to Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust, ratifies the first instalment of £25,000 in May 2020 and agrees to the second £25,000 no earlier than September 2020.

B)       The first instalment is subject to Head of Finance reviewing the Trust’s current financial position via bank statements.

C)       The second instalment is subject to Head of Finance reviewing the Trust’s Management Accounts in addition to business efficiency measures, fundraising efforts and revised cashflow forecast.

Minutes:

Councillor John Williams proposed, and Councillor Hazel Smith seconded, the recommendations in the report to award a conditional grant of £50,000 to Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust to ensure that they can continue running Milton Country Park.

 

Councillor John Williams explained that Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust needed this grant to continue running Milton Country Park, which provided a green space for local residents to enjoy. The second instalment would be conditional on a favourable review.

 

Councillor Hazel Smith stated that residents were more reliant than ever on open spaces, but Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust relied on events for revenue, which could not take place during the lockdown. Milton Parish Council had agreed to pay £10,000 and she urged Council to support the proposed grant.

 

Councillor Peter Fane expressed his support for the grant and the continuation of free access for residents to Milton Country Park to ensure they could enjoy open spaces.

 

Councillor Heather Williams supported the proposed grant to keep the Park open for residents.

 

Councillor Deborah Roberts explained that the Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust had been given a one-off grant when it took over the running of the Park and that should be the last payment made by the Council. She asked if the Cambridge City Council were offering any financial support to the park that was predominantly used by residents from Cambridge and Milton.

 

Councillor Eileen Wilson supported the grant to ensure that local residents could continue to walk and cycle in a local park.

 

Councillor Nick Wright explained that even when the costs had been greatly reduced, the running of the park still cost the Council £70,000 a year. He supported the proposed grant as a cost effective way of ensuring that the park remained open.

 

Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins stated that the park was a great asset for the District and pre-lockdown, a Park Run was held every Saturday. The park was enjoyed by visitors from other villages and should remain open.

 

Councillor Brian Milnes explained that he and his family from Sawston had visited the park for 14 years and he supported the proposed grant.

 

Councillor John Williams explained that Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust needed the grant due to the impact of COVID-19 and otherwise a request would not have been made. If the Trust were unable to run the Park, the Council would become responsible for it, which would cost more than £50,000.

 

With one vote against (Councillor Deborah Roberts) and the rest in support, Council AGREED that

 

A)       SCDC issues a conditional grant of £50,000 to Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust, ratifies the first instalment of £25,000 in May 2020 and agrees to the second £25,000 no earlier than September 2020.

B)       The first instalment is subject to Head of Finance reviewing the Trust’s current financial position via bank statements.

C)       The second instalment is subject to Head of Finance reviewing the Trust’s Management Accounts in addition to business efficiency measures, fundraising efforts and revised cashflow forecast.

13.

Zero Carbon Strategy pdf icon PDF 339 KB

To invite Council to adopt the Zero Carbon Strategy.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Minutes:

Councillor Pippa Heylings introduced a report presenting the Council’s Zero Carbon Strategy. In so doing, she explained that the Council had a significant role in reducing carbon use by 50% by 2030 to help prevent climate change and its impact.

 

Councillor Heather Williams supported the adoption of the Strategy and thanked the officers and councillors involved in its production.

 

Councillor Nigel Cathcart supported the Strategy and hoped that more could be done to repair buildings, instead of demolishing them.

 

Councillor Steve Hunt supported the Strategy and hoped that some of the environmental benefits caused by the lockdown could be maintained in the long term with the continuation of homeworking. Councillor Eileen Wilson agreed and hoped that the increase in walking and cycling in her village of Cottenham could be maintained.

 

Councillor Heylings welcomed the cross party support for this Strategy and expected that it would help ensure sustainable development.

 

Councillor Heylings proposed and Councillor Heather Williams seconded the adoption of the Zero Carbon Strategy. A vote was taken and, by affirmation, Council

 

RESOLVEDto adopt the Zero Carbon Strategy.

14.

Terms of Reference - Climate and Environment Advisory Committee pdf icon PDF 213 KB

To seek approval of the revised terms of reference of the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council

 

AGREED       to approve the revised terms of reference of the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee, as set out in Appendix A and agreed that the necessary amendments be made to Part 3 of the Constitution.

Minutes:

Councillor Pippa Heylings explained that the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee had been set up in 2018 and with the agreement of the Zero Carbon Strategy it was appropriate to agree revised term of reference for the Committee.

 

Councillor Geoff Harvey reported that the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee had benefited from a great depth of knowledge and cross-party co-operation. Councillor Heather Williams expressed her party’s support for these terms of reference.

 

Councillor Pippa Heylings proposed and Councillor Geoff Harvey seconded the new terms of reference of the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee.

 

Council, by affirmation,

 

RESOLVEDto approve the revised terms of reference of the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee, as set out in Appendix A and agreed that the necessary amendments be made to Part 3 of the Constitution.

15.

THE COUNCIL'S RESPONSE TO COVID-19 pdf icon PDF 224 KB

To provide a summary of the Council’s response to the Covid 19 emergency. 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader gave a statement on the Council’s response to the COVID-19 virus. She stated that the authority was considered to be a high performing Council and the Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government had asked her to address a Committee of 50 MPs. She recognised the extra work, new duties and longer hours being carried out by officers. A support network now covered all 103 villages and one town in the District and all vulnerable residents had been contacted. There had been co-operation with Cambridge City Council and the Greater Cambridge Partnership. Advice and financial support had been provided to local businesses.

 

The Leader was a board member of the District Council Network and encouraged all members to read their statement on going forward. The Leader concluded that for the future the Council should focus on business recovery, maintaining the network of voluntary workers and maintaining the increase in walking and cycling.

 

Council NOTED the report.

16.

Appointment of the Chief Operating Officer pdf icon PDF 143 KB

To approve the appointment to the post of Chief Operating Officer.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council AGREED to

 

A)       Approve the appointment of Anne Ainsworth as Chief Operating Officer for South Cambridgeshire District Council. 

 

B)       Note that a provisional offer of employment has been made, subject to two exemplary references, health clearance and eligibility checks in accordance with the Council’s policies. The necessary references have been received. 

 

C)       Agree that the appointment commence on a date to be mutually agreed.

 

D)       Agree that the salary to be offered is £103,000 which is within the Council’s salary range for this post as set out in the Pay Policy Statement(£92,035 to £108,275 per annum). 

 

E)        Confirm that the appointment will be subject to a 6-month probation period.

Minutes:

Councillor Henry Batchelor explained that following a rigorous appointment process, the Panel had unanimously agreed to recommend the appointment of Anne Ainsworth to the new role of Chief Operating Officer. He proposed that Council agree the appointment. Councillor Heather Williams seconded this proposal.

 

Council, by affirmation, RESOLVED to

 

A)       Approve the appointment of Anne Ainsworth as Chief Operating Officer for South Cambridgeshire District Council. 

 

B)       Note that a provisional offer of employment has been made, subject to two exemplary references, health clearance and eligibility checks in accordance with the Council’s policies. The necessary references have been received. 

 

C)       Agree that the appointment commence on a date to be mutually agreed.

 

D)       Agree that the salary to be offered is £103,000 which is within the Council’s salary range for this post as set out in the Pay Policy Statement(£92,035 to £108,275 per annum). 

 

E)        Confirm that the appointment will be subject to a 6-month probation period.

17.

The Writing off of Outstanding Debt 2019-20 pdf icon PDF 325 KB

To note the amounts written off under delegated powers.

Minutes:

Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, presented this report on the debts written off under powers delegated to the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance and the Chief Financial Officer.

 

Council NOTED the report.

18.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH COMBINED AUTHORITY pdf icon PDF 410 KB

Attached are the reports summarising the work of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority in March and April 2020.

Minutes:

The Council noted reports prepared by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority summarising the work of the Authority during March and April 2020.

 

Councillor Bridget Smith, Leader of Council, explained that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority were currently focused on business recovery in response to COVID-19. She had not supported the Local Transport Plan Strategy, as it had not taken into account the views of other local authorities and the Local Plan.

 

Councillor Grenville Chamberlain stated that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had expressed concern at the failure to appoint a Chairman of the Commission on Climate Change and that the Committee had questioned the Chief Executive on this.

 

Council NOTED the reports.

19.

Membership of Committees and Outside Bodies

(a)  To note and endorse the following change in membership of committees:-

 

Scrutiny and Overview Committee – The replacement of Councillor Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya by Councillor Richard Williams.

 

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

 

(c)   To consider any changes required in membership of outside bodies.

Minutes:

Council NOTED the replacement of Councillor Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya by Councillor Dr. Richard Williams on the Scrutiny and Overview Committee.

20.

Dates of meetings in 2020/21

Council, at its meeting on 20 February 2020, approved the Calendar of Meetings 2020/21 but asked that the date of the Council Budget meeting be moved from 18 February 2021 as this is half term week.  It is now proposed that the meeting be held on Thursday, 11 February 2021.

 

Council is accordingly asked to note the dates of Council meetings in 2020/21 as follows:

 

Tuesday 14 July 2020 at 2.00pm

Thursday, 24 September 2020 at 2.00pm

Thursday, 26 November 2020 at 2.00pm

Thursday, 11 February 2021 at 2.00pm (Budget Meeting)

Thursday, 15 April 2021 at 2.00pm

Thursday, 20 May 2021 at 2.00pm (Annual Meeting)

 

Minutes:

Council agreed that its budget meeting should be scheduled for 11 February 2021 to avoid meeting during half-term.

 

Council NOTED the schedule of its meetings for 2020/21 as follows:

·         Tuesday 14 July 2020 at 2pm

·         Thursday 24 September 2020 at 2pm

·         Thursday 26 November 2020 at 2pm

·         Thursday 11 February 2021 at 2pm

·         Thursday 15 April 2021 at 2pm

·         Thursday 20 May 2021 at 2pm (Annual Meeting)

21.

CHAIR'S ENGAGEMENTS

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

 

Date

Venue / Event/Other

Attending

 

 

 

March

 

 

 

Sun 1

Civic Service hosted  by the Chairman of East Northamptonshire Council at Chelveston-cum-Caldecott

Vice-Chairman

 

 

 

May

 

 

Thur 7

Virtual poem reading on You Tube to mark  the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Chairman

 

Minutes:

Council NOTED the Chair’s engagements since the last Council meeting. 

22.

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 Chair moved, the Vice-Chair seconded and Council, by affirmation:

 

RESOLVED:

 

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).

23.

NORTHSTOWE TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT PHASE 1 (Cabinet - 4 March 2020)

Decision:

Council

 

AGREED        to approve the establishment of a provision of the amount detailed in the confidential report, for the potential shortfall in the Northstowe Phase 1 Section 106 funding and that the General Fund be reduced by a corresponding amount.

Minutes:

Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Finance, proposed and Councillor Neil Gough seconded the recommendation in the report. Cllr Dr. Martin Cahn noted that the figure referred to in paragraph 11 of the report was different to that in the recommendation in paragraph 3 and it was confirmed that the correct figure was the one shown in the recommendation.

 

By affirmation, Council

 

RESOLVED    to approve the establishment of a provision of the amount detailed in the confidential report, for the potential shortfall in the Northstowe Phase 1 Section 106 funding and that the General Fund be reduced by a corresponding amount.

24.

Minutes (Exempt)

A minute containing exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part I 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:

Councillor Heather Williams proposed and Councillor Bridget Smith seconded that Council agree the exempt minute. By affirmation Council

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Minute of the meeting held on 20 February 2020, which contains exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government 1972 (as amended), be approved as a correct record.