Agenda and decisions

To receive apologies for absence from Members.

To receive declarations of interest from Members.

To authorise the Chair to sign the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 18 July 2024 as a correct record.

To receive any announcements from the Chair.

To receive any announcements from the Leader and Cabinet.

To receive any announcements from the Head of Paid Service.

If you would like to ask a question or make a statement, then please refer to the

Document called Public Speaking Scheme (Physical Meetings)

and contact Democratic Services by no later than 11.59pm on 27 September 2024.

It is recommended that Council agree to adopt the revised Statement of Licensing Policy under the Gambling Act 2005 for a period of up to three years from 31 January 2025. The draft Policy is attached as Appendix A to the report.

Council (unanimously) agreed to adopt the revised Statement of Licensing Policy under the Gambling Act 2005 for a period of up to three years from 31 January 2025. The draft Policy was attached as Appendix A to the report.

That Council is requested to consider the report and, if satisfied, to:

a)    Acknowledge the projected changes in service spending and the overall resources available to the Council over the medium term to 2029/2030.

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

The Council (26 voting in favour, 7 voting against, 1 abstaining from voting):

a)     Acknowledged the projected changes in service spending and the overall resources available to the Council over the medium term to 2029/2030.

b)     Approved the refreshed Medium Term Financial Strategy at Appendix A to the report and updated financial forecast at Appendix B to the report.

Councillors In Favour: Michael Atkins, Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Ariel Cahn, Dr Martin Cahn, Stephen Drew, Peter Fane, Corinne Garvie, Jose Hales, Bill Handley, Sunita Hansraj, Sally Ann Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr Tumi Hawkins, Helene Leeming, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Dr Lisa Redrup, Judith Rippeth, Peter Sandford, Bridget Smith, Richard Stobart, Dr Aidan van de Weyer, John Williams, Eileen Wilson

Councillors Against: Dr Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Graham Cone, Sue Ellington, Bunty Waters, Dr Richard Williams, Heather Williams

Councillors Abstaining: Daniel Lentell

That Council appoints Ms Ahmed as interim CFO and Section 151 Officer from 26 February 2025 for a period of up to one year.

The Council (unanimously) appointed Ms Ahmed as interim CFO and Section 151 Officer from 26 February 2025 for a period of up to one year.

There have been no reports received on decisions taken by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority since the last Council meeting.

There have been no reports received on decisions taken by the Greater Cambridge Partnership since the last Council meeting.

To note any updates from the Oxford to Cambridge Pan Regional Partnership since the last Council meeting.

Council is asked to:

(i)             Appoint Councillor Geoff Harvey as Chair of the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee

(ii)            Note any other changes in roles, membership or substitutes

(iii)           Note, and, where required, endorse any changes to Outside Bodies appointments; and

(iv)           Note any executive appointments.

The Council (unanimously):

(i)                  Appointed Councillor Geoff Harvey as Chair of the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee.

A period of 30 minutes will be allocated 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 Elections and Democratic Services Manager prior to the commencement of the item. Members’ names will be drawn at random by the Chair until there are no further questions or until the expiration of the time period.

“Does the Leader agree that words matter and that a word as significant as “bullying” should not be wantonly thrown out as a last resort or debate trick in public session?

Does the leader recognise that for those in well-remunerated positions of power to appropriate the language of those who do not enjoy such privilege in this council, or in wider society, is greatly to be regretted and that some truths are, of necessity, uncomfortable to hear especially in the context of robustly holding government and governance to account.”

“The Council recently received a return visit from the Local Government Association’s Corporate Peer Review team. Could the Leader update members as to the outcome of that review?”

“The Council has now received accreditation by White Ribbon UK – how can members better support this vital work?”

“Will the Leader provide an update as to what the response if any was received, from the Secretary of State for Transport, to the Leader’s letter dated 29th July 2024, asking for the Government to set out its position on East West Rail?”

“Could the Leader update Council as the outcome of the discussion between Local Leaders and the Minister for Housing? Was it constructive?”

“Cabinet recently received an update on the progress of the Council’s Cost of Living Support. At a time when many people across the UK are struggling to make ends meet, can the Leader outline what support the Council is making available to people across South Cambridgeshire?”

“Can the leader provide an update regarding the small business fund announced recently by the Council?”

“Analysts stated in the results of the four-day week trial report that “There are not sufficient end-of-year data points available to conduct a robust statistical analysis”. How are residents and councillors meant to trust the findings of this report, when its own analysts admit the report is not robust?”

“Can the Leader explain why no changes have been made to the KPIs to include monitoring email response times to residents’ queries during the four-day week?”

“Can the Leader or the Cabinet explain how the results of the four-day week trial can be relied upon as a valid assessment when 37% of staff are working more than four days a week to prop up the council’s performance?”

“What steps will the leader and administration be taking to support the building of the (already consented) Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, which the new Government has put in doubt?”

“In 2007 this Council undertook a review of the development of Cambourne and published a report entitled "Lessons Learned". This report was followed in 2014 by a member task and finish chaired by Cllr Lynda Harford, as Chair of Planning Committee, which reviewed the Orchard Park development. These reports provided useful guidance and highlighted pitfalls South Cambs District Council should not repeat. In view of the Government's pressure on South Cambs to speed up the building programme, does the Leader have plans to set up a member led task and finish group to learn the lessons of Northstowe?”

“The 2023 staff survey showed 1% of staff were using their four-day week day off to do other paid work. In 2024, this figure has increased to 16%. Can the Leader or the Cabinet explain how the four-day week improves wellbeing and productivity, when council staff are using their day off to undertake paid work away from this council?”

“The Q1 KPIs show that the % of successful homeless preventions is now significantly above the target and intervention levels set, and significantly up compared to 2023 figures. What would the leader say are some of the factors that have contributed to this success?”

“3C Building Control has received a number of nationally significant awards recently for its work. Would the Cabinet be able to outline this work as well as other projects which have been nominated for or won awards?”

“Does the Council collect information on the amount of energy generated by the solar panels in the Council’s carpark as part of the greening of South Cambs Hall? How else is the Council encouraging sustainable electricity generation across the district?”

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.

“This Council notes:

• The recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal Winter Fuel Payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credit and other benefits.
• Though many agree that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary, Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments.
• Across England and Wales, the number of people eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million). Age UK research suggests 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it.
• While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many across South Cambridgeshire sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance.

This Council further notes:

• In South Cambridgeshire the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 28,538. That means 94.1% of pensioners currently eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards, many of whom will face a ‘heat or eat’ dilemma and significant risks to their health as a result of this decision.
• The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures will negatively affect the health and well-being of some of our poorest older residents. Further, the government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need.
• The Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the Living Wage.
• The low take up of Pension Credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving it – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we as a local authority have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people get access to the support they are entitled to.
• The Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined with the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.

This Council resolves to:

• Request Cabinet to urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits, including when available using the Low-Income Families Tracker (LIFT) to identify those who are eligible.
• Request that all Group Leaders sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty, as well as considering what support can be given to help people reduce their energy bills and consumption.  ...  view the full agenda text for item 14a

The Council (unanimously) agreed the following motion:

“This Council notes:

• The recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal Winter Fuel Payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credit and other benefits.
• Though many agree that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary, Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments.
• Across England and Wales, the number of people eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million). Age UK research suggests 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it.
• While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many across South Cambridgeshire sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance.

This Council further notes:

• In South Cambridgeshire the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 28,538. That means 94.1% of pensioners currently eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards, many of whom will face a ‘heat or eat’ dilemma and significant risks to their health as a result of this decision.
• The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures will negatively affect the health and well-being of some of our poorest older residents. Further, the government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need.
• The Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the Living Wage.
• The low take up of Pension Credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving it – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we as a local authority have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people get access to the support they are entitled to.
• The Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined with the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.

This Council resolves to:

• Request Cabinet to urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits, including when available using the Low-Income Families Tracker (LIFT) to identify those who are eligible.
• Request that all Group Leaders sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty, as well as considering what support can be given to help  ...  view the full decision text for item 14a

“This Council requests the Leader of the Council to write to the Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council to express concern and dismay at how little has been spent on South Cambridgeshire’s roads compared to other areas in Cambridgeshire.”

The Council (19 voting in favour, 6 voting against, 2 abstaining from voting) agreed to accept an amendment submitted by Councillor Stephen Drew.

Councillors In Favour: Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Ariel Cahn, Dr Martin Cahn, Stephen Drew, Jose Hales, Bill Handley, Sunita Hansraj, Sally Ann Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr Tumi Hawkins, Helene Leeming, Brian Milnes, Peter Sandford, Bridget Smith, Richard Stobart, John Williams, Eileen Wilson

Councillors Against: Dr Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Graham Cone, Daniel Lentell, Dr Richard Williams, Heather Williams

Councillors Abstaining: Peter Fane, Corinne Garvie

The Council (19 voting in favour, 4 voting against, 3 abstaining from voting) agreed the following motion:

“This Council requests the Leader of the Council to write to the Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council and the Chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at the County Council to express concern and dismay at how little has been spent on South Cambridgeshire’s roads compared to other areas in Cambridgeshire and applauding the administration’s programme of investment to address the historic neglect of South Cambridgeshire’s roads that they inherited from the previous Conservative administration.

In particular, this letter should set out the following points:

-       In the eight years preceding the joint administration’s leadership, the Conservative administration spent twice as much per kilometre on carriageway and footway resurfacing in Conservative-controlled Fenland compared to South Cambridgeshire.

-       Per capita, the Conservative administration spent only half as much in South Cambridgeshire on carriageway and footway resurfacing compared to Fenland, and 0.6 times as much compared to East Cambridgeshire.

-       That due to Conservative underinvestment and mismanagement of highways, the joint administration has been left with a £600m backlog of highway maintenance across the county.

-       The Conservatives ceased routine gulley cleaning for four years and failed to maintain accurate maps of gully locations, leading to increased flooding and degradation of roads.

-       The Joint Administration has nearly doubled the road maintenance budget for the next two years, adding over £40 million in new capital spending, marking the reversal of decades of managed decline under the Conservatives.

-       A new commercial team has been established, dedicated to ensuring the best quality and value from contractors. This team has already saved approximately £1.4 million this year.

-       In South Cambridgeshire, a number of significant highway improvements are being funded by the County Council, amounting to £5,019,000 of investment in South Cambridgeshire’s roads over this financial year.”

Councillors In Favour: Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Ariel Cahn, Dr Martin Cahn, Stephen Drew, Jose Hales, Bill Handley, Sunita Hansraj, Sally Ann Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr Tumi Hawkins, Helene Leeming, Brian Milnes, Peter Sandford, Bridget Smith, Richard Stobart, John Williams, Eileen Wilson

Councillors Against: Dr Shrobona Bhattacharya, Graham Cone, Dr Richard Williams, Heather Williams

Councillors Abstaining: Peter Fane, Corinne Garvie, Daniel Lentell

“This Council requests Cabinet to strive to achieve, at a minimum, the Bronze tier accreditation in Prostate Cancer UK’s BOG STANDARD and to use existing council resources, business and public connections to raise awareness for this important issue.”

The Council (unanimously) agreed the following motion:

“This Council requests Cabinet to strive to achieve, at a minimum, the Bronze tier accreditation in Prostate Cancer UK’s BOG STANDARD and to use existing council resources, business and public connections to raise awareness for this important issue.”

“Council notes:

-        the dire state of public finances left by the outgoing Government.

-        the unfulfilled promise to build 40 new hospitals across the country.

-        the new Government’s announcement of a reset of the new hospitals scheme which could jeopardise progress on the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital at Addenbrooke’s and the redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke.

Council believes the new Hospitals are essential, recognising the deficit of health facilities across Greater Cambridge, the importance of Greater Cambridge as a regional centre for healthcare and the international importance of our area’s life sciences sector.

Council resolves:

-        to direct the leader to write to the Secretary of State underlining this Council’s view that the government should not abandon the commitment to developing these hospitals.

-        To direct the leader to write to the new MP for the area of the proposed Cancer Research Hospital, expressing our support for her recent efforts to secure the future funding for it and to request she work further with MPs across the area it would serve to secure funding for the Hospital and other local health facilities including the redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke.”

The Council voted (4 voting in favour, 18 voting against, 1 abstaining from voting) on an amendment submitted by Councillor Graham Cone, which was defeated.

Councillors In Favour: Graham Cone, Peter Fane, Dr Richard Williams, Heather Williams

Councillors Against: Henry Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Ariel Cahn, Dr Martin Cahn, Stephen Drew, Corinne Garvie, Jose Hales, Sunita Hansraj, Sally Ann Hart, Geoff Harvey, Dr Tumi Hawkins, Helene Leeming, Brian Milnes, Peter Sandford, Bridget Smith, Richard Stobart, John Williams, Eileen Wilson

Councillors Abstaining: Daniel Lentell

The Council (unanimously) agreed the following motion:

“Council notes:

-       the dire state of public finances left by the outgoing Government.

-       the unfulfilled promise to build 40 new hospitals across the country.

-       the new Government’s announcement of a reset of the new hospitals scheme which could jeopardise progress on the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital at Addenbrooke’s.

Council believes the new Hospital is essential, recognising the deficit of health facilities across Greater Cambridge, the importance of Greater Cambridge as a regional centre for healthcare and the international importance of our area’s life sciences sector.

Council resolves:

-       to direct the leader to write to the Secretary of State underlining this Council’s view that the government should not abandon the commitment to developing the hospital.

-       To direct the leader to write to the new MP for the area of the proposed Cancer Research Hospital, expressing our support for her recent efforts to secure the future funding for it and to request she work further with MPs across the area it would serve to secure funding for the Hospital and other local health facilities.”

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