Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed all Members to the Epic Centre and the first in person in person meeting of Full Council since March 2020.   The Chairman reminded Members of the fire procedures and covid measures in place before formally opening the meeting.

 

 

Members may make any declarations of interest at this point and may also make them at any point during the meeting.

No declarations were made.

To receive the results of the District Council By-Election held on 6 May 2021.

 

 

Members gave consideration to a report which set out the results of the recent District Council By-Election for the Kelsey Wold Ward held on 6 May 2021.

 

Members welcomed and congratulated newly elected Councillor, Councillor Peter Morris. 

 

RESOLVED that the results of the District Council By-Election for the Kelsey Wold Ward held on 6 May 2021 be noted.

 

 

a)      to move a vote of thanks to the previous Chairman’s Chaplain for their services over the past year two years; and

 

(b)     to receive the appointment of Chairman’s Chaplain for the remainder of the Civic Year 2021/22.

 

 

The Chairman of Council moved a vote of thanks to his outgoing Chaplain, the Reverend Adam Watson ,in his absence for his services and support during the past two years.

 

The Chairman of Council advised that his Chaplain for the forthcoming year was to be the Reverend Jane Foster-Smith, whom had earlier taken prayers.

 

Reverend Foster-Smith was in receipt of the Chaplain’s stole.

 

Members congratulated Reverend Foster-Smith on her pending ordination.

 

RESOLVED that the Reverend Jane Foster-Smith  be appointed as the Chairman’s Chaplain.

 

 

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Owen Bierley be appointed as the Leader of the Council. 

 

There were no further nominations. On being put to the vote it was:-

 

RESOLVED that Councillor Owen Bierley be elected Leader of the Council for the remainder of the 2021/22 civic year.

 

Councillor Bierley addressed Council and expressed his thanks at having been re-appointed.

 

 

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Anne Welburn be appointed as the Deputy Leader of the Council. 

 

There were no further nominations.

 

A request for a recorded vote was made and duly seconded by a further Member.

 

On being put to the vote, votes were cast in the following manner: -

 

For: - Councillors Bierley, Brockway, Coulson, Darcel, Davies, Devine, England, Fleetwood, Grimble, Hill, Howitt-Cowan, Lawrence, McCartney, G McNeill, J McNeill, Morris, Patterson, Rodgers, Summers and Waller (20)

 

Against: - Councillors Dobbie and Panter (2),

 

Abstentions: - Councillors Boles, Bunney, Clews, Cotton, Rainsforth, Rollings, M Snee, J Snee, White, and Young (10)

 

With a total of 20 votes in favour, 2 votes against and 10 abstentions, it was: -

 

RESOLVED that Councillor Anne Welburn be elected Deputy Leader of the Council for the remainder of 2021/22 civic year.

 

 

To confirm and sign as a correct record both the Minutes of the previous Full Council Meeting held on 12 April 2021 and the Annual Meeting of Full Council held on 4 May 2021.

 

 

a)      Minutes of the Meeting of Full Council held on 12 April 2021

 

Having being moved and seconded, and with no questions raised, it was: -

 

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of Full Council held on 12 April 2021 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

.

 

b)      Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Full Council held on 4 May 2021

 

Having being moved and seconded, and with no questions raised, it was: -

 

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Full Council held on 4 May 2021 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

 

 

Matters Arising Schedule as at 18 June 2021.

The Chairman introduced the report advising Members that the report would be taken “as read” unless Members had any questions.

 

A Member expressed disappoint that the action entitled “motion to combat litter” had been delayed but were understanding of the reasoning,

 

With no further comments or questions and with no requirement for a vote, the Matters Arising were DULY NOTED.

 

 

i)             Chairman of Council

ii)            Leader of the Council

iii)           Chief Executive

 

Chairman

 

The Chairman had had the pleasure of being able to undertake several engagements in recent weeks, making reference first to the raising of the Pride Flag, outside of the Guildhall, in celebration of Pride month.

 

The Chairman had also paid honour to all of the Armed Forces, on National Armed Forces Day, raising the flag alongside the Chief Executive, his Chaplain and the Council’s Member Champion for Armed Forces and recording prayers and messages on social media.

 

Only last Friday the Chairman had had the pleasure of joining Sir Edward Leigh at the opening of new facilities at Riseholme College – a truly amazing facility to have within the District.

 

Only this Saturday, alongside the Chief Executive, the Chairman had visited the very well attended Merry Olde Market in Gainsborough.  It had been a pleasure meeting the stallholders, entertainers and members of the community, and all seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves

 

 

Leader

 

The Leader made the following address to Council

 

“Firstly I very much welcome the ability to hold meetings in person once again, both in the community and as a Council, even though the safety requirements mean they are by no means as they were before the pandemic.  Huge thanks are due to all those who, through their hard work and commitment, have made this the successful process it has proven to be to-date.      

 

Members will be aware that the District Council’s bid to the Levelling Up Fund was completed and submitted in good time, though we will not learn the outcome until the Autumn.  Again, given that such a high quality application was prepared within a really challenging timeframe is a notable achievement, reflecting the ambition of this Council and the wider partnership.  

 

Whilst recognising the amazing progress made in combatting the coronavirus pandemic, especially through the vaccination programme, considerable challenge and uncertainty remains as new variants emerge.  Continued adherence to the guidance and regular self-testing remain vital tools available to us all as we strive towards the easing of restrictions on or after 19^th July.   

 

Consultation on the draft Central Lincolnshire Local Plan (Regulation 18) will begin next week and run for an eight-week period.  The document contains a number of ambitious, cutting edge proposals, particularly in support of the climate change and sustainability imperative.  It is vitally important that as many individuals and organisations as possible now share their views.  

 

Two announcements have recently been made that respond to ambitions of many years standing however neither, at this stage, contains the optimal, desired, solution for West Lindsey.  I’ll refer to the railway proposal under Agenda Item 11, but can advise that the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB boundary review has not been included in the first round of projects by Natural England.     

 

Finally Chairman, whilst we should never underestimate what we have achieved so far as a Council during a time of unprecedented challenge and change, much remains to be done and will be done on behalf of those we represent.  My heartfelt thanks go  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

Questions, if received, under this Scheme will be published by way of supplement.

The Chairman advised the meeting that no public questions had been received.

 

 

Questions submitted by Members Under Procedure Rule No. will be published as a supplement following closure of the deadline.

 

 

The Chairman advised the meeting that four questions pursuant to Council Procedure Rule No.9 had been submitted to the meeting.  These had been circulated separately to the agenda.

 

The Chairman invited the first questioner, Councillor Trevor Young, to put his question to the meeting, as follows: -

 

“The Government introduced a number of different financial grants to support businesses during this Covid Pandemic which have been administrated by local authorities.

 

My question is have these business grants been paid to any political associations and groups across the District since their introduction?

If so Leader: -

 

·         please outline how  political parties/ associations would meet the criteria for grant assistance as they are not businesses nor do they provide a service.

·         And if payments have been made please confirm whether these payments have been returned to the Council or whether it is intended for them to be returned.

 

Many local businesses have financially struggled during this Covid Pandemic and many employees are at risk of losing their jobs. People across the district would be disheartened to hear that financial grants intended to support local businesses have been paid to support such groups and associations should that be the case.

 

Thank you”

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Owen Bierley, responded as follows: -

 

“Thank you for your question Cllr Young. Yes, one grant payment of £10,000.00 was paid under Small Business Rate Relief on 16^th April 2020.  It was repaid (allocated on the ledger) in two amounts, £5,000.00 on 1^st December 2020 and £5,000.00 on 3^rd December 2020.

 

The eligibility criteria for the Small Business, Retail, Leisure and Hospitality grants (the first phase of business grants in April 2020) was determined by the business rates register. Rate paying organisations were entitled to receive grant support.”

 

Councillor Young thanked the Leader for the response.

 

The Chairman then invited the second questioner, Councillor Mandy Snee, to put her question to the meeting as follows: -

 

“It was great to see West Lindsey District raising the flag to celebrate the beginning of Pride Month.

 

At this event the Chair Councillor England said that “one of his main priorities as the Chairman of the Council was to make sure that everybody in West Lindsey felt supported and included in the District”.  Rightly so.

 

Please:

 

What are the actions in place to ensure this happens?

 

The Annual Equality Statement (drawn from the Equality strategy) and uploaded on W.L.D.C.’s website, records the Equality objectives and actions from 2018.

 

What are the current objectives and how are we going to meet these as a Council?

 

Thank you”

 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Owen Bierley, responded as follows: -

 

“Thank you for your question Cllr Mrs Snee and for highlighting the fact that the Council fully supports Pride Month and in doing so publicly expresses its commitment to promoting equality and to help bring about an inclusive society.   

 

As a local authority the Council has a responsibility to meet the Equality Duty which is set by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

Motion 1 – Street Lighting in West Lindsey

 

“Chairman

 

In 2016 Lincolnshire County Council turned off almost half of the street lights across the County resulting in many residents living in fear for their safety at night.

 

At a recent presentation by Lincolnshire Police (18^th Feb ) it was stated that the lack of street lighting has significantly impacted on crime levels in parts of the Gainsborough South West Ward and their ability to effectively deal with crime during hours of darkness.

 

Perception of personal safety is important especially for the vulnerable. The recent events of the Sarah Everards case have placed emphasis on women’s safety, particularly at night time.

 

Surely it is time this position was re-considered?

 

I call upon Members to support this motion requesting that the Leader of this Council commences robust discussions with Leading Members of the County Council with a view to seeking the re-introduction of street lighting in parts of West Lindsey, particularly into those communities we ourselves have deemed to be vulnerable.

 

Furthermore, the Leader be required to feed back to this Council, by way of report to Prosperous Communities, the outcome of these discussion, potential options which could be investigated and their associated costs.

 

I so move”

 

Councillor Trevor Young, Leader of the Opposition, and Ward Member for the Gainsborough South- West Ward.

 

 

 

The Chairman advised the meeting that one motion pursuant to Council Procedure Rule No.10 had been submitted to the meeting, this was as set out in the agenda.

 

Councillor Trevor Young, was invited to put his motion to the meeting, as follows: -

 

“Chairman

 

In 2016 Lincolnshire County Council turned off almost half of the street lights across the County resulting in many residents living in fear for their safety at night.

 

At a recent presentation by Lincolnshire Police (18^th Feb ) it was stated that the lack of street lighting has significantly impacted on crime levels in parts of the Gainsborough South West Ward and their ability to effectively deal with crime during hours of darkness.

 

Perception of personal safety is important especially for the vulnerable. The recent events of the Sarah Everards case have placed emphasis on women’s safety, particularly at night time.

 

Surely it is time this position was re-considered?

 

I call upon Members to support this motion requesting that the Leader of this Council commences robust discussions with Leading Members of the County Council with a view to seeking the re-introduction of street lighting in parts of West Lindsey, particularly into those communities we ourselves have deemed to be vulnerable.

 

Furthermore, the Leader be required to feed back to this Council, by way of reporting to Prosperous Communities, the outcome of these discussions, potential options which could be investigated and their associated costs.

 

I so move”

 

Having being duly seconded debate ensued, with the Leader of the Council indicating that he was unable to support the Motion, and outlined his reasons for this.  He considered there was a more appropriate way for this matter to be addressed - that being for individual town and parishes with support from their County Councillor, to approach the County Council direct regarding their specific area, an option which was currently available.

 

The facts within the Motion were disputed.  A dual hatted Member indicated she had sought further information direct from the County and had been advised of the  68,000 street lights owned by LCC 42,000 remained on for part of the night.  This approach saved £2.5 million for the tax payer.  Data available showed no correlation between lighting and  crime levels, and whilst perception of crime initially rose this had eased.  There was a danger that fear could be easily created.   There was a process by which street lighting could be reintroduced, with parishes and neighbourhoods being charged a one-off fee.

 

Councillor Young as the Motion submitter was asked to quantify the statement made regarding Lincolnshire Police, which some Members considered was at odds with their understanding and as such they could not support the Motion.

 

In responding, reference was made to the pledges which had been made in recent County Council and Police Commissioner elections.   The statement had been made at a Member briefing on 18 February attended by the Police and Crime Commissioner when he had spoken of the difficulties the force were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

To note the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Local Government Act. 

 

The Chairman presented the report, which set out details of the political groups on the Council, the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each Committee, and the allocation of seats on each of the Committees based on political groupings.

 

The requirement to review the allocations was as a result of the recent by-election held in the Kelsey Wold Ward at which Councillor P Morris was elected . Councillor Peter Morris has given due notice under Regulation 9b that he wishes to be treated as Member of both the Conservative Group and the Administration.

 

This was a matter, which had been determined by the Head of Paid Service under his delegated authority, and as such, there was no requirement for a vote.

 

With no questions posed, the following was DULY NOTED: -

 

(a)     the details of the political groups, as set out in Appendix A of the report,

 

(b)     the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each committee and sub-committee; and

 

(c)     the allocation to different political groups of seats on committees/sub-committees, as set out in Appendix B of the report.

 

 

In accordance with the provisions of Section 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, to appoint Members to Committees for the Civic Year, in accordance with the wishes expressed by the Political Groups

The Chairman of the Council presented the report which set out the wishes expressed by the political groups in respect of the appointment of Members to serve on each of the Council’s formal Committees for the remainder of the 21/22 Civic Year.

 

Requests had been received that the Overview and Scrutiny be not politically balanced.

 

Members were asked to suspend the rules relating to proportionality in respect of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and appoint the Members named in the report to the respective Committees.

 

The report further sought to appoint Chairmen and Vice/Chairmen for the remainder of the 21/22 civic year and determine the normal commencement time for each Committee .

 

Whilst the Council had had the need to re-appoint the Committees in accordance with its duty to make appointments to Committees in accordance with the wishes expressed by political groups, all Group Leaders had indicated they had no wish to amend the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmanship appointments previously made, with the exception of one.  This being the Vice-Chairmanship for Chief Officer Employment Committee (COEC). 

 

This report therefore merely sought re-affirmation of the majority of the positions and sought Council approval to amend the vice-chairmanship for the COEC from Councillor Owen Bierley to Councillor Mick Devine 

 

No changes to usual commencement times of meetings were being proposed.

 

A Member indicated that in future, where a committee had two vice-chairmanships, the report should make clear which Councillor held vice-chair 1 and vice-chair 2, as this had implications for other council procedures, Concurrent committee being one such example.

 

With no questions posed, following a unanimous vote in favour it was

 

RESOLVED that

 

(a)     That the rules relating to proportionality be suspended in relation to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

 

(b)     In accordance with the provisions of section 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the wishes expressed by political groups, Members be appointed to serve to the Council’s Committees for the remainder of the civic year as follows: -

 

Chief Officer Employment Committee (8 Members)

 

Councillor Owen Bierley

Councillor Jackie Brockway                   Chairman

Councillor Mick Devine                           Vice-Chairman **

Councillor Diana Rodgers

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Anne Welburn

Councillor Angela White

Councillor Trevor Young

 

 

Corporate Policy and Resources Committee(12 Members)

 

Councillor Owen Bierley

Councillor Matt Boles

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Mick Devine

Councillor Ian Fleetwood

Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan

Councillor Giles McNeill

Councillor John McNeill

Councillor Mandy Snee

Councillor Jeff Summers                                    Vice-Chairman

Councillor Anne Welburn                                               Chairman

Councillor Trevor Young

 

 

Governance and Audit Committee (7 Members)

                   

Councillor Jackie Brockway                               Vice-Chairman

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Tracey Coulson                                           

Councillor Chris Darcel

Councillor David Dobbie

Councillor John McNeill                                     Chairman

Councillor Anne Welburn

 

 

Licensing Committee (12 Members)

 

Councillor Liz Clews

Councillor David Cotton

Councillor Tim Davies

Councillor Caralyne Grimble

Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan

Councillor Angela Lawrence                             Vice-Chairman

Councillor Cordelia McCartney

Councillor Jessie Milne                                       Chairman

Councillor Peter Morris

Councillor Judy Rainsforth

Councillor Jim Snee

Councillor Jeff Summers

 

 

Regulatory Committee (12 Members)

 

Councillor Liz Clews

Councillor David Cotton

Councillor Tim Davies

Councillor Caralyne Grimble

Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

Council considered a report which sought to appoint Members to Sub-Committees, Working Groups, Panels, Boards and Outside Bodies which were due to expire or where notification had been received from the main Group Leaders. 

 

Councillor Trevor Young indicated that since the reports publication he wished to replace Councillor Judy Rainsforth on the Community Awards Panel, and appoint Councillor Keith Panter as her replacement. The amendment was formally moved and seconded and on being put to the vote, the AMENDMENT was CARRIED.

 

Note: Councillor Giles McNeill requested his vote against the above amendment be recorded.

 

The Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee highlighted references to the former Challenge and Improvement Committee (now Overview and Scrutiny Committee), within the membership of Honours Panel.  It was again noted that reference was also made to the Committee’s Vice-Chairman, of which there were now two.  As such it was suggested these matters be further addressed as appropriate for increased clarity.

 

In response to Members’ queries, regarding the Joint Staff Consultative Committee, noting its absence from any of the reports.  Officers confirmed the membership was to remain as previously appointed.  In light of Group Leaders’ having indicated, they did not wish to amend its Membership, reference to both it and the Standards Sub-Committee had been excluded from the report.  It was accepted that, for transparency, its inclusion for noting would have been more appropriate.

 

It was also confirmed the Standards Sub-Committee remained a sub-committee of the Governance and Audit Committee.

 

RESOLVEDthat : -

 

(a)     Councillors Steve England and Caralyne Grimble be appointed to the Climate and Sustainability Working Group;

 

(b)     Councillor Judy Rainsforth be re-appointed to the following Outside Bodies, for a further four year term, expiring Annual Council 2025 (subject to re-election in May 2023)-

 

*      Trustees of Francis Barker Trust

*      Trustees of Gainsborough Education Charity

*      Trustees of WG Rose Memorial; and

 

(c)     Councillor Keith Panter be appointed to the Community Awards Panel in replacement of Councillor Judy Rainsforth.

(Membership of the remaining bodies detailed in Appendix A of the report to remain unchanged).

 

Note:    No amendments to the Membership of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee or Standards Sub-Committee were being made as a result of this report.

 

 

Members gave consideration to a report sought approval to adopt (make) the Scotton, Bishop Norton and Atterby, Gainsborough, and Morton Neighbourhood Plans as part of the West Lindsey Development Plan, following each plan’s successful referendum, held on 6 May 2021, having been delayed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

 

The Chairman of Council, as Member Champion for Neighbourhood Planning presented the report and in doing so made reference to his joy at seeing more plans being made.  It was custom and practice for Neighbourhood Planning Groups to formally present their plans to the Council Meeting.  Disappointingly, current restrictions had not made this possible, but the Chairman indicated of his intention to ensure Group representatives, were invited in due course, to meet with him at a separate event when restrictions allowed more easily.

 

Members across the Chamber acknowledged the enormous amount of hard work and dedication it took to complete a Neighbourhood Plan.  Members directly involved with the production of both the Gainsborough, Morton and Scotton Plans addressed the meeting and placed on record their thanks to the individuals involved, and the hours of work numerous volunteers had undertaken to reach this stage.

 

Having being moved and seconded, on being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED that the Scotton, Bishop Norton and Atterby, Gainsborough, and Morton Neighbourhood Plans be adopted and made, in accordance with the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012.

 

Consideration was given to a report which sought to appoint an IndependentMemberto serveon theCouncil’s Remuneration Panel.  The Monitoring Officer presented the report and in doing so outlined the recruitment process which had been undertaken and personnel involved in that process.

 

The Council formally placed on record its thanks to outgoing Remuneration Panel Member Mr Peter Clay.

 

RESOLVED that Mr R Harvey be appointed to serveon theRemuneration Panelfrom 28June 2021 for a period of 3 years to Annual Council 2024.

 

 

Note:    The meeting was adjourned for 10 minutes at the conclusion of this item of business, with the meeting re-convening at 20.40 pm.

 

 

Members gave consideration to a report which presented the Council’s Carbon Management Plan and draft Sustainability, Climate and Environment Strategy and action plan for approval having been recommended by both the Prosperous Communities Committee and the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee at their concurrent meeting in April 2021.

 

In summary the report provided

 

·         a brief reminder to Members setting out the original rationale for this work, arising from a Motion to Council and the approach adopted to undertake the task; 

 

·         information produced by the Carbon Trust detailing the Council’s revised carbon footprint and an associated carbon reduction action plan;

 

·         the proposed Council’s Sustainability, Climate Change and Environment Strategy and action plan for consideration and an outline of the process followed to develop the Strategy; and

 

·         details of further matters for consideration to progress this agenda.

 

In presenting the report it was noted that a key message of the Strategy was that in addressing climate change a number of important co-benefits could accrue. In addition to greenhouse gas reductions, long-term sustainable financial savings; better development; improved health and wellbeing; new technologies and skilled employment; greater community resilience and secure energy supplies could be realised.  Further information was contained in Section 2 of the report.

 

Climate change and its adverse impacts was considered one of the biggest issues individuals, communities, organisations and nations faced. Reference was made to the special report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which stressed the urgency with which greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

 

The draft strategy and action plan, before Members set out the Council’s response to this challenge. It provided a path way for the Council to follow in order to reach a net-zero carbon position across its own operations and for the wider District to achieve the same position by 2050 at the latest. It was considered not taking immediate action was not an option.

 

The scale of the carbon reduction challenge had been calculated. The Council’s most recent carbon footprint had been calculated at 3428t CO2e pa, with an initial targeted footprint of 2089t CO2e pa. to be tackled.  The  Council’s current carbon ‘hotspots’ have also been identified. The carbon footprint of the whole District was estimated at 524kt CO2e pa. which signified that the Council’s overall impact was minimal in comparison. However, as a leader of place it was considered vitally important that the Council brought to bear its influencing skills to support and encourage all stakeholders across the District to also meet the challenge.

 

The key contributory factors to climate change had been identified and were discussed and detailed within the strategy. Their identification provided a robust framework against which action could be taken to mitigate their harmful effects on a themed approach.

 

The report also set out the key steps undertaken during the strategy’s production. These included work with the Carbon Trust to deliver the CMP; two phases of consultation; training/awareness packages for staff and Members; the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

Council gave consideration to a report which presented the 19/20 and 20/21 Annual Review of the Constitution and arising recommendations as considered by the Governance and Audit Committee on 13 April and recommended for approval.

 

The report also included an Annual Report from the Monitoring Officer for the period 19/20 and 20/21. The report aimed to provide an holistic view of all governance associated matters.

 

The Governance and Audit Committee Chairman in presenting the report advised Members that comprehensive reviews were undertaken in 2011,14 , 17 and large sections of the document were also amended in 2018.  As such a number of relatively minor amendments , detailed in Section 2 of the report were being proposed.  All changes included a rationale for doing so. It was noted that changes made during Annual Reviews were driven by a number of factors, including responding to questions and motions, with Members’ attention being drawn to sections 2.6 and 2.7.

 

These constitutional amendments would be supported by a number of training sessions throughout the year aimed at Parish Councils and their understanding of the planning process, in a bid to  develop a common understanding of the process and help reduce any confusion and ultimately complaints

 

As part of the last Annual Review considered by Council in May 2019, Members had agreed a list of associated work to be undertaken during the 2019/20 civic year.  Section 5 of the report provided a brief update of the work which had undertaken and the arising outcomes over the two year period.

 

Whilst undertaking the annual review of the Constitution a number of other associated actions for further work, development or “watch in brief” had been identified, these were detailed at Section 6 of the report and progress and any arising recommendations from this work would form part of the 21/22 review reportable to Governance and Audit in April 2022.

 

The remaining sections of the report 7 -13  made up the Monitoring Officers Annual Report which aimed to provide an holistic overview of all governance associated matters and again covered a two year period on this occasion.

 

In the ensuing debate Members welcomed the report and in particular those amendments being proposed to further assist Parish Councils in the responding to planning applications process.

 

Whilst the amendments to Membership restrictions relating to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee were welcomed it was suggested this matter should have ben considered prior to the Committee’s membership have been determined.

 

Having being moved and seconded it was

 

RESOLVED that the recommendation from the Governance and Audit Committee be accepted and as such: -

 

(a)         the outcome of the annual reviews detailed within the report be noted;

 

(b)         the amendments detailed throughout Section 2 of the report, including those detailed in Appendix 2 relating to the Planning Delegation scheme be approved, adopted and implemented with immediate effect;

 

(c)          that the proposed amendments, raised through the review process, but which are not being progressed, detailed at Section 2.8 be not included;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

The Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee presented the report to Council which provided an overview of the work of the Governance & Audit Committee during 2020/21.

 

Despite working under the constraints of lockdown, necessitating the holding of virtual meetings, the Committee had fulfilled its obligations as set out in its terms of reference. The Chairman summarised some of the activities the Committee had undertaken including a self-evaluation exercise to identify any aspects that required improvement in order that the Committee could be a more effective body. This had proved to be a useful piece of work and had led to some improvements in the way the Committee operated.

 

The Chairman of the Committee took the opportunity to thank the outgoing Monitoring Officer for all his support over the past year.  These comments were echoed by other Members.

 

Members of the Committee thanked the Governance and Audit Committee Chairman for the way he engaged his Members and managed his committee.  Members welcomed the introduction of full Committee pre-briefings, which it was considered, had greatly improved Members’ ability to engage.

 

Having being moved and seconded it was

 

RESOLVED that the work undertaken by the Governance and Audit Committee during 2020/21be noted.

 

 

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented her Committee’s Annual Report to Full Council.  The report covered a two year period, owing to the impact of the Pandemic, and detailed everything from the changes implemented following the 2018/19 scrutiny review right through to the focus on the flood risk work that had been ongoing for the last 12 months.

 

The Committee had continued to welcome outside agencies, even in the virtual world, especially in relation to the focus on leisure when it had received presentations from three leisure agencies across the district

 

Over the coming year the Committee planned to widen its involvement with outside agencies as well as addressing some ongoing concerns in the district such as fly-tipping. The Committee’s work around flooding would continue.

 

In response to questions, the Chairman of the Committee considered real progress, with cross party involvement had been made in a number of areas including flooding and drainage.  The Committee had seen a number of meetings cancelled and benefitted, due to the nature of the Committee, from in persons meeting.   It was hoped a return to these would see progress and relationships improve even more. She thanked Officers and Members alike for their support, including former Monitoring Officer Alan Robinson, Ady Selby and Ele Snow.

 

RESOLVED that the Annual Report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be received and noted.