Agenda and minutes

Councillor Mrs Lawrence, the outgoing Chairman, formally opened the meeting and welcomed members old and new for the start of the next four-year term and the start of the 2023 - 2024 civic year. It was indicated that it was the 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of West Lindsey District Council and the chairman welcomed the public to the meeting and those viewing from home.

 

Councillor Mrs Lawrence advised Council of the passing of a former colleague,

and friend to many, the former Councillor Ken Bridger, who had represented the Market Rasen area at Town, District and County Council level for a number of years. Members joined the Chairman in expressing condolences to former Councillor Bridgers family during this time.

 

 

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

 

 

No declarations of interest  were made at this point in the meeting.

 

 

Following which, the Chairman elected will take the Chair and make the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

 

 

Before commencing the process of electing a new Chairman, the outgoing Chairman addressed Council for the final time, and reflected on the past year in office and shared some of the highlights.

 

Councillor Mrs Lawrence highlighted that the past Civic year had witnessed some quite epic national events, as well as some significant local occasions. Last summer had seen the beacon lighting at Lincoln Castle as part of the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth's jubilee, and then this year we were mourning her passing.

 

The historic event required the Chairman’s attendance at Lincoln Cathedral to receive the royal proclamation, who was then required to take this proclamation and announce the news of the death, along with the announcement of the new King here in Gainsborough.

 

The duties as Chairman had covered a wide variety of events including the unveiling of a memorial to the Polish forces that were stationed in the area and presented workplace awards and attended graduation ceremonies.

 

Councillor Lawrence was involved in the selection and presentation to those in the caring professions through Lincolnshire Care Awards. In addition, there had been attendance at events such as beer festivals, tea parties and opening garden fetes. There had been attendance at church with civic services and investiture of new priests. There was also a celebration of life service in Market Rasen, for those Councillors past and standing at the time that had been lost during the Covid period.

 

Nearer to home there was the wonderful illuminate event in Gainsborough, which was spectacular and only last month the Chairman attended a concert by the Lincolnshire Youth Orchestra in Lincoln Cathedral and was a wonderful programme delivered by some very talented youngsters from our schools around the county.

 

The year had been very mixed and varied and the incoming Chairman would have similar events to attend.

 

Presiding over her final item, Councillor Mrs Lawrence sought nominations for the position of Chairman of Council.

 

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Stephen Bunney be appointed the Chairman of Council for the civic year 2023/24. No further nominations were made and on being put to the vote the motion was carried and it was therefore: -

 

RESOLVED that Councillor Stephen Bunney be elected Chairman of the Council for the 2022/23 civic year.

 

The outgoing Chairman presented the Chain of Office to Councillor Bunney and congratulated him on his appointment.

 

Councillor Bunney made and signed the statutory declaration of acceptance of office, in the presence of the Head of Paid Service and took the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

 

Councillor Bunney advised that it was an honour to be elected as Chairman for the coming year and that he was looking forward to the forthcoming year in office and to meeting many people from the district, throughout Lincolnshire and beyond. Councillor Bunney undertook to uphold the good name of West Lindsey in all the duties carried out as Chairman of the Council, Councillor Bunney gave his own tribute to his friend and colleague  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Following which, the Vice-Chairman elected will make the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

 

 

Nominations were sought for the position of Vice-Chairman of Council, with Councillor Matthew Boles being proposed and seconded.

 

There being no further nominations it was:

 

RESOLVED that Councillor Matthew Boles be elected Vice-Chairman of the Council for the 2023/24 civic year.

 

The Chairman of the Council congratulated Councillor Boles on his appointment before presenting him with the Vice Chairman’s Chain and Badge of Office.

 

Councillor Boles made and signed the statutory declaration of acceptance of office, in the presence of the Head of Paid Service.

 

Councillor Boles indicated that it was an honour and a privilege to have been elected as Vice-Chairman for the coming year and that he looked forward to supporting the Chairman in every way possible during the coming year and would strive at all times to promote and uphold the good name of West Lindsey.

 

Councillor Bunney thanked Councillor Patterson, the outgoing Vice-Chairman for his service. Councillor Patterson addressed Council and indicated it had been a privilege and an honour to be Vice- Chairman of the Council and highlighted that he had many engagements and met some fabulous people. Councillor Patterson gave his congratulations to the new  Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

 

Councillor Bunney invited the outgoing Chairman to say a few words. Councillor Mrs Lawrence thanked the new Chairman and  reiterated it had been a great honour to be Chairman of the district council and thanked officers who had supported her. Councillor Mrs Lawrence gave her best wishes to Councillors Bunney and Boles and expressed the hope that they enjoy their year in office.

 

 

(a)        to move a vote of thanks to those who presided over prayers, on behalf of the Chairman, at Council during the past year;

 

(b)        to receive the appointment of Chairman’s Chaplain for the ensuing year and investment of the Stole.

 

 

 

The Chairman introduced the item and invited Councillor Mrs Lawrence as outgoing Chairman to make a vote of thanks to those who presided over prayers on her behalf during her term of office.

 

Councillor Mrs Lawrence advised that during her term of office she did not have

a cleric to offer prayers before the meetings, but several councillors who had religious inclinations had undertaken the duties and it had worked very well through the year, thanking both former Councillors Cotton and  J McNeill for their help and their prayers over this time.

 

The Chairman advised that he was undecided about a Chaplain at this time and would advise Council of any appointment accordingly in due course,

 

The Chairman indicated that this concluded the civic part of the proceedings for this evening and invited the outgoing Chairman and Vice-Chairman to take their seats on the chamber floor.

 

It was reported that official photographs and presentations would take place at the end of the meeting, and members were also invited to join the Chairman for refreshments after the meeting.

 

 

To receive the results of the District Council Elections held on 4 May 2023.

 

 

Members gave consideration to a report which set out the results of the recent District Council Elections on a ward by ward basis.

 

The Chairman advised that the turnout of the Saxilby ward was not included.

on the notice and the figure was 31.6%, with an electorate of 4,854. There was no electorate or turnout for the Kelsey Wold Ward as this had been uncontested.

 

The Chairman congratulated Councillors who were attending for the first time.

 

RESOLVED that the results of the District Council Elections 2023 be noted.

 

 

The Chairman of Council proposed a vote of thanks to all those Councillors who had either retired from office or who had not been re-elected.  The Out-going Vice-Chairman of Council seconded the vote before the Leader (elect) made a short address to Council, paying recognition to those Councillors.

 

He thanked all those individuals who had worked tirelessly to represent the constituents and make positive changes in the community, their contributions had been invaluable, and the Council would be forever grateful for their commitment to the public service.  They were thanked for their leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those they serve.  Thanks were also expressed to their family members, in acknowledgment that most Councillors could not fulfil their roles without the support of husbands, wives and partners, Being elected Councillor often came at a sacrifice to many other things, including family time, and as such the Council as a whole wished them all the best in their future endeavours and hoped they continued to be active members of our community.

 

 

The following nomination(s) have been received in accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution: -

 

Nominee:      Councillor Trevor Young

Proposer:      Councillor Lesley Rollings

Seconder      Councillor Stephen Bunney

 

 

Nominations for the position of Leader had been sought in accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution, with only one nomination having been received.

 

Councillor Trevor Young had been proposed and seconded.

 

RESOLVED that Councillor Trevor Young be elected Leader of the Council for the 2023/24 civic year.

 

Councillor Young addressed Council and expressed his thanks at having being appointed and made the following short address : -

 

“Council Members, Officers and residents of West Lindsey District Council, I'm honoured to stand before you today as the newly elected leader of this great council.

 

I express my sincere gratitude to all those who supported me throughout this journey. as we move forward together, I want to emphasise the importance of unity and collaboration, we must work together towards a common goal to serve the people West Lindsey with integrity and dedication.  As a Council, we face some of the most difficult challenges in relation to the cost of living, Scampton air base and the proposal of large-scale solar farms across the district. I am committed to promoting transparency in our decision-making processes, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every perspective is considered, we must strive for excellence in all that we do - from delivering essential services to fostering economic growth and development.  Above all, I pledged to lead with compassion and respect each Member of this Council, together we can achieve great things for our community and I thank you once again for the trust you have placed in me. Thank you, Chairman.”

 

 

Nominations were sought for the position of Deputy Leader, with Councillor Mrs Lesley Rollings being proposed and seconded.

 

No further nominations were made.

 

RESOLVED that Councillor Mrs Lesley Rollings be elected Deputy Leader of the Council for the 2023/24 civic year.

 

Councillor Mrs Rollings addressed Council and expressed her thanks at having being appointed and made the following short address: -

 

“Chairman. fellow Council members, Officers and residents of West Lindsey. I'm very proud to be elected as Deputy Leader of this Council and would like to express my thanks to all those who have supported me and my fellow elected councillors, enabling us to be successful in these recent elections. I would like to congratulate all newly elected councillors. These are exciting times for us all and as we move forward, we give a commitment to put the community at the heart of everything we do. We aim to work in a way that helps our communities to be better connected and understood and supported by the council that serves them. Thank you.”

 

 

To confirm and sign as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of Full Council held on 6 March 2023.

 

 

 

 

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of Full Council held on 6 March 2023 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

 

 

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, noting the review was borne from the recent all out elections results.

 

This was a matter, which had been determined by the Head of Paid Service under his delegated authority, in Consultation with the Group Leaders, all of which had indicated their agreement, as such, there was no requirement for a vote.

 

Apologies were offered to, and accepted by Councillor Barrett, as his name had been wrongly transposed in Appendix A, reading Bartlett, in error.

 

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 2023/24 Civic Year.

 

Members were advised that the published report had contained some gaps where nominations had still been awaited namely, nominations from the Lincolnshire Independent Group and an additional nomination from the Liberal Democrat Administration Group for the Governance and Audit Committee.

 

The awaited nominations were provided verbally to the meeting by the Monitoring Officer, as follows: -

 

Councillor Sebastian Hague (Lib Dem) and Councillor Chris Darcel (Linc Ind)  to join the Governance and Audit Committee; Councillor Paul Key (Lincs Ind) to join the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  The Lincolnshire Independents would not be taking their seat on the Planning Committee at the current time, this would remain vacant at present.

 

On that basis it was

 

RESOLVED that in accordance with the provisions of section 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the wishes expressed by political groups, and provided verbally at the meeting  Members be appointed to serve to the Council’s Committees for the 2023/24 civic year as follows: -

 

 

Chief Officer Employment Committee (9 Members)

 

Councillor Owen Bierley

Councillor Jackie Brockway

Councillor Stephen Bunney                          

Councillor Paul Lee

Councillor Peter Morris

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Mandy Snee

Councillor Moira Westley

Councillor Trevor Young

 

 

Corporate Policy and Resources Committee(11 Members)

 

Councillor Owen Bierley

Councillor Matt Boles

Councillor Frazer Brown

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Ian Fleetwood

Councillor Roger Patterson

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Mandy Snee

Councillor Tom Smith

Councillor Paul Swift

Councillor Trevor Young

 

 

Governance and Audit Committee (9 Members)

                    

Councillor John Barrett

Councillor Jackie Brockway

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Chris Darcel

Councillor David Dobbie          

Councillor Sebastian Hague              

Councillor Angela Lawrence                         

Councillor Jeanette McGhee

Councillor Baptiste Velan

 

 

Licensing Committee (11 Members)

 

Councillor Eve Bennett

Councillor Trevor Bridgwood

Councillor Karen Carless

Councillor Liz Clews

Councillor David Dobbie

Councillor Angela Lawrence

Councillor Paul Lee

Councillor Maureen Palmer

Councillor Roger Pilgrim

Councillor Jim Snee

Councillor Mandy Snee                      

 

 

Regulatory Committee (11 Members)

 

Councillor Eve Bennett

Councillor Trevor Bridgwood

Councillor Karen Carless

Councillor Liz Clews

Councillor David Dobbie

Councillor Angela Lawrence

Councillor Paul Lee

Councillor Maureen Palmer

Councillor Roger Pilgrim

Councillor Jim Snee

Councillor Mandy Snee 

                

 

Planning Committee (11 Members)

 

Councillor Matt Boles

Councillor Emma Bailey

Councillor David Dobbie

Councillor Sabastian Hague

Councillor Ian Fleetwood

Councillor John Barrett

Councillor Peter Morris

Councillor Tom Smith

Councillor Jim Snee

Councillor Baptiste Velan

1 x Vacancy (allocated to Lincolnshire Independents)

 

 

Prosperous Communities Committee (11 Members)

 

Councillor Emma Bailey

Councillor Owen Bierley

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Frazer Brown

Councillor Karen Carless

Councillor Jacob Flear

Councillor Paul Lee                           

Councillor Roger Patterson

Councillor Diana Rodgers

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Trevor Young

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (11 members)

                      

Councillor Trevor Bridgwood

Councillor Liz Clews

Councillor Jacob Flear

Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan

Councillor Paul Key

Councillor Jeanette McGhee

Councillor Lynda Mullally

Councillor Maureen Palmer.

Councillor Roger Pilgrim

Councillor Diana Rodgers

Councillor Moira Westley                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having re-appointed the Committees, the report under consideration sought to appoint Chairman and Vice-Chairmen to each of the Committees and for Council to agree the normal commencement time for each.  The report also recommended, at the request of the new Administration, that the number of Vice-Chairmanships on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Governance and Audit Committee be increased to two, noting the allowance would be shared until the matter had been further considered by the Independent Remuneration Panel in due course and appropriate recommendations made if deemed necessary.

 

Noting the position of Chairman of the Standards Sub-Committee had not been included in the written report, this was provided verbally to the meeting, by the Monitoring Officer, the nomination being Councillor Moira Westley.

 

On that basis, with no questions it was

 

RESOLVED

 

(a)      that the number of Vice-Chairmanships on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Governance and Audit Committee be increased to two;

 

(b)      that the following persons be appointed as Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, for the 2023/24 Civic Year to the following Committees: -

 

Committee	Chairman	Vice Chairman/men	Normal Start Time
Chief Officer Employment Committee	Councillor Moira Westley	Councillor Mandy Snee	Meetings to be convened as and when required
Corporate Policy and Resources Committee	Councillor Trevor Young	Councillor Lesley Rollings	6.30pm
Planning Committee	Councillor Matt Boles	Councillor Jim Snee	6.30pm
Governance and Audit Committee	Councillor Stephen Bunney	Councillor David Dobbie Councillor Velan Baptiste	2.00pm
*Licensing Committee	Councillor Jim Snee	Councillor Mandy Snee	6.30pm
Overview and Scrutiny Committee	Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan	Councillor Jacob Flear Councillor Jeanette McGhee	6.30pm
*Regulatory Committee	Councillor Jim Snee	Councillor Mandy Snee	6.30pm
Prosperous Communities Committee	Lesley Rollings	Councillor Trevor Young Councillor Emma Bailey	6.30pm
Standards (Sub) Committee	Councillor Moira Westley	-	Meetings to be convened as and when required

 

 

(c)      that the normal commencement time for each of the Committees be as set out in the table at (b)  above.

 

 

Note: Following the vote, the outgoing Chairman of the Planning Committee, congratulated the newly appointed Chairman of Planning and requested that he give consideration to the up and coming planning application, relating to the exhuming and removal of Guy Gibson’s dog, from bomber County, to be heard at a special Committee, at the Epic Centre, due to the volume of public love and affection, allowing as many people as possible to attend.  The newly appointed Chairman of Planning undertook to give the matter consideration.

 

 

The Chairman of the Council presented the report which sought to appoint Members to serve on numerous Sub-Committees, Working Groups and Outside Bodies.

 

The report also sought approval to suspend the rules relating to proportionality for the both the Standards Sub-Committee and the Appeals Board.

 

The Chairman advised the meeting that at the time of the report’s publication there were some outstanding nominations.  On request, the Monitoring Officer provided outstanding nominations as follows: -

 

*         Councillor Matthew Boles be appointed to the Trustees of WG Rose Memorial

*         Councillor Matthew Boles be appointed to the Trustees of Francis Barker Trust

 

The Monitoring Officer further advised that nominations were still awaited from the Lincolnshire Independents to several positions and that the Administration Group had, late in the day, “gifted” a few more positions to Groups.

 

Given the position, it was proposed by the Chairman and duly seconded, that delegated authority be granted to the Head of Paid Service, in consultation with relevant Group Leaders to make appointments to all those positions which remained vacant, post the Council Meeting.

 

On that basis it was RESOLVED that: -

 

(a)    the Rules relating to proportionality be suspended for appointment to the Appeals Board;

 

(b)    the Rules relating to proportionality be suspended for appointment to the Standards Sub-Committee; and

 

(c)    the following appointments be made: -

 

Joint Staff Consultative Committee

 

Councillor Moira Westley

Councillor Matt Boles

Councillor Jackie Brockway

Councillor John Barrett

Councillor Ian Fleetwood (Reserve)

Councillor Roger Patterson (Reserve)

Councillor Tom Smith (Reserve)

Councillor (tbc – Opposition or Lincs Ind)

 

Appeals Board

 

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Jackie Brockway

Councillor Ian Fleetwood

Councillor Angela Lawrence

Councillor Diana Rodgers

Councillor (tbc – Lib Dem)

 

Standards Sub-Committee

 

Councillor Moira Westley

Councillor Matt Boles

Councillor Jackie Brockway

Councillor Di Rodgers

Councillor Ian Fleetwood

Councillor (tbc – Lincs Ind)

 

Lincolnshire Show Task and Finish Group 23/24

 

Chairman of Council

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Liz Clews

Councillor Eve Bennett

Councillor Maureen Palmer

Councillor Roger Pilgrim

Councillor John Barrett

 

Editorial Advisory Board

 

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor  Diana Rodgers

Councillor (tbc – Lincs Ind)

 

West Lindsey Community Awards Panel

 

                        Chairman of Council

Councillor Eve Bennett

Councillor (tbc – Lincs Ind)

Councillor (tbc – Opposition Group)

Councillor (tbc – Opposition Group)

 

Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee

 

Councillor Trevor Young

Councillor Jim Snee

Councillor Matt Boles

Councillor Ian Fleetwood (Reserve)

 

Leisure, Culture, Events & TourismGroup

 

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Moira Westley

Councillor Jacob Flear

Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Maureen Palmer

 

Community Grants Panel

 

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Liz Clews

Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan

Councillor Di Rodgers

Councillor Owen Bierley

 

Funding Consultative Panel

 

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Karen Carless

Councillor Roger Patterson

Councillor (tbc – Lincs Ind)

Councillor Mandy Snee (Reserve)

Councillor Ian Fleetwood (Reserve)

Councillor (tbc Lincs Ind) (Reserve)

 

Scampton Local Plan and Infrastructure Group

 

Councillor Sabastian Hague

Councillor Roger Patterson

Leader of the Council

Councillor Paul Swift (Reserve)

 

Community Rights Panel

 

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Jeanette McGhee

Councillor Trevor Bridgwood

 

Transport Working Group

 

Chairman of Prosperous Communities Committee

Councillor Stephen  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

Council gave consideration to a report which presented the 22/23 Annual Review of the Constitution and arising recommendations, as considered by the Governance and Audit Committee on 18 April and recommended for approval.

 

The report also included an Annual Report from the Monitoring Officer for the period 22/23. The report aimed to provide an holistic view of all governance associated matters.

 

The Outgoing Vice-Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee presented the report and indicated the report had been given through and in depth consideration and had been supported unanimously by the Audit Committee. 

 

The newly appointed Leader expressed his thanks for the work undertaken by the Governance and Audit Committee and for the detailed report. Referencing paragraph 3.5 and 3.6, public participation at Planning meetings and public participation at committee meetings, whilst the administration would be supporting the report and the recommendations Council were advised that they would be carrying out a much more in depth review or both these functions over the next Civic Year to ensure that the schemes worked in a more meaningful way.

 

Having been proposed and seconded, with no further questions, it was: -

 

RESOLVED that the RECOMMENDATION from the Governance and Audit Committee  be accepted and

 

(a)        the outcome of the 22/23 annual review, as detailed in the report be received and noted;

 

(b)        the additional amendments detailed throughout Section 3 of this report, identified during the 22/23 review be approved for adoption and implementation with immediate effect;

 

(c)        the appointment of Mr Andrew Morriss as Independent Member on The Governance and Audit Committee until Annual Council May 2027 be approved;

 

(d)        delegated authority be granted to the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee, to amend the Scheme of Corporate Delegations (pages 48 – 60 of Section IV), if required, on approval of HR policies by Corporate Policy and Resources Committee throughout 2023/24.

 

(e)        · the progress made with regards to the areas of work agreed for      further development in the previous review (Section 2);

· the areas considered but not taken forward (Section 6)

· the further planned work for 2023/24 onwards (Section 7);

·  the introduction of the Subsidy Control Act (Section 9)

· the statistical data provided within the report in respect of the         number, nature and outcome of Code of Conduct Complaints   (Section 10);

· the support offered to Parish Councils (Section 12); and

· the use of the Council’s RIPA powers during the period (section     14)

      be received and noted.

 

(f)         the amended Financial Procedure Rules and Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Governance and Audit Committee at its meeting on 18 April 2023 be received and noted.

 

 

 

The outgoing Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented her Committee’s Annual Report to Full Council. 

 

The report summarised the visits from outside agencies the Committee had received, such as Lincolnshire Police, and also highlighted internal review work that had been undertaken.

 

The outgoing Chairman of the Committee expressed her deepest appreciation for the support given by Officers of the Council during her three years as Vice Chairman and the final year as Chairman.  She also took the opportunity to thank representatives of outside agencies who visited the Committee to provide valuable information about the work they undertook to support the Council in the delivery of public services.

 

Finally, thanks were expressed to her outgoing Vice-Chairman and other Committee Members for their support, and to those who came along as visiting members to hear presentations and put questions to fellow Councillors, Council Officers and Guest Speakers.

 

Having been proposed and seconded it was: -

 

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