Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman advised that there were two sets of minutes for approval, these being, the Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council, held on 25 April 2024 and the Minutes of Full Council held on 24 June 2024.  With contentment indicated from the Chamber, both set of minutes were taken en-bloc. 

With both having been moved and seconded, on being put to the vote it was: -

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Full Council held on 25 April and the Minutes of Full Council held on 24 June be confirmed, approved and signed as a correct record.

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.  The Chairman reminded Members that they could make a declaration at any point in the meeting should they feel it necessary to do so.

Setting out the current position of previously agreed actions as at 22 August 2024.

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

An update was sought in respect of the amber action - motion relating to increasing sweeping capacity, with Members advised that this matter would start its journey through the Committee cycle in November 2024.

With no further comments or questions and with no requirement to vote, the matters arising were DULY NOTED.

i)               Chairman of Council

ii)              Leader of the Council

iii)            Head of Paid Service

Chairman

The Chairman addressed the Council, referencing briefly some of the events which he had been involved and attended since Council last met, in what had been a busy period.

The Chairman had had the pleasure of attending Word Fest in Market Rasen, whilst the weather had been terrible, the event was successfully moved indoors and the Trinty Arts on Tour production of Peter Pan proved very popular and great value for money.

It had been an honour to be part of the Gainsborough in Bloom judging, seeing the tremendous efforts of those striving to improve their communities.  Similarly, the Chairman had been honoured to attend the Skills Fayre in the Market Place and the same day a 24hour music event at the X-Church, noting he had not attended for the full 24 hours.

Many a garden party had been enjoyed at both Middle Rasen and Market Rasen, raising money for charities, and the food festival held in Market Rasen only the last weekend had been a much-enjoyed event.  The support offered by the District Council was welcomed and the Chairman indicated he would like to see similar events extended across the District.  

An afternoon at the STEP Fusion project had been most interesting, with this being the first project of its kind, and was most impressive.

The end of July had seen the return of the DN21 Business Awards in conjunction with Marshalls Yard, at which the Chairman had had the pleasure of attending, speaking to entrants who had welcomed the event, supported by the District Council.

Finally, and of a more sombre tone, the Chairman referenced two critical policing incidents seen in the District in recent weeks.  Whilst it was not appropriate to discuss those in detail, the Chairman did wish to recognise the tremendous work of the Police, a force which was known to be short of resources.  He indicated that he would be requesting the Civic Office to write a letter of thanks to both the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner for the way they had served the District during those incidents.

Leader

The Leader made the following address to Council: -

Firstly, in respect of RAF Scampton, Members will recall, I wrote to the newly appointed Labour Government the day after the general election. It is extremely disappointing that eight weeks later, despite all their election promises, there is still not a decision regarding the future of the site, clearly, this is not good enough, leaving many of the small communities around Scampton, with the continued uncertainty about the future use of the site.  We will continue trying to have dialogue with the Government over the next few days and hopefully get announcement soon.

Secondly, Chairman and Members will be aware that we have had two critical police incidents in the District in the past week, which is a very unusual event, I will not go into the details of the incident, but, like you Chairman I pay tribute to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

Questions, if received, under this Scheme will be published by way of supplement following closure of the deadline.

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

Questions, if received, under this Scheme will be published by way of supplement following closure of the deadline.

The Chairman advised the meeting that no questions under Procedure Rule No.9 had been submitted by Members.

Motion 1

“Members

The Household Support Fund was introduced in October 2021 to help struggling households through the Covid Crisis by providing them with additional funds allowing them to afford things like energy, food, clothing and other essentials.  Post Covid the Government have kept the fund open to help households cope with the cost of living crisis.    

The Government distribute the money through the County Councils and Unitary Authorities.   Lincolnshire County Council work closely with the District Councils to ensure that the funds reach those most in need.  In this year’s budget speech, the Chancellor announced a 6 month extension to the scheme from March 2024 to October 2024 with no plans or commitment for funding beyond that date.     

West Lindsey’s Corporate Plan 2023 - 2027 recognises that levels of fuel poverty and child poverty are on the increase with 27.4% of households experiencing child poverty.  The State of the District 2023 states that 20.1% of the children aged 0-15, live in absolute low-income households, defined as below 60% of the median income.   This means that around 3000 youngsters could potentially see a further reduction in their already low standard of living and well being after October 2024 when the Household Support Fund comes to an end.   This can not be allowed to happen.  

This Council instruct the Leader and Chief Executive to write to the Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Leigh MP for Gainsborough Constituency, Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer MP - Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of The Exchequer and The Treasury to petition for the establishment of a further three-year extension to The Household Support Fund from October 2024.

I so move.

Councillor Stephen Bunney”

Motion 2

“Motion to call upon West Lindsey District Council and NHS Commissioners to improve access to health care across the district prioritising the construction of a new GP surgery in Gainsborough.

Purpose: To address the urgent need for improved healthcare services in Gainsborough by establishing a new General Practitioner (GP) service to cater for the growing population and current demand.

Background:

1. Current Situation:

o   The population of West Lindsey District has been steadily increasing, leading to higher demand for healthcare services.

o   Existing GP services are under significant pressure, resulting in longer waiting times for appointments and limited availability of medical professionals.

o   Residents have expressed concerns about the accessibility and quality of current GP services and inconsistent provision across the district.

2. Impact on Community:

o   Inadequate GP services can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatments, negatively impacting on the health and wellbeing of residents.

o   Overburdened healthcare professionals may experience burnout, further exacerbating the problem.

o   Insufficient medical services can deter new residents and businesses from moving to the area, affecting local development.

Proposal:

1. Immediate Actions:

o   To call on the ICB to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to demonstrate accurate need around GP provision.

o   Engage with local health authorities, NHS representatives, and community stakeholders to gather input and support for the initiative.

2. Long-Term Strategy:

o   Develop a  ...  view the full agenda text for item 33.

The Chairman advised the meeting that three Motions had been submitted pursuant to Council Procedure Rule No. 10 and these were set out on the agenda.

As the mover of the first motion, the Chairman read aloud, his motion to the meeting as follows: -

“Members

The Household Support Fund was introduced in October 2021 to help struggling households through the Covid Crisis by providing them with additional funds allowing them to afford things like energy, food, clothing and other essentials.  Post Covid the Government have kept the fund open to help households cope with the cost of living crisis.    

The Government distribute the money through the County Councils and Unitary Authorities.   Lincolnshire County Council work closely with the District Councils to ensure that the funds reach those most in need.  In this year’s budget speech, the Chancellor announced a six month extension to the scheme from March 2024 to October 2024 with no plans or commitment for funding beyond that date.     

West Lindsey’s Corporate Plan 2023 - 2027 recognises that levels of fuel poverty and child poverty are on the increase with 27.4% of households experiencing child poverty.  The State of the District 2023 states that 20.1% of the children aged 0-15, live in absolute low-income households, defined as below 60% of the median income.   This means that around 3000 youngsters could potentially see a further reduction in their already low standard of living and well-being after October 2024 when the Household Support Fund comes to an end.   This cannot be allowed to happen.  

This Council instruct the Leader and Chief Executive to write to the Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Leigh MP for Gainsborough Constituency, Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer MP - Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of The Exchequer and The Treasury to petition for the establishment of a further three-year extension to The Household Support Fund from October 2024.

I so move.

Councillor Stephen Bunney”

As the mover of the motion and before seeking a seconder, the Chairman took opportunity to update Members of decisions taken by Government Ministers earlier in the day, this being to extend the Household Support fund for a further six months.  Whilst this was welcomed by the Chairman, he considered his motion still relevant and pertinent given it sought a three year extension.

Having been duly seconded debate ensued, with seconder indicating that she concurred with all points raised by the motion.  Society and residents still faced challenging times and energy costs were due to spiral once again over the winter.

Speakers from across the Chamber spoke in support of the proposed three year extension, noting that Winter Fuel Payments were due to stop, which would likely add to the burden and mortgage rates had not subsided. West Lindsey had previously allocated its Household Support Funding very quickly as there was a real need across communities and the need had not decreased.   A six-month extension was simply not considered long enough and without this much needed support, Councils would likely  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

The Chairman, in his capacity as Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee, presented the report to Members.  The report sought approval for the Council to establish a District Joint Committee for the purposes of devolution and participation at the forthcoming Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Combined County Authority.

Members were advised that whilst the legalisation which would formally allow the Combined Authority to progress was still awaited, it was considered prudent that the Council ensured its own governance process was in place to enable West Lindsey to be in the best position it could be to represent the interest of the District in the newly formed Combined Authority once established.

In order to prevent unnecessary delays, the Chairman, in moving the recommendations, also moved an amendment to recommendation four, namely, to add the words “with any minor amendments required delegated to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Leader” so as fourth recommendation would read: -

“Council delegates any further review or amendment of the Terms of Reference to the Governance and Audit Committee, with any minor amendments required delegated to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Leader.”

It was further suggested that the amendment should be extended further to include the words “and Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee”

The mover or the original amendment indicated his agreement, and having been seconded, on being put to the vote the amendment was CARRIED.

With the recommendations, as amended moved and seconded it was: -

RESOLVED thatthe recommendation from the Governance and Audit Committee be accepted and in doing so:-

(a)      the establishment of a District Joint Committee of the Lincolnshire Districts for the purposes of devolution and participation at the Mayoral Combined County Authority be approved;

(b)      that the Leader of West Lindsey District Council be the Authority’s representative at the District Joint Committee;

(c)      the proposed Terms of Reference and Standing Orders for the District Joint Committee be approved; and

(d)      authority be delegated to the Governance Audit Committee to undertake any further review or amendment of the Terms of Reference, with any minor amendments required, delegated to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Leader and Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee.

The Leader of the Council, in his capacity as Chairman of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee presented the report to Members.

The Annual Treasury Management report 2023/204 confirmed that the Council had complied with legislative and regulatory requirements for Treasury Management as set out in the CIPFA Code of Practice.

The report further confirmed that there had been no breaches in the prudential indicators.

Inflation and interest rates had been higher during 2023/2024 than in previous periods which had significantly contributed to the small underspend delivered during the year.

External borrowing had not increased as anticipated due to a slower delivery of the Capital Programme.

The report had been considered by the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee at their meeting on 27 June and stood recommended for approval. 

The recommendations were proposed and duly seconded.

In response to Members questions regarding advance borrowing and the volatility fund, the Section 151 Officer advised that the Council was not permitted to borrow in advance of need. She further outlined the circumstances which had led to this change and the strict terms applied to PWLB loans.

In respect of the valuation volatility fund, this only related to the Council’s investment property portfolio.  The reasoning for the Fund was outlined with Members noting how and when it would be utilised and the safeguard the Fund offered in case of a decrease in valuation.   There was a separate budget volatility reserve, this allowed provision to deal with short term budgetary pressures arising from any longer-term decisions.

RESOLVED that the recommendation from the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee be accepted and the Annual Treasury Management Report and Actual Prudential Indicators 2023/24 be approved.