Agenda and minutes

The Chairman / Monitoring Officer will invite nominations for the election of a Chairman for the ensuing year.  A Chairman will then be elected and sign the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The Chairman welcomed newly elected and re-elected Councillors to the meeting.

The Chairman invited nominations for the election of Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.  Councillor A Woolf was nominated and seconded.

DECISION:

That Councillor A Woolf be elected as Chairman for the ensuing year.

(Councillor Woolf thereupon took the Chair and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.)

The Chairman will invite nominations for the election of a Vice-Chairman.  A Vice-Chairman will then be elected and sign the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The Chairman invited nominations for the appointment of a Vice Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.  Councillor J Whitbourn was nominated and seconded.

DECISION:

That Councillor J Whitbourn be appointed as Vice Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year.

(Councillor Whitbourn thereupon signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.)

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2023  (copy enclosed).

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of Full Council held on 2 March 2023.

Newly elected members abstained from the vote as they had not been present at the meeting.

DECISION:

That the minutes be signed as a correct record.

To elect a Leader for the four year period ending at Annual Council in 2027 following the District Elections.

The Chairman invited nominations for the election of a Leader of the Council for the four year period ending May 2027.  Councillor Worth was nominated and seconded.

Following his election, Councillor Worth thanked members for electing him as Leader, stating that becoming Leader was a huge honour.  He had been a Councillor at South Holland District Council for many years, and highlighted the wealth of experience and long service of a number of longer-serving members, specifically Councillors B Alcock, M Booth and C Brewis.

He paid tribute to those that had not been re-elected at the recent District Election.  He made particular reference to ex-Councillor R Gambba-Jones who had made a significant impact as Chairman of the Planning Committee, a role in which he was held in regard; and to the previous Leader, Lord Porter who had worked hard to put South Holland and Lincolnshire on the map – through his networks, he had brought in large amounts of funding and influence to the District, and as Chairman of the LGA, and his elevation to the House of Lords had brought a spotlight to South Holland.

The Leader looked forward to working with everybody across the Council.  There had historically been a good relationship between the Conservative and Independent Groups, and he would continue to work closely with the Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor R Gibson.  The Independent Group had been particularly successful in the recent District Election and it was important that both groups worked together for the good of the residents of South Holland.

The Leader had spoken with the Leaders at East Lindsey District Council and Boston Borough Council, and it was clear that all Leaders were committed to consolidating the work of the S&ELCP and taking it forward.

The Leader wished to acknowledge the excellent staff at South Holland District Council and across the Partnership who formed part of a great team, who would help to make South Holland and the wider Partnership area a good place to work and live.

The Leader welcomed all newly elected members and appreciated how daunting the role of Councillor was.  Members would receive plenty of training to help them in their roles, and he stated that his door was always open to all members. 

The Leader concluded in laying out his broad priorities: Ensuring the delivery of the Levelling Up funds for the new Spalding leisure facilities and associated extra care housing; green energy, particularly around the delivery of a hydrogen plant; refinement of the existing Delivery Plan for the Partnership and the District; making the most of Right to Buy receipts and HRA funding to enable the continued construction of sheltered, affordable or rented housing; inward investment, and encouraging new businesses into the area; Devolution; and the Environment Bill.

DECISION:

That Councillor Worth be elected Leader of the Council for the four year period ending May 2027.

(Where a Councillor has a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest the Councillor must declare the interest to the meeting and leave the room without participating in any discussion or making a statement on the item, except where a Councillor is permitted to remain as a result of a grant of dispensation.)

There were none.

The Chairman thanked members for electing him as Chairman for the next year and stated that it was a privilege and an honour to serve the people of the District.

The Chairman welcomed all members of the new administration and commented that it was important to work together for the benefit of all residents of the District.

Finally, he expressed his sincere thanks to the previous Chairman, Councillor P Redgate for his two year tenure as Chairman of the Council, and for all he had done for the District.  He also commented on the value of shadowing him whilst in his previous role as Vice-Chairman of the Council.

The Leader made an announcement regarding the membership of his Cabinet for the period 2023-2027.  The following members had been appointed:

·       Councillor N Worth – Leader of the Council, and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Partnerships

·       Councillor G Taylor – Deputy Leader (Council), and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, Leisure Centre Delivery and Spalding Town Improvement

·       Councillor T Carter – Deputy Leader (Cabinet), and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing

·       Councillor J Astill – Portfolio Holder for Corporate, Governance and Communications

·       Councillor H Bingham – Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning

·       Councillor A Casson – Portfolio Holder for Public Protection

·       Councillor P Redgate – Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercialisation, UKSPF and Levelling Up

·       Councillor E Sneath – Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage

·       Councillor J Tyrrell – Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services

The Leader also announced that, after many years of lobbying, and particularly intense lobbying in the past year, the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities had confirmed that it recognised the issues around the Internal Drainage Boards and the pressures this was putting on a small number of local authorities in England (currently the IDB element accounted for between 50-60% of the Council Tax raised annually).  SHDC had been successful in securing a one-off, one year funding award of £298,739 which was much appreciated.  The Leader thanked the Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development (S151) and her team for all the work they had put into achieving this result.

Councillor Taylor thanked all staff involved in the organisation of the recent District and Parish Council Elections.  He also thanked the various community groups and volunteers that had participated in the Flower Parade, and the celebration of the King’s Coronation.

Councillor Taylor also announced that he was launching a plan to visit every ward in South Holland, in order to work together in harnessing ideas for the improvement of the district as a whole.

There were none.

Prior to raising any questions, the Leader of the Independent Group congratulated Councillor Worth in his appointment as Leader of the Council, and also welcomed all new members elected at the District Council election.  He also passed his thanks on to the Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development (S151) for the work she had undertaken in lobbying for the funding from Central Government in relation to the Internal Drainage Board pressures on Council Tax.

Question to:  Councillor Worth

Question from: Councillor Gibson

Subject: Cross party working following District Council Election results

Councillor Gibson stated that voters had returned a larger number of Independent councillors at the recent District Council Elections, and he was therefore hopeful that all 37 Councillors could work together for the district.  The Leader acknowledged that the Conservative Group had a majority of only one and that it was important for them to work with the Independent Group. Both Groups had much in common and a good relationship going forward was anticipated.

Question to:  Councillor Worth

Question from: Councillor Gibson

Subject: Cost of the Cabinet

Councillor Gibson commented that due to his other responsibilities as Chairman of the LGA and within the House of Lords, Councillor Porter had appointed two Deputy Leaders.  It was noted that Councillor Worth had retained two Deputy Leaders as part of his Cabinet – could a breakdown of responsibilities for these positions be provided in order to ensure that value for money was being achieved? The Leader responded that this information could be provided.  He also highlighted that the Cabinet membership had been reduced by one, and that there were no longer any Executive Support posts.  The new members of the Cabinet possessed an array of skills and were looking forward to the work ahead of them.

Question to:  Councillor Redgate

Question from: Councillor Gibson

Subject:  Security of Levelling Up funding

Councillor Gibson asked whether the Levelling Up funding received from Central Government that was to be used towards the Spalding leisure facilities and the associated extra care housing was secure?  The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Commercialisation, UKSPF and Levelling Up deferred to the Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development to provide specific information, and she confirmed that subject to a meeting to be held at the end of the week, it was expected that all necessary paperwork would be signed off.

Question to:  Councillor Tyrrell

Question from: Councillor Wilkinson

Subject:  Holbeach Waste Depot update

Councillor Wilkinson asked if an update could be provided on the Holbeach Waste Depot, had a new site been identified, and where were vehicles currently being stored?  Councillor Tyrrell stated that he had been newly appointed as Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, but would provide a response to these questions in due course.

Question to:  Councillor Worth

Question from: Councillor Brewis

Subject:  Internal Drainage Board interim settlement

Councillor Brewis commented that although it was excellent news that the authority had been successful in securing an interim settlement for one year in respect of IDB levies, it was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To receive the minutes of the following Committees and Panels:-

Governance and Audit Committee - 19 January 2023

Joint Performance Monitoring Panel & Policy Development Panel - 26 January 2023

Committee of the Licensing Authority - 1 February 2023

Licensing Committee - 1 February 2023

Policy Development Panel - 28 February 2023

Joint Performance Monitoring Panel & Policy Development Panel - 6 March 2023

Planning Committee - 8 March 2023

Performance Monitoring Panel - 14 March 2023

Licensing Committee - 15 March 2023

Governance and Audit Committee - 16 March 2023

The minutes of the following Committees and Panels were noted:

·       Governance and Audit Committee – 19 January 2023

·       Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel – 26 January 2023

·       Committee of the Licensing Authority – 1 February 2023

·       Licensing Committee – 1 February 2023

·       Policy Development Panel – 28 February 2023

·       Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel – 6 March 2023

·       Planning Committee – 8 March 2023

·       Performance Monitoring Panel – 14 March 2023

·       Licensing Committee – 15 March 2023

·       Governance and Audit Committee – 16 March 2023

To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet in respect of:

·       South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Asset Management Strategy 2023 – 2028 – To ask Cabinet to endorse the draft South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Asset Management Strategy 2023 – 2028 and recommend it to Council for adoption (Cabinet minute 86) (Cabinet agenda item 12)

(report of the Cabinet enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Cabinet which sought approval for the Cabinet’s recommendations.

South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Asset Management Strategy 2023 – 2028

The Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning presented the report.

DECISION:

That the draft South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Asset Management Strategy 2023 – 2028 be adopted.

To receive the current Key Decision Plan (copy enclosed).

Consideration was given to the Key Decision Plan.

DECISION:

That the Key Decision Plan be noted.

To confirm:

a)    In accordance with the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, Committee Seats Review and Appointments to Committees; and

b)    To agree the 2023/24 Schedule of Meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) which sought to confirm: a) in accordance with the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, Committee Seats Review and Appointments to Committees; and b) To agree the 2023/24 Schedule of Meetings.

The Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) introduced the report stating that the Council was due to appoint to committees until the Annual Council meeting after the District Council Election in 2027.

Proposals for membership of Committees and Panels (and Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen where indicated) are detailed below:

Planning Committee

Governance and Audit Committee

Performance Monitoring Panel

Policy Development Panel

Licensing Committee and Committee of the Licensing Authority

To consider the benefits of making appointments to outside bodies that are now due and to make such appointments as deemed appropriate for the period 2023 – 2027.

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer), which asked members to consider: 1) the benefits of making appointments to outside bodies that were due and to make such appointments as deemed appropriate for the period 2023 – 2027; 2) appointing Member Champions; and 3) appointing members as Directors/Shareholder Representatives to PSPS, Welland Homes and South Holland Homes.

The Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) introduced the report stating that the Council was due to appoint to outside bodies until the Annual Council meeting after the District Council Election in 2027.

In addition to the information detailed in Appendix B to the report, further proposed appointments were put forward as follows:

·       Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire – Councillor M Geaney

·       South Holland in Bloom Advisory Committee – Councillor N Chapman

Proposals for appointments to Outside Bodies, appointments of Member Champions, and appointments of members as Directors/Shareholder Representatives to PSPS, Welland Homes and South Holland Homes are detailed below, and include the additional nominations.     It was agreed that any remaining vacancies could be considered outside of the meeting and confirmed at a future meeting of the Council.

Outside Bodies

Councillor Champions

To receive, from political groups, nominations for any changes to Committees and other seats and to consider any proposed changes to the Constitution.

There were none.

There were none.

Under section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public were excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To consider the designation of an officer as Monitoring Officer (report of the Head of Paid Service enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Paid Service which requested that members consider the designation of an officer as Monitoring Officer.

DECISION:

That the recommendations detailed within the exempt report be approved.