Venue: Council Chamber, Council Offices, Priory Road, Spalding
Contact: Democratic Services 07557 821124
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To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2024 (copy enclosed). Minutes: Consideration was given to the minutes of Full Council held on 27 November 2024.
Members also agreed that there was no requirement to discuss the content of the exempt minutes from the meeting of Full Council on 27 November 2024, included later in the agenda.
DECISION:
a) That the minutes of the meeting of Full Council on 27 November 2024 be signed as a correct record; and
b) That the exempt minutes from the meeting of Full Council on 27 November 2024 be signed as a correct record. |
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Declaration of Interests. (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.) Minutes: Councillor J Astill declared an interest in agenda item 17 as he was a Director on the Board of PSPS Ltd. He stated that he would leave the meeting during discussion of this item.
Councillor C J T H Brewis declared an interest in agenda item 17 as he was a Director on the Board of PSPS Ltd. He stated that he would leave the meeting during discussion of this item. |
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Chairman's Announcements. Minutes: The Chairman commented that it was pleasing to see the now enlarged portrait of HRH King Charles III and the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II hanging side by side in the Council Chamber. He thanked those that had made this possible.
Past Chairmen: · Past Chairman and current Councillor Paul Redgate had not been in attendance at the last Council meeting to receive his Past Chairman’s badge. He was present at this meeting and the Chairman duly presented him with his badge. · The Chairman reported that he had been to visit past Chairmen Mr Francis Biggadike and Mr Michael Seymour to present them with their badges. They passed their best wishes to members of the Council.
The Chairman announced details of the following forthcoming events:
· Quiz night at Cowbit – 15 February 2025 · Chairman’s Ball – 15 March 2025 · Half Marathon in London – 6 April 2025. The Chairman was running on behalf of Blood Cancer. Councillor Sheard would also be taking part.
As always, details of events that the Chairman had attended could be viewed under the Chairman’s Log on the Council’s website. |
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Announcements by Leader and Members of the Cabinet. Minutes: The Leader made the following announcements: · At a meeting of the Chief Officer Employment Panel, it had been agreed to appoint Brendan Arnold to the role of Finance Director on an interim basis. He came to the role with a lot of experience, and his arrival would be in time to undertake a handover from the outgoing officer, Christine Marshall, to ensure a smooth transition. · SHDC had been successful in securing a seat on the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority. The 4 members on the Authority would attend to represent not only their own authorities, but also those of all 7 district councils. The Authority’s first meeting would be held on 6 March 2025 and the Leader advised that he would keep members updated on discussions. He also stated that it was a public meeting and could therefore be viewed/attended by interested parties.
The Portfolio Holder for Corporate, Governance and Communications announced the following: · The Authority had launched its own WhatsApp Channel before Christmas. He encouraged people to follow it, and he would share information on it after the meeting. · The Democratic Services Manager had circulated to members a copy of a Government consultation around strengthening the Standards and Code of Conduct framework. He encouraged members to complete the consultation, which ran until 26 February 2025.
The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage and Tourism updated members on an issue raised at the last meeting around the creation of a list of important buildings in the area in a poor state of repair. She advised that she had met with Heritage Lincolnshire who had previously run this process however their process was not straightforward and she therefore suggested that the Authority set up its own local list of properties and places and asked members to advise her of suggestions for the list.
The Portfolio Holder for Community Development updated on an issue raised at a previous meeting of Council around details of what support would be provided by the Authority to those residents adversely affected by the removal of the winter fuel allowance. Pension credit was being promoted however, some people fell just short of the threshold. The Communities Team was providing support through Warm Space groups across the district in Gosberton Youth Centre, Cowbit Village Hall, Lighthouse Church in Spalding, Spalding Baptist Church, Gedney Village Hall, Broad Street Methodist Church in Spalding, St Matthew’s Church in Sutton Bridge, Moulton Chapel, Boxes of Hope, Tonic Health in Spalding, Surfleet and Holbeach.
The Portfolio Holder for Finance provided the following update on the UKSPF Programme: · South Holland’s 2023-5 UKSPF Programme was drawing to a close, and the District had now distributed over 90% of the funds granted by Central Government. · An announcement would be made next week on the final round of awards through the LCF GRASSroots Scheme, a scheme which had already successfully delivered 26 new or improved community facilities across South Holland District in only 18 months. This Scheme would leverage over £1 million in investment ... view the full minutes text for item 71. |
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Questions asked on notice under Standing Order 6 Minutes: The following question was received from Councillor L Eldridge:
I have been contacted to see if I am able to promote the use of the Fenland flag which a group are hoping to get added to the Flag Registry which is held by the Flag Institute.
So far, they have had a very positive response across Cambridgeshire, West Norfolk and in the small park of Suffolk that lies in the Fens but have not achieved much in Lincolnshire. The flag is being manufactured by various companies and is being displayed at many locations across the Fens. It also has support from many businesses, residents, councils, and MP's - including Sir John Hayes.
I think it would be a positive to support our neighbouring councils and celebrate our unique Fenland identity and heritage as well as working hand in hand with my prior motion regarding protecting our Fenland landscape. If anyone would like to look at more information regarding this, I will be happy to email it to all members. You can also follow their Facebook page which is ‘Flag of the Fens’.
Subject to agreement from members, would it be possible to write a letter on behalf of SHDC in support of this and look into purchasing a flag to raise at Priory Road in support of the campaign.
The following response was provided by the Leader.
Subject to support from members, I as Leader would be happy to write a letter on behalf of SHDC in support of the issue raised’.
No further supplementary question was asked however, the Leader wished to clarify whether there was member support for the issue. Members confirmed their support. |
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Questions asked without notice under Standing Order 7 Minutes: Question to: Councillor Worth Question from: Councillor Gibson Subject: Update re Local Government Re-Organisation
Councillor Gibson requested an update on progress with Local Government Re-Organisation (LGR). Information to date had been shared with the Independent Group and there were many questions – would time be set aside to provide members with information on which direction the authority was taking? The Leader responded that this was an important decision, and members would be kept informed. A letter from the Minister was expected by the end of the week and once this was received, it would be circulated to all. The Leader was not able to speculate on its content. He advised that an informal briefing would be arranged for members to discuss LGR (prior to proposals being submitted in March) and he would take points raised from the briefing forward to his discussion with other Leaders in Lincolnshire.
Question to: Councillor Redgate Question from: Councillor Harrison Subject: Update from Special Interest Group on IDB levies
Councillor Harrison requested an update on the progress of the Special Interest Group (SIG) dealing with IDB levies. Councillor Redgate advised that there were now 40 authorities on the SIG. As a combined group, it was still lobbying the government on what the long-term solution could be. A £3million settlement had been announced in December to help affected authorities, but this was not nearly enough. Existing pressures were impacting all authorities with IDBs in their area hard. Councillor Redgate, alongside the Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development (S151) and the Assistant Director – Corporate, was challenging ministers to come up with a long- term solution however, the biggest issue currently was to increase the size of the settlement from £3million to a figure of around £11million. IDBs did a great job and they faced great challenges around climate change however, it was difficult to deal with rising costs within budgets. The next few years would be a challenge however, Councillor Redgate was hopeful of a resolution although this may not be quick. He was fairly optimistic that an increase in the settlement would be achieved. Councillor Harrison responded by thanking Councillor Redgate and the SIG for their hard work in this area.
Question to: Councillor Astill Question from: Councillor Beal Subject: Assessment and effectiveness of Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Councillor Beal asked what tools or methods were being used to assess employee sentiment towards diversity and inclusion and how was the Partnership measuring the effectiveness of this Policy. Councillor Astill responded that the Policy had been adopted in March 2024. Work on an EDI Strategy had commenced and Portfolio Holders had been asked to represent their own areas. Member Briefings had also taken place. Various pieces of work were also undertaken with staff e.g. staff reference groups, questions asked on exit interviews, staff surveys. Councillor Astill would ask Human Resources to provide members with a fuller response.
Question to: Councillor Tyrrell Question from: Councillor Barnes Subject: Garden Waste
Councillor Barnes advised that at Full Council in ... view the full minutes text for item 73. |
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Committee Minutes To receive the minutes of the following Committees and Panels:-
a) Governance and Audit Committee - 19 November 2024
b) Policy Development Panel - 26 November 2024
c) Performance Monitoring Panel - 11 December 2024
Minutes: The minutes of the following Committees and Panels were noted:
· Governance and Audit Committee – 19 November 2024 · Policy Development Panel – 26 November 2024 · Performance Monitoring Panel – 11 December 2024 · Planning Committee – 8 January 2025 |
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To receive the current Key Decision Plan (copy enclosed). Minutes: Consideration was given to the Key Decision Plan.
It was requested that the Destination Lincolnshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership Destination Management Plan and SELCP Destination Management Plan be seen by members prior to it being presented to Cabinet, to ensure that all wards in the district were reflected within it. The Leader responded that he would ensure that this happened.
DECISION:
That the Key Decision Plan be noted. |
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Report from Cabinet meeting on 18 December 2024 To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet in respect of:
· Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2025/26
(report of the Cabinet enclosed).
Additional documents: Minutes: Consideration was given to the report of the Cabinet which sought approval for the Cabinet’s recommendations.
Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2025/26
The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report which had been presented and discussed fully at Cabinet.
DECISION:
That, as recommended from Cabinet, Full Council approve the following:
That the Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2025/26 be revised with all of the following modification options:
a. Increase the maximum CTS for households with children to 85%. b. Remove the earnings disregard to Universal Credit claims. c. Introduce a standard £10 rate for non-dependant deductions. d. Increase Lower and Upper capital limits. e. Increase the threshold for changes in Universal Credit to £30 per week, with discretion for flexibility. f. Uprate in line with DWP uprating amounts for 2025/26. |
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Housing Rents 2025/26 To seek Council approval for the proposed applicable rent increase allowable under The Direction on the Rent Standard 2025 for Council tenants and other housing tenures (report of the Assistant Director – Housing enclosed). Minutes: Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Housing which sought Council approval for the proposed applicable rent increase allowable under The Direction on the Rent Standard 2025 for Council tenants and other housing tenures.
The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing presented the report.
DECISION:
1) That South Holland District Council approve the following rent increases:
That South Holland District Council approve that properties becoming vacant be re-let at the formula rent in line with the maximum rent permissible under the rent standard. |
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Treasury Management Mid Term Report 2024/25 To provide Members with an update on Treasury Management performance and activity to ensure best practice is maintained (report of the Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development (S151) enclosed). Additional documents: Minutes: Consideration was given to the report of the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Development (S151) which provided Members with an update on Treasury Management performance and activity to ensure best practice was maintained.
The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report.
The following points were raised:
· The Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee stated that this report had been considered by the Committee and thanked the Portfolio Holder and the Finance Team for the work undertaken on the report.
DECISION:
That the contents of the report attached at Appendix 1 be received. |
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Gambling Act 2005 – Review of Gambling Policy Statement of Principles To approve the updated Gambling Policy Statement of Principles (report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory enclosed). Additional documents:
Minutes: Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory which requested approval of the updated Gambling Policy Statement of Principles.
The Portfolio Holder for Public Protection presented the report.
DECISION:
That the updated Gambling Policy Statement of Principles, as attached at Appendix 1, be approved and adopted. |
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Appointment of Returning officer/Electoral Registration officer To designate an officer as the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer to the Council with immediate effect (report of Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) enclosed). Minutes: Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) which requested designation of an officer as the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer to the Council with immediate effect.
The Portfolio Holder for Corporate, Governance and Communications presented the report. He thanked the outgoing Returning Officer for her work in this role over the past few years.
DECISION:
1) That James Gilbert, Assistant Director Corporate, be appointed Returning Officer (including appointment as Returning Officer for the South Holland area for Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Mayoral elections) and Electoral Registration Officer to the Council with immediate effect.
2) That an indemnity be granted to James Gilbert for any personal liability arising from his appointment by the Council as Returning Officer or Electoral Registration Officer.
(The Assistant Director, Corporate left the meeting for consideration of the above item). |
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Nominations for Committees and other Seats and Proposed Changes to the Constitution. To receive, from political groups, nominations for any changes to Committees and other seats and to consider any proposed changes to the Constitution. Minutes: There were none. |
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Vice Chairman vacancy on Governance and Audit Committee To appoint to the vacant role of Vice Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee (report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) enclosed). Minutes: Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) which sought appointment to the vacant role of Vice Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee.
The Chairman invited nominations for the vacant role of Vice Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee. Councillor M Geaney was nominated and seconded. No further nominations were received.
DECISION:
That Councillor M Geaney be appointed Vice-Chairman to the Governance and Audit Committee for the period up to May 2027 Annual Meeting of Council. |
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Public Sector Partnership Services (PSPS) - Governance To facilitate a number of required updates to PSPS governance arrangements (report of the Assistant Director – Corporate enclosed). Minutes: Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Corporate which facilitated a number of required updates to PSPS governance arrangements.
The Leader of the Council presented the report.
Members agreed that only the principles of the report would be discussed and there was therefore no need for the meeting to go into private session.
DECISION:
That, in line with legal advice (Appendix A), the Local Authority Company Review Guidance, and the content of the report, and subject to a similar decision by the other founding shareholder, the Chief Executive be authorised to update the Articles of Association as might be required, and that delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to sign the revised document(s).
(Councillor J Astill and C J T H Brewis left the meeting during discussion of the above item). |
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Any other items which the Chairman decides are urgent
NOTE: No other business is permitted unless by reason of special circumstances, which shall be specified in the minutes, the Chairman is of the opinion that the items(s) should be considered as a matter of urgency. Minutes: There were none. |