Agenda and minutes
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Contact: Jo Toomey
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Election of the Chairman of the District Council
The Chairman will take the Chair, make the declaration of acceptance of office and be invested with the chain of office. Minutes: Decision:
That Councillor George Chivers is elected as the Chairman of South Kesteven District Council until the next annual meeting of the Council
Members were invited to make nominations for the Chairman of the Council.
A proposition was made and seconded that Councillor Chivers be elected as Chairman of the District Council. Members who spoke in support of Councillor Chivers’ nomination spoke about his history of service, both in the RAF and as a Member of the Council. Reference was also made to the way in which he had conducted his duties as the Vice-Chairman of the Council.
A vote was taken and Councillor Chivers was elected as the Chairman of the Council.
The Chairman was invested with the chain of office.
Members of the Council showed their support with a round of applause.
COUNCILLOR CHIVERS IN THE CHAIR
The new Chairman thanked Members for their support and said that he would do his best to emulate the outgoing Chairman. |
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Vote of thanks to the retiring Chairman
Minutes: A vote of thanks was made to the retiring Chairman, during which Members spoke about Councillor Sampson’s passionate championing of his charities and the time he had dedicated to the role in addition to his other roles on the Council. Several Members referred to the number of events Councillor Sampson had attended, commending his ambassadorship of South Kesteven and the energy with which he carried out the role. Councillor Sampson was described as a fair Chairman in the Council Chamber who had carried out the role with respect and dignity. A number of Members also commented on how well the Chairman and Vice-Chairman had worked as a team throughout the year.
Thanks were also extended to Mrs. Ann Sampson, the Chairman’s Lady for the way she had supported the retiring Chairman during his year in office.
The Chairman presented Councillor Sampson with a gift to show the Council’s appreciation for the work he had done during the year.
The outgoing Chairman remarked how much he had enjoyed the year, noting the way the Council had changed in that time and speaking about some of the events that he had attended. He concluded by thanking Members for supporting him during the year, making specific reference to the Vice-Chairman and the Civic Officer, to whom he presented a gift to mark his appreciation for her work.
Members demonstrated their appreciation to the retiring Chairman with a round of applause.
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Election of Vice-Chairman of the District Council
The Vice-Chairman will make the declaration of acceptance of office and be invested with the Vice-Chairman’s medallion. Minutes: Decision:
That Councillor Brian Sumner is elected as the Vice-Chairman of South Kesteven District Council until the next annual meeting of the Council.
Nominations were invited for the role of Vice-Chairman.
Councillor Brian Sumner was proposed and seconded, with advocates of his nomination referring to his credibility, honesty and dedication. They also felt that he would be a good ambassador when attending events on the Council’s behalf. Reference was also made to Councillor Sumner’s service both as a Member of Stamford Town Council and as a Ward Councillor.
One Member stated that they could not support the nomination. Subsequently, a Member nominated Councillor Robert Reid for the role of Vice-Chairman; the nomination was seconded. Members who supported Councillor Reid’s nomination spoke of their experience of him as an Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairman and how they had always found him willing to ‘go the extra mile’. Councillor Reid thanked Members for their words but stated that whilst he was grateful for the nomination, he was unable to accept.
More general comments were made about the relationship between the roles of Chairman and Vice Chairman, including some saying that nominations should not be made on the basis of a Member’s political group, but their personal qualities. A statement was also made that although Members may not support the choice of Chairman or Vice-Chairman, they could still appreciate the work of that individual and that it should not preclude them from working together.
A vote was taken and Councillor Brian Sumner was elected as the Vice-Chairman of South Kesteven District Council until the next annual meeting of the Council. |
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Apologies for Absence
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Broughton, Evans, Manterfield, Morgan, Ian Stokes, Sarah Stokes, Turner, Webster and Wilkins. |
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Disclosure of Interests
Members are asked to disclose any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting. Minutes: No interests were disclosed. |
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Minutes of the meeting held on 1 March 2018
(Enclosure) Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 1 March 2018 were proposed, seconded and agreed as a correct record. |
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Communications (including Chairman's Announcements)
(Enclosure) Minutes: The Council noted the Chairman’s engagements. |
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Update from the Leader and announcement on the size and membership of the Cabinet and their remits
Minutes: It was proposed and seconded that article 4.11.4 of the Council’s Constitution be suspended, removing the time limit for which Members could speak, for this item only. On being put to the vote, this was carried.
The Leader of the Council gave an overview of the previous year. He reminded Members that when he became the Leader of the Council, he considered economic development to be of paramount importance in defining the success of the Council. He described the plans that had been announced in October 2017 for £40m strategic investment and the formation of InvestSK, which, he stated, had transformed the way that Council was working with businesses to help them grow within the district or relocate to the district. He also outlined a key role in promoting arts, culture, heritage and the visitor economy.
The Leader stated that the Council was now firmly led by elected Members, who established priorities, set the budget and then worked with senior managers to deliver. He also stated that the new overview and scrutiny arrangements had given all Members an opportunity to become more involved in decision-making and holding decision-makers to account. The Leader also spoke about keeping scrutiny arrangements under review to ensure that they remained relevant and effective.
Reference was also made to a residents’ survey that was underway, which was the first to be conducted since 2010. A commitment was made that in the future, residents’ surveys would be conducted on a regular basis.
The Leader also commented on a programme of transformation to make the Council sustainable, ensuring that it had the right people, capabilities and processes in place to create the right culture. This work was being led by the Chief Executive who, since his arrival, had worked with officers and Members to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation. The Leader spoke about how the Council was embracing innovation through the Lightbox team.
A number of other key projects from the 2017/18 municipal year were outlined by the Leader, including:
· The Local Plan, which was due to enter the final stages of consultation · Agreement to the principle of the Spitalgate Heath garden village · Stamford Georgian Festival and the 50 year anniversary of Stamford’s conservation status · The beginning of the development of Wherry’s Lane in Bourne · Completion of feasibility work on new leisure facilities for the Deepings and work with architects in relation to leisure facilities in both the Deepings and Stamford
The Leader’s presentation turned to his scheme of delegation. He thanked Cabinet Members for their support throughout the year and confirmed that there would be no changes to the membership of his Cabinet.
The Leader outlined a number of adjustments that were being made to Cabinet Members remits, which included:
· Councillor Cooke would take on responsibility for strategic commercial ventures, partnerships and projects. He would also take on responsibility from Human Resources · Councillor Smith’s remit would be extended to include communities in addition to her existing Portfolio of Health, Wellbeing and Skills · Councillor Robins’ ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
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Appointments to committees including the appointment of their Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen
Report number LDS285 of the Chief Executive. (Enclosure) Additional documents: Minutes: Decision:
To approve the appointments to Committees and their Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen as appended to these minutes
Report number LDS285 of the Chief Executive asked Council to approve the membership of its committees (including Overview and Scrutiny Committees). Nominations from group leaders had been circulated prior to the meeting, together with the Leader’s recommendations regarding the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of committees. The Leader proposed the nominations as they were listed in the circulated paper and announced that Councillor Reid would be scrutiny ‘Chair of Chairs’. The proposition was seconded.
It was brought to Members’ attention that a separate vote would need to be taken on the membership of the Employment Committee. The Leader had indicated that he wanted to ensure that all groups were represented on the Employment Committee. This meant that any vote on the proposals would require a unanimous vote because the proposed allocation of seats did not comply with the political balance requirements.
A vote was taken on the membership of all committees excluding the Employment Committee, which was carried.
A vote was taken on the membership of the Employment Committee; no Member voted against the proposition and this was carried.
A final vote was taken on the nominations for the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Council’s Committees. This was also carried. |
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Timetable of Council and Committee meetings
To approve a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council and the timetable for its committees for the 2018/19 municipal year – report number LDS286 of the Chief Executive. (Enclosure) Additional documents: Minutes: Decision:
That the Council approves the dates of meetings for the Council, Cabinet and Committees for 2018/19 as appended to these minutes.
In proposing the calendar of Council and Committee meetings, the Leader drew Members’ attention to the updated programme that had been circulated at the meeting, which included an addendum. He explained that following the publication of the agenda, the following changes had been made to the programme:
· An additional meeting of the Employment Committee had been added on 4 June 2018 · The meeting of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee scheduled for Tuesday 19 June 2018 had been moved to Wednesday 20 June 2018 · The Development Management Committee site visits scheduled for Wednesday 20 June 2018 had been moved to Tuesday 19 June 2018 · The meeting of the Culture and Tourism Overview and Scrutiny Committee scheduled for Thursday 14 June 2018 had been moved to Tuesday 10 July 2018
The revised timetable was seconded.
Discussion began on the location of meetings. Reference was made to a decision that was made by Council in November 2017, when the Chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees had been encouraged to hold meetings outside Grantham.
Some Members spoke about the logistical arrangements for holding meetings in other locations and the cost that is incurred as a result. This statement was challenged on the basis that all meetings had a cost associated with them, with particular reference made to travel arrangements. Those Members who spoke in support of holding meetings in other locations also suggested that it might help Councillors understand the distinctions between communities across different parts of the district.
Holding meetings in alternative locations was considered as a good way to increase engagement and access. A suggestion was made that access could also be broadened by live-streaming all Council and Committee meetings, with the caveat that consideration would need to be given to how this might work for those meetings that were held in different venues.
Reference was made to a recent Cabinet meeting that had been held in Bourne Corn Exchange. It was greeted favourably as an opportunity to talk to local people, view the market and the Corn Exchange facility.
The onus on deciding the location of meetings was placed on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairmen in conjunction with Committee Members. A suggestion was made that if a Committee was considering an item that related to a specific location, it may be appropriate to hold that meeting there to help Members’ understanding.
Approval of the draft programme of meetings for 2018/19 as amended by the addendum circulated at the meeting was put to the vote and carried. |
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Appointment of representatives to outside bodies
To consider nominations to represent the District Council on outside bodies – report number LDS287 of the Chief Executive. (Enclosure) Minutes: Decision:
To appoint the Leader (or the Deputy Leader in the Leader’s absence) as the Council’s representative on East Midlands Councils and the Local Government Association.
Report number LDS287 asked the Council to make appointments to both East Midlands Councils and the Local Government Association.
It was proposed, seconded and, on being put to the vote, agreed that the Leader (and in his absence, the deputy Leader) should represent the Council on both East Midlands Councils and the Local Government Association. |
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Report number SEG59 of the Cabinet Member for Economy and Development. (Enclosure) Additional documents: Minutes: Decision:
1. Council approves the Proposed Submission Local Plan as set out at Appendix 2 to report SEG59 and amended by the addendum circulated at the meeting, for the purpose of publication for representations in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Local Plan Regulations and then submission to the Secretary of State
2. To agree that any minor corrections to the document can be approved by the Cabinet Member for Economy and Development, so long as these do not substantially affect the substance of any policies or land use allocations
In presenting report number SEG053 and proposing the recommendations therein, the Cabinet Member for Economy and Development drew Members’ attention to an addendum to the proposed submission Local Plan that had been circulated to Members. The addendum related to two changes, which related to self and custom build housing and sustainable transport in Grantham.
The Cabinet Member referred to the work that had been undertaken since 2014 on the revised Local Plan and recorded his thanks to the Planning Policy Team and its Strategic Director for their work during that period. He explained that there was a national imperative on house-building and to this end, there had been a number of requirements issued by the Government, which the Council had to take into account.
The Cabinet Member summarised the changes between the existing Local Plan and the submission Local Plan, which included allocation of land for strategic employment, the incorporation of Spitalgate Heath garden village, new housing sites in Stamford and Deepings and the introduction of a new policy that would allow some homes to be built in the smallest villages. Reference was also made to the housing allocation for Bourne; an allocation of 200 houses had been removed and the neighbourhood plan committee had been asked to suggest where those allocations should be made.
Reference was also made to changes that had been made in respect of the housing needs assessment. A new methodology for calculating housing need increased in the number of houses that needed to be built each year from 625 to 785. A number of councils that were part way through their Local Plan consultation process approached government in response to the changed methodology and agreement was reached that they could continue to use the existing target. This meant that the housing need in the submission Local Plan was 625 properties, plus an additional contingency of 12.9%
A number of changes had also been made since the Plan was subject to informal consultation in 2017. Members’ attention was specifically drawn to a proposed change that would see the affordable housing requirement shift from ‘up to 35%’ to a requirement of 30%. New policies on biodiversity and geodiversity had been added. Members were also advised that the Council had been awarded grant funding to develop a document promoting good design.
Members were advised that if the Council approved the proposed submission Local Plan, it would go for a final round of representation; any responses would be submitted ... view the full minutes text for item 12. |
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Report number ACEX003 of the Leader of the Council (Enclosure) Additional documents: Minutes: Decision:
The Council adopts the Corporate Strategy 2018-2025 as attached at Appendix 1 to report number ACEX003.
The Leader of the Council presented report number ACEX003, appended to which was the draft Corporate Strategy for 2018-2025. He informed Members that illustrative artwork had been circulated during the meeting. The Leader explained that the proposed Corporate Strategy was the response of professional officers to the priorities set by the Council’s political leadership. The document was developed in conjunction with officers of the Council through team meetings, workshops and an employee engagement survey. As a result of this engagement, the Leader felt that the proposed Strategy reflected the mood of the organisation. The proposition was seconded.
Several Members expressed their support for the document, praising specifically the emphasis of the document on the organisational culture and values, and steps being taken to reward performance. In summing up, the Leader recognised that in order to reward performance, clear and accountable performance targets would need to be developed. He also explained that the document sought to provide a platform that allowed the organisation to develop to meet modern challenges.
The proposition to approve the Corporate Strategy was put to the vote and carried. |
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Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report and Work Plan
Report number GAC010 of the Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee. (Enclosure) Additional documents: Minutes: Decision:
1. Council approves the Annual Report of the Governance and Audit Committee for 2017/18
2. Council approves the indicative work plan and timetable for 2018/19 which reflects the terms of reference of the Governance and Audit Committee
The Cabinet Member for Finance presented report number GAC010 on behalf of the Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee. The report incorporated the Committee’s annual report for 2017/18 and the draft work programme for 2018/19.
The recommendations in report GAC010 were proposed and seconded. On being put to the vote, the recommendations were approved. |
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Meetings of the Cabinet
Report number LDS288 of the Leader of the Council. (Enclosure) Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented report number LDS288, which provided Members with copies of the reports submitted to Cabinet since 1 March 2018.
One Member commended the decision that had been made providing a class of local discretionary Council Tax discount of up to 100% for care leavers. It was suggested that during the coming year the Council might consider what else it may be able to do to support this group.
One Member referred to Grounds Maintenance Forum meetings, asking what they were, when they happened, who attended and whether minutes were available. The Cabinet Member for Environment explained that he believed that these were meetings between the Council officers and the contractor to discuss progress. He advised that he would make sure that any minutes that were available were passed to the Councillor who put the question.
[Post meeting note: it was clarified that the forum referred to in the report was the Wyndham Park Forum, which was not connected to the Council]. |
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Members' Open Questions
A 45-minute period in which members may ask questions of the Leader, Cabinet Members, the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees and opposition group leaders excluding the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Development Management Committee, Licensing and Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing Committees and Governance and Audit Committee.
Report number LDS289 of the Deputy Leader of the Council. (Enclosure) Minutes: Report number LDS289 provided for Members’ information, a response to a question that had previously been asked by Councillor Selby regarding the disposal of abandoned bicycles.
Question 1
Councillor Dilks referred to an application that had recently been considered by the Development Management Committee that related to a Member of the Council. The report made to the Committee stated that the development works carried out did not conform with the permission that had previously been granted. He asked the Leader about standards of conduct and the potential for the public interpretation of the incident to be construed as a Member of the Council receiving favourable treatment. Councillor Dilks asked whether the Leader would invite the Member to attend the next meeting to make an apology to officers, Members and residents.
The Leader stated that he believed all Members had a duty to preserve the highest standards of conduct. He added that he would discuss the matter with the Chief Executive and the Solicitor to the Council and then with the Member concerned.
A Member who sat on the Development Management Committee spoke about the Committee’s decision and how it had done its best to put matters right.
Question 2
Councillor Ray Wootten referred to the Cabinet meeting held on 10 May 2018, when he had asked the Leader whether he would be prepared to sign a joint letter to United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust and South West Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group regarding services at Grantham hospital, including the accident and emergency department, with the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council. The Leader had agreed to co-sign the letter. Councillor Wootten asked whether this letter had been sent.
The Leader stated that the letter was in the final stages of drafting, and liaison was underway with the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council to try and arrange an opportunity for the letter to be signed that would help generate further media attention. It was suggested that it may be helpful if Councillor Wootten had input into the final drafting of the letter.
Question 3
Councillor Wood expressed his thanks to the Cabinet Member for Environment for his support tackling lorry parking in Long Bennington, noting particularly his liaison with Lincolnshire County Council.
Question 4
Councillor Forman referred to the difficulties experienced by young people with learning difficulties and disabilities in entering the workplace. She stated that a recognised way of facilitating this was providing supported internships. She asked whether the Council currently had any supported internships or whether there were plans to offer any such placements.
The Deputy Leader stated that he was not aware that the Council had any supported internships at the present time but said it was something that he was happy to discuss further. He added that more work was also planned to strengthen apprenticeships.
Question 5
Councillor Selby asked whether Members who decided not to re-stand for election or who were not re-elected could buy their iPads.
The Deputy Leader stated that following the last election, some Members ... view the full minutes text for item 16. |
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Notices of Motion given under Article 4.9:
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Councillor Ashley Baxter
This Council agrees:
1) Grantham needs a Town Council distinct and separate to the District Council
This Council resolves:
2) To consult residents of Grantham and the wider District, as well as other relevant stakeholders, regarding the formation of a Town Council for Grantham 3) To undertake a Community Governance Review for the purpose of establishing a Grantham Town Council. Minutes: Decision:
This Council agrees that should a Unitary Authority
be formed in Lincolnshire that 1)
Grantham needs a Town Council
distinct and separate to the Unitary Authority 2) To consult residents of Grantham and the wider District, as well as other relevant stakeholders, regarding the formation of a Town Council for Grantham
3) To undertake a Community Governance Review for the purpose of establishing a Grantham Town Council
Councillor Baxter proposed his motion:
This Council agrees:
1) Grantham needs a Town Council distinct and separate to the District Council
This Council resolves:
2) To consult residents of Grantham and the wider District, as well as other relevant stakeholders, regarding the formation of a Town Council for Grantham
3) To undertake a Community Governance Review for the purpose of establishing a Grantham Town Council.
In presenting his motion, Councillor Baxter expressed a belief that the lack of a town council for Grantham left a democratic gap for the town’s residents. He explained that he had submitted a motion to this end in November 2017, but withdrew it when a similar motion was submitted by another Councillor. This was subsequently withdrawn, which meant that the issue was not discussed. He referred to planning applications that were considered by the Development Management Committee, which included comments from the local town or parish council providing a local perspective; this was absent from applications relating to Grantham. He suggested that residents of Grantham should be given the opportunity to express what they thought of the role of the Charter Trustees or whether they would prefer to see a different body.
He also made comments about the vibrancy of the town and parish councils in the Deepings, citing examples where those bodies had taken action to support local people, specifically mentioning Deepings Youth Centre and the Deepings Library.
The motion was seconded.
Some Members referred to previous occasions when Grantham residents had been asked about the creation of a town council. Those Members reported that the support they had experienced had been limited, with public meetings attracting only a small number of attendees, which they considered indicated a lack of appetite. A suggestion was made that instead of an additional tier of local Government, the residents of Grantham could be served equally well by a Grantham Committee set up under the umbrella of the District Council.
Those Members who spoke in support of the motion suggested that poor attendance at meetings could have been because of the way in which they were publicised. Reference was also made to a poll on the issue that had previously been conducted; one Member spoke of their experience, stating that they had seen no publicity to indicate that the poll was taking place. The general consensus of those Members that supported the proposition was that, just because interest had been limited in the past, the population was changing, together with its views, meaning it would be appropriate to ask again.
An amendment to the motion was proposed and seconded:
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Councillor Linda Wootten
In light of and on the back of the
introduction of the green paper on Integrated Communities announced
on March 14th. 2018, I believe a cohesive community is one where...
There is a common vision and a sense of belonging for all
communities where the diversity of people's different backgrounds
cultures and circumstances are appreciated and positivity
valued. Minutes: Decision:
In light of
and on the back of the introduction of the green paper on
Integrated Communities announced on March 14th.
2018, I believe a cohesive community is one where...
There is a common vision and a sense of belonging for all
communities where the diversity of people's different backgrounds
cultures and circumstances are appreciated and positivity
valued.
Councillor Linda Wootten proposed her motion:
In light of and on the back of the introduction
of the green paper on Integrated Communities announced on March
14th. 2018, I believe a cohesive community
is one where... There is a common vision and a sense of belonging
for all communities where the diversity of people's different
backgrounds cultures and circumstances are appreciated and
positivity valued.
She made reference to the work that had been undertaken by Dame Louise Casey on community cohesion. Reference was also made to activity within South Kesteven to support the integration of different communities. She told Members about her experiences of attending citizenship ceremonies that had taken place in Grantham and the work that was being undertaken by the Jubilee Church.
The motion was seconded. During his speech, the seconder referred to two National Front demonstrations that had taken place in Grantham in recent years. He also informed Members that Grantham was home to people of over 40 different nationalities. He too referred to citizenship ceremonies that he had attended and events that had been hosted by different communities.
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Close of meeting
Minutes: The meeting was closed at 17:37. |