Agenda and minutes

The public open forum will commence at 2.00 p.m. and the following formal business of the Council will commence at 2.30 p.m. or whenever the public open forum ends, if earlier.

Question 1 – from Mr A. Baxter, to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Mrs Linda Neal:

“You are no doubt aware that Lincolnshire County Council is consulting on changes to library services across the County. I realise the town of Bourne is less directly affected by the changes because of the new library facility and community point opened in partnership with South Kesteven District Council back in March. However, I am sure you share the concerns of many South Kesteven residents about the proposed cuts to services. The Deepings would get a particularly rough deal from the proposals because we would become one of the largest areas of population in Lincolnshire without a properly staffed library. This will mean that for anyone in the Deepings without access to a car, a visit to the library will take half a day, and children, including my own, will effectively be excluded from accessing libraries completely.

“In light of this, will the South Kesteven District Council be joining other District Councils around Lincolnshire in responding to the consultation? And if so, will South Kesteven District Council be supporting the calls from thousands of residents in the south of the District that the Deepings Library should retain a tier 2 library with adequate resources and properly paid staff?”

Reply from Councillor Mrs Neal

“Thank you very much Mr Chairman. I’d like to thank Mr Baxter for his question and yes, certainly I am aware that the County Council is consulting on its proposed changes to the library service and I know that many people are concerned about what is suggested. I am sure that everyone is aware that this is not a district council service however I am also aware that this service is valued by many local people and I am sure the county council will want to listen to feedback before making a final decision. I understand the period of public consultation closes at the end of September and it is important that as many people as possible provide their views and ideas by completing the online questionnaire on the County Council’s website. The County will, I am sure, listen carefully to the views of the residents whilst at the same time weighing the very difficult financial position that they find themselves in and no doubt explore every avenue regarding possible future service delivery.”

Supplementary question from Mr Baxter

“In one of Margaret Thatcher’s autobiographies, she says that the civil servants came to her and asked to take away children’s milk to charge for museums, and to charge for libraries. She said that she knew from her time as a school girl in Grantham, the importance of libraries and for children to have access to libraries. I would first of all repeat the question: is SKDC going to respond to the consultation as a corporate body, but also is Margaret Thatcher’s words, that children should have access to publicly funded libraries, is it right or wrong?”

Reply from Councillor Mrs Neal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Parkin, Jacky Smith, Ian Stokes, Wilkins and Wood.

Members are asked to disclose any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting.

No interests were disclosed.

                                                                                                                  (Enclosure)

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 11 July 2013 were proposed, seconded and agreed as a correct record.

                                                                                                                  (Enclosure)

The Council noted the Chairman’s engagements.

Presentation by the Strategic Lead for Economic Development and Regeneration.          (Enclosure)

The Portfolio Holders for Leisure and Arts and Economic Development – Grow the Economy prefaced the presentation on the Stamford Georgian Festival with brief speeches. Reference was made to the ‘Mallard – Story of Speed’ which was held in Grantham on 7-8 September 2013. The event attracted 15,000 visitors and increased footfall in the town centre. Mr Henry Cleary, Carillion and Lincolnshire County Council were thanked for their roles in bringing the Mallard to Grantham.

The Portfolio Holders also spoke about the cultural and economic benefits of holding festivals like the Georgian Festival and the Gravity Fields Festival. They said such events encouraged people’s use of the districts towns while promoting civic pride in the area and its heritage.

The Strategic Lead for Economic Development and Regeneration gave a presentation on the Georgian Festival, which was taking place in Stamford between Friday 27 and Sunday 29 September 2013. The festival was designed to promote the local economy and heritage of the area through a high quality event that celebrated the character of the town and build the reputation of the district nationally.

The festival programme covered several different platforms with activities and events based around families, heritage, education and performance. Highlights of the festival included high-profile speakers, music recitals, drama pieces, a specially produced Horrible Histories show, a period cricket match, a street-fayre and a re-enactment of the Stamford Bull Run. Events would take place in a range of venues across Stamford including public buildings, open spaces, churches and other historical and performance venues in the town.

Local businesses and community groups were being encouraged to participate. They had provided venues and put on special events that coincided with the festival. Partners for the event included Stamford Town Council, New College, Rutland and Stamford Mercury, Burghley, Royal Horticultural Society, Horrible Histories, Shade-makers and the Bath Minuet Company. The team had been particularly pleased with the level of support and input from partners.

To complement the festival, education packs for primary school children had been produced and were available online. There would also be traditional fairground rides and street entertainment.

A wide range of promotional activities were taking place using social media, broadcast and print media, street banners and signage and a market stall. Promotional activities were supported by a number of different bodies including Stamford Town Council, Lincolnshire County Council and Rutland County Council.

Members were informed that 1,730 additional parking spaces were being provided (Burghley, Cummins and New College). These would be free for visitors but they would have to walk into the town centre.

There were a number of outcomes that would be used to demonstrate the festival’s level of success:

·         Increased footfall over the festival weekend

·         Raised visitor spend in local businesses

·         Increased return visits to the area

·         A higher number of overnight stays

·         Wide national and local media coverage

·         Support from partners through funding or in-kind support

·         Strong community engagement

Before the topic was opened for questions, the Chief Executive reminded Members of the contribution such  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

Report number CAB016 by the Leader of the Council.                 (Enclosure)

The Leader of the Council’s report CAB016, which listed one key decision and four non-key decisions that were taken under special urgency arrangements, was noted. Several members asked for further information, which they were informed could be provided outside the meeting.

There was also some discussion on arrangements within the Constitution on the frequency of reports on decisions taken under special urgency arrangements. The Local Authority (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 stated that the Leader should make quarterly reports on any decisions taken under urgency provisions. It also stated that the Leader should make at least one report each year (this would be where no urgent decisions had been taken).

Report number LDS104 of the Scrutiny Committee Chairman.   (Enclosure)

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee presented the Scrutiny Committee annual report for 2012/13 to the Council for noting and summarised the varied work programme undertaken by the Committee

The Chairman thanked the Committee’s members for their efforts, together with those people who had attended meetings and given evidence. He also thanked the Vice-Chairman and the officers who supported the Committee.

On a personal note, the chairman of the Scrutiny Committee thanked members of the Council for their support and good wishes through a difficult time.

In discussing the Committee’s report, reference was made to the meeting at which the Committee considered provision at Grantham hospital. Two members expressed opposing views on the current outlook for Grantham hospital. A question was also asked about what the Committee learned of proposals for Stamford hospital.

One Member commented on how the Committee’s operation had improved and developed and suggested that to work most effectively, an independent scrutiny officer was needed. Two items were suggested for future consideration by the Committee: the impact of the spare room subsidy and static and mobile library provision.

Council noted the report.

To note the list of questions asked under Council procedure rule 11.1 as circulated at the start of the meeting and their reference to the relevant Policy Development Group.

One question without discussion had been received and referred to the relevant Policy Development Group for a response.

Question 1

To:       Councillor Terl Bryant (Good Housing Portfolio Holder)

From:  Councillor Charmaine Morgan

During South Kesteven District Council's AGM 2013 Councillors were assured that those residents affected by Bedroom Tax would be able to claim support through Discretionary Housing Payments for rent arrears protection and assistance moving home.

Councillors were advised during the debate that a 'scaleable' fund had been set aside to support residents affected.

In view of this can the following figures be provided by officers:-

·         How many SKDC residents are affected by the Bedroom Tax?

·         How many applicants have claimed assistance to date with rent arrears protection?

·         How many applicants have claimed assistance to date with moving costs?

·         How many applicants have received 100% of their claim?

·         How many applicants have been rejected for assistance?

·         How many residents have requested house transfers/exchange as a result of the Bedroom Tax?

·         How many residents have been successful at moving home as a result of the Bedroom Tax - upsizing and downsizing?

·         How many residents have moved from SKDC tenancy into private/insecure tenancy as a result of the Bedroom Tax?

·         How much money has to date been spent on supporting residents affected by the Bedroom Tax with:

a. Moving Costs

b. Rent arrears prevention

This question was referred to the Resources PDG. The Chairman informed Members that Councillor Morgan had been supplied with an answer to her question.

The meeting was closed at 15:31.