Agenda and minutes
PDF 196 KBVenue: Council Chamber - South Kesteven House, St. Peter's Hill, Grantham. NG31 6PZ. View directions
Contact: Jo Toomey
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Council stood to observe a few moments silence in memory of Councillors Graham Wheat and Ray Auger who had recently passed away. |
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Public Open Forum
The public open forum will commence at 1.00 p.m. and the following formal business of the Council will commence at 1.30 p.m. or whenever the public open forum ends, if earlier. Minutes: Statement
The public open forum began with a statement made by Jon Stephenson that related to the notice of motion submitted by Councillor Moran on the Belvoir Hunt. In his statement, Mr. Stephenson asked the Council to distance itself from the Belvoir Hunt. Whilst a supporter of legal hunting, he expressed concerns about criminal activity undertaken by employees of the Belvoir Hunt, from whom the Belvoir Hunt did not distance itself. He also stated that the two people who were attacked were citizens who were legally observing hunt activities.
He felt that the motion reflected the views of local people; he had undertaken some canvassing activity in the village in which he resided. He reported that all the residents he spoke to, bar one, supported the motion.
Mr Stephenson concluded by referring to Members’ role in representing the views of the public and called on Councillors to support Councillor Moran’s motion, requesting that a recorded vote be taken.
Question 1
From: Chris Noon, Grantham To: Councillor Kelham Cooke, the Deputy Leader of the Council
“In January this year I asked questions to Councillor Cooke at a full council meeting, I have to this day not been given a reasonable answer. Even after a meeting with Councillor Cooke and Mr Aidan Rave, my points and proof were ignored after assurances they would be dealt with. Given the convictions against the Belvoir Hunt employees, the very public pay out which hit all the major news outlets nationally (Online, TV, Radio and newspapers), the hound killed on the A1, the fox in the shed scandal, the hound knocked down on the high street and now proof of the clear and obvious help by some members of SKDC to accommodate the Belvoir Hunt no matter what, even at the tax payers’ expense or reputational damage to our district. I find myself having to ask Councillor Cooke the same question
At last year’s Boxing Day meet during an interview with Councillor Kelham Cooke on BBC TV he stated ‘So, it used to happen on St Peter’s Hill, I think the decision was taken this year by the organisers that it would be better to organise it here (that being The Paddock). It’s a better environment for the horses and the hounds and the members of the public that want to come and see’. That statement was not entirely correct, due to laws being politely explained by members of the public to SKDC it became apparent the meet could not legitimately happen on St Peter’s Hill and so was moved.
Let’s return to Councillor Cooke’s statement ‘it’s better for the horses, the hounds and the members of the public’. A return to St Peter’s Hill would be a return to a more dangerous environment given the statement above. Are you prepared to guarantee the safety of all visitors?”
The Deputy Leader responded by stating that any application for an event on Council land required the organisers to submit an event management plan and risk assessment. ... view the full minutes text for item 41. |
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Apologies for Absence
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Adams, Bellamy, Bisnauthsing, Selby, Stevens, Ward and Woolley.
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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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Statement by Councillor Matthew Lee
Minutes: It was proposed, seconded and agreed that Article 4.11.4 of the Council’s Constitution, which restricted the maximum amount of time a Member can speak to five minutes, be suspended during consideration of this item only.
Councillor Lee said that he believed that there was no limit to what a council could achieve if it had a firm vision and referred to the advantages that were enjoyed by South Kesteven, including its schools, industries and the countryside. He felt that making the most of those strengths would give the Council the opportunity to change lives and help those in society who needed it the most.
Councillor Lee spoke about the potential the Council had when he became Leader and how it had been his ambition to get the Council to challenge itself to think big and make things happen. He talked about some of the projects that had been delivered during his tenure as Leader, including the new cinema in Grantham, the new public realm and the new standard for cleanliness. He also referred to the increased support that had been given to local charities and good causes, the creation of Member grants and the support that had been provided to food banks.
He also spoke about the inception of InvestSK and how it had changed the relationship with businesses and the investment community and how each of the Council’s market towns now had its own festival. He thanked Steve Bowyer and the InvestSK team for the work it was doing on the Council’s behalf in support of local business, driving economic regeneration, arts, culture and the visitor economy.
Specific reference was made to the purchase of the former Cummins site in Stamford, which Councillor Lee stated was decisive action to protect jobs in Stamford.
He also spoke about how the Council had gone from being officer-led to Member-led and its increased profile, having attracted companies like Ernst Young to work with it. Reference was made to measures that had been introduced that were designed to increase openness and transparency, including the formation of an all-party Employment Committee, inviting all members to attend Cabinet meetings and have input, and the replacement of electronic voting with voting by a show of hands.
Reference was made to the economic challenges that the Council faced and the need to generate more income within the district and growing the economy, including the companies that had been set up by the Council. He spoke about the Council’s strong financial position, which would enable it to borrow and invest in assets to drive economic growth and generate additional income, which could in turn be used to enhance council services.
Comments were made about the steps that had been taken to address the shortage of council and affordable housing, so that young people would be able to afford to live in the district.
He stated that he believed Councillors were elected to deliver, and while he considered that huge progress had been made, there was still more to ... view the full minutes text for item 44. |
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Election of the Leader of the Council
Members will elect the Leader of the Council. Minutes: A proposal was made that Councillor Cooke be elected as the Leader of the Council. In proposing Councillor Cooke, reference was made to everything he had learned from serving as Deputy Leader. The proposer also felt he was the right person to bring parties together from across the chamber so that the Council could best help residents and take action to support their needs.
Councillor Cooke’s nomination was seconded and comments made about how he had risen through the ranks, having served as a back-bencher, Cabinet Member and Deputy Leader. Reference was made to the activities in which he had engaged as a young councillor and his attendance at the Local Government Association’s Leadership Academy. The seconder said that he found Councillor Cooke’s leadership style to be fair, transparent and honest.
One Member stated that things needed to change, which she could not envisage were Councillor Cooke to be elected as Leader. She therefore made a further nomination, proposing Councillor Paul Wood as Leader of the Council. His proposer expressed her belief that Councillor Wood would be willing and able to implement the changes the Council needed to be democratically representative and work cross-party. It was felt that he would bring a strong, collaborative approach that she didn’t feel had been met by Councillor Cooke.
In seconding the proposal, the speaker stated that collaboration would end the atmosphere that had governed meetings since May. Reference was also made to the performance of independent candidates in the May 2019 elections, which the seconder saw as an indication that the people of South Kesteven wanted independent Councillors to take a greater role. The speaker also stated that he felt the performance of the independents should be reflected in positions that receive special responsibility allowances as well as seats on committees. While he stated he recognised the difficulties for a new Leader to take a view on proportionality, he suggested a commitment could be made about ensuring management positions on committees were distributed on a proportional basis within a given period.
The Chairman invited both candidates to make a brief statement explaining what they would bring to the role.
Councillor Cooke highlighted the level of support he enjoyed as he carried the recommendation of the Conservative Group. He said that he wanted to be more open and transparent in the Council’s operations and he would not be offering positions in the chamber to ‘buy’ votes.
Councillor Wood referred to his years of service as both an officer and Member of the Council. He stated that he had wanted to reach a deal with Councillor Cooke that would reflect the performance of independent candidates in the local elections, requesting that the group be awarded a chairmanship, two vice-chairmanships and the vice-chairmanship of the Council. No agreement had been reached.
The two nominees were put to the vote and Councillor Cooke was elected as the Leader of South Kesteven District Council.
It was proposed, seconded and agreed to suspend Article. 4.11.4 of the Council’s Constitution, ... view the full minutes text for item 45. |
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Announcement on the size and membership of the Cabinet and the allocation of Cabinet Members' remits
The Leader will announce the members of the Cabinet, together with details of the remits of each of the Cabinet Members. Minutes: The Leader set out who the members of his Cabinet would be, together with their remits:
· Councillor Kelham Cooke - Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Property and Democratic Services · Councillor Barry Dobson – Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing · Councillor Helen Goral – Cabinet Member for Growth · Councillor Nick Robins – Cabinet Member for Planning · Councillor Hannah Westropp – Cabinet Member for Communications and Engagement · Councillor Robert Reid – Cabinet Member for Communities and HR · Councillor Adam Stokes – Cabinet Member for Finance · Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew – Cabinet Member for Culture · Councillor Dr. Peter Moseley – Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations |
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Minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2019
Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2019 were proposed, seconded and agreed as a correct record subject to the following amendments:
· Page 10, minute number 34: insertion of the word “not” – He concluded by saying the minutes did not capture a comment he made about the Lincolnshire fair share campaign not carrying the same clout as the national campaign…” · Page 12: correction of a typographical error – “One member also asked about what lessons had been learned” · Page 13, question 2: “Councillor Morgan also asked about the impact of Brexit on funding.” to be added to the end of the first paragraph · Page 14: correction of a typographical error – “The Cabinet Member for Growth stated that some comments she had received…”
Councillor Dilks had requested that it be recorded that the Chairman turned off his microphone during a statement he was making under minute item 36 because it was an exceptional occurrence that had been picked up by the local media. Council rejected this addition in the first instance, believing that the microphone had ceased to work because of a technical failure. Following the vote on the item, Councillor Dilks found an e-mail confirming that his microphone had been turned off because he had not ceded to the Chairman when she stood. Members agreed to add an addendum after the minutes to reflect the microphone being turned off, rather than it being the result of a technical failure. An apology was also made about attributing the incident to the technical failure. |
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Communications (including Chairman's Announcements)
A list of events attended by the Chairman of the Council. Minutes: The Council noted the Chairman’s engagements.
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Appointments to committees including the appointment of their Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen
Report of the Chief Executive. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader summarised the changes that the Conservative group proposed to make to its committee memberships and chairmanships:
· Planning Committee – Councillor Chris Benn to come off the committee and the committee to carry a vacancy until the next meeting of Council · Governance and Audit Committee, replacement of Councillor Chris Benn as vice-chairman with Councillor Paul Wood · Employment Committee – Councillor Lee to be replaced by Councillor Dobson · Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Councillor Chris Benn to replace Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew as Chairman and Councillor Manterfield to replace Councillor Chivers · Chairman of overview and scrutiny committee chairmen – Councillor Graham Jeal
These nominations were seconded.
The Independent Group also wished to change its representative on the Rural and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, replacing Councillor Jan Hansen with Councillor Penny Milnes.
Several opposition members reiterated the points made earlier in the meeting about the support independent candidates received during the May 2019 elections, stating that they felt that special responsibility appointments should reflect the political proportionality of the Council. They suggested that this would help develop greater openness and transparency and expressed a belief that the roles should be appointed on the basis of skill and experience and not patronage.
One member referred to the process for agenda setting at overview and scrutiny committees and the barriers that he had faced trying to get items added to the committee’s work programme. He also stated that there were times when he had requested information that had not been provided; this meant that he had to resort to submitting Freedom of Information requests. He stated that he hoped that there would be a more collaborative approach under the committee’s new chairman, and that he felt that there were some chairmen who did not appreciate the responsibility of their roles.
The concern about a lack seats on committees for the Labour group was also reiterated. Some reassurance was provided by the Leader in his summing up, when he stated that the Constitution Committee was undertaking a review of the Council’s Constitution, which could include a review of the size of the Council’s Committees.
In his summing up speech, the Leader also stated that the new Scrutiny Officer, who was due to start on 1 October 2019, would help add more openness. He referred to other steps to improve openness including open questions at council meetings, having Cabinet minutes on the agenda for Council meetings, and putting arrangements in place for all members to speak at Cabinet and committee meetings.
The Leader also stated that if Members were finding it difficult to get items added to committee agendas, then they should raise the matter with the Chief Executive. He added that there should be no need for Councillors to submit Freedom of Information requests in order to obtain information, which he would pick up with the Chief Executive. He stated that some of the matters that had been raised during debate would be picked up as part of the review of the Council’s ... view the full minutes text for item 49. |
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Appointment of representatives to outside bodies
Report of the Chief Executive. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader proposed consequential amendments to the Council’s representation on outside bodies that had arisen from changes in the membership of the Cabinet and chairmanship of committees:
· Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership – the Leader of the Council (substitute: the Deputy Leader of the Council) · Heritage Lincolnshire – Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew · Lincolnshire County Council Flood and Drainage Management Scrutiny Committee – Councillor Chris Benn
The proposals were seconded.
Some members attempted to challenge the appointment of Councillor Ray Wootten as the Council’s representative on the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel but the Chairman clarified that the only positions that were up for consideration were those consequential amendments proposed by the Leader.
On being put to the vote, the proposition was carried and Council AGREED:
1. The appointment of the Leader of the Council as the Council’s representative on the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership with the Deputy Leader of the Council as reserve 2. The appointment of Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew to Heritage Lincolnshire 3. The appointment of Councillor Chris Benn to the Lincolnshire County Council Flood and Drainage Management Committee
15:18 to 15:44 – the meeting adjourned |
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Climate Emergency - changes to Budget and Policy Framework
Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment asking Council to declare a climate emergency. Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations presented the recommendations in his report, which were made by the Cabinet at its meeting on 10 September 2019 in respect of declaring a climate emergency. The recommendations were subsequently endorsed by the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He said that the time had come for the Council talk about its actions and the climate. There was acknowledgement that any action the Council undertook would not make an immediate impact however it did not mean that the Council should refrain from acting and reducing its carbon footprint. He outlined the ambition to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint was in line with other organisations. He also recognised the need for the Council to act as a community leader by talking with residents, businesses and other public sector organisations. He hoped the Chief Executive’s climate change action group would be set up as quickly as possible, incorporating both Members and officers, to steer the Council to the point it achieves a net zero carbon position. The proposition was seconded.
In concluding, the Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations referred to cross-party conversations that had taken place following the preparation of the Council report that had led to the development of a collaborative amendment, which he urged Members to support.
The following amendment was proposed and seconded:
1. South Kesteven District Council declares a ‘climate emergency’. 2. In response to this, that Council: a.
Confirms the political ambition to
reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint by at least 30% by
2030 and to endeavour to become net-zero carbon b. Recognises the importance of the much more far-reaching impact of the Council’s community leadership role to reduce South Kesteven’s carbon footprint (eg residents, businesses, other public sector organisations, visitors/commuters, etc). c. Requests the Interim Chief Executive to establish a ‘Climate Change Action’ task and finish group to: i. identify how the Council’s activities can work towards being net-zero carbon; ii. consider the latest climate science and expert advice on solutions; iii. consider systematically the climate change impact of each area of the Council’s activities; iv. propose relevant performance indicators to monitor progress towards net-zero carbon; v. establish any budgetary implications; and vi. liaise with the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee and report initial findings to the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee in spring 2020. d. Allocate up to £50,000 to enable external advice and the recruitment of a Climate Change Officer straight away to drive forward the Council’s ambition to be net-zero carbon, as supported by the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet.
In proposing the amendment, reference was made to work in a previous term when the authority had begun to develop a Carbon Management Plan, which identified baseline emissions. Comments also referred to international progress that had been made in tackling climate change and how he would favour setting up a citizens’ assembly. Climate change issues were being considered ... view the full minutes text for item 51. |
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Amendment to Budget Framework
Report of the Cabinet member for Finance on amending the Budget framework in order to the Witham Slea Blue/Green corridor project. Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Finance proposed the recommendations in his report, which asked the Council to approve an amendment to the Budget Framework to facilitate the Witham Slea Blue/Green corridor project. The recommendations were seconded.
The Council had committed funding for the project in its 2019/20 Budget (£180,000 split over three financial years); further funding had also been contributed by other partners and the European Regional Development Fund. No further contribution was being sought but the amendment to the budget framework was required because the Council was the lead partner and funding body for the project.
The proposition was put to the vote and Council AGREED to:
Approve the change to the General Fund revenue programme of £1,056,615 in respect of the Witham Slea Blue-Green corridor project. The financing of this project wholly consists of external funding as detailed in the report |
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Recommendations from the Constitution Committee
Report of the Chairman of the Constitution Committee on proposals for the establishment of the Companies Committee. Additional documents: Minutes:
The Chairman of the Constitution Committee presented the recommendations that were made at its meeting on 9 September 2019 regarding the Terms of Reference and training requirements for the new Companies Committee. The Committee’s recommendations were proposed and seconded.
The Leader nominated the Conservative members to the Committee:
· Councillor Graham Jeal (Chairman) · Councillor John Dawson (Vice-Chairman) · Councillor Mark Whittington · Councillor Ian Stokes · Councillor Chris Benn
The following nominations were also made by the Independent Group:
· Councillor Ashley Baxter · Councillor Virginia Moran
Concern was expressed that the size of the committee and the requirement that its membership complied with Regulations regarding proportionality, meant that there would be no representative of the Labour group. An amendment was proposed and seconded that the number of members on the committee was reviewed and to request that there be at least one Labour representative.
The Leader suggested adding an additional seat to the Committee. The political balance was checked and the increase in number meant that the Labour group would be entitled to a seat. Councillor Louise Clack was nominated to fill that seat.
A vote was taken on recommendations one and two, which was carried. A further vote was taken on the appointment of members and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee, which was also carried. The Council therefore AGREED to:
1. Approve the terms of reference for the Companies Committee as set out at Appendix 1 to the report of the Chairman of the Constitution Committee (subject to increasing the total number of members on the committee from 7 to 8) and agrees their inclusion at Article 12 of the Council’s Constitution 2. Amend Article 2.3 b) (v) of the Council’s Constitution to state that training for members of the Companies Committee, members of the Cabinet and Directors of the companies should be mandatory 3. Appoint Councillors Jeal, Dawson, Whittington, I Stokes, Benn, Moran, Baxter and Clack to the Committee 4. Appoint Councillor Jeal as the Chairman of the Companies Committee and Councillor Dawson as the Vice-Chairman of the Companies Committee
A remember requested that the agenda be re-ordered so that the Notices of Motion would be the next items to be considered. The request was made because there were members of the public who had waited all afternoon to hear them debated but the Chairman ruled that the order of business would be carried out as set out in the agenda |
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Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2018/19
Report of the 2018/19 Chairman of the overview and scrutiny committees’ chairmen. Additional documents: Minutes: The Chairman of overview and scrutiny committee chairmen presented the 2018/19 Scrutiny Committee Annual Report. The report summarised the work that had been undertaken by each of the Council’s overview and scrutiny committees. He thanked the Members who had participated in overview and scrutiny activities during the year, both as committee members and as chairmen and vice-chairmen. He looked forward to the arrival of the Scrutiny Officer and hoped it would lead to the preparation of robust annual work programmes, with any member of the committee being able to bring items forward. He hoped that this would lead to trust in scrutiny and enhance its value to the organisation.
Thanks were expressed to the chairman of overview and scrutiny committee chairmen for the way he had managed meetings during his tenure. Members also praised his methodical approach and robustness. The skills and chairing style of the 2019/20 chairman of chairmen were also heralded. Council noted the contents of the report. |
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Meetings of the Cabinet
Report of the Leader of the Council. Additional documents: Minutes: Members were asked to note the Leader’s report, which brought the approved minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 9 July 2019 before members of 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. Minutes: Question 1
Councillor Baxter asked the Cabinet Member for Growth for a progress update on the new Deepings Leisure Centre.
The Cabinet Member for Growth set out the wider leisure agenda before providing an update on leisure facilities for each of the district’s four market towns. She explained that in the coming months, the Council would need to make decisions regarding its leisure provision for the current and future generations. The life of leisure facilities meant that it was important to get things right, so time would be taken to amend any plans as a result of feedback received. She added that the leisure facilities provided by the district council would need to complement the facilities that were available through both the private and voluntary sector, respecting each town’s needs and characteristics. A commitment was made that proposals should offer value for money. It was noted that a new Head of Leisure had been appointed. Architects had also been appointed.
In respect of Bourne, agreements were being finalised with the school and Lincolnshire County Council to enable the extension of the existing building with a full refurbishment. It was anticipated that work on this centre would be completed by the middle of 2022.
It was still the intention to build a new facility in the Deepings that offered an improvement to existing facilities and complemented the active sporting community that already existed in the area. The Council had been in negotiations with landowners to secure an appropriate site. The existing playing fields site had been selected for feasibility work and extensive consultation. This offer provided the opportunity to consolidate all leisure activity on a single site. Subject to planning and highways approval, it was anticipated that delivery would be completed within two years of securing the site. Initial meetings were already scheduled with the local community.
A business case for facilities in Stamford had yet to be finalised, which limited the information that could be shared. The overriding ambition was to ensure the money invested filled the void in the private sector provision, complementing what it had to offer and to enhance the family-friendly facility that already existed.
Consultation on proposals for Grantham would be delayed until the centre’s busiest time in January 2020 to maximise public engagement. Proposals that would be considered included a smaller facility in the town centre, refurbishment of the existing facility or the construction of a new facility on the existing site.
It was anticipated that the first report on Bourne would be brought before the relevant overview and scrutiny committee in November 2019.
Question 2
Councillor Chivers asked the Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations for an update on the water that had been running down Harrowby Hill.
The Cabinet Member stated that it was brought to his attention during the summer; whilst it was the driest on record, properties were being flooded. Relevant parties, including Anglian Water, met to discuss the matter. Since then, extensive work has been carried out, which identified leaks. ... view the full minutes text for item 56. |
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Notices of Motion given under Article 4.9:
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Councillor Ashley Baxter
Council believes:
1. All governments (national, regional and local) have a duty to limit the negative impacts of Climate Breakdown, and local governments that recognise this should not wait for their national governments to change their policies. It is important for South Kesteven residents that their local authorities become carbon neutral at the earliest opportunity 2. Bold climate action can deliver economic benefits in terms of new jobs, economic savings and market opportunities (as well as improved health, security and well-being for people worldwide)
Council resolves to:
1. Declare a ‘Climate Emergency’ 2. Set a target for South Kesteven District Council’s operations to be carbon neutral by 2030 3. Call on Westminster to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible 4. Integrate carbon reduction measures into all council activities, including the activities of the Council’s companies 5. Continue to work with partners across the District, County and region to deliver this new goal through all relevant strategies and plan 6. Work with other governments (both within the UK and internationally) to determine and implement best practice methods to limit Global Warming to less than 1.5° 7. As part of the Council’s budget-setting process, allocate an additional £100,000 to ‘pump-prime’ sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives 8. Request the Cabinet considers appointing an officer responsible for driving the Council’s carbon reduction agenda 9. Request the Leader of the Council writes to Lincolnshire County Council urging them to recognise the climate emergency and take a lead, both in their own operations and in working with the Districts, to move as rapidly as possible to carbon neutrality Minutes: In accordance with Article 4.9.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor Baxter submitted notice in writing stating that he wished to withdraw the motion of which he had given notice. |
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Councillor Charmaine Morgan
1. The Government has stated that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union on 31st October, 2019 with or without a deal.
South Kesteven District Council needs to be able to demonstrate that it has taken appropriate action to prepare for the challenges and opportunities presented by Brexit.
2. Therefore, Council mandates the Leader, Chief Executive and Senior Management Team of the Council to produce an evidence-based Brexit impact assessment briefing for all Councillors.
The impact assessment will enable informed decisions be made by Cabinet members, councillors and officers. It will be a useful tool for other affected parties. It will identify the scope of impact, scale and severity of impact and associated risks.
3. The briefing is to include:
a) A summary of the forecast impacts of Brexit on South Kesteven District Council services (including Council owned enterprises);
b) An assessment of the likely risks and opportunities of the most likely Brexit scenarios;
c) Details of actions likely to be necessary or beneficial in light of Brexit
d) The likely additional costs to the District Council resulting from most likely Brexit Scenarios.
4. The briefing is to give full consideration to the likely impacts of Brexit on the following:
a) all services provided by, or on behalf of, the Council (and its subsidiaries):
b) the Council’s critical supply chain:
c) residents of South Kesteven
d) businesses within the District.
5. The briefing is to be produced at the earliest opportunity and before 11 October at the latest. Updates will be provided to Councillors at appropriate intervals.
6. As far as possible the content of the briefing will be available within the public domain. Any information concerning sensitive information of a commercial and/or personal nature should be appended and clearly indicated as confidential.
7. Publication of the briefing should be followed by a short but meaningful consultation with relevant stakeholders including Councillors, staff, residents, businesses and other organisations. Minutes: Councillor Morgan proposed her notice of motion:
1. The Government has stated that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union on 31st October, 2019 with or without a deal.
South Kesteven District Council needs to be able to demonstrate that it has taken appropriate action to prepare for the challenges and opportunities presented by Brexit.
2. Therefore, Council mandates the Leader, Chief Executive and Senior Management Team of the Council to produce an evidence-based Brexit impact assessment briefing for all Councillors.
The impact assessment will enable informed decisions be made by Cabinet members, councillors and officers. It will be a useful tool for other affected parties. It will identify the scope of impact, scale and severity of impact and associated risks.
3. The briefing is to include:
a) A summary of the forecast impacts of Brexit on South Kesteven District Council services (including Council owned enterprises);
b) An assessment of the likely risks and opportunities of the most likely Brexit scenarios;
c) Details of actions likely to be necessary or beneficial in light of Brexit
d) The likely additional costs to the District Council resulting from most likely Brexit Scenarios.
4. The briefing is to give full consideration to the likely impacts of Brexit on the following:
a) all services provided by, or on behalf of, the Council (and its subsidiaries):
b) the Council’s critical supply chain:
c) residents of South Kesteven
d) businesses within the District.
5. The briefing is to be produced at the earliest opportunity and before 11 October at the latest. Updates will be provided to Councillors at appropriate intervals.
6. As far as possible the content of the briefing will be available within the public domain. Any information concerning sensitive information of a commercial and/or personal nature should be appended and clearly indicated as confidential.
7. Publication of the briefing should be followed by a short but meaningful consultation with relevant stakeholders including Councillors, staff, residents, businesses and other organisations.
In proposing her motion, Councillor Morgan referred to a statement made by the Minister for Exiting the EU, which indicated that whilst a deal would be preferable, there was a chance that there would not be a deal. She stated that she had repeatedly asked what impact a ‘no deal Brexit’ would have on the Council and that work that had been done to analyse the potential impact of the most likely exit scenarios. She illustrated her motion with an example concerning increased prices in food and whether that would have knock-on impacts that would directly affect the Council, for instance, residents not being able to afford their council tax or council rent. She stated that she was aware of work that had been undertaken across the county but wanted to understand the work that had been done to assess the possible impacts on South Kesteven.
The motion was seconded. The seconder referred to the political manoeuvrings, and pros and cons debated nationally. He stated that this motion asked for an understanding of ... view the full minutes text for item 57b |
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Councillor Virginia Moran
Council resolves:
1) To refuse permission for use of SKDC assets for any activity connected with the Belvoir Hunt (this is to include all land and property which is owned or managed by the Council).
2) To refuse any discretionary licence application relating to activities of Belvoir Hunt including event licences and so-called ‘charitable’ street collections.
3) To ensure that all costs associated with preparation, management or clearing up after activities connected with the Belvoir Hunt are recovered from the organisers.
4) To refuse and withhold any other non-statutory support for the Belvoir Hunt.
Minutes: The Leader stated that a number of his group members had raised concerns for their safety; he stated that some of the Councillors within this group had been subjected to threats following the publication of the motion. So that they felt able to participate he proposed that the Council suspend procedure rules 4.13.3 and 4.13.4, which provided for voting by show of hands and by recorded votes be suspended for this item only, to enable voting by secret ballot. This proposition was seconded and, on being put to the vote, carried.
Councillor Moran stated that, following advice from Legal and Democratic Services, she had revised the wording of her motion. A copy of the updated wording had been circulated to Members. Councillor Moran proposed her motion:
Council resolves: 1. To refuse permission for the use of SKDC assets for any activity connected with the Belvoir Hunt.
2. When considering any street collection licence application, the application form must specify the name of the registered charity that will benefit from the collection and guidance provided to set out the appropriate requirements of any such collection, e.g. ensuring appropriately marked collection receptacles are used.
3. To ensure that all costs associated with preparation, management or clearing up after activities connected with the Belvoir Hunt are recovered from the organisers.
4. To refuse and/or withhold any other non-statutory support for the Belvoir Hunt.
Councillor Moran, in proposing her motion, stated that it was not about fox hunting; instead it was designed to demonstrate that the Council did not condone the actions of the Belvoir Hunt and to prevent bringing the Council’s reputation into disrepute. She spoke about the support she had received since submitting the motion and the number of primary shares and comments that had been made on social media. Reference was made to a recent decision that had been made by Newark Town Council, which had banned the hunt meeting from the town. Nottinghamshire County Council had also banned any hunt activities taking place on their land.
Councillor Moran also addressed comments that had been made during the public speaking session, referring to the parade through town and those years that the Mayor had met the hunt and how the Belvoir Hunt insisted that it remained within the law. She referred to the practice of cubbing and said that the Council should not support criminal activity.
The motion was seconded. The seconder referred to criminal activities that were associated with individuals who were connected to individuals associated with the Belvoir Hunt. She stated that four men who were involved in the attack against hunt observers were never identified and brought to justice. She concluded by stating that the Council should not be connected to any organisation that had a disregard to the law.
Members who spoke in support of the motion commended the bravery of the proposed and condemned the threats that had been experienced by some Members. Reference was made to the £48,000 compensation that was paid by the Belvoir ... view the full minutes text for item 57c |
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Close of meeting
Minutes: The meeting was closed at 18:18. |