Agenda and minutes
PDF 218 KBVenue: Virtual meeting - This meeting is being held remotely using Skype for Business. View directions
Contact: Jo Toomey
| No. | Item |
|---|---|
|
Register of attendance and apologies for absence
Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bellamy, Goral, Jeal, Lee, Morgan, Sandall and Judy Smith.
|
|
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: Question 1
Question to: Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, the Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy From: Brian Moran
“At the recent Culture and Visitor Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 15 September 2020, Mary Powell who is on secondment to SKDC to raise the profile of tourism in the area, highlighted several points. She told the committee that SKDC needs to decide what it wants in order that she can prepare a plan to secure funding.
The following questions cover important points when taken in the context of Mary Powell’s comments.
Going forward, who will be responsible for making the decision of what SKDC wants, and by when? · Council? · Cabinet? · A Cabinet member? · The Culture and Visitor Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee?”
The Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy stated that the visitor economy was a core function of InvestSK Limited, a Council owned economic development and regeneration company for South Kesteven. Identifying the future requirements of visitor economy was a key feature of InvestSK Limited’s revised business plan which had been refocused to fully reflect the impact of Covid-19 on business sectors. Any proposal would be open for the Culture and Visitor Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider if it wished to make recommendations to Cabinet. If funding was required for a project, and there was already funding available, either the Cabinet collectively or the individual Cabinet Member whose portfolio covered the area would make the decision. This would also depend on the level of financial commitment required of the Council.
Mr Moran responded, stating that:
He had received a letter from the Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy giving the Councils decision, which he considered made the questions asked more relevant. He stated that he had never seen any record of the decisions or minutes of any meeting, including any meeting of Council. He had asked the Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy to supply a copy of the minutes and he was still awaiting a response.
Mr Moran stated that the Culture and Visitor Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee had made recommendations which the Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy had ignored. He felt that one person was making the decision rather than the Committee, Cabinet or Council. The Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy responded by stating that she worked with Cabinet colleagues and any proposals or recommendations were considered. If any funding was available, then she or the Cabinet would make a decision depending on the type of decision.
Question 2
Question to: Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, the Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy From: Brian Moran
With regards to the Bourne CiCLE Festival and bearing in mind we have already submitted: · 2019 Event Appraisal Report · 2019 Monetary Account · 2020/21 presentation · Plus a workshop on 25 November 2019 that recommended ‘To support he Festival being held in 2020, subject to stronger budget controls and greater community and business involvement’.
What will be the specific criteria for submitting a ... view the full minutes text for item 19. |
|
|
Disclosure of Interests
Members are asked to disclose any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting. Minutes: No interests were disclosed. |
|
|
Minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2020
Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2020 were proposed, seconded and agreed as a correct record subject to an addition at page 17, second paragraph:
“The Deputy Leader was asked if consideration had been given to land that adjoined the site for either a further pitch or for carparking. It was confirmed that the landowner had been contacted and was willing to sell the piece of land at a reasonable price and that this could be used to mitigate the loss of a pitch or car parking.”
|
|
|
Update from the Leader of the Council
|
|
|
Meetings of the Cabinet
Report of the Leader of the Council. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader introduced the item which concerned the approved minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 18 February 2020, 17 March 2020 and 16 June 2020.
A question was asked in relation to the minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2020 as to what dates and with which Members the Deputy Leader had visited the leisure centres including the Deepings.
The Deputy Leader confirmed that he had visited the leisure centres at Bourne, Grantham and Stamford with Ward Members, but had not visited Deeping St James as it was due to be closed and he could not confirm the dates.
It was stated that the minutes had already been agreed and therefore could not be amended to reflect the clarification provided by the Deputy Leader, but the members point would be reflected within the Council minutes.
Further questions were asked in relation to who the Council’s current safeguarding officers were; the financial impact of Covid-19 and the recovery plan; and the circulation of the MACE report to local Ward Members and regarding Labour members attending the Grantham leisure centre visit.
The Leader stated that safeguarding queries should be directed to the Community Engagement and Policy Development Officer or Member Services Officers. The Finance, Economic Development and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee continued to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on the Council’s finances, together with the Cabinet and senior officers. A full report would be circulated to all Members at the end of the pandemic. Members were urged to ask wider questions in the Members’ open question section.
|
|
|
Decisions made under urgency provisions
Report of the Leader of the Council. Appendix 1 to this report contains information which is exempt under paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) because it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of an individual or organisation. Additional documents: Minutes: Members noted the decisions that had been made under the General Exception and Special Urgency provisions as part of the Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. |
|
|
Notices of Motion given under Article 4.9 of the Council's Constitution:
|
|
|
Councillor Virginia Moran
1. This Council resolves to grant free parking in Council car parks to ultra-low emission vehicles with ‘green’ registration plates. 2. After six months of operation, this policy will be reviewed by the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 3. The free parking will not be permitted beyond the existing maximum parking periods. Minutes: Councillor Moran presented her motion, referring to zero emissions ambitions with which the Department for Transport and Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) were progressing. It was noted that the rollout of ‘green number plates’ had been confirmed from Autumn 2020.
Drivers would be encouraged to switch to electric vehicles while local authorities were encouraged to design and implement new policies and incentives to promote low emission vehicles, for example, reduced parking rates and cost-free entry into zero-emission zones for those with a green number plate.
The Member felt it would make a positive addition to the Council’s green portfolio and proposed:
1. That the Council resolved to grant free car parking in Council car parks to ultra-low emission vehicles with ‘green’ registration plates. 2. That after six months of operation, the policy would be reviewed by the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 3. That the free car parking would not be permitted beyond the existing maximum parking periods.
The proposal was seconded.
The Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations stated that technological changes should be embraced which made lives and travel more sustainable and less harmful to the environment. He noted that although an announcement had been made by the Government in relation to green number plates, no formal decision had yet been passed.
The Cabinet Member stated that altering car parking orders within the towns required consultation, while fees and charges would need to be considered as part of the budget setting process to ensure the Council could achieve a balanced budget. Any changes would also need to take account of any agreements or contracts in place in respect of car parking charges.
It was proposed that an amendment was made to the motion that the Council resolved to review the legislation relating to ‘green registration plates’ and recommended that the relevant Cabinet Member considered free car parking for compliant vehicles and any subsequent changes to car parking orders and budget amendments to fees and charges. The proposed amendment would give the Council the flexibility to implement any changes when details passed through the Parliamentary process. The amendment received a seconder and the original proposer of the motion agreed with the amendment.
On being put to the vote it was AGREED:
That the Council resolved to review the legislation relating to ‘green registration plates’ and recommended that the relevant Cabinet Member considered free car parking for compliant vehicles and any subsequent changes to car parking orders and budget amendments to fees and charges. |
|
|
Councillor Annie Mason
As we move into the recovery phase of the COVID-19 crisis it is essential that the Council puts the Mental Health and Wellbeing of residents, staff and Councillors at the forefront of our agenda. Therefore, we ask the Council to sign the Mental Health Challenge, set out below: This Council notes: · 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. · The World Health Organisation predicts that depression will be the second most common health condition worldwide by 2020. · Mental ill health costs some £105 billion each year in England alone. · People with a severe mental illness die up to 20 years younger than their peers in the UK. · There is often a circular relationship between mental health and issues such as housing, employment, family problems or debt. This Council believes: · As a local authority we have a crucial role to play in improving the mental health of everyone in our community and tackling some of the widest and most entrenched inequalities in health. · Mental health should be a priority across all the local authority’s areas of responsibility, including housing, community safety and planning. · All Councillors, whether members of the Executive or Scrutiny and in our community and casework roles, can play a positive role in championing mental health on an individual and strategic basis. This Council resolves: · To sign the Local Authorities’ Mental Health Challenge run by Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Providers Forum, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, Royal College of Psychiatrists and YoungMinds. · We commit to appoint two elected Members as the Council’s joint ‘mental health champion’ (role details set out in the report). · We will identify a member of staff within the council to act as ‘lead officer’ for mental health (role details set out in the report) · The Council will also: 1. Support positive mental health in our community, including in local schools, neighbourhoods and workplaces. 2. Work to reduce inequalities in mental health in our community. 3. Work with local partners to offer effective support for people with mental health needs. 4. Tackle discrimination on the grounds of mental health in our community. 5. Proactively listen to people of all ages and backgrounds about what they need for better mental health. Additional documents: Minutes: The motion had been withdrawn. |
|
|
Notices of Motion given under Article 4.9 of the Council's Constitution:
|
|
|
Councillor Amanda Wheeler
South Kesteven District Council recognises that systemic racism and inequalities still exist in the UK today. SKDC commits to ensuring there is no place for institutional racism or unconscious bias in its functions and practices and that it is an authority not just tackling inequality to meet a duty, but one that actively works with its communities and other agencies to fight racism and hate crime throughout the district. As such, SKDC resolves: · To declare that this Council is intolerant to racism and will continue to seek to eradicate it, Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism and hate crime across the district by developing initiatives that are actively inclusive and anti-racist; · To ask organisations across the district to pledge their commitment to anti-racism and tackling inequality; · To initiate a review involving BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) members of our community, of processes, policies and organisational attitudes; · To invite appropriate speakers on these issues to help with training for councillors and staff. Minutes: Councillor Amanda Wheeler presented her motion:
“South Kesteven District Council recognises that systemic racism and inequalities still exist in the UK today. SKDC commits to ensuring there is no place for institutional racism or unconscious bias in its functions and practices and that it is an authority not just tackling inequality to meet a duty, but one that actively works with its communities and other agencies to fight racism and hate crime throughout the district.
As such, SKDC resolves:
· To declare that this Council is intolerant to racism and will continue to seek to eradicate it, Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism and hate crime across the district by developing initiatives that are actively inclusive and anti-racist; · To ask organisations across the district to pledge their commitment to anti-racism and tackling inequality; · To initiate a review involving BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) members of our community, of processes, policies and organisational attitudes; · To invite appropriate speakers on these issues to help with training for councillors and staff.” In proposing her motion Councillor Wheeler referred to the fact that it was Black History Month and that she had no first-hand experience of racism in the district. She referred to the newly formed Stamford Anti Racialism Group and the survey it had carried out in Stamford and the surrounding area and gave examples of some of the racist comments experienced by people. She stated that any report in the Rutland and Stamford Mercury which related to racism had attracted hundreds of comments on social media including offensive comments.
Councillor Wheeler stated that change had been instigated within the community and she referred to Stamford Endowed School which had taken notice of the experience of their non-white pupils. The school was tackling discrimination as a priority which included appointing student ambassadors and training staff.
She asked that the Council did the same to ensure that the district became the best place to live, work and to visit. The motion was seconded.
An amendment was then proposed by Councillor Ray Wootten. In proposing his amendment he made reference to the Rural and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the work that the committee had done in relation to community cohesion and supporting work carried out by the Jubilee Life Centre.
“South Kesteven District Council recognises that there is no place for racism in the UK today. SKDC commits to ensuring its functions and practices are compliant with its legal obligation under the Equality Act 2010 and that it is an authority not just tackling inequality to meet a duty, but one that actively works with its communities and other agencies to fight racism and hate crime throughout the district. As such, SKDC resolves: · To declare that this Council is intolerant to racism and will continue to seek to eradicate it, Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism and hate crime across the district by developing initiatives that are actively inclusive and anti-racist;
· To acknowledge the work carried out by the Rural and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee of this Council, responding ... view the full minutes text for item 25a |
|
|
Councillor Ashley Baxter
The council resolves that: 1) Cabinet commissions a report into how the Coronavirus episode has impacted our operations, focusing specifically on opportunities to make long term environmental and financial savings (the report should be produced and published before the end of the December 2020). 2) Environment Committee and Cabinet to prioritise within their workplans: a) consideration of how to use remote working opportunities for staff and members to the mutual benefit of the council and individuals. b) further consideration of opportunities to improve grounds maintenance practices to improve ecology and reduce costs. c) in partnership with the waste disposal authority, consideration of how waste collection and disposal systems could be enhanced to improve efficiency and recycling rates. Minutes: Councillor Ashley Baxter proposed his motion:
“The council resolves that: 1) Cabinet commissions a report into how the Coronavirus episode has impacted our operations, focusing specifically on opportunities to make long term environmental and financial savings the report should be produced and published before the end of December 2020. 2) Environment Committee and Cabinet to prioritise within their workplans: a) consideration of how to use remote working opportunities for staff and members to the mutual benefit of the council and individuals. b) further consideration of opportunities to improve grounds maintenance practices to improve ecology and reduce costs. c) in partnership with the waste disposal authority, consideration of how waste collection and disposal systems could be enhanced to improve efficiency and recycling rates.”
In presenting his motion Councillor Baxter referred to its submission date of 30 March 2020. As the motion had been written in March 2020, he wished to withdraw the “that the report should be produced and published by December 2020” as it was too short notice.
The motion was seconded.
The Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations responded to the motion. He stated that the motion would have had merit if Council meetings had taken place in March 2020, but it was now October 2020. Two Council meetings and an Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee had taken place. Significant progress had been made by the Council in response to the Covid-19 crisis which had included learning analysis and adaptation of processes in relation to emergency planning and the Covid-19 recovery plan. Plans were already in place for the next phase of the pandemic. The environment base level looked at by the Climate Task and Finish Group was already different due to the new way of working. Working remotely was already happening and investing in a webcasting solution for hybrid council meetings was being progressed.
Work was already being done in partnership with neighbouring waste authorities and the council had endorsed the Joint Municipal Lincolnshire Waste Management Strategy. He felt that the content of the motion was already being worked on.
Following a point of explanation and a point of order Councillor Baxter withdrew his motion.
|
|
|
Communications (including Chairman's Announcements)
Minutes: The Council noted the Chairman’s engagements.
The Chairman hoped to visit each Ward going forward to get a better understanding of what was happening within the district.
Following a brief adjournment, the Vice Chairman took the chair. |
|
|
South Kesteven District Council Corporate Plan
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader of the Council introduced his report on South Kesteven District Council’s Corporate Plan.
The Corporate Plan covered the next three years and included the Council’s vision, priorities and how these would be achieved. The five priorities had been based on an analysis of South Kesteven’s current performance as a district and a council and the emerging opportunities and challenges. The Council’s priorities were:
· Growth and our Economy · Housing that Meets the Needs of all Residents · Healthy and Strong Communities · A Clean and Sustainable Environment · A High Performing Council
The Leader stated that every member of TeamSK had an important role to play in delivering the Corporate Plan, which included a “golden thread” running through from the vision to individual performance, with key performance indicators in place to provide transparency. The Corporate Plan also embedded the values that were adopted by Council in May 2018 and gave a pragmatic and deliverable approach to the challenges faced by the Council. The Leader thanked all Members and staff who had contributed to the Corporate Plan and the work done by the Chief Executive.
One member felt that the vision should also include studying and investment. Another member proposed to defer the item, together with the agenda item on the Corporate restructure due to the short time Members had been given to look at the document in detail. The amendment was seconded.
The Leader referred Members to the three workshops that had been held at different times of the day for all Members to attend, adding that the Corporate Plan had also been to Cabinet. The document had been available for Members to view from 28 August 2020 when the Cabinet papers were published. Comments made by Members had been taken on board and had contributed to the 54 actions contained within the action plan.
Other Members felt that there had been enough consultation and Members had been given the opportunity at the workshops to put forward their views and comments in relation to the Corporate Plan.
The amendment was voted on and was lost.
Further debate followed on the original proposal and comments were made in relation to the lack of tangible figures and targets contained in the document, the range of attractions that the district had to offer for visitors, such as Belton House and Woolsthorpe Manor and the inclusion of wording in the vision around, openness, transparency and accountability.
The proposition was put to the vote and it was AGREED:
1. To approve the Corporate Plan 2020-2023 as appended to the Leader’s report at Appendix A. 2. To note that the key performance indicators and success criteria for each action will be developed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committees and the Cabinet.
|
|
|
Corporate Restructure
Report of the Leader of the Council.
Appendices 3 and 4 of this report are exempt under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) because they contain information relating to an individual or from which an individual could be identified. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader presented his report on the proposed Corporate Restructure for South Kesteven District Council which supported the vision and priorities of the Council.
The process for the restructure had been led by the Chief Executive following the action contained in the 2020/21 budget to review the corporate management structure to identify savings of at least £300,000 per annum.
The consultation process had commenced following the 29 July 2020 Employment Committee meeting. A further meeting of the Committee on the proposed amended corporate structure took place on 23 September 2020 following feedback from staff and trade unions.
The full report to the Employment Committee and associated appendices were appended to the report including confidential, exempt appendices.
The Leader stated that the proposed structure aligned with the Corporate Plan to support the Council’s vision and priorities in a logical and structured way and he endorsed the recommendations made by the Employment Committee. The recommendations were seconded.
A proposition was made to adjourn or defer the item as it was felt that the issue before Members was so important and affected people’s livelihoods. It was felt that Members had not had enough time to consider the papers before them.
The amendment was seconded and the concerns regarding the timing of the item, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic were echoed by other Members’. Reference was made to the expected Government White Paper on Local Government Re-organisation, which could potentially, dissolve district councils. Comments were also made regarding re-structure that had taken place during the previous year and the toll restructures had on staff morale. Members asked about reassurances that the new structure would last longer than a few months.
A vote was taken on whether to defer the item which was lost.
Further discussion followed on:
· The savings around the restructure and the pay back period as outlined within the report. · The length of the process and how elongating the process had a detrimental effect on staff morale. · The need for changes to make a structure that was fit for purpose. · The proposed structure allowed the Chief Executive to deliver the Corporate Plan agreed by Council.
16:27 As the meeting had reached the three-hour limit it was proposed, seconded and agreed to continue the meeting for a further hour.
A question was asked about the number of redundancies that were to take place and the financial settlements given. The Member was referred to the closed session of the Employment Committee meeting held on 23 September to which the Member had attended.
It was confirmed that during the consultation process redeployment, reduced hours and voluntary redundancy had been discussed with staff. Settlement agreements would be reported in the Statement of Accounts for 2020/21.
As some Members wished to comment on the exempt papers it was proposed, seconded and agreed to exclude the press and public in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) because of the likelihood that otherwise exempt information, as described in paragraphs 1 ... view the full minutes text for item 28. |
|
|
Formation of LeisureSK Limited
Report of the Deputy Leader of the Council. Minutes: The Deputy Leader referred Members’ to the report circulated on 29 September 2020 in the supplementary pack. Following the decision made by Cabinet at their meeting on 18 August 2020, and the endorsement by the Companies Committee on 22 September 2020, it was proposed to transfer the leisure service to a wholly-owned Council company on the expiry of the current leisure contract on 2 January 2021.
The new company would be named LeisureSK Limited, which had been registered at Companies House. A paper was due to be presented to the Companies Committee on 21 October 2020 detailing the company structure and the formation of a five-year business plan for the new company.
In order to get the company operational for the transfer on 3 January 2021, the Council was asked to approve a budget, not exceeding £500,000 to enable the necessary systems and equipment to be put in place with delegated authority being given to the Strategic Director of Growth and the Section 151 Officer to assess and approve any necessary expenditure. The Council was asked to endorse the appointment of the Deputy Leader of the Council as sole Director of LeisureSK Limited in order to establish the company. A further report would be submitted to the Council meeting on 26 November 2020 on the appointment of additional Directors. Council was also asked to note the proposal to recruit a Non-Executive to complement the Board of Directors. A report would be submitted when the recruitment process had been completed.
The proposal was seconded.
Debate on the issue followed and the following points were made:
· The leisure provision had been impacted by Covid-19. · Leisure facilities were part of the fabric which made a strong and healthy community for all ages and demographics. · Value for money of the service to the tax payer need to be considered. · Certainty was needed in the short and medium term. · TUPE would apply to those staff working for the current provider when bringing the service in house. · Concern over the appointment of a non-executive Director, their role, responsibility and accountability was questioned. · Support for bringing the service was being brought back in-house. · The role of the Head of Leisure in the new company. · The Cadbury Report published in 1992 by the Committee on “the Financial Aspects of Corporate Governance” that set out recommendations on the arrangement of company boards and accounting systems to mitigate corporate governance risks and failures. · The voting rights of a Non-Executive Director.
17:27 As the meeting had reached the extended time period already agreed it was proposed, seconded and agreed to extend the meeting for a further 15 minutes only.
On being put to the vote it was AGREED that Council:
1. Notes the contents of the report from the Deputy Leader of the Council and the urgent nature of the work to be undertaken. 2. Approves a budget not exceeding £500,000 be approved to support the formation of LeisureSK Limited and that delegated authority be provided to the Strategic Director of ... view the full minutes text for item 29. |
|
|
Appointment of Directors to Gravitas Housing Limited
Report of the Deputy Leader of the Council to consider the appointment of four additional Directors to Gravitas Housing Limited. Minutes: The Deputy Leader presented his report which requested that four additional Directors be appointed to Gravitas Housing Limited.
Gravitas Housing Limited was a wholly owned company of the Council limited by shares.
The Company’s Articles of Association stated that the quorum for transacting Gravitas business shall be a minimum of three Directors. Currently there was only one Director, Richard Wyles as the other appointed Directors had resigned from their Directorship.
The Directorship of Gravitas Housing Limited had been considered by the Companies Committee at the meeting on 22 September 2020 and the Committee supported the proposed appointments for four Directors.
It was proposed that the holders of the following positions be appointed as Directors of Gravitas Housing Ltd. The Leader of the Council, the Deputy Leader of the Council, the Director of Culture and Growth and the Director of Housing and Property.
On being put to the vote, it was AGREED to appoint the following positions to be Directors of Gravitas Housing Limited:
· The Leader of the Council. · The Deputy Leader of the Council. · The Director of Culture and Growth. · The Director of Housing and Property.
As the meeting had reached the agreed extended time period and there were no updates from the Leader of the Council the meeting was closed.
|
|
|
Updates from the Leader of the Council
|
|
|
Meetings of the Cabinet
Minutes: No minutes of Cabinet meetings have been approved since the last meeting of Council on 17 September 2020.
|
|
|
Decisions taken as a matter of urgency
Minutes: No urgent decisions had been taken since the last Council meeting. |
|
|
Members Open Questions
Minutes: As the extended time had been reached no Members’ open questions were taken. |
|
|
Close of Meeting
Minutes: The Leader of the Council presented Councillor Ian Selby with a framed certificate to commemorate 25 years serving as a District Councillor within South Kesteven. Councillor Selby was congratulated on his long service and expressed thanks to the Leader for the award.
The meeting closed at 17:40pm. |