Location: Council Chamber, Daneshill House
Present: Members: Councillors D. Royall, CC (Mayor), B. Jackson (Deputy Mayor), S. Batson, CC, G. Clark, D.W. Cullen, P.E.J. Gallagher, J. Gardner, B.P. Hall, L. Harrington, R.J. Henry, J. Hollywell, T.G.M. Kent, CC, P.D. Kissane, L. Knight, L.A. Lambert, C. Latif, Mrs J.E. Lloyd, J. Lloyd, M.A. Mason, S.M. Myson, M. Notley, R.G. Parker, M.P. Patston, J.R. Raynor, R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC, G. Snell, S.K. Speller, S. Taylor, H.C.L. Tessier, A.T. Turner, K. Vale and Mrs P.A Webb, CC.
Others: Mr. S. Gillies - Independent Member, Standards Committee.
Duration:
Start Time: 7.00pm
End Time: 9.27pm
Status: Noted
Business: Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors R.A. Clark, M. Downing, CC, J.A. Pickersgill, Mrs L.G. Strange, P. Stuart and B.G. Underwood.
Members declared the following interests in relation to the Grant Aid Budget:
Councillor S. Batson - Non-Prejudicial - Stevenage Furniture Recycling Scheme, Stevenage Leisure Limited and World Forum.
Councillor G. Clark - Prejudicial - Stevenage Community Trust; Non-Prejudicial - Stevenage Credit Union.
Councillor D.W. Cullen - Non-Prejudicial - Stevenage Citizens' Advice Bureau and Bedwell Community Association.
Councillor P.E.J. Gallagher - Non-Prejudicial - Old Stevenage Community Association.
Councillor J. Gardner - Non-Prejudicial - Home Start, Kadoma Link Association and Hertfordshire Business Incubation Centre.
Councillor B.P. Hall - Non-Prejudicial - Kadoma Link Association and Stevenage/Ingelheim/Autun Association.
Councillor L. Harrington - Non-Prejudicial - Stevenage Women's Resource Centre.
Councillor R.J. Henry - Non-Prejudicial - Stevenage Sports Council and Stevenage Shimkent Association.
Councillor J. Hollywell - Non-Prejudicial - Poplars and Bandley Hill Community Association, RELATE and GEMMS.
Councillor P.D. Kissane - Prejudicial - Stevenage Consolidated Charities; Non-Prejudicial - Kadoma Link Association and Stevenage Council for Voluntary Services.
Councillor L. Knight - Non-Prejudicial - Chells Community Association, Chells Manor Community Association and Stevenage Victims Support/Victim Support Hertfordshire.
Councillor C. Latif - Non-Prejudicial - Kadoma Link Association, St. Nicholas Community Association and Stevenage Consolidated Charities.
Councillor J. Lloyd - Non-Prejudicial - Stevenage Day Committee.
Councillor S.M. Myson - Non-Prejudicial - Hertford Road Community Association.
Councillor M. Notley - Non-Prejudicial - Symonds Green Community Association and RELATE.
Councillor R.G. Parker - Non-Prejudicial - Chells Community Association.
Councillor M.P. Patston - Non-Prejudicial - Broadhall Community Association and Stevenage/Ingelheim/Autun Association.
Councillor J.R. Raynor - Non-Prejudicial - St. Nicholas Community Association and Stevenage Consolidated Charities.
Councillor R.J. Smith, MBE, DL, CC - Non-Prejudicial - Douglas Drive Senior Citizens' Association, Pin Green Community Association and Crucial Crew.
Councillor S. Taylor - Non-Prejudicial - Arts Guild for Stevenage, Stevenage Credit Union, Symonds Green Community Association and Rock in the Park.
Councillor H.C.L. Tessier - Non-Prejudicial - Arts Guild for Stevenage, Stevenage Haven, Old Stevenage Community Association, Local Government Information Unit, Eastern Orchestral Board, Fusion Arts Group and Stevenage Day Committee.
Councillor K. Vale - Non-Prejudicial - Chells Community Association, Crossroads and Garden House Hospice.
Councillors Mrs. P.A. Webb, CC - Non-Prejudicial - Stevenage/Ingelheim/Autun Association.
Arising from a number of comments made by Members, the Mayor requested officers to write a letter to the Local Government Association asking for that organisation to lobby the Government for the introduction of a more easily understandable system for the declaration of Members' Interests. It was agreed also that a copy of this letter be sent to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Decision:
Status: Agreed
Business:
Decision: It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 8th December 2004, having been circulated, be taken as read, confirmed and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.
Status: Agreed
Business:
Decision: It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 2nd February 2005, having been circulated, be taken as read, confirmed and signed by the Mayor as a correct record, subject to the inclusion of the name of Councillor S.K. Speller in the list of those Members present at the meeting.
Status: Noted
Business: The Mayor announced that since the December 2004 Council meeting he had attended a large number of events, particularly over the Christmas period. All were pleasant occasions, particularly those involving children. A visit to the Lister Hospital on Christmas Day had also been well received, and it was hoped that future Mayors would continue with this tradition.
The Mayor stated that he had enjoyed watching various artistic performances from young and old alike over the past few months, and among the groups he had seen at work were various schools, Lytton Players, Fusion, Limelight and the University of Hertfordshire. The Mayor considered that involvement in the Arts brought generations together and developed self-confidence in young people and a way of self-expression that provided a major source of enjoyment and education to others.
The Mayor advised that, in partnership with other organisations, the Council was working on an idea put forward by the author Ken Follett called 'One Book for Stevenage'. The aim was to encourage wider reading in the community for those aged 14 and over, and residents across the town would be encouraged to read a book and then take part in discussion forums, exhibitions, shows and competitions.
The Mayor hoped that the 'One Book for Stevenage' project would encourage more people to use some of the extensive learning resources in the town, such as libraries, the museum, the college, reading clubs and bookshops. The official launch of the project would take place on 15th April 2005, and all Members would be invited to attend.
The Mayor concluded by wishing Councillor Margaret Notley a very happy birthday.
At this point the Mayor advised that he had to leave the meeting due to a prior engagement.
Councillor B. Jackson (Deputy Mayor) took the Chair.
Decision:
Status: Noted
Business: The Chief Executive submitted a report detailing the results of the Roebuck Ward By-Election for Borough Councillor held on 9th December 2004, together with the percentage turnout figure.
Decision: It was RESOLVED that the results of the Roebuck Ward By-Election for Borough Councillor held on 9th December 2004, as detailed in the report, be noted.
Status: Noted
Business: As the Council's Budget for 2005/06 was to be considered at the meeting, on this occasion there was no Main Debate item (see Item 12).
Decision:
Status: Noted
Business: There were none received.
Decision:
Status: Noted
Business: There were none received.
Decision:
Status: Noted
Business: The Leader of the Council and appropriate Members of the Executive updated the Council in respect of the Customer Service Centre and Harrow Court. The Council expressed its appreciation for the professionalism showed by all staff in dealing with the aftermath of the Harrow Court fire.
In accordance with Standing Order 11(c), the Leader of the Opposition raised the matter of the recent spate of arson attacks on Council buildings, asking about the costs incurred and the measures to be taken to prevent any further attacks.
The appropriate Executive Members responded by commenting that all of the affected buildings were insured, but that the Council was required to pay a £50,000 excess on each claim. A reward had been offered for information leading to the conviction of the perpetrators, and temporary patrols had been arranged to visit vulnerable buildings at week-ends and during school holidays. The incorporation of CCTV and other preventative measures, such as anti-vandal fencing, into designs for all new buildings was also being investigated.
Decision:
Status: Noted
Business: There were none received.
Decision:
Status: Noted
Business: There were none received.
Decision:
Status: Agreed
Business: The Council considered a report and resolution from the meeting of the Executive held on 16th February 2005, in respect of the General Fund Budget, Revenue and Leasing Forward Plan and Capital Programme 2005/06.
At this juncture, it was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that Standing Order 18(c)(iii), concerning the time allowed for Members to speak, be waived for this item.
The Leader of the Council delivered his budget speech for 2005/06. As part of his speech, he referred to the previous year's special initiatives and gave an update on their success.
The Leader then drew attention to a series of Capital and Revenue Initiatives which he proposed for inclusion in the 2005/06 Capital Programme and General Fund Revenue Budget.
These special initiatives were as detailed in his budget speech, a copy of which was circulated to all Members of the Council, together with a revised Capital Programme and revised formal Council Tax resolution.
The Assistant Chief Executive (Finance), in his role as Chief Financial Officer, confirmed that he remained satisfied with the robustness of the 2005/06 Budget Estimates and adequacy of reserves.
Decision: Following further debate, it was RESOLVED:
(A) GENERAL FUND BUDGET & CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2005/06
(i) That the Budget summarised at Appendix A to the report, as amended by the addition for the Revenue Initiatives outlined in the Leader's Budget Speech, be the Council's General Fund Budget 2005/06.
(ii) That the proposed General Fund Budget for 2005/06 of £12,350,220, use of balances of £1,510,578 and a Band D Council Tax of £166.22, as reflected in the Council Tax Resolution circulated with the Leader's Budget Speech as a revised Appendix F to the report, be approved.
(iii) That a General Fund Revenue Account Contingency Sum in the Budget and Policy Framework for 2005/06 of £500,000 be approved.
(iv) That the 2005/06 Capital Programme, as amended by the addition of the Capital Initiatives outlined by the Leader and as reflected in the revised Appendix E to the report circulated with his Budget Speech, be the Council's 2005/06 Capital Programme.
(v) That a Capital Programme Contingency Sum in the Budget and Policy Framework for 2005/06 of £2,000,000 be approved.
(vi) That the advice of the Assistant Chief Executive (Finance) on the robustness of the draft budget and the adequacy of reserves, as detailed at Appendix D to the report, be noted.
(B) FORMAL COUNCIL TAX RESOLUTION
1. That the following be approved:
a. the probable revenue estimates for the year 2004/05 amounting to £11,691,710 and the revenue estimates for 2005/06 amounting to £12,350,220;
b. the contribution from balances of £1,247,478 in 2004/05;
c. the contribution from balances totalling £1,510,578 in 2005/06.
2. That it be noted that at its meeting on 26th January 2005 the Executive calculated the amount of 27,314.21 Band D equivalent properties as its council tax base for the year 2005/06 in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992 made under Section 33(5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
3. That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2005/06 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:
a. £10,839,642
Being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(2)(a) to (e) of the Act, less the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(3)(a) to (c)
b. £6,236,728
Being the aggregate of the sums which the Council estimates will be payable for the year into its general fund in respect of redistributed non-domestic rates and revenue support grant
c. £62,746
Being the utilisation of the Council's share of the estimated surplus totalling £458,000 as calculated in accordance with Section 97(3) and Section 98(4) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988
d. £166.22
Being the amount at 3a. above less the amounts at 3b. and 3c. above, all divided by the amount at 2. above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 33(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its council tax for the year
e. Valuation Bands
A £ 110.81
B £ 129.28
C £ 147.75
D £ 166.22
E £ 203.16
F £ 240.10
G £ 277.03
H £ 332.44
Being the amounts given by multiplying the amount at 3d. above by the number which, in the proportion set out in Section 5(1) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands.
4.a. That it be noted that for the year 2005/06 Hertfordshire County Council have stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of the dwellings shown below:
Valuation Bands
A £ 625.65
B £ 729.92
C £ 834.20
D £ 938.47
E £1,147.02
F £1,355.57
G £1,564.12
H £1,876.94
b. That it be noted that for the year 2005/06 Hertfordshire Police Authority have stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and amended by Section 27 of the Police and Magistrates' Court Act 1994, for each of the categories of the dwellings shown below:
Valuation Bands
A £ 78.73
B £ 91.85
C £ 104.97
D £ 118.09
E £ 144.33
F £ 170.57
G £ 196.82
H £ 236.18
5. That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at 3e. and 4a. and b. above, the Council in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts for council tax for the year 2005/06 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:
Valuation Bands
A £ 815.19
B £ 951.05
C £1,086.92
D £1,222.78
E £1,494.51
F £1,766.24
G £2,037.97
H £2,445.56
Status: Agreed
Business: The Chief Executive submitted a report detailing a request made at the meeting of the Chells Area Committee held on 1st December 2005 for a change in name of the Area Committee.
Decision: Upon being moved and seconded, it was RESOLVED that the name of the Chells Area Committee be changed to the Chells and Manor Area Committee.
Status: Agreed
Business: The Council considered a report and recommendations from the meeting of the Licensing and General Purposes Committee held on 17th January 2005, regarding the Licensing Act 2003: Committee Structure.
Decision: It was RESOLVED:
(1) That a Licensing Committee of 13 Members be established, as required by the Licensing Act 2003, comprising the same membership and with the same Chair and Vice-Chair as the Licensing and General Purposes Committee.
(2) That the terms of reference for the Licensing Committee, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, be agreed.
(3) That a General Purposes Committee be established to deal with all other licensing and associated issues, comprising the same membership and with the same Chair and Vice-Chair as the Licensing Committee.
(4) That the terms of reference for the General Purposes Committee, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, be agreed.
(5) That, as a consequence of (1) - (4) above, the existing Licensing and General Purposes Committee be disbanded.
Status: Agreed
Business: The Council considered a report and recommendation from the meeting of the Executive held on 26th January 2005, regarding Indemnities for Members and officers.
Decision: It was RESOLVED that the terms of Indemnity set out in the Appendix to the report be adopted and, to the extent that the adoption is not Executive business, the terms of Indemnity be adopted by Council.
Status: Agreed
Business: The Council considered a report and recommendations from the meeting of the Executive held on 16th February 2005, regarding a Local Development Scheme 2005.
Decision: It was RESOLVED:
(1) That the Local Development Scheme for Stevenage 2005 be approved.
(2) That the Head of Development and Planning be given delegated authority to make such minor changes to the Scheme to ensure that it is compliant with Government requirements, following advice from GO-East.
(3) That officers be authorised to prepare Local Development Documents in accordance with the Local Development Scheme for Stevenage 2005, subject to the availability of resources.
(4) That officers be authorised to keep the Local Development Scheme for Stevenage under review and to bring such updates and revisions as prove necessary to the Executive for approval at appropriate times.
Status: Agreed
Business: The Council considered a report and recommendations from the meeting of the Executive held on 16th February 2005, regarding the Housing Strategy 2005/06.
Decision: It was RESOLVED:
(1) That the Council's Housing Strategy and Action Plan be approved for submission to the Government Office (GO) East.
(2) That amendments to this document be delegated to the Executive Councillor (Housing), in consultation with the Director of Community Services.
Status: Agreed
Business: The Council considered a report and recommendations from the meeting of the Executive held on 16th February 2005, regarding the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan.
Decision: It was RESOLVED:
(1) That the 2 year Housing Revenue Account Business Plan be approved for submission to GO-East.
(2) That amendments to this document be delegated to the Executive Councillor (Housing), in consultation with the Director of Community Services.
Status: Agreed
Business: The Council considered a report and recommendations from the meeting of the Executive held on 16th February 2005, regarding the Prudential Code Indicators and Treasury Management Strategy.
Decision: It was RESOLVED:
(1) That the Prudential Code Indicators, as detailed in Appendix A to the report, be adopted.
(2) That the 2005/06 Treasury Management Strategy, as detailed in the report, be adopted.
Status: Agreed
Business: The Chief Executive submitted a report detailing a proposed Members' Allowances Scheme to run from 1st April 2005 to 31st March 2006.
The Chief Executive drew attention to two errors in the Scheme appended to the report, namely that the Chair of the Planning and Development Committee was entitled to a Scale II (and not Scale III) Special Responsibility Allowance, and the reference to Chairs of Joint Local Committees should be Chairs of Area Committees.
Decision: It was RESOLVED that, subject to the amendments outlined above, the proposed Members' Allowances Scheme to run from 1st April 2005 - 31st March 2006, as detailed in Appendix A to the report, be approved.
Status: Agreed
Business:
Decision: It was RESOLVED that, as no further meetings of this body were scheduled to be convened, the Minutes of the meeting of the Special Appointments Committee held on 2nd February 2005, having been circulated, be confirmed as a correct record.
Status: Agreed
Business:
Decision: It was RESOLVED that under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in Paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Act.
Status: Agreed
Business: The Director of Environmental Services submitted a late Part II report regarding Manulife House. The Deputy Mayor had accepted the report as a late item as the Executive had asked specifically for officers to report to Council on this matter.
Decision: It was RESOLVED that the recommendations contained in the report be approved.