Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Mayor referred to the recent news that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer.  She asked the Council to join her in sending King Charles and the Royal Family their best wishes for speedy recovery.  Hopefully he would be well enough to recommence his royal duties in the not too distant future.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors John Duncan, Mrs Joan Lloyd and Loraine Rossati.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Mayor referred to the recent news that King Charles III had been diagnosed with cancer.  She asked the Council to join her in sending King Charles and the Royal Family their best wishes for speedy recovery.  Hopefully he would be well enough to recommence his royal duties in the not too distant future.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors John Duncan, Mrs Joan Lloyd and Loraine Rossati.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 24 January 2024.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 24 January 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 24 January 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

To approve the Council’s Final General Fund Budget 2024/25 and Capital Strategy for 2023/24 to 2028/29, and final proposals for the 2024/25 Council Tax and Council Tax Support Scheme.

[Note: Approval of the Council Tax Resolution set out in Appendix F to the General Fund report is subject to confirmation of the precept figures for Hertfordshire County Council, which will not be confirmed until after the County Council has met to determine this on 13 February 2024.]

Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of the Council, introduced the proposed 2024/2025 General Fund Budget and Capital Strategy 2023/24 – 2028/29, together with final proposals for the 2024/25 Council Tax.

Prior to his introduction, Councillor Henry stated that this would be the final Council meeting attended by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Councillor Michael Downing and Councillor Graham Lawrence, all of whom he was aware would not be standing for election on 2 May 2024.  He thanked all three councillors for their contributions over the years, and paid tribute to Baroness Taylor’s tireless work and achievements as his predecessor as Leader of the Council for 16 years.  He then announced that Ian Gourlay (Senior Democratic Services Officer) was attending his last Council meeting prior to his retirement in May 2024.  He thanked Ian for the support he had given to all Members during his time with the Council.

Councillor Henry, in his introduction, referred to the following:

-      the royal visit of King Charles III to the Stevenage Coptic Church in December 2023;

-      the challenges and pressures facing the Council, both financial and in the cost of living;

-      the financial problems faced nationally by local authorities, some of whom had issued Section 114 (bankruptcy) notices;

-      the National Audit Office evidenced 64.5% reduction in the Council’s Core Spending Power since 2010/11;

-      the continuation of the Council’s plans to identify the means to improve its budgeted position by around £1Million of savings each year;

-      the scheme for a re-located Leisure Centre, incorporating wet and dry leisure facilities;

-      the continuation of the Council’s innovative Housing Development Programme;

-      support for the investment in the ever-growing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) industries in the Borough, through the groundbreaking Mission 44 initiative, which aimed to support local young people to access career opportunities in these industries.  To help facilitate this ambition, the Stevenage Works Skills Framework had recently been approved by the Executive;

-      the Arts and Culture activities, including the completion of three murals in underpasses, working in conjunction with partners.  A further 22 underpasses were targeted for improvement with 4 lined up for the summer of 2024;

-      again working with partners and local residents and schools, anti-graffiti projects relating to art works on electrical cabinets throughout the town; and

-      a commitment to retaining a theatre in Stevenage.

Councillor Jeannette Thomas, Deputy Leader of the Council, then moved the motion, including the recommendations regarding the General Fund Budget 2024/25 and Capital Strategy 2023/24 – 2028/29 and the formal Council Tax Resolution, which had been circulated to Members.

Councillor Thomas highlighted the following points:

-      despite the £1.2Million deficit that was fixed for 2024/25, she was pleased to be able to present a balanced budget, without the need to use balances;

-      this had been achieved in part through the Transformation Programme, which had realised cost savings of £331,000 and also through the Co-operative Commercial & Insourcing Strategy, which had identified income options to secure the Council an additional  ...  view the full decision text for item 3.

Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of the Council, introduced the proposed 2024/2025 General Fund Budget and Capital Strategy 2023/24 – 2028/29, together with final proposals for the 2024/25 Council Tax.

Prior to his introduction, Councillor Henry stated that this would be the final Council meeting attended by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Councillor Michael Downing and Councillor Graham Lawrence, all of whom he was aware would not be standing for election on 2 May 2024.  He thanked all three councillors for their contributions over the years, and paid tribute to Baroness Taylor’s tireless work and achievements as his predecessor as Leader of the Council for 16 years.  He then announced that Ian Gourlay (Senior Democratic Services Officer) was attending his last Council meeting prior to his retirement in May 2024.  He thanked Ian for the support he had given to all Members during his time with the Council.

Councillor Henry, in his introduction, referred to the following:

-      the royal visit of King Charles III to the Stevenage Coptic Church in December 2023;

-      the challenges and pressures facing the Council, both financial and in the cost of living;

-      the financial problems faced nationally by local authorities, some of whom had issued Section 114 (bankruptcy) notices;

-      the National Audit Office evidenced 64.5% reduction in the Council’s Core Spending Power since 2010/11;

-      the continuation of the Council’s plans to identify the means to improve its budgeted position by around £1Million of savings each year;

-      the scheme for a re-located Leisure Centre, incorporating wet and dry leisure facilities;

-      the continuation of the Council’s innovative Housing Development Programme;

-      support for the investment in the ever-growing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) industries in the Borough, through the groundbreaking Mission 44 initiative, which aimed to support local young people to access career opportunities in these industries.  To help facilitate this ambition, the Stevenage Works Skills Framework had recently been approved by the Executive;

-      the Arts and Culture activities, including the completion of three murals in underpasses, working in conjunction with partners.  A further 22 underpasses were targeted for improvement with 4 lined up for the summer of 2024;

-      again working with partners and local residents and schools, anti-graffiti projects relating to art works on electrical cabinets throughout the town; and

-      a commitment to retaining a theatre in Stevenage.

Councillor Jeannette Thomas, Deputy Leader of the Council, then moved the motion, including the recommendations regarding the General Fund Budget 2024/25 and Capital Strategy 2023/24 – 2028/29 and the formal Council Tax Resolution, which had been circulated to Members.

Councillor Thomas highlighted the following points:

-      despite the £1.2Million deficit that was fixed for 2024/25, she was pleased to be able to present a balanced budget, without the need to use balances;

-      this had been achieved in part through the Transformation Programme, which had realised cost savings of £331,000 and also through the Co-operative Commercial & Insourcing Strategy, which had identified income options to secure the Council an additional  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To approve the Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25, including the Prudential Code indicators.

The Council considered a report in respect of the Annual Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25, including its Annual Investment Strategy, Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy following consideration by the Audit Committee and Executive.

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that the Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25 be approved.

The Council considered a report in respect of the Annual Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25, including its Annual Investment Strategy, Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy following consideration by the Audit Committee and Executive.

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that the Treasury Management Strategy 2024/25 be approved.

To consider a resolution to extend the 6 month attendance rule for Councillor Mrs Joan Lloyd, in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Council considered a report in accordance with Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, to extend Councillor Mrs Joan Lloyd’s non-attendance at meetings of the Council until 2 May 2024 (the date of the Borough Council Elections).

The Chief Executive commented that he was sure that officers and Members would wish to send Councillor Mrs Joan Lloyd their best wishes.

It was moved by Councillor Richard Henry, and seconded by Councillor Jeannette Thomas, that the recommendation in the report be approved.

Councillor Henry advised that there would be an opportunity for Members to pay tribute to Councillor Mrs Lloyd at the Annual Council meeting in May 2024.

Upon the motion being out to the vote, it was RESOLVED that in accordance with Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, Councillor Mrs Joan Lloyd’s non-attendance at meetings of the Council until 2 May 2024 (the date of the Borough Council Elections) on the grounds of ill health be approved.

The Council considered a report in accordance with Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, to extend Councillor Mrs Joan Lloyd’s non-attendance at meetings of the Council until 2 May 2024 (the date of the Borough Council Elections).

The Chief Executive commented that he was sure that officers and Members would wish to send Councillor Mrs Joan Lloyd their best wishes.

It was moved by Councillor Richard Henry, and seconded by Councillor Jeannette Thomas, that the recommendation in the report be approved.

Councillor Henry advised that there would be an opportunity for Members to pay tribute to Councillor Mrs Lloyd at the Annual Council meeting in May 2024.

Upon the motion being out to the vote, it was RESOLVED that in accordance with Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, Councillor Mrs Joan Lloyd’s non-attendance at meetings of the Council until 2 May 2024 (the date of the Borough Council Elections) on the grounds of ill health be approved.

To consider and approve the Stevenage Borough Council Corporate Plan – Making Stevenage Even Better (2024 – 2027).

The Council considered a report which sought approval of the Stevenage Borough Council Corporate Plan - Making Stevenage Even Better (2024-2027).

It was moved by Councillor Richard Henry, and seconded by Councillor Simon Speller, that the recommendation in the report be approved.

In moving the motion, Councillor Henry stated that the ‘Making Stevenage Even Better’ Corporate Plan outlined the Council’s direction of travel for the next 3 years.  It was informed by what residents had told the Council mattered to them, obtained through surveys conducted since 2021, and in which over 3,000 residents took part.  The findings represented a strong local evidence base for change, and indicated a desire by residents to prioritise:

·         Climate change and utilisation of green spaces;

·         Provision and investment in good local services;

·         Diversity of retail and investment in town centre and leisure facilities;

·         Maintenance and appeal of local areas; and

·         Community safety and prevention of crime.

Councillor Henry advised that the Council had listened to these views, and for the purposes of clarity and to provide a clear framework by which existing partnership commitments and programmes could be reflected, had categorised these areas into 5 strategic priorities and 3 cross cutting themes within the Corporate Plan, as follows:

Strategic Priorities

1.          Transforming Our Town

2.          More Social, Affordable and Good Quality Homes

3.          Thriving Neighbourhoods

4.          Tackling Climate Change

5.          Balancing the Budget

Cross-cutting Themes

1.          Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

2.          Health & Wellbeing

3.          Technology & Innovation

Councillor Henry referred to the formal public consultation carried out on the Corporate Plan in October 2023, and was pleased to report that the outcome showed a good level of support, with 69% of respondents indicating that the priorities were representative of what mattered to them.  To build on the feedback obtained and to ensure the Council promoted its activities within the Plan, he was keen that the next 4 months were used to actively promote and communicate the plans, with accessible, compelling communications packages developed for each area of work.

Councillor Henry explained that Members would be working with officers to develop a robust performance framework for monitoring and transparency purposes.  He added that over the next three years there would be difficult financial decisions, in order to balance the budget.  However, effective communication, robust performance monitoring and a commitment to the outcomes and actions set out in the Corporate Plan would provide a solid direction of travel, which would aim to make Stevenage and even better place to live, work and visit.

Following debate, and upon the motion being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED that new Stevenage Borough Council Corporate Plan – Making Stevenage Even Better (2024-2027) be approved.

The Council considered a report which sought approval of the Stevenage Borough Council Corporate Plan - Making Stevenage Even Better (2024-2027).

It was moved by Councillor Richard Henry, and seconded by Councillor Simon Speller, that the recommendation in the report be approved.

In moving the motion, Councillor Henry stated that the ‘Making Stevenage Even Better’ Corporate Plan outlined the Council’s direction of travel for the next 3 years.  It was informed by what residents had told the Council mattered to them, obtained through surveys conducted since 2021, and in which over 3,000 residents took part.  The findings represented a strong local evidence base for change, and indicated a desire by residents to prioritise:

·         Climate change and utilisation of green spaces;

·         Provision and investment in good local services;

·         Diversity of retail and investment in town centre and leisure facilities;

·         Maintenance and appeal of local areas; and

·         Community safety and prevention of crime.

Councillor Henry advised that the Council had listened to these views, and for the purposes of clarity and to provide a clear framework by which existing partnership commitments and programmes could be reflected, had categorised these areas into 5 strategic priorities and 3 cross cutting themes within the Corporate Plan, as follows:

Strategic Priorities

1.          Transforming Our Town

2.          More Social, Affordable and Good Quality Homes

3.          Thriving Neighbourhoods

4.          Tackling Climate Change

5.          Balancing the Budget

Cross-cutting Themes

1.          Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

2.          Health & Wellbeing

3.          Technology & Innovation

Councillor Henry referred to the formal public consultation carried out on the Corporate Plan in October 2023, and was pleased to report that the outcome showed a good level of support, with 69% of respondents indicating that the priorities were representative of what mattered to them.  To build on the feedback obtained and to ensure the Council promoted its activities within the Plan, he was keen that the next 4 months were used to actively promote and communicate the plans, with accessible, compelling communications packages developed for each area of work.

Councillor Henry explained that Members would be working with officers to develop a robust performance framework for monitoring and transparency purposes.  He added that over the next three years there would be difficult financial decisions, in order to balance the budget.  However, effective communication, robust performance monitoring and a commitment to the outcomes and actions set out in the Corporate Plan would provide a solid direction of travel, which would aim to make Stevenage and even better place to live, work and visit.

Following debate, and upon the motion being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED that new Stevenage Borough Council Corporate Plan – Making Stevenage Even Better (2024-2027) be approved.

To consider and approve the scale of fees for electoral events from 1 April 2024.

The Council considered a report which sought approval to a scale of fees for electoral events from 1 April 2024.

The Chief Executive stated that, as Recommendation 2.5 in the report referred to the Returning Officer’s fee, he would be withdrawing from the meeting for the remainder of this item.  Accordingly, he withdrew from the meeting.

It was moved by Councillor Richard Henry, and seconded by Councillor Sandra Barr, that the recommendations in the report be approved.

In moving the report, Councillor Henry drew attention to the point that, whilst Government guidance concerning the scale of fees for staff supporting elections remained in draft form, the Department for Levelling Up Communities and Housing (otherwise known as DLUCH) had indicated that it would be applicable across Great Britain for all national polls from 2 May 2024 onwards, when the Police and Crime Commissioner elections would be held, which would be combined with the Borough Council all-out local elections.  Therefore, this was the last opportunity for the scale of electoral fees to be considered by Council ahead of those elections taking place.  He was sure that the shared desire across the Chamber would be for the Returning Officer to be able to employ the best possible team to run the elections whilst also meeting his statutory obligations.

In reply to a Member’s question on the report, it was confirmed that Polling Station Inspectors were three senior officers who visited polling stations throughout the day on election days to check on the welfare of staff and to ensure that each station was set out correctly in accordance with legislation and guidance.

Upon the motion being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED:

1.          That the scale of fees for electoral events from 1 April 2024, as outlined in Appendix A to the report, be approved.

2.          That the Chief Executive (as appointed Returning Officer) keeps the fees for electoral staff under review and be delegated authority to amend any of those fees following revised national guidance issued by Central Government.

3.          That the Chief Executive be delegated authority to create additional roles for electoral events with attributable fees, as required.

4.          That the Chief Executive be delegated authority to uplift any electoral staff fees as appropriate due to market forces or other factors (such as difficulty in recruiting staff).

5.          That the Returning Officer’s fee be uplifted each year following agreement of the JNC pay award for Chief Executives.

In closing the meeting, the Mayor announced that this would the last Council meeting that she would be chairing throughout.  She thanked everyone for their contributions to the meeting and throughout her time as Mayor.

The Council considered a report which sought approval to a scale of fees for electoral events from 1 April 2024.

The Chief Executive stated that, as Recommendation 2.5 in the report referred to the Returning Officer’s fee, he would be withdrawing from the meeting for the remainder of this item.  Accordingly, he withdrew from the meeting.

It was moved by Councillor Richard Henry, and seconded by Councillor Sandra Barr, that the recommendations in the report be approved.

In moving the report, Councillor Henry drew attention to the point that, whilst Government guidance concerning the scale of fees for staff supporting elections remained in draft form, the Department for Levelling Up Communities and Housing (otherwise known as DLUCH) had indicated that it would be applicable across Great Britain for all national polls from 2 May 2024 onwards, when the Police and Crime Commissioner elections would be held, which would be combined with the Borough Council all-out local elections.  Therefore, this was the last opportunity for the scale of electoral fees to be considered by Council ahead of those elections taking place.  He was sure that the shared desire across the Chamber would be for the Returning Officer to be able to employ the best possible team to run the elections whilst also meeting his statutory obligations.

In reply to a Member’s question on the report, it was confirmed that Polling Station Inspectors were three senior officers who visited polling stations throughout the day on election days to check on the welfare of staff and to ensure that each station was set out correctly in accordance with legislation and guidance.

Upon the motion being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED:

1.          That the scale of fees for electoral events from 1 April 2024, as outlined in Appendix A to the report, be approved.

2.          That the Chief Executive (as appointed Returning Officer) keeps the fees for electoral staff under review and be delegated authority to amend any of those fees following revised national guidance issued by Central Government.

3.          That the Chief Executive be delegated authority to create additional roles for electoral events with attributable fees, as required.

4.          That the Chief Executive be delegated authority to uplift any electoral staff fees as appropriate due to market forces or other factors (such as difficulty in recruiting staff).

5.          That the Returning Officer’s fee be uplifted each year following agreement of the JNC pay award for Chief Executives.

In closing the meeting, the Mayor announced that this would the last Council meeting that she would be chairing throughout.  She thanked everyone for their contributions to the meeting and throughout her time as Mayor.