Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Leanne Brady, Peter Clark, Coleen De Freitas, Andy McGuinness and Graham Spencer.

Councillors Tom Wren and Robin Parker CC declared interests in Item 14 – Civil Penalties Policy and Item 15 – Renters Rights Act 2025 as residential landlords in Stevenage.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Annual meeting of the Council held on 21 May 2026.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Annual Council Meeting on 21 May 2026 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor subject to the inclusion of Councillor Peter Wilkins in the list of apologies for the meeting.

To receive any communications that the Mayor may wish to put before the Council.

The Mayor reported that, during his first nine weeks in office, he had attended 36 civic engagements across Stevenage and the wider community.

These included commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Armed Forces Day commemorations, the opening of community facilities, and visits to local fairs and volunteer organisations.

The Mayor highlighted his appointment as President of the Stevenage District Scout Association and also referred to engagements alongside civic dignitaries, including the High Sheriff, Lord-Lieutenant and fellow Mayors, as well as celebrations marking significant milestones for local residents.

The Mayor concluded by highlighting the success of Stevenage Day, attended by an estimated 30,000 people, and thanked all those involved in supporting the town’s civic and community activities.

None received.

There were no community presentations.

None received.

There were no petitions or deputations.

None received.

The Youth Mayor, Tyra Karira gave an update on events she had attended since the Annual Meeting.

Tyra reported on a positive and active start to her term in office, having participated in a range of civic and community events.  These included representing Stevenage at the Town Twinning event, chairing the Youth Advisory Board and engaging with board members on ways to improve opportunities for young people, volunteering with residents at Silkin Court, and attending Stevenage Day.  The Youth Mayor also highlighted attendance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed alongside members of the Youth Advisory Board and local college students, with the visit funded by Mission 44.

Tyra advised that along with the Deputy Youth Mayor, she had approved a grant of £150 to Friends of SADA to support the production of a Christmas song aimed at raising awareness and funds.  

Tyra expressed her commitment to continuing to attend community events, and engage with young people to ensure that young people's voices were heard.

Question from Daryl Osborne – Secretary, Bus Users Group Stevenage (BUGS)

With reference to the Environment and Economy Select Committee report entitled ‘ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMY SELECT COMMITTEE: FINAL REPORT - REVIEW OF BUS SERVICES’ dated 06/02/24, and the recommendations contained therein, what progress has been made in relation to each individual recommendation set out within that report?

Question from Jack Downie-Webb

The latest data from the CPRE reveals that there are currently 273 long-term empty homes sitting unused within Stevenage.  Stevenage Borough Council frequently justifies the ongoing development and loss of our town’s green spaces, such as those in and around Symonds Green, by citing housing need. However, other local authorities, including councils like Mid Suffolk and Lewes District Council, are successfully using their legal powers to tackle this issue without further loss of green space.  They’re implementing Council Tax premiums, using Empty Dwelling Management Orders, and pursuing targeted Compulsory Purchase Orders to bring wasted properties back onto the market.

While these tactics are already described in Stevenage Borough Council’s own Empty Homes Strategy, the fact that 273 properties remain unused suggests these powers are not being used to their full effect. 

Will the council commit to prioritising bringing these empty homes back into use, which it already has powers to do, before approving further loss of our green spaces?

The Council noted that a response to the question submitted by Daryl Osborn regarding the Scrutiny Review of Bus Services had been published in the supplementary agenda for the meeting.

Daryl Osborne was present at the meeting and asked the following supplementary question:

‘Given that Stevenage's 80th Anniversary Heritage Bus Running Day is planned for 15 November, and funding is currently being sought, would Councillor Broom encourage his fellow councillors to consider allocating part of their LCB funding to support the event, helping heritage buses reach as many areas of the town as possible?’

In response, Councillor Broom confirmed his support for the proposal, stating that he was keen to see events held to celebrate Stevenage's 80th anniversary. He advised that he would be willing to allocate a portion of his Local Community Budget funding towards the Heritage Bus Running Day and encouraged other councillors to consider making similar contributions to support the event.

The Council then noted that a response to the question submitted by Jack Downie-Webb regarding empty homes had been published in the supplementary agenda for the meeting.

Jack Downie-Webb was present at the meeting and asked the following supplementary question:

‘How many Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) and Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) have been successfully executed against long-term empty properties in the Borough over the previous five years and to what extent had these powers been used to bring vacant homes back into use?

In response, Councillor Broom advised that he had previously outlined the Council’s enforcement powers and provided information on local activity relating to empty homes.  He stated that a balance struck between addressing housing pressures, using available enforcement powers where appropriate, and maintaining a development approach that protected green space.  He considered that the issues raised had largely been addressed in earlier responses, although he gave a commitment to provide additional detail regarding enforcement activity.

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, the Leader of the Opposition shall be given the opportunity to raise one matter relevant to the Borough that has arisen since the last meeting of the Council.  The Leader of the Council shall then have the opportunity to advise the Council of matters relevant to the Borough that have arisen since the last meeting.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Liam Morrell-Phillips began by thanking the residents of Stevenage for the trust they had placed in his Group at the May Elections.  He also expressed appreciation to Council officers for the support and induction provided to the newly elected councillors, which had helped them quickly develop an understanding of Council business and their responsibilities.  He advised that the group was committed to learning about the issues facing the town and looked forward to working constructively with councillors from all parties to serve the residents of Stevenage.

Councillor Liam Morrell-Phillips then asked the following question:

Would the Leader of the Council commit to ensuring that the Local Government Reorganisation process was subject to full cross-party scrutiny.  Councillor Morrell-Phillips stressed the importance of safeguarding Stevenage’s identity, services and interests throughout the transition and ensuring that the needs of Stevenage residents remained a key consideration in any future reorganisation arrangements.

The Leader of the Council responded and agreed that securing the best outcomes for the residents of Stevenage and Hertfordshire was of paramount importance.  The Leader advised that he worked closely with the Leaders of all Hertfordshire councils, together with Chief Executives and the Police and Crime Commissioner, through the Hertfordshire Leaders Group, which had reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative working in the interests of residents across the county.

The Leader also highlighted the extensive programme of information, engagement and training provided to Members and staff on Local Government Reorganisation over the preceding 18 months, with opportunities for all Members to contribute.  The Leader confirmed that he would continue to engage with all Members on the developing arrangements, including future governance structures and preparations for a shadow authority, and he welcomed input from across the Council as the reorganisation progressed.

The Council then received updates from the relevant Cabinet Portfolio Holders on the following matters:

·         New Homes Update

·         Youth Team Enjoy VIP STEM Inspiration Day at Silverstone with Mission 44

·         Launch of We WILL Build it Better project, as part of the Pioneering Young STEM Futures programme

·         Stevenage 80

·         Playzone

·         Veterans Hub (VALOUR Programme) – Progress Update

·         Care experience added as protected characteristic

·         Food Waste Collections

·         Local Government Reorganisation

To receive updates from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the recent activities of those Committees.

Councillor Ellie Plater, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee gave an update on the work of the Committee.  At its meeting on 15 June 2026, Members had considered a range of reports, including those relating to Pavement Licensing, Civil Penalties, Enforcement under the Renters’ Rights Act, the Local Plan Partial Update, the Community Infrastructure Levy, Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), and Contract and Land Development matters.  Members had noted the Council’s robust approach to housing enforcement, including the ring-fencing of income from civil penalties for private sector housing enforcement activity.  The Committee also received assurances that the current Local Plan would remain in force until its end date and sought clarification regarding proposed governance arrangements associated with LGR.

At its meeting on 21 July 2026, the Committee considered reports including the St Nicholas Pride in Place programme, the Quarter 4 Outturn Monitoring Report, the Corporate Performance reports, the Draft Tenancy Strategy 2026-2031, Sports and Leisure services, and a Contract Award for Repairs and voids materials.  Members focused particularly on the composition of the St Nicholas Pride in Place Board, measures being taken to address ongoing challenges with housing voids through improved tenant engagement and tenancy audits, and proposals within the Draft Tenancy Strategy to strengthen tenant engagement and involvement.

Councillor Jim Brown gave an update on the work of the Community Select Committee.  He advised that the Committee had agreed its 2026/27 work programme including policy development of the Tenancy Strategy and Housing Strategy, a major review of support for young people, an annual review of the Housing Allocations Policy, updates on housing damp and mould, preparation for Local Government Reorganisation, the Statutory Crime and Disorder Committee, and a standing Public Health item.

The Committee also considered the scoping document for its review of support for young people.  Members agreed that the review should focus broadly on young people aged 14 to 25 and include consideration of education, training, employment, young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), looked-after children and care leavers. Members further agreed that the review should adopt a partnership approach involving schools, health services and other key organisations, with a particular emphasis on mental health, access to support services, neurodiversity, family support and the impact of these issues on educational outcomes and wellbeing.

In the absence of the Chair, Councillor Leanne Brady, Councillor Ellie Plater gave an update on the work of the Community Select Committee.

The Committee approved a work programme including reviews of fly-tipping, cycling, skills and employment, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.  Members also agreed the scope of the fly-tipping review, which would examine enforcement activity, deterrents and penalties, the use of CCTV and signage, reporting arrangements, performance measures, hotspot locations, and access to waste disposal facilities.

The Committee also reviewed its Action Tracker and requested future updates on waste and recycling in flat blocks, the impact of the new college campus on skills provision and the local economy, and the effect of the cost-of-living crisis.  Members agreed to defer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To consider the Annual Scrutiny Report 2025/26.

Councillor Ellie Plater Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, moved that the Annual Scrutiny Report for 2025/26 be noted.

In moving the report, Councillor Plater advised that it reflected the significant volume of work undertaken by the three Scrutiny Committees during the 2025/26 municipal year.  She advised that the Committees had conducted a wide range of reviews and investigations, providing detailed scrutiny of Council services and matters affecting local residents.  She stressed that the scrutiny process added value through in-depth examination and constructive challenge, which supported informed decision-making.  The Chair further commented that the report demonstrated the importance placed on scrutiny by Stevenage Borough Council and highlighted the strong cross-party commitment to the scrutiny function.

Councillor Brown in seconding the report confirmed that the scrutiny reviews undertaken during the year by all three committees had covered a wide range of significant and diverse topics, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the scrutiny function in examining issues of importance to the Council and local residents.

The Leader, Councillor Richard Henry acknowledged the crucial work of the Scrutiny Committees supported by the Scrutiny Officer in holding the Cabinet to account across the ambitious work agenda of the Council.  He thanked the current Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees for their work.

It was RESOLVED that the work undertaken by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Select Committees during 2025/26, as set out in the report, be noted.

In accordance with Standing Orders, the following motions have been received for consideration:

(1)          Expanding Apprenticeship Opportunities in Stevenage

To be moved by Councillor Tom Plater

This Council notes that:

1.    Apprenticeships provide a vital pathway into skilled employment for people of all ages, including young people entering the labour market, adults seeking to retrain or progress in their careers, and residents looking to develop new skills.

2.    The Government has placed skills, training and employment at the heart of its mission to grow the economy and break down barriers to opportunity.

3.    Recent apprenticeship reforms include measures to increase flexibility for employers and learners, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, expand opportunities for young people, introduce Foundation Apprenticeships, and reform the Apprenticeship Levy into a Growth and Skills Levy to better meet local labour market needs.

4.    Stevenage has a proud history as a centre for innovation, advanced manufacturing, engineering, life sciences and technology, with major employers including Airbus, MBDA, Autolus and GSK, alongside a growing business community requiring a skilled local workforce.

5.    This Council has already recognised the success of Stevenage Works in bringing together employers, education providers and public agencies to deliver employment, skills and social value outcomes for local residents.

6.    Strong partnerships between local authorities, employers, colleges, training providers and Government are essential if local people are to benefit fully from apprenticeship reforms and wider economic growth.

7.    Despite progress, barriers remain for residents seeking apprenticeships, including awareness of opportunities, travel costs, confidence, access to networks, caring responsibilities and competition for placements.

This Council believes that:

1.    Every resident in Stevenage should have access to high-quality education, training, apprenticeships or employment opportunities at every stage of life.

2.    Apprenticeships should be accessible to people from all backgrounds and at all ages, supporting social mobility, lifelong learning and inclusive economic growth.

3.    Stevenage Borough Council has an important leadership role in convening partners and ensuring that regeneration and inward investment create opportunities for local people throughout their working lives.

4.    The Government’s reforms provide a significant opportunity to increase apprenticeship participation, address local skills shortages and ensure businesses can access the workforce they need.

5.    Existing partnerships, including Stevenage Works, provide a strong foundation on which to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the town.

This Council resolves to:

1.    Work with key partners, including North Hertfordshire College, local schools, employers, training providers, the Hertfordshire skills system, Stevenage Works and business networks to maximise the opportunities arising from the Government’s apprenticeship reforms.

2.    Strengthen and promote partnership working across Stevenage to increase apprenticeship availability and encourage greater employer participation.

3.    Work with existing contractors, developers and partners to increase apprenticeship opportunities through procurement, Section 106 agreements, social value commitments and workforce planning, whilst ensuring that agreed apprenticeship, employment and skills commitments are effectively monitored and delivered.

4.    Support the promotion of apprenticeships through careers events, outreach activity and engagement with residents, particularly those who are not currently in education, employment or training, or who may benefit from retraining and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Expanding Apprenticeship Opportunities in Stevenage

Councillor Tom Plater moved the following motion:

This Council notes that:

1.  Apprenticeships provide a vital pathway into skilled employment for people of all ages, including young people entering the labour market, adults seeking to retrain or progress in their careers, and residents looking to develop new skills.

2.  The Government has placed skills, training and employment at the heart of its mission to grow the economy and break down barriers to opportunity.

3.  Recent apprenticeship reforms include measures to increase flexibility for employers and learners, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, expand opportunities for young people, introduce Foundation Apprenticeships, and reform the Apprenticeship Levy into a Growth and Skills Levy to better meet local labour market needs.

4.  Stevenage has a proud history as a centre for innovation, advanced manufacturing, engineering, life sciences and technology, with major employers including Airbus, MBDA, Autolus and GSK, alongside a growing business community requiring a skilled local workforce.

5.  This Council has already recognised the success of Stevenage Works in bringing together employers, education providers and public agencies to deliver employment, skills and social value outcomes for local residents.
 

6.  Strong partnerships between local authorities, employers, colleges, training providers and Government are essential if local people are to benefit fully from apprenticeship reforms and wider economic growth.

7.  Despite progress, barriers remain for residents seeking apprenticeships, including awareness of opportunities, travel costs, confidence, access to networks, caring responsibilities and competition for placements.

This Council believes that:

1.  Every resident in Stevenage should have access to high-quality education, training, apprenticeships or employment opportunities at every stage of life.

2.  Apprenticeships should be accessible to people from all backgrounds and at all ages, supporting social mobility, lifelong learning and inclusive economic growth.

3.  Stevenage Borough Council has an important leadership role in convening partners and ensuring that regeneration and inward investment create opportunities for local people throughout their working lives.

4.  The Government’s reforms provide a significant opportunity to increase apprenticeship participation, address local skills shortages and ensure businesses can access the workforce they need.

5.  Existing partnerships, including Stevenage Works, provide a strong foundation on which to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the town.

This Council resolves to:

1.  Work with key partners, including North Hertfordshire College, local schools, employers, training providers, the Hertfordshire skills system, Stevenage Works and business networks to maximise the opportunities arising from the Government’s apprenticeship reforms.

2.  Strengthen and promote partnership working across Stevenage to increase apprenticeship availability and encourage greater employer participation.

3.  Work with existing contractors, developers and partners to increase apprenticeship opportunities through procurement, Section 106 agreements, social value commitments and workforce planning, whilst ensuring that agreed apprenticeship, employment and skills commitments are effectively monitored and delivered.

4. Support the promotion of apprenticeships through careers events, outreach activity and engagement with residents, particularly those who are not currently in education, employment or training, or who may benefit from retraining and upskilling opportunities.

5. Work with local employers to identify barriers to apprenticeship recruitment and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

In accordance with Standing Orders, written answers to the following questions will be circulated on a supplementary agenda.

(A)Question from Councillor Peter Wilkins

With the introduction of food waste collection and the completion of phase 2 of the flat block recycling scheme in the Borough can the council advise what our current recycling rate is (expressed as a percentage of all waste recycled.)

(B)Question from Councillor Andy McGuinness

To date, what has been the impact of this year’s inclement weather on the Council’s planned schedule of environmental maintenance including weeding, grass cutting and hedge/tree pruning?

(C)Question from Councillor Phil Bibby

Would the Cabinet Member please advise how fuel inflation caused by the Iranian conflict is affecting the Council’s spending against budget

(D)Question from Councillor Robin Parker

There are many publicly accessible automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) at locations in Stevenage. Some are free standing, whilst others are attached to buildings. Many of these were provided by local Borough or County Councillors via SBC Local Community Budgets (LCBs) or HCC Locality Budgets (LBs).

Others are private and did not involve SBC or HCC.

I understand that the Neighbourhood Wardens check them regularly, which is excellent.

In the case of those provided by LCBs or LBs, what are the arrangements for funding:

-       repairs to them;

-       maintenance of them;

-       replacements of them;

…..if such actions become necessary?

(E)Question from Councillor Ashley-Wren

Since March 2023 when the council took over the management of the lakes 

sailing courses have remained inactive. 

Are there plans to reinstate this provision that provided residents, including many young people, with opportunities to experience activities that they may otherwise not be able to access.? 

(F)  Question from Councillor Clark

What actions did the Council take during recent periods of extreme heat to support council tenants, including older people, those with health conditions, and those at increased risk from heat-related illness?

(G)Question from Councillor Jaysica Marvell

Many residents rely on council services or receive financial support at different stages of their lives, whether through social housing, council tax support, or other benefits and assistance. While these services provide an essential safety net, they're not always intended to be a permanent solution. There may also be people who aspire to become more financially independent where circumstances allow.

What is Stevenage Borough Council doing, either directly or in partnership with other organisations, to support residents on that journey by improving access to employment, skills, training, financial advice, business support and opportunities that promote greater independence and social mobility?

(H)Question from Councillor Tom Wren

The recent announcement of £20m of Pride of Place funding is fantastic news for the St Nicholas neighbourhood. What plans does the council have to deliver much needed improvements in the other areas of the town?

The Council received eight questions from Members to Committee Chairs/Portfolio Holders. 

The responses to the eight questions had been published in the supplementary agenda for the meeting.

(A)      Question from Councillor Peter Wilkins re: Food Waste Collection

Supplementary question – Given that the Council’s recycling rate was currently around 37-38% and remained below many neighbouring authorities, would the Council consider setting a target to increase recycling to at least 42% within the next two years?"

The Portfolio Holder acknowledged that further work was required to improve communications and encourage greater participation in food waste recycling.  He advised that while early indications were encouraging, it was considered too soon to draw firm conclusions regarding longer-term trends but it was anticipated that participation rates would continue to increase gradually over time. Councillor Brown also made reference was also made to discussions held through the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership, where similar challenges were being experienced by other authorities.

(B)      Question from Councillor Andy McGuinness re: the planned schedule of environmental maintenance

Supplementary question – if there was additional capacity arising from reduced grass cutting, could this be used to undertake targeted weed clearance in high-footfall areas, such as neighbourhood centres, particularly where weeds had been sprayed but not subsequently removed?

The Portfolio Holder advised that the Council was continuing to invest in the maintenance of the public realm, including additional work on hedgerow management and environmental upkeep across the town.  He advised of a number of issues were currently affecting green spaces, including the impact of the prolonged dry weather, which had resulted in some trees shedding leaves prematurely and created additional maintenance requirements.  He acknowledged the points raised by Councillor McGuinness and confirmed that they would be taken into consideration as part of the Council’s ongoing management of the town’s green spaces and public realm.

(C)      Question from Councillor Phil Bibby re: fuel inflation

There was no supplementary question

(D)      Question from Councillor Robin Parker re: automatic external defibrillators (AEDs)

Supplementary question – could a small budget be established within the General Revenue Account from next April to fund the replacement of automatic external defibrillators and any necessary replacement parts across the town.

The Portfolio Holder advised that he would be willing to explore the provision of funding and the mechanism and source of funding but gave a commitment to investigate the options available and determine whether support could be provided.

(E)      Question from Councillor Julie Ashley-Wren re: Fairlands Valley Lakes

Supplementary question – Would the Council give consideration to reinstating the climbing wall at the Lakes

The Portfolio Holder explained that the matter had previously been considered and that concerns regarding safety, together with the potential cost of replacement, had prevented further progress at that time.  The issue would be considered as part of the Council’s wider review of facilities and activities within Fairlands Valley. 

(F)      Question from Councillor Peter Clark re: extreme heat

Supplementary question – What measures were put in place to support people sleeping rough during the recent heatwave?  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To adopt the Council’s draft Pavement Licensing Policy.

The Council considered a report in respect of the Council’s Draft Pavement Licensing Policy.

It was moved by Councillor Rob Broom, and seconded by Councillor Lin Martin-Haugh, that the Recommendations in the report be approved.

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

1.    That the report be noted and the proposed Stevenage Borough Council Pavement Licensing Policy (attached at appendix A) be approved.

2.    That the proposed Stevenage Borough Council Pavement Licensing Policy be adopted.

To approve the Council’s revised Civil Penalty Policy.

The Council considered a report in respect of the Council’s revised Civil Penalty Policy.

It was moved by Councillor Rob Broom, and seconded by Councillor Loraine Rossati, that the Recommendations in the report be approved.

Upon the motion being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED that Civil Penalty Policy, attached as Appendix A to the report be adopted.

To approve the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Enforcement Policy.

The Council considered a report in respect of the Council’s Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Enforcement Policy.

It was moved by Councillor Rob Broom, and seconded by Councillor Loraine Rossati, that the Recommendations in the report be approved.

In response to concerns from a member regarding staffing capacity, the Portfolio Holder acknowledged that the additional workload associated with the proposals would place increased pressure on the enforcement team.  The need for additional resources to support delivery would be monitored closely as demand developed.  It was recognised that effective implementation would require sufficient enforcement capacity, and Councillor Broom confirmed a commitment to keeping resource requirements under review.

Upon the motion being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED that the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Enforcement Policy, attached as Appendix A to the report be adopted.

To adopt a partial update to the Stevenage Borough Local Plan following the Examination in Public Hearing Sessions.

The Council considered a report in respect of the adoption of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan Partial Update.

It was moved by Councillor Rob Broom, and seconded by Councillor Claire Parris, that the Recommendations in the report be approved.

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

1.    That the Stevenage Borough Local Plan Partial Update, incorporating Main Modifications (Appendix C to E) and associated Proposals Map (Appendix F) be adopted.

2.    That the feedback from the Planning & Development Committee on the content of the Report be noted.

To consider the adoption of the Stevenage Borough Revised Community Infrastructure Levy.

The Council considered the adoption of the Stevenage Borough Revised Community Infrastructure Levy.

It was moved by Councillor Rob Broom, and seconded by Councillor Claire Parris, that the Recommendations in the report be approved.

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

1.    That the Stevenage Borough Revised Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule (Appendix B) be adopted.

2.    That the feedback from the Planning & Development Committee on the content of this Report be noted.

To advise of decision(s) taken by the Cabinet in accordance with the Special Urgency provisions of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

The Council considered a report in respect of the decision(s) taken by the Cabinet in accordance with the Special Urgency provisions of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

The Monitoring Officer reported that, in accordance with the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, where the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had agreed to waive call-in on grounds of urgency, the decision must be reported to the next available meeting of Council together with the reasons for urgency. Members were advised that call-in had been waived in this instance due to the requirement for Hertfordshire authorities to submit a single collective response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) within a prescribed timescale.

It was then moved by Councillor Richard Henry, and seconded by Councillor Ellie Plater, that the Recommendations in the report be approved.

Upon the motion being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To note the Minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 2 June 2026

The Minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 2 June 2026 were received.

To consider the following motions –

1.  That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.  That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

It was RESOLVED:

1.  That, under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs 1 to 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by SI 2006 No. 88.

2.  That having considered the reasons for the following item being in Part II, it be determined that maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighed the public interest in disclosure.

To seek approval to the revised budget and revised funding strategy for the Stevenage Sports and Leisure Hub.

The Council considered a Part II report in respect of the delivery of the new Stevenage Sports and Leisure Centre

Following debate where all Members welcomed the new Leisure Centre, upon being put to the vote it was RESOLVED that the recommendations in the report be approved.