Agenda

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 18 December 2024.

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

None received.

None Received.

None received.

None received.

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.

To receive updates from the Chairs of the Scrutiny Committees on the recent

activities of those Committees.

In accordance with Standing Orders, the following motion has been received for consideration:

Local Government Devolution

Labour councils and councillors across the East of England have, for years, been a beacon of hope in contrast to a disastrous and divisive Conservative Government.

Labour Councils have protected key services and delivered for residents’ time and time again despite the difficult financial circumstances.

It is exciting to now have a Labour Government working with us hand in hand.

However Council does not underestimate the scale of the  challenges ahead. The Conservative government left the NHS, Local Government and the economy in ruin, and it will take time to rebuild the foundations in the East and across the country.

Council resolves to:

1. Recognise the benefits of working with our new Government to fulfil its vital commitment of devolving power into the hands of local communities and;

2. Resolves to agree to play its part in supporting the Government in delivering on its mission to realise genuine devolution to councils across the East of England thereby supporting and empowering our residents and businesses

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

(A)          Question from Councillor Julie Ashley-Wren

As we try to encourage residents to walk and cycle more can the Council, in conjunction with ward councillors, undertake a town-wide survey of pavements and footpaths, whether maintained by the County Council or the Borough Council, to reduce trip hazards and pavement obstructions by vehicles, ensuring safe and ease of passage for all including those with prams, disability scooters and walking aids?

(B)         Question from Councillor Andy McGuinness

What assessment has been undertaken to consider the value of ward Councillors locality budgets?

To update Members on the proposals for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budgets and rent setting for 2025/26.

To note the Minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 27 November 2024.

To approve an appointment to the post of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer upon the recommendation of the Appointments Committee

To consider the following motions –

1.            That under Section 100A 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 Paragraphs 1 – 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.