Agenda for Council on Wednesday, 29 January 2020, 7.00pm

Agenda and decisions

Venue: Council Chamber, Daneshill House, Danestrete

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Decision:

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Dave Cullen and Liz Harrington.

 

At this juncture, The Mayor apologised to Councillor Robin Parker for the comments made to him at the end of the last Council meeting. Councillor Parker accepted the apology.

 

The Mayor then advised that he had accepted as urgent a late Motion concerning smart motorways, which had been circulated around the chamber. Additionally the Mayor agreed to vary the order of business to bring forward Item 11, the Scrutiny Chairs’ Updates to be taken immediately after item 7.

 

2.

MINUTES - 16 OCTOBER 2019 pdf icon PDF 97 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 16 October 2019.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 16 October 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

3.

MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS

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

Decision:

The Mayor advised Council that he was proud to introduce two local award winners from the Herts Business Awards – Supporting Young People Category - Jill Eaton from Sporting Futures Training and Tom and Rebecca from Bambu Brush – New Business of the Year. Both winners gave a short presentation on the work they were doing within their organisations.

 

The Mayor then provided updates on his engagements since the last Council meeting and upcoming events, highlighting the following:

 

·         Christmas morning visit to the Lister Hospital;

·         Holocaust Memorial Day Event held on 27 January 2020;

·         11 March Mayor’s Charity Concert;

·         75th anniversary of VE Day – the Mayor encouraged local councillors and communities to take part in activities to commemorate the anniversary.

4.

MAIN DEBATE - COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING

To receive a presentation from Paul Cheeseman, Interim Lead Community Wealth Building – SBC and Professor Michael Brookes – Hertfordshire Business School

 

Decision:

Paul Cheeseman, the Council’s Lead Officer on Community Wealth Building (CWB) and Professor Michael Brookes of the Hertfordshire Business School showed a short film and gave a presentation on CWB.

 

After a full debate, it was moved by Councillor Rob Broom, seconded by Councillor Richard Henry and RESOLVED:

 

“That this Council understands the benefits of community wealth building, drawing from learning both nationally and internationally, and believes that further opportunities can be unlocked for the local economy and our residents through work with partners in the town around;

  • procurement and social value
  • training and skills
  • growing the social economy growth
  • effectively tackling climate change

and that this Council commits to developing an inclusive Economy charter based on these foundations to build community wealth, to ensure that future regeneration and growth in Stevenage works for everyone.”

 

 

5.

PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS

None.

Decision:

None.

6.

QUESTIONS FROM THE YOUTH COUNCIL

None.

Decision:

None.

7.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC

None.

Decision:

None.

8.

LEADER OF THE COUNCIL'S UPDATE

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.

Decision:

The Leader of the Opposition asked the Leader of the Council if it was time to revisit the new homes target in the Local Plan following announcements from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reducing the required numbers of new houses and in addition the possibility that more windfall sites would be coming forward.

 

In response, the Leader of the Council advised that officers would provide the Leader of the Opposition with a detailed response on this issue but noted that the ONS number was only lower for a one year period and that the need for new homes was still urgent and the Council was keen to do all it could to help to provide the homes that local people needed.

 

The Leader reported on a meeting she and the Chief Executive had attended with Nick Carver, Chief Executive East and North Herts NHS Trust at the Lister Hospital and that during the meeting he had indicated that over 250 people could have been discharged if adequate care arrangements had been in place. She stressed the importance of everyone doing what they could to continue to lobby the Government on this issue.

 

The Council then received updates on the following:

·         Homelessness and Rough Sleeping;

·         Major Refurbishment Contract;

·         Housing Programme On-site;

·         Kenilworth Close;

·         Sale of former Kodak Site;

·         Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst - one of six new Life Science Opportunity Zones in UK;

·         SG1;

·         People’s Orchards;

·         Arts Council Award for Stevenage Day.

 

The Leader agreed to circulate the written updates to Members following the meeting.

 

 

 

9.

NOTICE OF MOTIONS

(i)        Luton Airport Expansion

 

To consider the following Motion submitted by Councillor Robin Parker, CC:

 

“That Council notes that:

In view of the impact on Stevenage and our recent declaration of a climate emergency, this Council opposes the further expansion of Luton Airport.”

 

(ii)       Animal Welfare

 

“Stevenage Borough Council takes animal welfare seriously.

 

The Council notes the campaign to ban the release of sky lanterns and balloons supported by the RSPCA, the Marine Conservation Society, National Farmers Union and other national wildlife bodies, as both have been shown to be unsafe for animals and the environment and can cause injury, suffering and death by ingestion, entanglement and entrapment.

 

The Council also acknowledges that extensive use of high decibel fireworks can cause distress to both residents and their animals. A number of councils across the UK are seeking consultation from citizens on proposals from the RSPCA to further limit the permitted sales days and for all public firework displays to be licensed.

 

The Council also notes and welcomes the enactment of the Wild Animals in Circuses Act which bans the use of Wild Animals in Circuses in England, and came into force at the start of this month (January 2020).

 

In addition, the Council extends our support to the police and local animal welfare organisations for the full enforcement of the law around animal welfare, which in Hertfordshire includes illegal hare coursing, dog fighting and other wildlife and animal crimes.

 

Stevenage Borough Council is keen to continue progress on issues of animal welfare and request officers to look into the feasibility of the introduction of policies relating to:

 

·         The release of sky lanterns and helium balloons from council land and property

 

·         The timing and licencing of fireworks displays”

 

 

Decision:

(i)            Luton Airport Expansion

 

Councillor Robin Parker moved and Councillor Stephen Booth seconded a motion as follows:

 

“In view of the impact on Stevenage and our recent declaration of a climate emergency, this Council opposes the further expansion of Luton Airport.”

 

An amendment was moved by Councillor Lloyd Briscoe and seconded by Councillor John Gardner and upon being put to the vote was carried.

 

Following further debate, the substantive motion was then put to the vote and carried as follows:

 

“In view of our recent declaration of a climate emergency, the considerable detrimental impact on Stevenage resulting from over-flying and also taking into account the opportunities that Luton Airport provides, this Council opposes further expansion of Luton Airport unless sufficient mitigation is secured and that expansion can be proved to have a net zero carbon impact.  The assessment of this impact must include a complete assessment of the additional traffic generated both by passengers and users of the airport itself and the travel to work of staff employed at the airport.

 

This Council also requires reassurance from Luton Airport on the emergency procedures relating to ‘fuel dumping’ which arise from the recent incident in Los Angeles.

 

This Council will continue to raise concerns about noise, environmental impact, aviation carbon levels in the South East, and transport connectivity in our representations on the forthcoming Planning Application to be considered by the Planning Inspector.”

 

 

(ii)          Animal Welfare

 

Councillor Jackie Hollywell moved and Councillor Sharon Taylor seconded a revised motion which had been circulated around the Chamber.

 

Following discussion, Councillor Hollywell agreed to accept a further revision to the motion to replace ‘silent fireworks’ with ‘low noise fireworks’.

 

Following further debate, the revised motion was then put to the vote and carried as follows:

 

“Stevenage Borough Council takes animal welfare seriously and pledges to work with partners to ensure that we do all we can within our Borough to protect animals from harm and to encourage the highest standards of animal welfare.

 

The Council notes the campaign to ban the release of sky lanterns and balloons supported by the RSPCA, the Marine Conservation Society, National Farmers Union and other national wildlife bodies, as both have been shown to be unsafe for animals and the environment and can cause injury, suffering and death by ingestion, entanglement and entrapment.

 

The Council also acknowledges that extensive use of high decibel fireworks can cause distress to both residents and their animals. A number of councils across the UK are seeking consultation from citizens on proposals from the RSPCA to further limit the permitted sales days and for all public firework displays to be licensed.

 

The Council also notes and welcomes the enactment of the Wild Animals in Circuses Act which bans the use of Wild Animals in Circuses in England, and came into force at the start of this month (January 2020).

 

In addition, the Council extends our support to the police and local animal welfare organisations for the full enforcement of the law around animal welfare,  ...  view the full decision text for item 9.

10.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS TO COMMITTEE CHAIRS / PORTFOLIO HOLDERS

In accordance with Standing Orders, written responses to the following questions will be tabled at the Council meeting:

 

(A)      Question from Councillor Stephen Booth

 

“How many homes/flats have been built in Stevenage that did not require planning permission i.e. under the government's legislation allowing office conversions?”

 

(B)      Question from Councillor Robin Parker, CC

 

“What assistance is being offered to the developer in filling the empty new retail units in Park Place?”

 

(C)      Question from Councillor Andy McGuinness

 

“Which members of the Executive have personally tested the use of the new proposed recycling bags before recommending them to be rolled out across Stevenage?”

 

(D)      Question from Councillor Alex Farquharson

 

“How are you ensuring that the SG1 plans submitted by MACE are environmentally friendly?”

 

(E)      Question from Councillor Jody Hanafin

“In support of our council's aim to become carbon neutral, will SBC follow the excellent examples set by Cambridge and Goldsmiths Universities and pledge to end the provision of red meat in catering at council and civic events?”

 

(F)      Question from Councillor Adam Mitchell

 

“What is the Council doing to discourage the blight of fly-tipping?”

(G)      Question from Councillor Margaret Notley

 

“When will the Council introduce a paperless system for Council meetings, to reduce the amount of unnecessary paper consumed, thus contributing to the reduction in carbon?”

 

Decision:

Council received seven questions.  The responses to the seven questions were circulated at the Meeting and are appended. Answers to the supplementary questions are set out below:

 

(B)      Question from Councillor Robin Parker, CC

 

In response to a supplementary question from Councillor Parker, Councillor John Gardner advised that he was not aware of any formal request from the developer of Park Place to change the ground floor units from retail to residential.

 

(C)       Question from Councillor McGuinness

 

In response to a supplementary question from Councillor McGuinness, Councillor John Gardner advised that the recycling bags had been provided in response to requests from the public to change the way recycling was collected. Councillor Gardner suggested that the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee could choose to monitor how the new arrangement was working.

 

(D)       In response to a supplementary question from Councillor Farquharson, Councillor John Gardner advised that Members should follow the planning process for the SG1 plans and that the development would have a lower carbon impact than many other schemes.

 

(E)       The Mayor advised that he would make a personal pledge to end the provision of red meat in catering at Council and civic events.

 

(F)       In response to a supplementary question from Councillor Mitchell, Councillor John Gardner agreed to ask officers to provide a written response explaining why since 2012 this Council had the highest or second highest rate of fly tipping across the County.

 

(G)       In response to a supplementary question from Councillor Notley, Councillor Rob Broom advised that the roll-out of the devices for Members was planned to commence after the start of the new Municipal Year in May and would include support for Members.

11.

UPDATE FROM SCRUTINY CHAIRS

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

Decision:

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee informed Council that in addition to the Work Plan items, the Committee was part way through a review of the Council’s Scrutiny arrangements.

 

The Chair of the Community Select Committee informed Members that the Select Committee had concluded their review on Sports and Leisure in Stevenage. One of the findings of the review was that the majority of people visiting the Gordon Craig Theatre were Stevenage residents which was contrary to what was previously thought. The Chair also thanked the Culture, Wellbeing and Leisure Service Manager for his help on the site visits carried out by the Committee.

 

The Chair of the Environment and Economy Select Committee advised Council that the review on Post Offices in Stevenage had been completed. The review of the Neighbourhood Centres would commence in the next couple of weeks. He also suggested that the CWB presentation, which the Council had received earlier during this meeting, could help inform future scrutiny reviews.

 

It was RESOLVED that the updates are noted.

 

12.

REPORT REFERRED FROM THE EXECUTIVE - HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT FINAL BUDGET PROPOSALS 2020/2021 AND RENT SETTING pdf icon PDF 769 KB

The officer report (attached as Item 12) on the Housing Revenue Account Final Budget Proposals 2020/2021 and Rent-Setting is to be considered by the Executive on 22 January 2020.  The Executive’s recommendations to Council will be circulated on a supplementary agenda.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council considered a report, which updated Members on the final proposals on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budgets and rent-setting for 2020/2021.

 

Prior to the debate, the Chief Executive referred to the Supplementary Agenda (tabled), which set out the Executive’s recommendations to Council following consideration of this matter at its meeting held on 22 January 2020.

 

It was then moved by Councillor Jeannette Thomas, seconded by Councillor Mrs Joan Lloyd and RESOLVED:

 

1.      That HRA dwellings be increased, week commencing 1 April 2020, by 2.7% an average increase of £2.56 for social rents £4.17 for affordable rents and £3.16 for Low Start Shared Ownership homes per week. This has been calculated using the rent formula, CPI +1% in line with the Government’s rent policy as set out in Paragraph 4.1.1. of the report.

2.      That the rent policy update to reflect the rent increase guidance of CPI+1%, (revised from a minus 1% rent reduction excluding LSSO properties) agreed at the December 2020 Executive, be confirmed.

 

3.      That the 2020/21 HRA budget, as set out in Appendix A to the report be approved.

 

4.      That the revised 2019/20 HRA budget, as set out in Appendix A to the report, be approved.

 

5.      That the HRA Fees and Charges, as outlined in Appendix C to the report be approved.

 

6.      That the 2020/21 service charges be approved.

 

7.      That the minimum level of reserves for 2020/21, as shown in Appendix E to the report be approved.

 

8.      That the contingency sum of £250,000 within which the Executive can approve supplementary estimates, be approved for 2020/21 (unchanged from 2019/20).

 

9.      That the comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as set out in the report be noted.

 

10.   That officers write to the Secretary of State (MHCLG) to request that new build right to buy receipts that are projected to be returned in the last quarter of 2019/20 (estimated at £790,000) are not returned to the Government, but used to increase funding for the Council’s ambitious house building programme, such as Kenilworth or other pipeline programmes.

 

13.

OFFICER REPORT - COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY (CIL) pdf icon PDF 132 KB

To consider a report regarding the proposed adoption of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Additional documents:

Decision:

Council considered a report, informing Members of the key outcomes of the public examination of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Draft Charging Schedule (DCS); providing a summary of the Examiner’s report and seeking approval of the charging schedule.

 

It was moved by Councillor John Gardner, seconded by Councillor Lloyd Briscoe and RESOLVED:

 

1.               That the outcomes of the independent examination be noted.

2.               That the content of the Examiner’s Report be noted

3.               That  Council : 

(i)       accepts the Examiner’s modifications and recommendation to approve the Charging Schedule, and supporting Instalments Policy and Payments in Kind Policy, attached at Appendices B-D to the report

(ii)      approves the Charging Schedule, and supporting Instalments Policy and Payments in Kind Policy, to be brought into effect on 01 April 2020

(iii)      approves the setup of an allocated financial reserve to draw down on for the CIL Officer post with an annual review

 

 

14.

REPORT REFERRED FROM THE EXECUTIVE - 2019/20 MID YEAR TREASURY MANAGEMENT REVIEW pdf icon PDF 291 KB

The report circulated at Item 14 was considered by the Executive on 20 November 2019 when the following recommendations to Council were agreed:

 

1.     That the 2019/20 Treasury Management Mid Year Review be approved.

 

2.     That the latest approved Countries for Investment List (Appendix D to the report) be approved.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Members received a report with an update for members on the Treasury Management activities in 2019/20 and review effectiveness of the 2019/20 Treasury Management and Investment Strategy including the 2019/20 prudential and treasury indicators.

It was moved by Councillor Mrs Joan Lloyd, seconded by Councillor Maureen McKay and RESOLVED:

1.      That the 2019/20 Treasury Management Mid-Year review be approved.

2.      That the latest approved Countries for investments be approved (Appendix D).

3.      That the updated authorised and operational borrowing limits are approved (paragraph 4.4.7).

4.      That the updated MRP policy is approved (paragraph 4.4.10 and Appendix E).

 

15.

AUDIT COMMITTEE MINUTES pdf icon PDF 82 KB

To note the draft Minutes of the Audit Committee meetings held on 12 and 27 November 2019.

Additional documents:

Decision:

It was RESOLVED that the minutes from the Audit Committee meetings held on 12 and 27 November 2019 be noted.