Agenda and minutes

To confirm and sign the minutes of 8 December 2021.

The minutes of the meeting of 8 December 2021 were confirmed and signed.

For information only

Councillor Miscandlon drew member’s attention to the civic activities undertaken by himself in the weeks preceding Full Council.

Councillor Meekins was appointed Vice-Chairman for the meeting in the absence of Councillor Skoulding.

Councillor Miscandlon advised members that he will be holding his Civic Reception at the Eastrea Community Hall on Friday 18 March at 6.30pm and looked forward to welcoming members there on the evening.

He advised members that as part of the Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations, he will be taking part in the Queens Green Canopy initiative and planting a tree in four of the District’s secondary schools in each of the market towns. He added that he will be joined by staff and pupils at each of the schools to mark the special event.

Councillor Miscandlon stated that no questions had been submitted under Procedure Rule 8.6 and asked if there were any questions under Procedure Rule. 8.4 from Councillor Cornwell as Leader of the Opposition.

Councillor Cornwell stated that over the past few Council meetings he has raised a number of questions with regards to sustainable environmental issues and the responses he has received have been mixed. He added that now the recovery and growth stage following the pandemic has been reached, many members consider that it is important that sustainable, environmental and climate change issues are considered as part of that direction. He stated that he has been particularly interested in the Cambridgeshire County Council’s approach, including the publication of their Climate Change and Environment Strategy which he has found to be quite interesting. Councillor Cornwell stated that, in his opinion, the Council should accept and understand its community responsibility, both for the present and the future and he asked Councillor Boden to advise whether a strategy is being considered for the Fenland District including the associated timescales and if a strategy is not being considered he would like to know the reasons why. He expressed the view that consideration should be given for it to be added to the Council’s Business Plan and as there is already a nominated portfolio holder for the subject it could be easily adopted in the portfolio workload.

Councillor Boden stated that, in his opinion, no one would advocate unsustainability and he apologised that Councillor Cornwell did not feel that his previous responses were satisfactory. He stated that it is important that the Council has the opportunity to debate and decide upon policies in this general area and added that Councillor Cornwell is correct that there is a Portfolio Holder for this particular subject matter, who is Councillor Tierney. Councillor Boden stated that he has discussed the subject with Councillor Tierney with a view of bringing something forward to a Full Council meeting in the future.

Members asked questions of Portfolio Holders in accordance with Procedure Rules 8.1 and 8.2 as follows:

·         Councillor Mrs Mayor stated that she noted from the report that numerous tree works have been competed across the district with a programme of new tree planting continuing during the Winter and questioned why new trees are being planted when existing trees that require works are not being maintained, which is necessary to allow proper growth and to ensure that trees remain safe. She queried why so many trees have been planted in Whittlesey Cemetery, when the existing trees that are already on site require works, and it is her understanding that the contractors do not have anybody qualified to undertake the tree works and in instances where urgent works are required the Council has to employ another contractor. Councillor Mrs Mayor stated that she has repeatedly asked for an oak tree which is sited in Queen Street in Whittlesey to be pruned, specifically prior to Remembrance Day in 2020 and 2021 and although she had been advised that the works had been undertaken, in her opinion, the tree had only received a light trim which ensured that the Union Flag at the site of the war memorial was able to fly freely. She explained that she has been advised that for a tree specialist to be able to undertake works to the tree a road closure is required and that although the road was closed in order to facilitate an event in December, the tree was unfortunately damaged as it was struck by a bus who inadvertently drove into the road and she stated that works to the tree have still not been undertaken as of the end of February 2022. Councillor Mrs Mayor questioned why so many trees have been planted in Whittlesey Cemetery specifically in the proximity of the very old graves, where the tree roots could cause issues to the plots and the remains contained within the plots. Councillor Murphy responded that when specialised tree works are required the Council’s Parks and Green Spaces contractor, Tivoli, request that a specialist sub-contractor is called in to support them, with this being a cost effective arrangement that is working very well as the Council has not had a specialist tree contractor in place for over four years and the current approach is cost effective as a tree team consists of at least two specialist staff who would not be used all the time. He added that the Council undertakes tree work regularly to maintain the stock which consists of 3,500 trees, and he explained that a good example of this is the recent proactive works which were carried out at the Manor Field. Councillor Murphy referred to the trees in Whittlesey Cemetery and stated that they are assessed informally on a regular basis by the Open Spaces Team. He added that any minor tree works can be undertaken by Tivoli, the Council’s Parks and Green Spaces contractor and any works identified by  ...  view the full minutes text for item C38/21

For Council to consider and approve the Final Business Plan for 2022 -2023.

Members considered the Final Business Plan 2022-23 report presented by Councillor Boden.

Councillor Boden highlighted that the Overview and Scrutiny Panel requested that a change be made to the Promoting Health and Wellbeing for all priority and that change has been made. He added that they have also asked for a Task and Finish Group to look at Key Performance Indicators which has also been agreed.

Councillor Boden stated that specific reference has also been made with regard to meeting the net carbon zero target of the Government and also agreeing to support the Combined Authority in developing a people focussed climate action plan.

Proposed by Councillor Boden, seconded by Councillor Lynn and AGREED that the  Business Plan 2022-2023 be approved.

To consider the Cabinet recommendations in relation to:

·         The General Fund Budget Estimates 2022/23 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 to 2026/27;

·         The Council Tax levels for 2022/2023;

·         The Capital Programme 2022/2025;

·         The Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Capital Strategy and Annual Treasury Investment Strategy for 2022/23.

Members considered the General Fund Budget Estimates 2022/23 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 to 2026/27; Capital Programme 2022-2025 report presented by Councillor Boden.

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Cornwell stated that he supports the fact that Council Tax is not increased as, in his opinion, the Council has a duty to protect residents, with the pressures on domestic budgets being high, living costs continuing to rise and people have some hard decisions to make and anything that the Council can do to help ease the pressure on its residents is the right thing to do. He expressed his disappointment that the Statutory Bodies consider it acceptable to raise their demands such as the County Council raising their demands by 5%, Police and Crime Commissioner by over 4% and the Fire Authority by 2%. Councillor Cornwell stated that he takes issue with the fact that when he has reviewed the budget he has seen that an increase of 8% within the Council’s budget for drainage board levies up to £1.72 million, which causes him concern and annoyance. He highlighted that within the report it states that drainage board levies will account for almost 22% of the Council Tax figure and, in his view, this cannot continue for very much longer. Councillor Cornwell stated that he understands the need for sustainable drainage, and he has raised the problem in the past and was advised that meetings were due to take place at a high level to see if a more acceptable approach could be achieved for the small number of authorities affected by the drainage rate system. He questioned whether the high-level meetings took place and if so, what was the outcome and if they are still to take place he would like to know it will be so that the Council can look to change the unfair system in this area. Councillor Cornwell asked whether Councillor Boden would give advice to the members who are representatives on the various Internal Drainage Boards prior to the rate levels being set, which will take place over the next few weeks. He further asked that consideration be given for the Council Tax demand notices to give a clear explanation which includes the separate details of the drainage board levies, so that the residents of Fenland can be aware of the monies payable to the drainage boards, which is outside of the Council’s control. Councillor Boden stated that he agrees wholeheartedly with the comments made by Councillor Cornwell and that he shares the concerns raised by him. He expressed the view that the drainage board levies are a serious issue as far as Fenland is concerned and attempts that were made a year ago to look at some leverage with other affected local authorities, which did not progress due to the pandemic, but he explained that he has already made contact with senior councillors elsewhere in the country for this to be taken forward in a structured way.  ...  view the full minutes text for item C40/21

For Council to consider the Council Tax Resolution for 2022/23.

Members considered the Council Tax Resolution 2022/23 report presented by Councillor Boden.

Proposed by Councillor Boden, seconded by Councillor Tierney and AGREED to approve theresolution set outin the report to set the Council Tax requirement.

The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 imposean obligation on Local Authorities (after 25 February 2014) to record all votes on decisionson budget and Council Tax,with thisin mind Membersvoted onthis itemas follows:

In Favour: Councillors Benney, Boden, J Clark, S Clark, Cornwell, Count, Mrs Davis, Divine, Mrs French, Miss French, Hay, Hoy, Humphrey, Mrs Laws, Lynn, Marks, Mason, Mrs Mayor, Meekins, Miscandlon, Mockett, Murphy, Patrick, Purser, Sutton, Tanfield, Tierney, Wallwork, Wicks, Wilkes and Yeulett.

Against: none

Abstentions: none

For Council to consider the Cabinet recommendations in relation to the Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme to take effect from 1 April 2022.

The Chairman advised members of Council that there was an alteration to the original recommendation for this report, which was made after the publication of the agenda and is as a result of the Government’s recent announcement mandating that payments made under the Energy Rebate Scheme 2022 should be disregarded for the purpose of determining Council Tax reductions.

The Chairman stated that the Council’s Constitution permits an alteration to the original recommendation with the consent of the meeting, which was received.

Members considered the Council Tax Support Scheme 2022/23 report presented by Councillor Boden.

Proposedby Councillor Boden,seconded byCouncillor Hoy and AGREEDthat:

·       the proposed changes, detailed in Section 4 of the attached report, be implemented in the Council Tax Support Scheme with effect from 1 April 2022

·       the Council Tax Support Scheme to take effect from 1 April 2022 be approved

·       the provision that any payment made under the Energy Rebate Scheme 2022 is to be disregarded in determining Council Tax reductions be included within the scheme.

The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 imposean obligation on Local Authorities (after 25 February 2014) to record all votes on decisionson budget and Council Tax,with thisin mind Membersvoted onthis itemas follows:

In favour: Councillors Benney, Boden, J Clark, S Clark, Cornwell, Count, Mrs Davis, Divine, Mrs French, Miss French, Hay, Hoy, Humphrey, Mrs Laws, Lynn, Marks, Mason, Mrs Mayor, Meekins, Miscandlon, Mockett, Murphy, Patrick, Purser, Sutton, Tanfield, Tierney, Wallwork, Wicks, Wilkes and Yeulett.

Against the proposal: none

Abstentions: none

(Councillors J Clark and Wilkes left the meeting at 17.55pm after this item and were not present for the remainder of the agenda items)

For Council to consider and approve the Economic Growth Strategic Refresh 2022-25.

Members considered the Economic Growth Strategic Refresh 2022/25 report presented by Councillor Benney.

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Yeulett asked what forums and meetings were in place for current business leaders to meet with the Council and if any were in place had they been useful? Councillor Benney stated that there were no specific meetings within Fenland which have been set up to invite businesses in to discuss their requirements, although it is something that has been discussed with officers. He added that he has discussed with officers the possibility of holding breakfast or lunch meetings, but one of the factors being considered is who to target and who to invite and although it is still being discussed it has not been brought forward to date. Councillor Benney added that the Economic Growth Team are pushing forward ideas and projects that the team have instigated and continue to work on those that have proved to be successful. He stated that if any meetings are arranged for businesses, he will ensure that all members are made aware. Councillor Yeulett stated that he is aware that businesses by their very nature are competitive and by meeting together there is the opportunity for expertise to be shared by networking. Councillor Benney stated that he has accompanied officers on a number of visits to local businesses and one of the common concerns for businesses appears to be problems surrounding recruitment and the trained staff that they require. He added that businesses are also finding it difficult in finding suitable premises when looking to relocate due to expansion. Councillor Benney stated that some businesses are in competition with each other and do not want to engage although he appreciates the point that businesses can learn from each other.

·         Councillor Miscandlon stated that many businesses are considering employing apprentices in order to grow the skill set that their companies need for future development, and that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) wholeheartedly support this.

·         Councillor Benney stated in Chatteris there is the Stainless Metalcraft Training Centre and the CPCA have contributed £3.2 million pounds into that centre and the Growing Fenland Project has also assisted with computer equipment and desks for the building as it will be used by the whole area and local people, not just for the business. He stated that it is a big success for the area and Councillor Miscandlon stated that he applauds the project.

·         Councillor Sutton asked Councillor Benney for responses and clarification on a number of points from within the report. He referred to Page 183 at 4.1 where it states that there is clear evidence that the Council plays a vital role with regards to economic growth, and he questioned where he can find the evidence? He also referred to page 197, point 3, and asked for clarification with regards to the figure shown for the number of persons employed within the hospitality business. In reference to Page 205, where it  ...  view the full minutes text for item C43/21

To consider the options available to the Council regarding the future appointment of an External Auditor for 2023/24 to 2027/28 following the end of the current appointment period.

Members considered the future arrangements for appointing the Council’s External Auditors report presented by Councillor Miss French.

Proposed by Councillor Miss French, seconded by Councillor Sutton and AGREED to opt-in to the PSAA sector led auditor appointment arrangements for the Council and to delegate acceptance of the invitation to the Corporate Director and Chief Finance Officer, as the Council's Section 151 Officer.

(Councillor Boden declared that he is a member of the Audit Registration Committee of The Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales which has the responsibility on an annual basis for allowing auditors in the public sector to continue as auditors and took no part in the discussion or voting on this item)

(Councillor Benney left the meeting at 6.19pm during the discussion on this item and was not present at the vote.  He was not present for the remaining agenda items.)

To provide members with an update on the changes that have been made to the Constitution and Outside Body appointments since its last meeting.

Members considered the changes to the Constitution and committee membership report presented by Councillor Boden.

Proposed by Councillor Boden, seconded by Councillor Lynn and AGREED that the changes to the constitution and committee membership taken by the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer under their respective delegations be approved.

The purpose of this report is for Council to adopt the Senior Manager Pay Policy Statement for 2021-2022.

Members considered the Senior Manager Pay Policy report presented by Councillor Boden.

Proposed by Councillor Boden, seconded by Councillor Sutton and AGREED to adopt the Senior Management Pay Policy Statement for 2021/22 at Appendix 1 as required by the Localism Act 2011.