Agenda and minutes

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Council held a minutes silence for the late Chris Bamfield whose funeral had been held recently, and the late Hazel Fredericks who passed away recently.

Prayers were led by Rev Canon Ling.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meetings of the Council held on 8 April and 20 May 2021 (previously circulated).

The minutes of the meetings held on 8 April and 20 May 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

None

To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

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The Mayor informed Council that he had attended the Flag raising ceremony for British Services, the NHS Day ceremony and the ceremony for the consecration of the Bishop of Lynn at Norwich Cathedral.

He also informed Council that he had sent letters of congratulations to Helen and Mike Taylor on the receipt of MBEs for the work done for the Bridge for Heros.

To receive any items of business which in the opinion of the Mayor are urgent. 

None

To receive petitions and public questions in accordance with Standing Order 9.

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The Mayor invited public questions under standing order 9

i)                     Question from Trudy Clark

“In view of the Council’s much-welcomed decision not to build on the eastern side of Parkway, can I ask if they will now follow the Norfolk Wildlife Trusts wishes, and allow the eastern side to become an urban Country Wildlife Site, which would not only protect the internationally important reedbeds, rare species and overall biodiversity, but also promote the well-being of the local population who so love the area.”

In response Councillor Kunes reported that he and the Leader had met with Ms Clark and given assurance that there was no intention to build on the land and discussions would be held with the representatives to look into making it a county wildlife site.

Ms Clark thanked Councillors Dark and Kunes for the meeting and looked forward to working with them.

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ii)                    Question from  Alistair Kent

“Climate Change Strategy and Plan

I would like to congratulate the Council on producing their climate change strategy and plan.

I understand that the informal working group of councillors on climate change proposed to the Environment and Community Panel, and the Environment and Community panel apparently accepted, that this strategy and plan should go out to public consultation.

What plans have been made by the Council to undertake such a consultation with the citizens of the Borough, and how will these be made known to interested persons who may wish to contribute to the development of a robust plan for mitigating the impact of climate change in West Norfolk?”

In response Councillor Kunes said consideration had been given to how to progress consultation with the paper whilst progressing it with some speed, so it was hoped to have the Action Plan to be worked on by the end of the year.  It was therefore proposed to carry out on line consultation.

As a supplementary Mr Kent drew attention to the Tindle Centre calculations and asked what action was being taken so the Borough didn’t continue at the expense of others around the world.

In response Councillor Kunes commented that the Borough Council only had limited powers for what could be put forward, but could lead by example to decrease the Council’s CO2 emissions and lobby government.

(Members are reminded this is a debate, not a question and answer session)

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

CAB9:              Portfolio responsibilities and Scheme of Delegation

CAB10:            Local Plan review draft for pre submission consultation       

CAB14:            Anti fraud and anti corruption strategy

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Councillor Dark, seconded by Councillor Middleton proposed the recommendations separately.

CAB9:             Portfolio responsibilities and Scheme of Delegation – this was agreed.

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With regard to CAB10:           Local Plan review draft for pre submission consultation, Councillor Joyce proposed the following amendment, seconded by Councillor Bone:

"1)  The Council approves the draft Local Plan Review for pre-submission consultation when a site has been identified in the Local Plan for a new general hospital situated within the Borough of King's Lynn and West Norfolk."

In speaking on the amendment, Councillor Dark did not accept the amendment buy empathised with the intention behind it to support the hospital.  He explained that the hospital was aware of the land available from the Borough or County councils and other landowners, but was confined to the way it had to be structured as the rebuild needed to be on its own premises.  It was hoped that the decision by government on the bidding process would be made by Christmas.  He explained that the Local Plan timeframes were tight and the proposal would cause too much of a delay.  He reassured members that the Council would get behind the hospital wherever possible.

Councillor Jones asked Councillor Joyce whether he would consider withdrawing the amendment in the light of the comments made.  Councillor Joyce withdrew the amendment.

Councillor Kemp proposed that the Local Plan not be moved onto the next stage until the funding for the road for the A10 proposals was secured.  This was seconded by Councillor de Whalley.

The Monitoring Officer explained that the amendment negated the motion so was therefore not permissible.  On being put to the vote CAB10 was agreed.

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CAB14:           Anti fraud and anti corruption strategy was approved.

RESOLVED:  That the recommendations from the Cabinet meeting on 15 June 2021 be approved.

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Councillor Dark proposed the list of nominees to outside bodies as set out on the sheet, this was seconded by Councillor Middleton.

Councillor Spikings also nominated Councillor Nockolds for the position on the West Norfolk Community Transport.  Councillor Rust had also been nominated by the Independent Group.

Votes were then taken and Councillor Nockolds was appointed the representative on West Norfolk Community Transport.

On being put to the vote it was:

RESOLVED:  That the Outside Bodies nominations be agreed.

To consider the following Notice of Motion (2/21), submitted by Councillor S Dark:

“This Council recognises that the QE Hospital building and infrastructure in Kings Lynn has major structural issues and must be rebuilt urgently.

Whilst all in this chamber readily acknowledge and applaud the amazing work done by the staff and contractors at ‘our’ hospital over many years, brought sharply in to focus during the last 18 months of the pandemic, it is a simple truth that this great work is now being done in spite of, rather than supported by, a building built 40 years ago and way beyond its intended operational life span.

Whilst welcoming the news that the QE Hospital has just received £20M in emergency funding to put remedial measures in place in the operational areas most affected, this is clearly just a short-term ‘sticking plaster’ that does not mitigate the need for a match-fit, 21^st century hospital capable of supporting staff, patients and visitors needs and having a key role in the entire region’s Integrated Care System, both now and in the future.

This Council formally resolves to continue standing shoulder to shoulder with the QE Hospital’s Leadership Team in their current bid for a new hospital for West Norfolk and the surrounding area alongside The County Council, region’s MPs and community campaigns will do all it can to help with and magnify their message.

To be absolutely clear, this Council will continue to urge, on its own and with others, the Secretary of State for Health to urgently approve a new build hospital to replace the Queen Elizabeth and to fast track its build and design.”

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Councillor Dark proposed the following Notice of Motion (2/21) seconded by Councillor J Rust:

“This Council recognises that the QE Hospital building and infrastructure in Kings Lynn has major structural issues and must be rebuilt urgently.

Whilst all in this chamber readily acknowledge and applaud the amazing work done by the staff and contractors at ‘our’ hospital over many years, brought sharply in to focus during the last 18 months of the pandemic, it is a simple truth that this great work is now being done in spite of, rather than supported by, a building built 40 years ago and way beyond its intended operational life span.

Whilst welcoming the news that the QE Hospital has just received £20M in emergency funding to put remedial measures in place in the operational areas most affected, this is clearly just a short-term ‘sticking plaster’ that does not mitigate the need for a match-fit, 21^st century hospital capable of supporting staff, patients and visitors needs and having a key role in the entire region’s Integrated Care System, both now and in the future.

This Council formally resolves to continue standing shoulder to shoulder with the QE Hospital’s Leadership Team in their current bid for a new hospital for West Norfolk and the surrounding area alongside The County Council, region’s MPs and community campaigns will do all it can to help with and magnify their message.

To be absolutely clear, this Council will continue to urge, on its own and with others, the Secretary of State for Health to urgently approve a new build hospital to replace the Queen Elizabeth and to fast track its build and design.”

In speaking on the Motion Councillor Dark spoke in favour of his motion which he was pleased Councillor Rust would be seconding.  He commented that the QEH was in the publics focus during the pandemic  despite its infrastructure, not because of it.  He drew attention to the County Council motion, and that a petition had been raised on the gov web site in order to raise awareness and force a debate in Parliament.

Councillor Joyce commented that al Labour Councillors would support the motion as it was too important to bring in politics.  He congratulated Councillor Rust on rising above politics to second the motion.

Councillor Long, in supporting the motion drew attention to the need to come together for the wider community who deserved facilities as good as the rest of the county.  He commented that the staff were doing a superb job despite the circumstances in a building which was 10 years over its life expectancy on construction.

Councillor Kemp supported the motion and drew attention to the fact that the QEH needed support for its business case and proper planning for the replacement of hospitals.

Councillor Moriarty spoke in support of the motion  and thanked the staff working there.

Councillor A Tyler spoke in support of the motion and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:26

In accordance with Standing Order 11, to receive reports from Cabinet Members moved en bloc, under Standing Order 11.2 Members of the Council may ask questions of Cabinet Members on their reports and Portfolio areas. The order of putting questions shall commence with a Member from the largest opposition group, proceeding in descending order to the smallest opposition group, followed by a non-aligned Member and finally a Member from the ruling group. This order shall repeat until the time for questions has elapsed or there are no more questions to be put. 

The period of time for putting questions and receiving responses shall not exceed 50 minutes for all Cabinet Members, excluding the Leader

The period of time for putting questions and receiving responses to the Leader shall not exceed 15 minutes.

(Councillors are reminded that this is a question and answer session not a debate.)

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Councillor Dark presented the Cabinet Members reports en bloc in order for Councillors to ask their questions.

Councillor Blunt responded to a question from Councillor Parish on the costs incurred on the Parkway scheme and referred members to the forthcoming Cabinet report on 3 August.

Councillor Lawrence responded to Councillor Howman’s question asking whether buy back clauses would be added to council land when sold.   He undertook to look at each piece of land individually.

Councillor Kunes in response to Councillor Devereux confirmed that the food waste collections would resume from 19 July.

Councillor Blunt, in response to Councillor Ryves question on whether Parkway grant money would have to be repaid if planning permission was refused, explained that if permission was refused other things may come into force, but it would still need planning permission.

Councillor Mrs Collop asked when she would receive a response from Councillor Middleton on questions she had raised.  Councillor Middleton explained he had been away for personal reasons but would respond shortly.

Councillor D Tyler asked if there was any update on the CIL Spending Panel which Councillor Blunt confirmed there would be a meeting on 22 July carrying out training and looking applications.  He gave an update on the numbers of applications and announced that the total fund  was £1.9m, and £388,000 had been distributed to parishes to date.

Councillor Rust asked who had taken the decision to include facilities for the pontoons in the Town Fund Bid.  Councillor Kunes confirmed that the newly extended pontoons were used more regularly now with RIBs mooring there,  fishing trips fun from them, and seal trips planned, he confirmed that unless facilities were available leisure craft would not wish to use them.

Councillor A Tyler asked what the contractual financial implications of temporarily withdrawing a service were.  Councillor Kunes undertook to find out and let him know.

In response to a question from Councillor Collingham, Councillor Sandell gave an update on the summer of play planned by Alive for young people and families, they would be advertised over social media.

In response to Councillor Squire’s question on when enforcement would be carried out on fly tippers, Councillor Kunes confirmed that a successful prosecution had been made, and forensic evidence was being collected to try to prosecute.

Councillor Long undertook to look into the broken tap at Gaywood cemetery as pointed out by Councillor Mrs Collop.

In response to a question from Councillor Mrs Nockolds regarding the tolling programme of public convenience refurbishments, Councillor Long confirmed all facilities were being examined and some identified so that adult changing facilities could be provided over a phased basis for those with mobility issues.

Councillor Blunt agreed to provide an update for Councillor Morley as to when the Council would receive an update on the Council’s wholly owned companies.  Councillor Middleton explained that a review of the structures was currently being undertaken looking at best practice.  The report would  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:27

In accordance with Standing Order 11 Members of the Council may ask any questions of the Chair of any Council Body (except the Cabinet).

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Councillor Kemp asked Councillor Sampson as Chair of the Environment and Community Panel what he could do as the Medworth consultants had indicated that they didn’t need to consult with people of the Borough despite the Panel asking them to do so.

Councillor Kunes responded that Fenland DC had been contacted and asked for the consultation to be extended to the areas of west Norfolk adjacent to Fenland DC.

Councillor Middleton asked Councillor A Tyler as Chair of KLACC if he would care to invite King’s Lynn County Councillors to the KLACC meeting in order to get input from them, also bearing in mind that County Councillors were given a pot to spend in their Division.  Councillor A Tyler confirmed that yes, he would be happy to in principle.