Agenda and minutes

Prayers were led by Rev Canon Ling

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meetings of the Council held on 25 April and 12 May 2022  (previously circulated).

RESOLVED:  The Minutes of the Meetings of the Council held on 25 April and 12 May 2022 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 gave an update of some of the engagements which had taken place in recent weeks, including the Jubilee celebrations.  She thanked Councillor Morley who had undertaken an event on her behalf.

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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Under standing order 9, the Mayor invited the 2 public questioners to come forward.

1-    Sue Bruce –

My question is in regard to the planting of 6000 trees at Lynnsport in April this year as part of the Borough Council's strategy to tackle climate change and offset carbon dioxide emissions, and replacing trees that had previously been planted at King's Reach, at a cost in excess of £83,000.  For whatever reason, the vast majority of these trees have died.  Can you tell me where the funding for this was received from please?

Cllr Kunes gave the following response:

“You state that the vast majority of the trees have died, I do not believe this is the case. I spent a several hours at the Lynnsport site a couple of weeks ago and examined somewhere in excess of 300 trees, the vast majority of which were alive. But I don't profess to be an expert so I have asked our Tree officer, who is a trained and Qualified Aborculturalist to pay yet another visit to the site and report back.

This is his report.

I’ve had a walk round Lynnsport; the majority of the trees are still alive, yes, we have some dead trees but that’s only to be expected, when planting woodlands/groups of trees you should expect about 20% death rate, that’s why the trees are planted so close together, some die leaving space for the others. A lot of the trees haven’t come out in leaf yet, but in my experience, they can sometimes sit there and not break into leaf until the end of the summer. Those that haven’t come out in leaf are still green under the bark and the buds are soft and swelling.

We’ve also got to remember that the trees have been through a bit of a shock; they would’ve been lifted, kept in a cold environment to stop them from growing, transported and then put in the ground, it’s a big ask to have them planted and expect them all to burst into leaf at the first signs of spring, they need to acclimatise. That is the end of his report.

You also state that the cost of the tree planting across the Lynnsport and Kings reach site was £83,000.   This is also not true. The cost was actually just under £27,000.” This money comes from the Environment Budget.

By way of supplementary Ms Bruce asked if Councillor Kunes would visit the site with interested parties.  Councillor Kunes confirmed he had visited the site a number of times recently, so would do so in the spring.

2-    Jenny Walker

I understand that this year the council’s Open Spaces team are playing their part in tackling climate crises by using only peat free compost. Good news for the environment.

Has the Open Space Team any plans to move to more nature friendly planting?  Some councils have done this for example Burnley,  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:21

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

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

CAB17:           Planning Scheme of Delegation

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Councillor Dark, seconded by Councillor Middleton proposed the recommendation CAB17:          Planning Scheme of Delegation.  The recommendation was put to the vote.

RESOLVED:  That the recommendation from Cabinet on 21 June be approved.

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Council was invited to make nominations to outside bodies to be appointed by full Council, and to vote on those nominations made by Scrutiny Panels.  The nominations, as attached in the Appendix to the minutes were approved.

With regard to the vacancy on the King’s Lynn Internal Drainage Board, Councillors Dark and Morley were both nominated.  On being put to the vote, Councillor Dark was appointed.

Councillor A Tyler was nominated to the vacancy on the Emmerich Twinning Club.  This was agreed.

RESOLVED:  1) That representatives to serve on the outside bodies and partnerships listed in the Parish level and General categories as shown in the attached Appendix be approved with the inclusion of Councillor A Tyler’s name for the Emmerich Twinning Club.

2)  That the appointment of representatives nominated by the Panels to serve on outside bodies and partnerships which fall within the Scrutiny and Regulatory categories as shown in point 4.1 of the report be approved.

3)  That the reporting arrangements be noted, as shown in section 3 of the report.

4) That Councillor Dark be appointed as a representative to serve on the King’s Lynn Internal Drainage Board.  

i)                      To consider the following Notice of Motion (4/22), submitted by Councillor S Squire:

“Debate Not Hate”

This council believes that elected members should be able to undertake their roles safely without abuse, threats or intimidation. Therefore it agrees to sign as a council, the LGA “Debate Not Hate” public statement calling on local and national government with other relevant partners to form a government convened working group to produce and implement an action plan that addresses abuse and intimidation of members and candidates across all levels of national and local government.

ii)                     To consider the following Notice of Motion (5/22), submitted by Councillor S Squire:

“Introduction of a Tourism Levy”

This council acknowledges the valuable contribution that tourism makes to our local business economy. However, it also notes that tourism and high visitor numbers affect the level of council services that are required and used by both residents and visitors alike.

With the current financial climate and councils having to find new sources of funding, it is noted that the LGA estimate that a small flat rate tourist levy (tax) introduced by councils could increase council revenues by up to £7 million a year.

This council therefore agrees to join other councils in writing to the government, calling for the government to introduce primary legislation to enable us to levy a tourism tax and for a working group to be set up to investigate the possibility for the introduction of a voluntary levy in the mean time.

iii)                   To consider the following Notice of Motion (6/22), submitted by Councillor S Squire:

“Provision of overnight parking for suitably equipped camper vans”

With the National increase in holidaying at home and in particular campervan and motorhome use, together with frequent reports of campervans parking overnight in inappropriate car parks around the borough, particularly in coastal areas.

This council considers it is time to join other councils including those in Wales, Scotland and Northumberland to allow charged, overnight parking to self sufficient vehicles for a maximum 24 hour period as a transient type stopover in a selected council run car park in Hunstanton. This would be run for a trial period of one year so that council could then assess the success of the scheme.

iv)           To consider the following Notice of Motion (7/22), submitted by Councillor S Squire

“Menopause Workplace Pledge”

It is estimated there are some 13 million women in the UK that are currently peri or menopausal. Menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workforce and almost 8 out of 10 menopausal women are in work.

This council is aware that over 50% of our workforce and 25% of our councillors are women. It recognises that peri-menopause and menopause and the wide ranging symptoms involved can be a difficult time for women, can lead to a loss of confidence which may then lead to women leaving the workforce.

This council would like to demonstrate they are fully supportive of both staff and councillors experiencing menopause and  ...  view the full agenda text for item C:24

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i)                      Councillor S Squire proposed the following Notice of Motion (4/22), seconded by Councillor Ratcliff:

“Debate Not Hate”

This council believes that elected members should be able to undertake their roles safely without abuse, threats or intimidation. Therefore it agrees to sign as a council, the LGA “Debate Not Hate” public statement calling on local and national government with other relevant partners to form a government convened working group to produce and implement an action plan that addresses abuse and intimidation of members and candidates across all levels of national and local government.

Councillors Squire and Ratcliff spoke in support of the Motion giving examples of their experiences of abuse they and others had received in their role as Councillors.  Councillor Dark spoke in support of the Motion, also citing examples of abusive or bad behaviour by Councillors.  He suggested that the Council lead by example. Councillors de Whalley and Parish responded to the points made.  Councillor Moriarty made reference to the need to consider one’s own conduct. Councillor Long suggested that a line be drawn in the sand and councillors lead by example. Councillor Nash commented that if policy was adhered to there would be less confrontation. 

In further debate, Councillors gave further examples of abuse received or bad behaviour.   It was suggested that councillors should support each other as an individuals state of mind was not always apparent.

In summing up Councillor Squire endorsed the fact that members should stand together.

On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried.

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be approved.

ii)                     Councillor S Squire proposed the following Notice of Motion (5/22), seconded by Councillor Parish.:

“Introduction of a Tourism Levy”

This council acknowledges the valuable contribution that tourism makes to our local business economy. However, it also notes that tourism and high visitor numbers affect the level of council services that are required and used by both residents and visitors alike.

With the current financial climate and councils having to find new sources of funding, it is noted that the LGA estimate that a small flat rate tourist levy (tax) introduced by councils could increase council revenues by up to £7 million a year.

This council therefore agrees to join other councils in writing to the government, calling for the government to introduce primary legislation to enable us to levy a tourism tax and for a working group to be set up to investigate the possibility for the introduction of a voluntary levy in the mean time.

Councillor Squire spoke in support of the Motion, as did Councillor Parish who referred to other areas which had introduced such a levy.

Under standing order 14.6, Councillor Dark proposed that the motion be referred to the Regeneration and Development Panel for consideration.  Councillor Squire accepted the proposal.

On being put to the vote the proposal was agreed.

RESOLVED:              That the motion be referred to the Regeneration and Development Panel for consideration.  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:24

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.)

Corporate Services - Councillor B Long

Environment - Councillor P Kunes

Development - Councillor R Blunt

Finance – Councillor A Dickinson

Property – Councillor A Lawrence

People and Communities – Councillor Sam Sandell

Deputy Leader and Business, Culture & Heritage – Councillor G Middleton

Leader - Councillor Stuart Dark – report to follow

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Councillor Dark moved the Cabinet Members reports en bloc.

Cabinet Members responded to questions on the following:

Councillor Long responded to a question from Councillor Morley on the Business Plan for Alive West Norfolk.

Councillor Long responded to a question from Councillor Kemp on the issue of a drain cover and drew attention to the Internal Drainage Board presentations at the Environment and Community Panel meetings.

Councillor Middleton responded to a question from Councillor Nockolds on an email re consultation with stakeholders on the Guildhall proposals.  He confirmed that he had provided a response and that further consultations would take place.  He also confirmed that minutes being referred to were in draft form, and were amended on approval.

Councillor Kunes responded to a question from Councillor Moriarty on when the additional services on the recycling round would be available.  He confirmed that pressure was being brought to bear to bring it to fruition.

Councillor Sandell requested Councillor Jones email with the question regarding Homechoice.

Councillor Blunt gave an update on CIL following a question from Councillor Crofts. 

Councillor Middleton undertook to provide a response in writing to Councillor Ryve’s question on the reason for the increase in income anticipated for the Guildhall since April.

Councillor Kunes undertook to provide a written response to Councillor Howland on whether there were any electric charging points planned in Downham Market.

In response to a question from Councillor Bower, Councillor Sandell explained that the Integrated Care System  was funded from the Covid recovery fund.

In response to a question from Councillor Parish, Councillor Blunt confirmed the Hunstanton Bus Station project was being reviewed.

Following a question from Councillor Kemp, Councillor Middleton confirmed that the view of the County and Borough Councils was that the Carnegie library would be for community use, and that it was for the County Council to make it ready for Community use. 

Councillor Blunt responded to a question from Councillor Devereux on the spec building being built on the NoraEZ which were receiving a lot of interest.

Councillor Lawrence confirmed to Councillor Morley that the tenants of the Princess Theatre were being consulted regarding the roof repairs.

Councillor Nockolds asked what benefit In Bloom brought to the Borough, Councillor Long confirmed the wide benefits to the community and individuals well being of who work voluntarily in a number of areas for In Bloom. 

Councillor Kunes responded to Councillor Rust on the cost of running and maintaining air source heat pumps.  He referred to the lack of CO₂ produced by them, and also that the boilers at Enterprise works were due for replacement.

Councillor Kemp asked Councillor Kunes what the progress was with the community orchard in south Lynn which she was using her Councillor fund to support.  Councillor Kunes confirmed there were no objections to this. 

Following a question from Councillor Collingham, Councillor Dickinson gave an update on the fuel subsidy distribution the deadline for which was  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:25

In accordance with Standing Order 11.2 (b), Members of the Council may ask any questions of the Chair of any Council Body (except the Cabinet).

There were no questions.