Agenda and minutes

Prayers were said by Father Ling.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 29 September 2016 (previously circulated).

RESOLVED:   The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 29 September 2016 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

The Mayor welcomed Councillor Terry Parish recently elected to the Heacham Ward to his first meeting of the Council.

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.

There were no interests to declare.

To give consideration to the attached report and form a view.

Cabinet to make a decision on the matter at its meeting immediately after Council.

Councillor Long introduced the report on Norfolk and Suffolk Devolution which was being considered by all the Norfolk and Suffolk Authorities who had opted in June to continue to the consultation stage of the Devolution proposal.  He drew attention to the information which had been received, the consultations undertaken and to the insistence of Government that the Combined Authority would have to have an elected Mayor. He acknowledged that for some it was too high a price to pay and that it was not an easy decision to have to take, but no-one could know what the future would bring or if there would be any further offer for Norfolk at a later date if this Deal was rejected.  He reminded Council that his Group would have a free vote on this issue.

In order that the debate could take place he proposed the following recommendations, and at the same time asked for a recorded vote on the decision.  This was supported by the required number of Members.

1          That, on the basis of the earlier Governance Review (Appendix B to the 30^th June Council papers), Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) and the results of the consultation, the Authority continues to conclude that the establishment of a Mayoral Combined Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk is the option which most fully permits the effective discharge of the functions that Government is prepared to devolve to this area.

2          That the Council authorises the Chief Executive to consent to the Council being included in an Order that will be laid before Parliament by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to create the Norfolk and Suffolk Combined Authority, such Order to:

a)           establish a Norfolk and Suffolk Combined Authority and specify the high level constitutional arrangements;

b)           confer functions on the Norfolk and Suffolk Combined Authority; and

c)           specify those functions exercisable by the Mayor.

3       In the event that any minor drafting changes are required to reflect legislative requirements and the contents of the Deal Agreement, authority is delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and agreement with the other Chief Executives/Managing Directors of the Constituent Councils across Norfolk and Suffolk to make the necessary changes to the Order.

4       That further reports are presented to the Authority, as appropriate, as the Devolution process progresses.

Councillor Bird spoke against the recommendations stating that the incentives were not good enough value and the timeframes  were unrealistic. He stated that neither he nor his constituents supported the issue of an Elected Mayor, which he considered would end up being a Suffolk representative with a layer of bureaucracy which would be additional cost to the tax payer.  He drew attention to the potential benefit of the Ely North Junction but did not consider that a Suffolk Mayor would see it as priority.

Councillor J Collop concurred with the comments made and confirmed that his Group also had a free vote on the issue.  He commented  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:51

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.

The Mayor invited the following members of the public to come forward to ask their questions of Council:

1)         Joanne Rust

“King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council has a representative who sits on the County's Health Scrutiny Committee. What representations has she made in respect of the STP to ensure that our area receives its fair share of health funding and services to meet the needs of the population. In particular to keep open the Fermoy Unit? “

Councillor Mrs Nockolds gave the following response:

“The Sustainability Transformation Plan, STP, for Norfolk and Waveney was presented to the Health & Wellbeing Board as a complete plan on 18th October and submitted to NHS England on the 21st October.

At the moment I do not know the outcome although I have a meeting of the H&WB Board on the 23rd November.

The County's Health Scrutiny Committee does not have a role in drawing up the STP. I am sure the Chairman and Committee will arrange a meeting to scrutinise the STP. I am aware that this Committee has scrutinized Mental Health issues including the care and support given.

STP's are place based, system wide plans for health and social care and covers integration with local authority services including prevention and social care. The Plan covers the period Oct 2016 to March 2021.

The focus of the Plan is addressing 3 national challenges.

1. Inequalities in health

2. Ensuring quality & performance of health & social care systems

3. Ensuring a financially sustainable health & social care systems

To improve the governance of the STP, the Executive Board (by which District Councils and Norfolk Healthwatch are represented) have been given the responsibility of ensuring the STP programme structure is being delivered on time.

Within the programme structure a specific Mental Health work programme will be developed across the breadth of the STP.

A Clinical Reference group has also been established involving NHS Trust Medical Directors & CCGs Chairman to ensure that local clinical leaders are engaged in the STP process.

Within the coming months the STP will have to be shared with residents of Norfolk and Waveney and engage with organisations and professionals to shape the plan and develop the change.

Norfolk County Council have in place a Communication workstream programme for residents.

The programme will outline how health and social care services in Norfolk and Waveney will change as well as how the organisations will work together during the next 5 years.

The Local Transformation Plan, LTP,  was recently refreshed and agreed at the HWB in July to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people and is a high priority. An extensive redesign of the entire system will be undertaken over the next 2 years to maximise the opportunities for integrated pathways of care. The 5 CCG's in Norfolk & Waveney have committed to spend an extra £1.9m of funding to deliver the priorities set out in the LTP for instance, increase support for children & young people affected by domestic abuse, those with  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:53

To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

The Mayor informed Council that he had send birthday wishes to the Prince of Wales.

In accordance with Standing Order 11.1 to receive reports from Cabinet Members in the following order and under Standing Order 11.2 (a) Members of the Council may ask questions of the Cabinet Member on their reports and Portfolio areas:

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

Councillor Mrs Nockolds presented her report.  She responded to questions on grass cutting in King’s Lynn and that the Festival was committed to continuing putting on high quality performances.

Councillor Blunt moved his report.  He responded to questions on the Local Plan and undertook to have a discussion with Councillor J Collop on unadopted estate roads.

Councillor Lawrence presented his report.  He responded to a question on the provision of new homes which were equipped for the disabled, and the opening times of the Gaywood public toilets.

Councillor Mrs Mellish presented her report.  There were no questions.

Councillor Daubney presented his report. There were no questions.

Councillor Beales presented his report.  He responded to a question on the attendance of the Waterfront Consultants at residents meetings in the area.

Councillor Long presented his report.  There were no questions.

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

None.

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

To consider the following recommendations from the meeting:

CAB80: Changes to arrangements for appointment of External Auditors

CAB81: Terms of Reference of the King’s Lynn Area Consultative Committee – Parish Partnership Programme

CAB82: NORA Enterprise Zone – Discretionary Business Rates Discount

Exempt Items

CAB84: Refuse and Recycling Contract Arrangements

CAB85: King’s Court Office Accommodation

CAB86: Asset Management – Housing Development Sites - Options

Councillor Long, seconded by Councillor Beales proposed the recommendations from the Cabinet Meeting on 25 October 2016 below:

CAB80: Changes to arrangements for appointment of External Auditors

CAB81: Terms of Reference of the King’s Lynn Area Consultative Committee – Parish Partnership Programme

CAB82: NORA Enterprise Zone – Discretionary Business Rates Discount

CAB84: Refuse and Recycling Contract Arrangements

CAB86: Asset Management – Housing Development Sites – Options

At the request of Councillor J Collop the following resolution was passed:

Exclusion of the Press and Public

RESOLVED:               That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for item of business CAB85 below on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

Councillor Collop sought clarification as whether the cost implications of the proposals under CAB85: King’s Court Office Accommodation.  It was explained that the minor details of costings were not available but the move would bring the Town Hall into greater use.

RESOLVED:   That the recommendations from 25 October 2016 Cabinet be approved.

To review proportionality following the By Election as set out in the report.

RESOLVED: That proportionality be amended by the change of 2 seats, one from both the Licensing & Appeals Board and Licensing Committee moving from Conservative to Independent and the appropriate membership sought.

To consider the following Notice of Motion (3/16), submitted by Councillor B Long

“That this Council supports and adopts  the Motor Neurone Disease Charter which includes the following aims:

1. The right to an early diagnosis and information.

2. The right to access quality care and treatments.

3. The right to be treated as individuals and with dignity and respect.

4. The right to maximise their quality of life.

5. Carers of people with MND have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and well-supported.”

Details of which are available here as a guide for Councillors

http://www.mndcharter.org/wp-content/uploads/Guide_for_councillors.pdf

The Mayor invited Councillor Long to propose his Notice of Motion (3/16).

Councillor B Long proposed the Motion:

That this Council supports and adopts  the Motor Neurone Disease Charter which includes the following aims:

1. The right to an early diagnosis and information.

2. The right to access quality care and treatments.

3. The right to be treated as individuals and with dignity and respect.

4. The right to maximise their quality of life.

5. Carers of people with MND have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and well-supported.

The Motion was seconded by Councillor A Beales with amendments to read:

That this Council supports the Motor Neurone Disease Charter  because what is required from councils such as ours is clearly outlined in a specially written Guide for Councillors and there is little doubt  that the Council can do what is required without undue impact on financial and other resources.  Before such other worthy causes are supported, the Council should be similarly aware of the nature of the assistance required and the possible financial and resource impact.

RESOLVED:   That the Motion, as amended be agreed.