Agenda and minutes

Council held a minutes silence in memory of the Late Honorary Alderman the Earl of Leicester, who had sadly passed away.

Prayers were led by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Father Ling.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the two Meetings of the Council held on 23 April 2015 (previously circulated, pages 974-983a) and 21 May 2015 (pages 1-7).

RESOLVED:  The Minutes of the two Meetings of the Council held on 23 April 2015 (previously circulated, pages 974-983a) and the Annual Meeting on 21 May 2015 (pages 1-7) were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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 none.

To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

The Mayor informed Council that he had sent good wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on their birthdays.

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

There was none.

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

There were none.

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.  Councillor A Tyler sought further information on the 40s weekend and how it all connected with the spitfire Trail.  Councillor Mrs Nockolds explained that the trail was made up of 24 spitfire models which were largely sponsored by local businesses.  The Borough Council had 3 which were being painted by 2 groups of young people and a local artist.  They would all be displayed in the town and parks and gardens with a spitfire flypast to co-incide over the weekend.  The idea had come from Pauline Petch from the No 42 ATC.  Councillor Tyler asked if such celebrations of anniversaries would become part of the Council’s policy.  Councillor Mrs Nockolds responded that each year budgets had to be considered, but this year the money had been placed in the budget for the special events which were to encourage people into the town centre which in turn helped local businesses.  She considered that Civic events such as church remembrance services etc would always take place.

Councillor Mrs Bower asked about the Lily project and how successful it had been.  Councillor Mrs Nockolds confirmed that the project which had been going for a year was very successful, attracting over 94,000 visitors to its web site. With surprisingly fewer telephone calls than expected.  The project was sponsored by the West Norfolk Partnership and gave information on club events for older people and how people could access  different services in order to help them continue to live independently.

Councillor Beal presented his report.  There were no questions.

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

Councillor Long presented his report.  Councillor Humphrey congratulated the Portfolio Holder and the Environmental Team on the funding received for improving recycling  rates across the region in order to reduce the waste going to landfill.  He asked if the Portfolio holder hoped it would be successful in increasing recycling rates.  Councillor Long confirmed he was aware of the award prior to the election but due to the purdah requirements wasn’t able to advertise it.  The award was for £257,000, and had been the subject of considerable competition to get it.  The plan was to get the message out about contamination of recycling so it would be improved.  It was also linked to the Do Something Different scheme.  He confirmed that the media coverage had been welcome, but it was also about getting people to come forward with ideas. 

Councillor Lawrence presented his report.  Councillor Gourlay, in referring to the housing waiting list levels asked if they indicated a need to increase the level of social housing for rent, with more support for problem cases.  Councillor Lawrence responded that it was a known fact that there was a need for  more social housing nationwide, he confirmed the Council was working with landlords, both social and private.  Councillor Gourlay asked if the subject of housing should be considered by the appropriate Scrutiny and Overview Panel to which Councillor Lawrence confirmed it was not within his control to decide what a Panel would consider, but the Council was doing its best with the resources available.

Councillor A Tyler made reference to a discussion he had held with a homeless person in his ward, and asked if referring them to the Borough had been the right thing to do.  Councillor Lawrence confirmed it had been the correct procedure to refer the person to the Housing Team who would try to assist as best as possible, with emergency access to housing and hostels.  He drew attention to the out of hours emergency contact which could be found on the Council’s web site.

Councillor J Collop asked for details on how a legitimate complaint was defined in the changes to private rented housing eviction procedure.  Councillor Lawrence responded that if a person believed they had a complaint they should submit it and it would be considered under the legal criteria of the scheme.  He confirmed he would be proactive in the matter.

Councillor Pope presented his report. as an update to his report he informed Members that the free parking bays in the Tuesday Market Place had been running for a year now, and the usage figures for the year were 121,500.  He also explained that the new trim trail at Lynnsport would be available  for use at the beginning of September, and the charity Headway had moved their operation into the South Lynn Community Centre.

Councillor A Tyler asked if the Councillor ICT rollout was going according to plan which Councillor Pope confirmed it was and at last count there were only 5 Councillors still to collect their new equipment.  He commended the staff who had been involved in the roll out of the equipment and information.

Councillor Smith asked the worth of the new additions to Lynnsport, and what would be available for free use by the public.  Councillor Pope confirmed that Lynnsport had a continual replacement programme of its equipment, but the cost of the Trim Trail was approximately £60,000 which was financed by the College, and would be available for the public to use free of charge when not being used by the College.  He reminded Members that the other out door areas at Lynnsport were available for the  public to walk around.

Councillor Mrs Collop asked for confirmation of whether Gayton Road Cemetery was not allowing artificial flowers on graves.  Councillor Pope confirmed that he did know that they hadn’t previously been permitted.  He drew attention to the good clean condition of the cemetery.

Councillor J Collop asked whether it was still planned to have only 1 meeting per annum of the Walks Forum as he felt it wasn’t acceptable as he considered it disrespectful to those who carried out the volunteer work in the works.  Councillor Pope confirmed it would meet once a year, and reminded Councillors that there would be no deterioration in the standard of the Walks with 1 meeting per year, and it should be able to accommodate all the business.

Councillor Lord Howard was not present at the meeting.  Members were invited to pose any questions to him on an email.

Councillor Beales presented his report.  He drew attention to the fact that the Fields in Trust item for the Lynnsport 2 field which had drawn unanimous support at Council had been agreed at Cabinet.

Councillor A Tyler asked for an update on the Bus Station refurbishment.  Councillor Beales drew attention to the press release which stated that the buses should be back in the station by Monday, whilst there was still some ongoing work to finalise, including the train station end of the link, it should be complete by the end of July.  He commended the regeneration of the tired area.

Councillor J Collop asked if there was any information available for Councillors to access on the meetings which were being held with the interest groups on the Marsh Lane project.  Councillor Beales explained that the public consultation event had been held recently, the results of which were being analysed.  Those results would be placed on the Councils Major Housing page on the web site so would be available along with all other relevant information for Councillors and the public alike.

Councillor A Tyler asked if when practical and sensible ideas were put forward would they be listened to  and taken on board.  Councillor Beales encouraged comments to be made, which was actively taking place at the Consultative Group set up on the Major Housing Project, the next meeting of which was due to take place on 6 July.

Councillor Smith acknowledged the concern of some residents for the Major Housing Development, and asked for reassurance that the field in trust and other green areas would remain accessible during the development of the sites.  Councillor Beales also acknowledged the concern, but also acknowledged the support received for the project.  He confirmed that those areas would remain accessible, as would other areas of Lynnsport which the public were able to walk around.

Councillor Daubney presented his report.  Councillor Collingham asked how the Leader saw his appointment as Chairman of the Norfolk Leaders Group impacting to the benefit of the Council.   Councillor Daubney informed Members that he was pleased to have been appointed to the role, with a lot of change taking place in the country with the new Government it would open opportunities for Councils.  The Council already shared resources with neighbours, for example the Business Rates Pool.  He felt there would be opportunities under devolved  powers to bring things to the area and be able to share with neighbours in order to do so.  That role required effective leadership which he hoped he would be able to bring to the group in order to forge constructive working relationships for the good of the County.

Councillor Moriarty asked if the £2.5m figure awarded by the Group to projects would be an annual figure, and asked for clarification on the Group dispensing the money.  Councillor Daubney responded that the Norfolk Growth Group administered the fund which was the Business Rates Pool, the level of that funding depended on the level of business rates growth in the County.  Growth Bids were put forward by authorities which were scrutinised by specialist officers from each area, which also had to take into account the funding commitment being put forward by the Council involved.  The final decision made on the allocation of the funding was by the Norfolk Leaders Group.  He acknowledged that if all the authorities worked together to attract and grow business, then further growth would come from that.

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) on any items in the Minutes of that Council Body which are being presented to the Council previously circulated.

There were none.

Councillor Daubney proposed the recommendations from the Cabinet meeting on 10 June 2015 as follows, these were seconded by Councillor Beales:

RESOLVED: 1) That the Council makes a compulsory purchase order (or compulsory purchase orders) in respect of the parcels of land and interests referred to pursuant to Section 226(1)(a) Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2) That the Property Services Manager be given delegated authority to make any necessary changes to the Order plan and to the interests which are to be acquired, should further information come to light requiring such amendments, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder(s).

3) That the Legal Services Manager be given delegated authority to make and complete all necessary documents in relation to the private treaty acquisitions and/or the compulsory purchase orders as necessary.

Councillor J Collop, in supporting the recommendation drew attention to the fact that the Cabinet Scrutiny Committee had considered the item.  He considered that the proof in the process would come in the final recommendations and decisions.  He hoped that all comments would be taken on board in those decisions taken.

Councillor Daubney drew attention to the advice from the Peer Challenge and the Centre for Public Scrutiny, and gave reassurance that although the Administration would have the final say, all Members would be able to input to the process in order to achieve and improved scrutiny process.

RESOLVED:            1)         That the findings of the CfPS review be noted.

2)         That officers be instructed to arrange a workshop for Members with the CfPS to consider in more depth their report and examples of good practice from similar authorities.

3)         That a 9 Member, Council Proportional Task Group be set up to consider the CfPS report and the outcome of the Member workshop and make recommendations to Cabinet.

4)         That a further report be brought to Cabinet to finalise revised arrangements for the performance of the overview and scrutiny process within the Borough Council.

RESOLVED: That the Council’s Constitution be amended to reflect the requirements of The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/881).

RESOLVED: 1) That Council approve the amended Scheme of Delegation.

2) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader be given delegated Authority to make minor amendments to the Scheme to resolve any anomalies which may occur.

RESOLVED: 1) That officers be instructed to undertake comprehensive due diligence of the Morston Assets sites including jointly commissioning with the Administrators, detailed site investigations to enable a full assessment of remediation and development costs of the sites.

2) That the conditional offers to the administrators for all of the Morston Assets sites as set out in paragraph 3.1 of the report be noted.

3) Subject to the results of the due diligence, delegated authority be granted to the Property Services Manager and Legal Services Manager in consultation with the Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, to submit revised firm offers to the Administrators to acquire part or all of the Morston Assets land holdings at the Nar Ouse Regeneration Area, subject to the total sum being equal to or less than the sums identified in the conditional offer.

4) That the Legal Services Manager be authorised to make and complete all necessary documents in relation to the acquisitions identified in this report.

5) That the costs of the site investigations to be met from the approved NORA capital budget.

To consider any recommendations arising from the above meeting which meets after the dispatch of the Council agenda.

There were no recommendations from Cabinet Scrutiny Committee.

To consider the appointment of representatives to serve on Outside Bodies.

Council was invited to consider the appointment of representatives to serve on Outside Bodies and Internal Drainage Boards.

Councillor Daubney, seconded by Councillor Beales, proposed the list of nominations as tabled.  The Mayor invited any further nominations.  Councillor J Collop made further nominations which were put to the vote with the existing nominations tabled as follows:

Gaywood Allotment Trust – 5 nominees for 3 places – Councillors J Collop,  S Collop, G Middleton, P Rochford and T Smith .

Councillors G Middleton, P Rochford and T Smith were elected.

King’s Lynn Area Museums Committee – 2 nominees for 1 place – Councillor C Kittow and T Smith

Councillor T Smith was elected.

King’s Lynn Town Centre Partnership – 3 nominees for 2 places – Councillors L Bambridge, C Kittow and A Wright

Councillors L Bambridge and A Wright were elected.

Marriotts Warehouse - 4 Nominees for 3 places, Councillors P Gidney and C Kittow, Dr P R Richards and Mr T Wright.

Councillor P Gidney, Dr P R Richards and Mr T Wright were elected.

Clarification was sought on the comment that Councillor Crofts request to be co-opted, to which it was explained that Councillor Crofts, a previous representative on the body had been undertaking a piece of work for them, and he would ask them in his own right if they would consider co-opting him for the duration of that matter.  Councillor Gourlay asked if Councillor Kittow could do the same, to which it was explained that she would have to contact them in her own right, not as a nominee of the Council in the same way as Councillor Crofts.

RESOLVED:1) That the representatives to serve on the outside bodies and partnerships listed in the Parish level and General categories as shown below be approved.

2)  That the appointment of representatives nominated by the Joint meeting of the Regeneration and Development & Environment and Community Panel to serve on outside bodies and partnerships which fall within the Scrutiny and Regulatory categories with the addition of Councillor J Westrop on the Norfolk County Council – Norfolk Countywide Community Safety Partnership Scrutiny Sub-Panel and Councillor L Bambridge on the West Norfolk Disability Forum be approved.

3)  That the representatives to serve on the Internal Drainage Boards listed below be approved.

4)  That nominations be invited from appropriate Parish Councils to fill any vacancies on the Internal Drainage Boards not taken up by Borough Council, in accordance with current Council policy.

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

APPOINTMENTS MADE BY FULL COUNCIL ON 25 JUNE 2015