Agenda and draft minutes

Prayers were led by Rev Canon Ling.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Beal, Collop, Hodson, Lawrence, Morley, Ratcliffe, Sandell and Tyler.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the following meetings (previously circulated, or to be published shortly):

-        26^th June 2025

-        17^th July 2025 -  Extraordinary Meeting – The Guildhall

-        17^th July 2025 – Extraordinary Meeting – Award of Honorary Alderman Status.

RESOLVED: The minutes from the meetings held on 26^th June and two Extraordinary Meetings on 17^th July were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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.

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Council was reminded that a dispensation had been granted by the Standards Committee for CAB39: Council Tax Discounts and Premiums Resolution.  Members with an interest were advised to declare their interest, but would not have to leave the room during consideration of the item and they could contribute to the debate and vote on the matter.

Councillors Bhondi, Colwell, Dark, Dickinson, Kemp, Kirk, Lintern, Moriarty, Sayers and Storey declared an interest in CAB39: Council Tax Discounts and Premiums Resolution.

To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

There was none.

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

There was no urgent business.

To receive petitions and public questions in accordance with Procedure Rule 20.

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Public Question from Karen Chapman:

“As an authority with responsibilities towards air quality, noise levels and waste collection is it time to consider holding more modern forms of celebration than the default to large, noisy, polluting firework displays of Chinese made fireworks?

The celebrations of the Olympics has shown that there is a huge variety of inspirational ways of celebrating evens with light shows, drone based displays and music.

Is it time to show that this authority has moved with the times and stopped spending our hard-earned money on this waste of natural resources?”

Councillor Lintern responded to the question as set out below.

Thank you for your message and for sharing your concerns on behalf of the West Lynn Action Group.

We appreciate your perspective on firework displays and the broader issues of environmental impact, noise, and the evolving expectations around public celebrations. As an authority, we continually strive to balance tradition, public enjoyment, and sustainability.

Our events are planned and budgeted many months in advance, and this year’s firework display has already been scheduled. These displays remain extremely popular, regularly attracting over 20,000 residents and visitors, many of whom see them as a cherished tradition within our community events calendar. Importantly, professionally organised displays are significantly safer than private, at-home fireworks and are offered free of charge—unlike many areas where admission fees apply—making them accessible to families of all income levels. The event also brings economic benefits to the town, as many attendees choose to spend the day locally, dining or shopping in the area.

That said, we have considered more modern and sustainable alternatives, including drone-based light shows. However, at present, the cost of delivering a drone display that offers a similar level of visual impact is significantly higher than that of a traditional fireworks show - which we currently provide at a cost of less than £1 per head. We will continue to monitor developments in this area and remain open to incorporating such options as they become more accessible and cost-effective.

I also note your comments about West Lynn, and I understand the importance of ensuring all parts of the borough feel represented and included. As someone who also lives outside of King’s Lynn, I share your view on the importance of inclusive community engagement. Should the West Lynn Action Group wish to organise a local event, we would be pleased to discuss potential opportunities for support and collaboration.

Public Question from Julie Irving:

“To be a resilient community we need to be informed engaged and proactive.  The Borough Council is in a leadership position in the community and could, within the limitations of its powers, nurture that resilient community.

For example, food insecurity is a very predictable outcome of climate breakdown, as crops fail in conditions of drought, extreme heat and flooding, causing food shortages, price increase and severe food poverty, to speak of the very least of the problems.  A proactive  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:45

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Council was invited to review its proportionality following the resignation from Councillor Nash from the Independent Partnership.

Councillor Beales proposed the report and Councillor Ring seconded the report.

Councillor Long commented that there was still an issue with rounding up and the Constitution Informal Working Group should look at this issue in more detail.

Councillor Bone commented that he felt the proposals were fair and would be supporting them.

Councillor Joyce commented that he felt the proposals were fair.

RESOVLED: That the review of proportionality was agreed as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

Members are requested to liaise with their Group Leaders in advance of the Council meeting, should they wish to put themselves forward to serve on any Outside Bodies.

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Council were invited to appoint representatives to serve on Outside Bodies as set out in the report.

Councillor Beales proposed the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Ring.

A list of nominations were provided to Councillors along with Ballot Papers for where there had been more nominations than positions.  Council were advised that the results of the Ballot would be published to Councillors after the meeting.  The results of the ballot are below.

West Norfolk Youth Advisory Group

Councillor Jones withdrew therefore Councillor Rust appointed.

Norfolk Health Overview Select Committee

Councillor Devulapalli – Chair

Councillor Kemp – 20 votes

Councillor Ware – 16 votes

Abstention – 1 vote

Councillor Kemp appointed as the Substitute for 2025/2026.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Governors Council

Councillor Everett – 7 votes

Councillor Ryves – 14 votes

Councillor Kemp – 20 votes

Councillor Kemp appointed for 2025/2026.

RESOLVED: That the Council appoints representatives to serve on the outside bodies as attached.

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

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

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CAB36: Staff Cost of Living Pay Award

Councillor Beales proposed the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Ring.  Councillor Beales spoke in support of the proposal to link in with the national pay settlement and felt it was a pragmatic way forward.

RESOLVED: The recommendations from the 21^st July Cabinet Meeting were approved in relation to the Staff Cost of Living Pay Award.

CAB37: Changes to Social Housing Allocations Policy

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Councillor Rust proposed the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Moriarty.  Councillor Rust spoke in support of the proposal and provided an overview of the review of the Policy.

Councillor Long commented that he welcomed the necessary review and was pleased to see military connections retaining local connection status.

Councillor Kemp spoke in support of the proposals and raised concerns relating to families in first floor accommodation and asked that the Cabinet Member keep this Policy under review.

Councillor Bone welcomed the updated Policy and praised officers for their work and the consultation exercise carried out.

Councillor Joyce referred to the Choice Based Letting Policy which had been previously approved and commented that he could not support this Policy.  He referred to the White Ribbon Campaign and stated that more needed to be done to tackle domestic violence and encourage those affected to speak out.

Councillor Rust summed up and referred to the local connection criteria relating to the military and children in care, which was important.  She also referred to overcrowding, which took priority, although she acknowledged that children on the first floor was not ideal.  Councillor Rust explained that good quality housing was important and explained that there was a legal requirement to appropriately house those that were fleeing domestic violence.

RESOLVED: The recommendations from the 21^st July Cabinet Meeting were approved in relation to the Social Housing Allocations Policy.

CAB39: Council Tax Discounts and Premiums Resolution

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Councillors Bhondi, Colwell, Dark, Kemp, Kirk, Kunes, Lintern, Long, Moriarty, Sayers and Storey all left the room during consideration of the above item.

Councillor Beales proposed the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Squire.  Councillor Beales spoke in support of the recommendations, highlighting the taxation on second home owners, the income projections and the agreement with Norfolk County Council.

Councillor de Winton commented that the Borough relied on second homes and tourism and the benefits they had on the economy.  He commented that there was a need to evaluate the impact and the money raised through this scheme and suggested that the Audit Committee or a Scrutiny Panel review this scheme in twelve months time.

Councillor Joyce commented that the Council would only get a small proportion of the income generated through the levies and negotiation with Norfolk County Council was important.

Councillor Dickinson commented that the 12 month discount for properties was not that long for  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:48

To consider the following Notice of Motion (2/25), submitted by Councillor Heneghan:

National Gambling Reform

This Council notes:

This council notes that gambling companies have been found to be targeting the least well-off areas for new sites. Residents have expressed concerns about this in King's Lynn and at present the borough council is effectively powerless to stop it.

Section 153 of the Gambling Act 2005 enshrines the ‘Aim to Permit’ principle, which requires councils to approve gambling licences where minimum criteria are met, regardless of local community opposition.

This Council resolves to:

• Join a growing coalition of 40+ other local authorities and write to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport calling for urgent reforms to restore decision-making powers to local authorities.

• Support the Six Point Plan for Gambling Reform:

o   Reform the ‘Aim to Permit’ policy to allow councils to refuse gambling premises that pose risks to local welfare and safety.

o   Place all gambling premises (including adult gaming centres and bingo halls) in a single planning category to prevent loopholes.

o   Give councils the power to consider local social and health factors, such as debt and proximity to schools, when reviewing planning applications.

o   Direct the proceeds from the new statutory levy on gambling operators, to independent public bodies and local health authorities for harm prevention and treatment.

o   Introduce greater restrictions on gambling advertising, sponsorships, and promotions – especially those reaching children and vulnerable groups.

o   Halt any proposals that further liberalise adult gaming centres, including spin speeds and staking levels on B3 machines.

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Councillor Heneghan, seconded by Councillor Bone, proposed the below Notice of Motion.

“This Council notes that gambling companies have been found to targeting the least well-off areas for new sites.  Residents have expressed concerns about this in King’s Lynn and at present the borough council is effectively powerless to stop it.  Section 153 of the Gambling Act 2005 enshrines the ‘Aim to Permit’ principle, which requires councils to approve gambling licences where minimum criteria are met, regardless of local community opposition.

This Council resolves to:

·        Join a growing coalition of 40+ other local authorities and write to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport calling for urgent reforms to restore decision-making powers to local authorities.

·        Support the Six Point Plan for Gambling Reform:

o   Reform the ‘Aim to Permit’ policy to allow councils to refuse gambling premises that pose risks to local welfare and safety.

o   Place all gambling premises (including adult gaming centres and bingo halls) in a single planning category to prevent loopholes.

o   Give councils the power to consider local social and health factors, such as debt and proximity to schools, when reviewing planning applications.

o   Direct the proceeds from the new statutory levy on gambling operators, to independent public bodies and local health authorities for harm prevention and treatment.

o   Introduce greater restrictions on gambling advertising, sponsorships, and promotions – especially those reaching children and vulnerable groups.

o   Halt any proposals that further liberalise adult gaming centres, including spin speeds and staking levels on B3 machines.

Councillor Sayers proposed an amendment to the Notice of Motion to add:

·        Write to the Local Government Association (LGA) expressing this Council’s support for national lobbying efforts to strengthen local authority powers over gambling premises to protect residents from harm.

Councillors Heneghan and Bone accepted the amendment to the Notice of Motion. 

Council debated the Notice of Motion, as amended.

Councillor Kemp spoke in support of the Notice of Motion and the harms of gambling, especially during a cost of living crisis.

Councillor Moriarty spoke on the Motion, reminding Council that there was legislation in place which the Council had to abide by and he noted that the broader issue would be presented to a future Environment and Community Panel meeting for consideration.  Councillor Moriarty reminded Council that the Statement of Licensing Policy was presented to Council in 2024 and had been widely consulted on before adoption.  Councillor Moriarty provided an overview of recent licences that had been granted and the consideration the Council had to have in regard to the Licensing Objectives.

Councillor Moriarty agreed to check and confirm to Members that the Council had already written to government to indicate their support for the six point plan for gambling reform.

Councillor Rust spoke in support of the Notice of Motion and the harms of online gambling, for which the Council had no control.

Councillor Sayers thanked Councillor Heneghan for highlighting this important issue and  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:49

In accordance with Council procedure rule 8, to receive reports from Cabinet Members to be moved en bloc.  Members of the Council may ask up to four 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, then non aligned members, followed by 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 60 minutes for all Cabinet Members and the Leader

Climate Change and Biodiversity – Councillor M de Whalley

Culture and Events – Councillor S Lintern

Planning and Licensing – Councillor J Moriarty

Environment and Coastal – Councillor S Squire – TO FOLLOW

Finance – Councillor C Morley

People and Communities – Councillor J Rust

Parking and Open Spaces – Councillor P Bland

Deputy Leader and Business – Cllr S Ring

Leader – Councillor A Beales

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Councillor Beales moved the Cabinet Members report en bloc.

Councillor de Whalley provided a verbal updated to his report stating that a Biodiversity Project Officer had been appointed.

He also announced that the Ferry Service would reopen at 7am on 11^th August.  He thanked all those involved in the Ferry repairs and urged people to return to using the facility to ensure long term sustainability.

Councillor Rust provided a verbal update on the work of the Energy Efficiency Officer and the Housing Standards Team’s Beat the Bills events.

Council adjourned for a comfort break from 6.49pm to 6.57pm

The Mayor invited questions to Cabinet Members.

In response to a question from Councillor Crofts, Councillor Lintern commented that coast parking facilities in the town centre would be looked at within the Car Parking Strategy and the King’s Lynn Masterplan.

In response to a question from Councillor Everett, the Leader explained that the Norfolk County Council claims regarding the proposed three Unitary model were unfounded and all financial assessments would be robust and would only be moved forward if sustainable.

Councillor Kemp was relieved that the Ferry service would reopen soon and referred to improvements to be made.  Councillor de Whalley commented that they were in the early stages of reviewing designs and options.

In response to a question from Councillor Parish, Councillor Moriarty explained that officers were liaising with Anglian Water regarding sewage treatment works and water quality and if developers requested pre-application advice then the risk to the local environment was highlighted if appropriate.

Councillor Blunt referred to the New Homes Building challenge and the government housing targets and asked how the Local Plan Task Group would be involved and if consideration could be given to establishing a further Task Group to monitor housing targets.  Councillor Moriarty felt that the Local Plan Task Group would be the correct forum for monitoring Housing Targets, and he agreed to keep Council updated on the government requirements as required.

Councillor Bone referred to Government funding for Social Housing and Councillor Beales confirmed that the Council would look at opportunities as they became available.

In response to a question from Councillor Kemp, Councillor Beales agreed to provide a written response on the use of Hardings Way by taxis.

Following the meeting the below response was received from Councillor Beales:

The possibility of taxi access to Hardings Way was raised by Cllr. Andrew Jameson in a meeting of the West Norfolk Transport & Infrastructure Steering Group. As you will all be aware, Norfolk County Council is the highways authority and Cllr. Jamieson raised this matter as an elected member, and Deputy Leader of NCC. Borough representatives pointed out the sensitivities of the area, particularly for residents and raised a number of questions about any forthcoming proposal. It was confirmed that the NCC local member (Cllr. Kemp) would be consulted should NCC move the process forward. I am not clear whether NCC do intend  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:50

In accordance with Procedure rule 9, Members of the Council may ask any questions of the Chair of any Council Body (except the Cabinet).

There were no questions.