Agenda and draft minutes

Prayers were led by Rev Canon Ling.

Councillor Parish proposed Councillor Bullen as the Vice-Chair for the meeting.  This was seconded by Councillor Moriarty.

RESOLVED:   That Councillor Bullen be appointed Vice-Chair for the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 22 February 2024 (previously circulated).

RESOLVED:   The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 22 February 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Deputy 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.

None

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

None

i)             Cabinet recommendation remaining from 15 January 2024 meeting:

 CAB93: Appointment of Honorary Aldermen (NB it is now proposed that 27 June 2024 is the date of the special Council)

ii)             Petitions and Public Questions from 22 February meeting

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

iii)           Cabinet Members reports from 31 January 2024

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 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.)

Business – Councillor A Beales

Climate Change and Biodiversity – Councillor M de Whalley

Environment and Coastal - Councillor S Squire

Finance – Councillor C Morley

Property & Corporate Services – Councillor B Anota

People and Communities – Councillor J Rust

Tourism Events and Marketing – Cllr S Ring

Deputy Leader Development and Regeneration – Councillor J Moriarty

Leader - Councillor T Parish

iv)            Cabinet Members reports from 22 February 2024

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 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.)

Business – Councillor A Beales

Climate Change and Biodiversity – Councillor M de Whalley

Environment and Coastal - Councillor S Squire

Finance – Councillor C Morley

Property & Corporate Services – Councillor B Anota

People and Communities – Councillor J Rust

Tourism Events and Marketing – Cllr S Ring

Deputy Leader Development and Regeneration – Councillor J Moriarty

Leader - Councillor T Parish

v)           Questions of Chairs from 31 January and 22 February 2024 meeting

In accordance with Standing Order 11.2 (b), Members of the Council may ask any questions  ...  view the full agenda text for item C:92

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Councillor Parish proposed CAB93: Appointment of Honorary Aldermen, seconded by Councillor Moriarty with the amended special Council date of 27 June 2024.

RESOLVED: That CAB93: Appointment of Honorary Aldermen with the amended date of  27 June 2024 for the special Council be approved.

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The Deputy Mayor  invited those submitting public questions to come forward in accordance with Standing Order 9.

Question from Trudy Clark

At the 31st January Council meeting, Mr. Robert Shippey asked the Council if the new administration had developed a plan to reach its own net zero targets on time, and what budget had been set to achieve this.  Councillor Parish explained that the Climate Change Strategy was due to be reviewed, “in due Course”. Mr. Shippey also asked, as the £1 million funding had already been spent, what budget would be allocated in the forthcoming budget process. Councillor Parish replied that such information would be coming, “in due time”. Both of these replies, “in due Course”, and “in due time”, and both very vague answers and do not answer the question. So my question is, “Has the Borough Council set itself a date to finalise it’s budget so it may move forward with tackling the climate emergency, or will it continue to answer questions with past achievements and decisions, instead of looking to the future?

Councillor de Whalley gave the following response:     “The  Council’s climate change reserve fund is £1.25 million and has not been fully spent. An update on progress with our climate change strategy and action plan, expenditure and remaining balance for the reserve fund and the council’s own carbon footprint will be provided to Environment & Community Panel at its meeting on 9 April 2024.

This Council’s target is to be net zero by 2035. Achieving this will mean that we will have to address a number of critical challenges, including the decarbonisation of our vehicle fleet and estate. For example, affordable or viable solutions do not yet exist for refuse vehicles to serve our vast rural area. We also have a number of properties that require review to determine their future use and improvement. These types of projects will demand significant investment and take several years to develop and deliver.  The funding for these projects will be set out in future budgets and capital programmes. Unfortunately, there are no simple solutions to these matters.

Lessons Learnt include.

·         To engage with external experts such as the Forestry Commission who have provided us with a wealth of resources and generously offered ad hoc advice

·         Soil testing including type, nutrients and moisture to ensure suitable species are planted.

·         Improved aftercare including mulching and irrigation

·         Better site design such as more space to access and maintain the trees

·         Appropriate protection measures to safeguard the trees

·         Planting with and in support of the community and not too close to footpaths”.

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i)             Cabinet Members reports from 31 January 2024

Councillor T Parish proposed the reports en bloc. 

Councillor Rust responded to a question from Councillor Kemp on getting a Doctors surgery into the new south Lynn health hub.  She explained that it was not intended to have a Drs surgery in the building.

Following a question from Councillor Devulapalli, Councillor Ring gave an update on the Guildhall saying it was hoped to get the planning application submitted in August with a completion date likely in spring 2027.

Councillor Ring responded to Councillor Collingham that he didn’t have concerns that the timescales would cause any difficulties with funding for the Guildhall.

ii)             Cabinet Members reports from 22 February 2024

Councillor T Parish proposed the reports en bloc.

There were no questions.

  There were no questions of Chairs.

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

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The Deputy Mayor invited public questions presented for the 21 March meeting in accordance with Standing Order 9.

1 ) Question from Julia Irving read by Jenny Walker

I visited Lynnsport today the 13th of March 2024 . I was dismayed to note that the area so disastrously planted with trees in 2021 ( when the vast majority of trees died due to neglect) is still littered with plastic trees guards ,as far as the eye can see . The area looks a mess and I have attached a photo to illustrate this . I asked a question at a council meeting last year and my understanding was that the contractors, CGM group, were to be asked to take away the tree guards and tidy the area up and remove dead trees so that the area could thrive  as wild flower meadow.

What is the time line for this work to be done?

Councillor de Whalley explained that the Council was currently in the process of checking the remaining trees were still alive, then the area was due to be sorted out w/c 8 April, involving staff, volunteers and students.

Ms Walker asked if CGM had made any reparation for not fulfilling the terms of the contract, to which Councillor de Whalley explained that the contracts team were in discussion with CGM.

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2) Question from Sue Heal read by Malcolm Chubbock

MND is a fatal, often rapidly progressing neurological disease for which there is no cure. 

Will the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk adopt the MND Charter to help positively influence the lives of people living with MND and their carers in the community? 

The MND Charter is a statement of the respect, care and support that people living with MND and their carers deserve and should expect.  More information can be found at www.mndassociation.org/mndcharter

The Charter is made up of 5 key points, these are listed below.

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.

Supplementary question:  Will the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk consider the findings in the MND Association’s Act to Adapt report and use their discretionary powers to ensure that they are meeting the needs of people living with MND in relation to accessible housing? More information can be found at www.mndassociation.org/acttoadapt

We recommend that councils learn from existing good practice by:

• Introducing a fast-track process for people with MND
• Removing financial assessments for Disabled Facilities Grants 
• Maintaining a register of accessible homes for people to move into

These actions were reflected in the Government's guidance for  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:93

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

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

CAB130  : Anti Money Laundering Policy

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Councillor Parish proposed the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Moriarty.

CAB130  : Anti Money Laundering Policy

RESOLVED:  That CAB130 Anti Money Laundering Policy be approved.

To consider the following Notice of Motion (2/24), submitted by Councillor Kemp:

Wisbech Incinerator 

This Council expresses its  continued strong opposition to MVV Energie's proposed 625,000-tonne capacity Incinerator close to the West Norfolk border in Wisbech and  notes with alarm that the Government granted a  Consent Order on 20 February, which, however, may soon  be subject to Judicial Review.

Council recognises that the operation would be carbon intensive and increase net carbon emissions, against the Norfolk Climate Change Strategy and achievement of Net Zero;  that new facilities of this nature are against the advice of the All Parliamentary Group on Air Pollution and the National Infrastructure Commission; that the East of England  already  has an over - capacity of incinerators; and this Council wishes to prevent the bringing of London's waste onto the Fens road network, and the shipping of toxic waste into Lynn's port for  transportation onto  West Norfolk's congested road network to Wisbech.

As a Statutory Consultee,  Neighbouring Authority and Interested Party at the recent Planning Enquiry,  this Council  supported the other neighbouring authorities, Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Norfolk Council in their opposition to the incinerator.

This Council will play a full part in any  upcoming Judicial Review and will make strong representations against the facility to the Court,  and will write to Government.

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Councillor Kemp proposed her Notice of Motion 2/24, seconded by Councillor Ryves.  Councillor Kemp spoke in support of the Motion. Councillor Ryves then spoke in support of the motion and commented on the cost of incineration, encouraging further sorting of waste.

“Wisbech Incinerator 

This Council expresses its continued strong opposition to MVV Energie's proposed 625,000-tonne capacity Incinerator close to the West Norfolk border in Wisbech and notes with alarm that the Government granted a Consent Order on 20 February, which, however, may soon be subject to Judicial Review.

Council recognises that the operation would be carbon intensive and increase net carbon emissions, against the Norfolk Climate Change Strategy and achievement of Net Zero;  that new facilities of this nature are against the advice of the All Parliamentary Group on Air Pollution and the National Infrastructure Commission; that the East of England  already  has an over - capacity of incinerators; and this Council wishes to prevent the bringing of London's waste onto the Fens road network, and the shipping of toxic waste into Lynn's port for  transportation onto  West Norfolk's congested road network to Wisbech.

As a Statutory Consultee,  Neighbouring Authority and Interested Party at the recent Planning Enquiry,  this Council  supported the other neighbouring authorities, Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Norfolk Council in their opposition to the incinerator.

This Council will play a full part in any upcoming Judicial Review and will make strong representations against the facility to the Court,  and will write to Government.”

Councillor de Whalley proposed the following amendments to the Motion, seconded by Councillor Parish:

“This Council expresses its continued strong opposition to MVV Energie's proposed 625,000-tonne capacity Incinerator close to the West Norfolk border in Wisbech and notes with alarm that the Government granted a Consent Order on 20 February, which, however, may soon   possibly be subject to Judicial Review.

Council recognises that the operation would be carbon intensive and increase net carbon emissions, against the Norfolk Climate Change Strategy and achievement of Net Zero;  that new facilities of this nature are against the advice of the All Parliamentary Group on Air Pollution and the _National Infrastructure Commission;that the East of England  already  has an over capacity of incinerators. and this Council wishes to prevent the bringing of London’s waste onto the Fends road network, and the shipping of toxic waste into Lynn’s port for transportation onto west Norfolk’s congested road network to Wisbech.

As a Statutory Consultee ,  Neighbouring Authority and Interested Party Host Authority at the recent Planning Enquiry Examination by the Planning Inspectorate,  this Council  supported the other neighbouring authorities, Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Norfolk County Council in their opposition to the incinerator.

This Council will play a full part in any  upcoming Judicial Review and will make strong representations against the facility to the Court,  and will write to Government.

The Council has commissioned external legal advice to assess the  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:95

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 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.)

Business – Councillor A Beales

Climate Change and Biodiversity – Councillor M de Whalley

Environment and Coastal - Councillor S Squire

Finance – Councillor C Morley

Property & Corporate Services – Councillor B Anota

People and Communities – Councillor J Rust

Tourism Events and Marketing – Cllr S Ring

Deputy Leader Development and Regeneration – Councillor J Moriarty

Leader - Councillor T Parish

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Councillor Parish proposed the reports en bloc.

Councillor Crofts asked Councillor Anota for an update on refurbishment of Downham Market toilets.  He explained that it was moving forward and an updated proposal would be coming forward.

Councillor Kemp asked Councillor Ring if the West Lynn side would be incorporated into the riverfront project.  He suggested that the ideas be submitted to the Town Deal Board.

Councillor Bearshaw asked Councillor Anota what the situation was with works to King’s Court.  Councillor Anota confirmed the stair case works were carried out all bar the cosmetic element.  He explained that the had asked for a review of King’s Court layout to be carried out in order for the potential for letting out further space.

Councillor Sandell asked Councillor Rust if she agreed that the additional donation to the foodbank was the right move. Councillor Rust reminded members that the proposal had been accepted unopposed and made reference to the cost of living crisis.

Councillor Heneghan asked about the pause in the provision of accessible play equipment, to which Councillor Rust explained she had been to a meeting on accessible play equipment  which had showed what was available which had resulted in her taking stock of what was to be provided.

Councillor Kemp asked Councillor Anota whether the car park at the West Lynn Community centre would be extended.  Councillor Anota invited Councillor Kemp to let him have the detail and he would look into it.

Councillor Lintern asked if parish councils were being encouraged to distribute new food caddies or they were being taken with the Beat the Bills Roadshow.  Councillor Squire responded that she would be happy to work with parish councils and the Beat the Bills suggestion was very sensible.

Councillor Long asked how Councillors generally would be involved in the review of Alive West Norfolk. Councillor Ring reported that a report was being prepared over the coming months which would be brought through for Cabinet and Panel consideration.

By way of an update, councillor Beales informed Council that the groundworks contractor for Lovells, Bowie construction had gone into liquidation. He reported this would effect the Florence Fields site, but it would be for Lovells to source a replacement contractor. 

Councillor Dark asked Councillor Ring who decided on the level of support for the children’s schemes during holidays etc.  Councillor Ring confirmed that the Alive West Norfolk Board made those decisions.  He undertook to look at the figures quoted by Councillor Dark as activity in children was an important focus on health, he also suggested that schools should be doing more.

Councillor Ryves asked if the Community Based Housing approach might work.  Councillor Rust explained it was in its early stages, but she had been introduced to it by a resident, and since she looked at some areas which could help support community driven schemes.

Councillor Devulapalli asked for clarification on 1/8 households not having access to green space,  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:96

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.