Agenda and minutes

Prayers were led by Rev Canon Ling

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 23 January 2020    (previously circulated).

RESOLVED:   The minutes of the Meeting held on 23 January 2020 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to the following amendment from Councillor Moriarty:

P741- Remove the words “form of” from Councillor Nockolds response to Councillor Rust’s question.

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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To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

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

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

Under Standing Order 9 the Mayor invited the following members of the public to ask their questions as shown:

1)         Trudy Clark read by Bernadette Barclay

A report produced for the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership has as a core aim to establish an ecological network in Norfolk. 

Following is a quote from the  “REPORT OF ECOLOGICAL NETWORK MAPPING PROJECT FOR NORFOLK”, 2006, R. Land, Norfolk Wildlife Trust for Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership. 

“It is increasingly apparent that the area of wildlife habitat needs to be greatly increased and re-connected if it is to survive in a human dominated landscape and be given a chance to adapt to climate change. The creation of an ecological network is, therefore, a necessity.” 

Clearly this is 14 years old, and the problems facing nature and biodiversity have since become even more pressing.

One way habitats can be increased is by reconnecting already existing hedgerows that have become fragmented.

An aim of the Norfolk Volunteer Network is to record gaps in hedgerows with the idea of restoring them with native plants fit for the purpose once breeding season is over.  Then, to care for those plants until they are established.

I acknowledge the Council has projects in place to help nature and with limited resources struggles to do all it would like. Therefore, I respectfully ask the Borough Council to give the Norfolk Volunteer Network permission to begin surveying the hedgerows it is responsible for, with a view to planting, at its own expense later in the year?

Councillor Nockolds gave the following response:

“Thank you for your very interesting question and the details you have given us.

I totally agree with you that it is so important to maintain and increase habitats for our wildlife.

As you have mentioned one way is to reconnect all of the hedgerows and restore them with native plants.

Although the Borough Council land does not have many hedgerows, I am very happy to speak to you and discuss the possibility of giving Norfolk Volunteer Network permission to survey the hedgerows with a view to planting. The Borough Council always appreciate the time and commitment volunteers give to our Borough.”

By way of supplementary, Ms Barclay in referring to the Council’s tree strategy, asked what the Council was doing to bring its tree planting in line with its own strategy.

Councillor Nockolds responded that she did not consider the Council was neglecting trees, there were a lot of open spaces in the Borough, but the majority of land belonged to other people.

2)         Alistair Kent

"What steps have been taken to identify land suitable  for tree planting in the Borough following the decision by the County Council to plant a million trees across the County, and will details of any plots identified, the number and species of tree to be planted and when this will happen be  made public in the near future?"

Councillor Devereux gave the following response:

This Council has committed to supporting the Norfolk County Council in  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:75

Pursuant to Minute CAB100 : FinancialPlan 2019/2024of the Cabinet Meeting held on 4 February 2020, the “Financial Plan 2019/2024 and Council Tax Resolution 2020/2021” the document attached as a supplementary to the agenda for consideration and decision includes an updated summary of the Financial Plan 2019/2024, the County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner - Council Tax for 2020/2021 and details of Parish Precepts and Internal Drainage Boards levies for 2020/2021. 

NOTE:In accordance with Statutory Instrument 2014 No. 165, Local Government, England, The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, any decision taken on the Council’s Budget or Council Tax setting must be taken with a recorded vote

Councillor Long proposed the budget pursuant to Minute CAB100 : FinancialPlan 2019/2024of the Cabinet Meeting held on 4 February 2020, the “Financial Plan 2019/2024 and Council Tax Resolution 2020/2021” the document attached as a supplementary to the agenda for consideration and decision includes an updated summary of the Financial Plan 2019/2024, the County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner - Council Tax for 2020/2021 and details of Parish Precepts and Internal Drainage Boards levies for 2020/2021. 

In proposing the Plan he drew attention to the fact that it was very similar to the previous year due to it being the last year of the Government settlement  and that the fact the Government were looking at the Business Rates retention for future years.

Councillor Long explained that the Borough Council’s Council Tax was in the bottom quartile of tax levels, and the Internal Drainage Board (IDB) levy contained within the Councils element of the tax was essentially £55 of £130 total.  That IDB levy was spent locally on keeping the area drained, this included 2 new pumping stations being constructed.

He acknowledged that it was prudent for the Council to continue with its investment in housing in the Borough, and in the environmental plans it had in place.  The budget proposed was fully funded, drawing on reserves as had previously been planned.

Councillor Nockolds seconded the proposal.

Councillor Rust moved an amendment to reduce the proposed council tax increase by 1%, making it 3.9% increase as those on lower wages could not afford the increase and were finding it harder to meet the council tax payment.  Councillor Jones seconded the amendment.

In speaking on the amendment, Councillor Joyce drew attention to the fact that the Government no longer repaid the IDB levy.  He drew attention to areas where plans could affect the budgets, he considered the corn exchange works would go over budget, and building on the car parks would adversely affect car parking income.  He considered the Council needed to hold the Council Tax levels at existing.

Councillor Long in speaking against the amendment commented that the proposal had not been costed and he felt it was a gimmick, and that each time no increase was proposed that money was gone from the budget for future years.

In summing up Councillor Rust responded that those in need should not have to should the burden as the savings could be found.

In accordance with Statutory Instrument 2014 No. 165, Local Government, England, The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, any decision taken on the Council’s Budget or Council Tax setting must be taken with a recorded vote

Recorded Vote on the amendment

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 Middleton presented his report.  He responded to questions on the revenue from the KLIC building, informing members that the management of the building was being examined for future arrangements including the cost of management of the building.  He also confirmed that the Council would look to apply for funding streams wherever possible.

Councillor Kemp raised the point that she had received a comment that deliveries could not always be made to the KLIC building, Councillor Middleton reminded members that the Council was now the freehold owner of the building and the management arrangements were currently being looked into, so when notified of such issues they would be investigated.

In response to a question from Councillor Squire about comments made by a television programme about the demise of town centres, Councillor Middleton drew attention to the work being undertaken on what could be done to make the town centre a destination space, ensuring diversity in the high street with not just retail.   

Following a question from Councillor Rust on whether the Town Board had a place for the trade unions of the staff working in the town centre, Councillor Middleton explained that the criteria for the fund was to involve the stakeholders from the town, which involved a good range of people, with an Independent Chair.

Councillor Hudson asked what the Council was doing to fill the empty shops such as Iceland which was now empty.  Councillor Middleton reminded Members that the Iceland shop was not owned by the Borough, but the Borough owned shops were occupied and the Council was working with partners to assist where possible, and linking with the Town Fund process.

Councillor Morley indicated an interest in knowing more about the Town Fund process, and expressed his scepticism about the data that would be available through the Board, he suggested looking at other ways to get data to use the monies as well as possible.  Councillor Middleton explained that the Future High Streets and Town Fund were different things, both of which were in the early days, but he undertook to give regular updates to the Regeneration and Development Panel. 

Councillor Kunes presented his report and stated that the report on water levels at Gayton Road cemetery had been completed, and the information provided to the Environment Agency who would report on it.

In response to a question from Councillor Kemp on her IT, Councillor Kunes agreed to meet with her and IT to discuss.

Following questions from Councillors A Tyler and Rust on the resurfacing of the football club car park and conversion to pay and display with full signage,  he undertook to check how many spaces would be available.

Councillor Blunt presented his report and in response to a question from Councillors Parish and Rust on the projected housing delivery figures, he confirmed the Borough had already exceeded its 555 and should complete the year within the target.  He also confirmed that he had been briefing the MPs on the situation to ensure their understanding.

Following a question from Councillor Kemp on the potential construction of properties in south Lynn, he confirmed that the advice and comments from the Environment Agency would be taken into account on each application.  He also confirmed that applications from sites not within the 5 year land supply should be considered on their merits.

Councillor Devereux presented his report and confirmed he had some changes to his scheduled meetings.

In response to a question from Councillor de Whalley on the Borough’s role on the Norfolk Green Waste Project, Councillor Devereux explained that as a result of a planning inspector’s decision, a £50 per dwelling levy was applied on new dwellings on the RAMSAR site.  This fund was overseen by a number of agencies including the Borough and County Council, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Natural England, and was designed to support green infrastructure.  He confirmed that the King’s Lynn to Fakenham green lane had been put on hold as there were issues with land ownership, roads and tracks.

Following a question from Councillor Squire on a presentation from Councillor Devereux on sea level rises relative to the Borough, Councillor Devereux confirmed that he had not been able to facilitate this so far, but agreed to provide a presentation her had prepared earlier in the year.

In response to a question from Councillor Kemp on what the best ways to reduce carbon footprint were Councillor Devereux confirmed tree planning, and transport changes.  He confirmed that the longer term view for the new contract would be to use electric vehicles dependent on the technology available.  He also confirmed that the electric bus highway scheme currently advertised was the responsibility of the County Council.

In response to a question from Councillor Morley, Councillor Devereux confirmed work was progressing on a Climate Change programme and would be reported into Environment and Community Panel. 

Councillor Ryves asked whether the figures being used from the carbon audit related to natural energy.  Councillor Devereux explained the figures in the audit were calculated using accepted protocols on emissions.  He encouraged Councillor Ryves to come to the Panel meeting to discuss it.

In response to Councillor Rust’s question on the reduction of the Borough’s estate footprint, Councillor Devereux explained that the footprint of staff occupying Council offices had reduced and areas had been let out to other organisations, and the One Public Estate was looking at the usage of other Council buildings.

Councillor A Tyler asked if the portfolio holder was optimistic that climate change could be conquered.  Councillor Devereux reminded members that it would be a challenge where there were many factors beyond the Council’s control.  He drew attention to the flood protection work being carried out and other schemes by the IDBs.

Councillor Devereux reminded Councillor Parish that the waste collection centres were run by the County Council following his question on wood reycling.

Councillor Ryves raised the suggestion of an increase on council tax for climate change.

Councillor Lawrence presented his report, and in response to Councillor Rust agreed to ascertain the number of rough sleepers who had been offered permanent accommodation. 

In response to Councillor Kemp’s question regarding the priority given to care leavers in the housing system, Councillor Lawrence drew attention to the delegated decision recently published on the subject.

At 8.29pm the Mayor adjourned the meeting for 10 minutes.  It re convened at 8.40pm.

Councillor Lawrence agreed to publish the number of empty homes in a future report.

Councillor Morley passed on congratulations on the Homelessness Strategy and held it up as a model for others to follow.  Councillor Lawrence acknowledged the document came about through working together by officers, members and partner organisations.

Councillor Gidney presented his report.  In response to Councillor Parish’s questions on the limitation of holiday home ownership of the Hunstanton property development, Councillor Gidney explained that it wasn’t possible to control who purchased them, but there were a number of affordable homes in the development.  He also confirmed that it was not too late for the developers to consider alternative energy sources for the site.

Councillor Howman asked if there would be social housing in the proposed Gaywood development, to which Councillor Gidney encouraged members to attend and give feedback at the information session planned for the site on 18 March.

Councillor Kemp made reference to a comment from a West Winch Parish Councillor at the West Winch update on a document which implied that 300 houses would have no impact on the A10 traffic.  She asked if he agreed that there should be no building in the area until the road was constructed.  Councillor Gidney was not familiar with the document.

Councillor Nash commented that the impact of 350 properties on the A10 would be significant, but the question was asked of officers who said that the Highways study  showed no adverse impact.  He asked Councillor Gidney if there was any impact, to which Councillor Gidney responded that it was a Highways document so he wasn’t able to respond.  Councillor Nash stated that it was a case of officers giving false advice, so how could officers advice be relied on.

The Monitoring officer responded that the conduct of officers was not an appropriate question for full Council, so would not be responded to.  Councillor Nash responded that it was not appropriate not to answer the question.

In response to Councillor Bone’s question on what effort was being put in to get sustainable public transport for the town, Councillor Gidney confirmed that in the built environment improvement to public transport were sought, changes would also assist the air quality management areas.

Councillor Ryves asked whether a rail station at South Lynn had been considered at same time as the West Winch development proposals.   Councillor Gidney responded that the rail network did not support a station in that vicinity so it was outside the control of the Council.

Councillor Mrs Nockolds presented her report.  In response to a question from Councillor Rust about when she had last met with the Shakespeare Guildhall Trust Councillor Nockolds explained she was waiting on a date from the Trust.

Councillor Morley asked about the presentation by the Trust not attended by many members, and asked that dialogue with the Trust continues and any assistance in providing HLF funding would be welcome.  Councillor Mrs Nockolds explained she had not attended the presentation because it was the same one given to members at the Regeneration and Development Panel where she had been in attendance.  In response to Councillor Moriarty, she confirmed the last formal meeting with the Trust was in June, but informed members that she regularly had conversations with the Trust members and other users of the facility at the Guildhall.

Councillor Hudson asked whether the Cinema development had a council clerk of works and what arrangements were in place for the checking of invoices to ensure it didn’t run over budget.  Councillor Mrs Nockolds explained that Phelan the company carrying out the work had their own clerk of works.  The works were running on time, the ground floor should be open by the following week and the cinema open in June and the toilets refurbished.  The roof was due to be replaced shortly.  Procurement would check the invoices.

Councillor Mrs Nockolds explained to Councillor A Tyler that the Cultural Board  consisted of the County Arts Department, Arts organisations. Arts Council East. Freebridge and met three time per year to discuss grants and how to apply for grants.

Following a question from Councillor Kemp, Councillor Mrs Nockolds confirmed the Custom House would be opened to the public for a Norfolk Museums service exhibition in April and an Arts exhibition in May.

Councillor Mrs Nockolds undertook to mention to the CCG Councillor Ryves suggestion that the Council build a convalescence unit and rent back to the CCG to release beds in hospital. 

Councillor Long presented his report.  Councillor Lawton drew attention to the number of holiday lets along the coast that did not pay for commercial refuse collections.  Councillor Long commented that they would probably be exempt from Business Rates but would have to pay refuse collection costs, but alternatively they would pay Council Tax.  He undertook to look into the situation. 

In response to a question from Councillor Morley he confirmed the Monitoring reports had not been issued on a monthly basis recently, but they would soon resume that regularity.

Councillor Ryves referred to the KLIC building and the finances around it, and asked why an additional loan of £250,000 had been made.  Councillor Long responded that as he understood it the building was not fully complete so would not be able to be utilised.

Councillor Kemp made reference to the potential requirement to repay Government funding if there were any changes to Hardings Way. Councillor Long responded that a small part of the Sustrans grant may have to be re-paid if the road no longer met their criteria, this was still to be determined.  He confirmed that he had not read the detailed agreements as this was County Council officers’ responsibility to do so. 

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).

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

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

CAB97:            Notice of Motion 5/19 Cllr de Whalley – Climate Change

CAB98:            Notice of Motion 4/19 – Cllr Kemp – Hardings Way

CAB99:            Notice of Motion 6/19 Cllr Bone – Hardings Way

CAB101:          Treasury Management Strategy for 2020/21 and Prudential Indicators for 2019/20 and 2022/23

CAB102:          Capital Programme and Resources 2019-24

CAB104:          Hunstanton Coastal Management Plan

Exempt Report

CAB106:          Nar Valley Phase 4 (Traditional Build)

NB: the following item has been dealt with in item 8 above

CAB100:          Financial Plan 2019/24

Councillor Long proposed the recommendation C97: Notice of Motion 5/19 Cllr de Whalley – Climate Change set out below, this was seconded by Councillor Devereux.

RECOMMENDED: 1) That officers be requested to prepare a climate change policy & separate climate change strategy with action plan.

2) That the Council fully recognise the evolving climate crisis and work towards Borough Council carbon footprint neutrality and net zero district carbon emissions. The dates will be determined taking into account emerging policies at the national and local level.

3) The current 12 month UEA Intern post should be extended to a temporary 2 year fixed term post.

In proposing the recommendation Councillor Long informed Council that in the last 4 years there had been a reduction in the Council’s carbon footprint by 25%, and all energy purchased would be green.   He further commented that he felt the recommendations were on a good course to see carbon neutrality by 2035, depending on the funding available.

Councillor de Whalley moved the following amendment to the recommendation:

“1) That officers be requested to prepare a climate change policy and separate climate change strategy with action plan to be published no later than August 2020 and subject to an active six-monthly review mechanism.

2) That the Council fully recognise the evolving climate crisis and its own duty of care to protect human life by declaring a climate emergency. That it works towards Borough Council carbon footprint neutrality and net zero district carbon emissions; the dates will be determined taking into account emerging policies at the national and local level but not beyond 2030 to comply with our fair share of the Paris Accord commitment to staying ‘well below 2°C and pursuing 1.5°C’ global temperature rise.

3) The current 12 month UEA Intern post should be extended to a temporary 2 year fixed term post.”

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Ryves, who stated he was pleased to take an active role in supporting the Climate Emergency and join the many organisations to work to 2030 for carbon neutrality.

At this point in the meeting it had reached 9.30pm, the 3 hour timeframe.  In accordance with standing order 33 Councillor Rust proposed that the Council continue to sit.  On being put to the vote, this proposal was lost and the meeting stood adjourned.

The following items had not been considered:

CAB98:         Notice of Motion 4/19 – Cllr Kemp – Hardings Way

CAB99:         Notice of Motion 6/19 Cllr Bone – Hardings Way

CAB101:       Treasury Management Strategy for 2020/21 and Prudential Indicators for 2019/20 and 2022/23

CAB102:       Capital Programme and Resources 2019-24

CAB104:       Hunstanton Coastal Management Plan

Exempt Report

CAB106:       Nar Valley Phase 4 (Traditional Build)