Agenda and draft minutes

Prayers were led by Father Ben Almond.

Council held a minutes silence in respect of Honorary Alderman Ted Benefer.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Anota, Ayres, Barclay, Bhondi, Coates, Crofts, Dickinson, Fry, Humphrey, Lawrence, Lowe and Tyler.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 2^nd October 2025.

RESOLVED: The minutes from the meeting held on 2^nd October 2025 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to page 234, paragraph 7 Councillor Heneghan to be replaced by Councillor Lintern.

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.

Councillor Long declared an interest as a Trustee of Marshland St James Village Hall and as a Member of the Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership.

Councillor Jamieson declared an interest as Chair of the Norfolk Coast Partnership.

Councillor Squire declared an interest as a Member of the Norfolk Coast Partnership and the Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership.

To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

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The Mayor provided detail of an event he had attended to commemorate a fishing fleet tragedy which had taken place 150 years ago and a rededication of the memorial in King’s Lynn.

The Mayor also informed Council that Emma Hodds, subject to item C78 was sitting in the public gallery.

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

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1. Waiver of the Six-Month Attendance Rule – Councillor Don Tyler.

Councillor Beales proposed and Councillor Blunt seconded the recommendation as set out within the report.

RESOLVED: 1. Council approved the waiver of the six-month attendance rule provided for within Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act for Councillor Don Tyler due to illness.

2. That the extension of the permitted non-attendance time period for a new six-month period, to expire on 26th May 2026.

2. Vote of Thanks to Monitoring Officer – Alexa Baker

Councillor Beales proposed a vote of thanks to Alexa Baker, Monitoring Officer as this would be her last Council Meeting.  Councillor Beales expressed appreciation for Alexa Baker, acknowledging all the help and support she had provided to Members.

Councillor Parish seconded the vote of thanks and wished Alexa Baker every success for the future.

Full Council thanked Alexa Baker and gave her a round of applause.

RESOLVED: The Council place on record their formal thanks to Alexa Baker for all her help and support and wished her well for the future.

3. Second Homes Council Tax Agreement

Councillor Beales announced that a deal had now been reached with Norfolk County Council regarding the Second Homes Council Tax Levy stating that 25% would return to the borough for the benefit of local residents.

Councillor Beales thanked all those involved in the negotiations, particularly Councillor Jamieson, and noted that while some details were still to be finalised, the principal agreement had been secured.

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

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1. Public Question from Mr Alastair Kent

The Mayor invited Mr Alistair Kent to ask his question as set out below:

“Thousands of houses are in the pipeline for areas of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.  Given that present developments such as the Broad Oaks Estate on the edge of Downham Market are likely to be typical, these houses will be built cheek by jowl with tiny gardens and few significant green open spaces where children can play or residents could, for example, develop community gardens or aspire to an allotment.  Given that access to such open spaces has been proved to benefit physical and mental health, what requirements will be imposed on developers to ensure that there is significant provision of such green spaces that are proportionate to the size of the development, and not mere tokens too small to be of significant benefit to the community.

Councillor Moriarty responded to the public question as set out below:

“Good Afternoon Mr Kent, and thank you for a rather thought-provoking question. Before I go into some detail on the Council’s position and tackle the specific points you make, I do want to give my personal perspective on this issue. Perhaps I should give you some assurance at the outset that it is the council’s position which prevails and trumps my personal views. But, for what they are worth, here goes.

I am conscious that I need to tread carefully as some might argue I belong to a privileged generation and what do I know about house buying for first time buyers today. But I too was once a first time buyer, and in 1983 we bought a small cheek by jowl house, postage stamp size garden and a tiny second bedroom with room for a cot and wardrobe, or a single bed. It is what we wanted and what we could afford. Like the majority of first timer buyers in our age category, and this is still true today, we moved on in a couple of years. I was very glad such housing was available then, and were we in the same position today I would be very grateful for this council’s position on stepping in if necessary when the market fails and I look forward to our new Housing Needs Assessment to be published in 2026 which will help inform so many decisions and policies.

Back to your question, first in general terms and then the specific steps which got us to where we are today.

It is always a balance between making the best use of land, as Government planning policy explicitly requires, while still safeguarding and improving the environment and ensuring safe and healthy living conditions.   So as the council we will look at developing houses at an appropriate density that provides an efficient use of land, but also suitably reflects the wider locality. There are also specific policies in the new Local Plan, which  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:76

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

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

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(i) Electoral Arrangements Committee – 4 November 2025

Councillor Beales, seconded by Councillor Everett proposed the recommendations from the Electoral Arrangements Committee held on 4 November 2025.

RESOLVED: The recommendations from the Electoral Arrangements Committee held on 4 November 2025 in relation to the below items, were approved by Council:

4. Burnham Market Community Governance Review – Next Steps

5. Hilgay Community Governance Review – Next Steps

(ii) Cabinet – 11 November 2025

Councillor Ring, seconded by Councillor Rust, proposed the following recommendations from the Cabinet Meeting held on 11 November 2025.

CAB89: Review of Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy

CAB94: Quarter 2 – 2025/2026 – Budget Monitoring

RESOLVED: The recommendations from the Cabinet meeting held on 11 November 2025 in relation to the below items, were approved by Council:

            CAB89: Review of Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy

CAB94: Quarter 2 – 2025/2026 – Budget Monitoring

Councillor Morley, seconded by Councillor Bone, proposed recommendation CAB90: Council Tax Support: Final Scheme for Working Age People for 2026/2027 from the Cabinet Meeting held on 11 November 2025.  Councillor Morley spoke in support of the recommendations.

Councillor Kemp spoke in support of the support being made available for those in deprived areas and those affected by the cost of living.

Councillor Osborne spoke of the importance of helping the most vulnerable residents of the Borough. 

Councillors Rust spoke in support of the proposals.

Councillor Bone, as seconder of the recommendations, spoke in support of the proposals.

Councillor Dark spoke in support of the proposals and highlighted the additional support provided to residents such as the discretionary hardship scheme.

RESOLVED: The recommendation from the Cabinet meeting held on 11 November 2025 in relation to CAB90: Council Tax Support: Final Scheme for Working Age People for 2026/2027 was approved by Council.

Councillor de Whalley, seconded by Councillor Ring proposed recommendation CAB91: Adoption of Norfolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy from the Cabinet meeting held on 11 November 2025. 

Councillor de Whalley spoke in support of the recommendations.

Councillor Kemp spoke of the importance of providing open space and the impact on health and wellbeing of residents.

Councillor Bone spoke in support of the proposals and the importance of biodiversity.

Councillor Colwell referred to the consultation which had taken place and was pleased that Gaywood River and rewetting Peat Land had been included.

Councillor Squire commented that this was a living document and served as a blue print for diversity by promoting ideas and the art of the possible.

Councillor Long was pleased that the Strategy included practical action and informed Council of the million trees scheme.

Councillor Devulapalli welcomed the strategy and hoped that it would be promoted.

Councillor Ring commented that it was important to protect the planet for future generations and indicated his support for the recommendations.

RESOLVED: The recommendation from the Cabinet meeting held on 11 November 2025 in relation to CAB91: Adoption of Norfolk  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:77

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Councillor Beales, seconded by Councillor Ware, proposed the recommendations as set out in the report.

Councillor Beales provided an overview of the recruitment process and thanked Members and officers who had been involved.

Councillor Beales spoke highly of Emma Hodds, stating that he had been impressed with her during the interview process.

Councillor Beales also spoke highly of Michelle Drewey and highlighted the good work that she had carried out during the interim period.

Councillor Beales stated that both Emma Hodds and Michelle Drewey had been outstanding during the recruitment process and recommended their appointments to Council.

Councillor Ware endorsed the comments made by Councillor Beales.

Full Council congratulated both of the Appointees with a round of applause.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the postholder of Chief of Staff and Monitoring Officer be confirmed as Emma Hodds, to commence on the date agreed between the postholder and the Chief Executive.

2.     With immediate effect, that the post of interim Deputy Chief Executive (including Section 151 Officer) be confirmed as permanent and for Michelle Drewery to continue in this role.

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Councillor Beales, seconded by Councillor Ring, proposed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED:

1.     The Chief Executive is appointed to act as the Local Returning Officer for the Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority Mayoral Elections.

2.     The amendment to the Scheme of Delegated set out at section 2.3 of this report is approved so that the Chief Executive is delegated authority to act as Local Returning Officer for all relevant elections conducted within the Borough Council area.

To consider the following Notices of Motion:

(03/25), submitted by Councillor Kirk:

The Reform Group wishes to put forward the following motion to full council

This Council notes that:

- It declared a climate emergency in 2021 and set a corporate net zero target for 2035. 

- Policies include the Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan, decarbonisation of 11 council buildings, Norfolk Net Zero Communities pilot, Eco Flexible Eligibility Scheme, and £3.8m spent on solar, heat pumps, and EV points. 

- These unfunded mandates raise council tax and divert funds from local services — hitting the poorest residents hardest.

This Council believes that:

- Its first duty is to protect the poorest and most vulnerable residents, not to chase costly net zero targets.

This Council resolves to:

- Scrap all net zero policies and targets immediately, including the 2035 target, Climate Change Strategy, building decarbonisation programme, and Eco Scheme. 

- Publish a full audit of net zero spend within 3 months and consult residents on priorities for the savings.

(04/25), submitted by Councillor SAYERS:

This Council notes that:

1. "Fleecehold" refers to properties sold as freehold where homeowners remain liable for annual estate management charges to private companies for roads and communal areas councils would traditionally maintain through council tax.
2. One million homeowners across 20,000 estates face escalating charges with no meaningful ability to challenge unreasonable fees or poor service.
3. Eighty percent of new freehold properties by the 11 largest housebuilders now include estate management charges, making fleecehold standard industry practice.
4. Research shows the average new-build home comes with 157 defects, up 96% since 2005, yet residents pay twice - through council tax and private estate charges.
5. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 received Royal Assent in May 2024, but most provisions await secondary legislation. The High Court dismissed a judicial review challenge on 24 October 2025, removing obstacles to implementation.
6. The property management sector remains unregulated, leaving residents with no recourse against excessive charges.

This Council resolves to:

1. Request the Leader writes to the Secretary of State urging immediate implementation of secondary legislation and regulation of property management.
2. Establish support for affected residents through information and signposting to campaign groups.
3. Engage with developers to discourage fleecehold arrangements and require transparent costings.
4. Use planning powers to require adoption agreements for roads and communal areas, and discourage fleecehold through planning policy and Section 106 agreements.

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(03/25) Submitted by Councillor Kirk

Councillor Kirk requested withdrawal of the following Notice of Motion and indicated that a revised Notice of Motion would be submitted to the next Full Council meeting.

“This Council notes that:

- It declared a climate emergency in 2021 and set a corporate net zero target for 2035.

- Policies include the Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan, decarbonisation of 11 council buildings, Norfolk Net Zero Communities pilot, Eco Flexible Eligibility Scheme, and £3.8m spent on solar, heat pumps, and EV points.

 - These unfunded mandates raise council tax and divert funds from local services — hitting the poorest residents hardest.

This Council believes that:

- Its first duty is to protect the poorest and most vulnerable residents, not to chase costly net zero targets.

This Council resolves to:

- Scrap all net zero policies and targets immediately, including the 2035 target, Climate Change Strategy, building decarbonisation programme, and Eco Scheme.

- Publish a full audit of net zero spend within 3 months and consult residents on priorities for the savings.”

RESOLVED: The Mayor agreed that the Notice of Motion be withdrawn.

(04/25) Submitted by Councillor Sayers

In proposing the Notice of Motion, Councillor Sayers requested an alteration to resolution four of his Notice of Motion.  The alteration is set out in bold below.

Councillor Ratcliffe seconded the alteration.

“This Council notes that:

1. "Fleecehold" refers to properties sold as freehold where homeowners remain liable for annual estate management charges to private companies for roads and communal areas councils would traditionally maintain through council tax.

2. One million homeowners across 20,000 estates face escalating charges with no meaningful ability to challenge unreasonable fees or poor service.

3. Eighty percent of new freehold properties by the 11 largest housebuilders now include estate management charges, making fleecehold standard industry practice.

4. Research shows the average new-build home comes with 157 defects, up 96% since 2005, yet residents pay twice - through council tax and private estate charges.

5. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 received Royal Assent in May 2024, but most provisions await secondary legislation. The High Court dismissed a judicial review challenge on 24 October 2025, removing obstacles to implementation.

6. The property management sector remains unregulated, leaving residents with no recourse against excessive charges.

This Council resolves to:

1. Request the Leader writes to the Secretary of State urging immediate implementation of secondary legislation and regulation of property management.

2. Establish support for affected residents through information and signposting to campaign groups.

3. Engage with developers to discourage fleecehold arrangements and require transparent costings.

4. Urge the Planning Committee to give consideration, where legally permissible and appropriate, to requiring adoption agreements for roads and communal areas through Section 106 agreements, and to discourage fleecehold agreements through planning policy.”

RESOLVED: The alteration to the Notice of Motion was agreed.

Councillor Ratcliffe, as seconder of the Notice of Motion spoke in support of  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:80

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

Finance – Councillor C Morley

People and Communities – Councillor J Rust

Deputy Leader and Business – Cllr S Ring

Leader - Councillor A Beales

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Councillor Beales moved the Cabinet Members Reports.

Councillor Kunes asked about the Electric Vehicle Charging points at the Depot and asked if proper charging points would be installed.  Councillor de Whalley confirmed that dedicated charging points for the Council’s Electric Vehicle fleet were to be installed, funded by grants, to improve efficiency and data collection, with ongoing upgrades to support future fleet requirements.

Councillor Heneghan stated that the River Ouse area was underutilised and regeneration in this area was overdue.  She asked for timescales on the Regeneration plans for this area and how it would be funded.  Councillor Ring referred to the recent Masterplan Stakeholder Meeting where good feedback had been provided to the consultants.  Councillor Ring explained that work had been commissioned for the Quay dryside area as part of the Town Deal Board funding and work was due to start in the New Year.  Improvements to the Custom House would be subject to Planning Permission and it was hoped that the process would commence in April 2026.  With regard to the Devils Alley and King Staithe Square area, Council was informed that this was in the early design phase and would be subject to public consultation.

Councillor Kemp asked for an update on the Ferry and Councillor de Whalley explained that new ferry infrastructure plans were nearing completion and would be shared with stakeholders in due course.

Councillor Squire responded to a question from Councillor Parish regarding Water Quality, explaining the complexity of pollution sources, ongoing investigations, and the need for year round testing and real time date.  Councillor Squire agreed to keep Council updated on progress.

Councillor Dark referred to the Notice of Motion relating to climate change, which had been withdrawn earlier in the meeting and stated that if this was approved it would undermine the long standing work of Councillor and Officers committed to improving the environment.  Councillor Beales reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to its climate emergency declaration and carbon action plans, assuring that there were no plans to reverse these policies and highlighting ongoing support for climate and biodiversity initiatives.

In response to a question from Councillor Sayers, Councillor Squire outlined the risks of lithium battery fires in waste streams due to incorrect disposal, the need for public awareness, and the forthcoming allocation of extender producer responsibility funding to enhance recycling services.

Councillor Spikings referred to the recent changes to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding Governance arrangements.  She requested that the one year review of the new scheme be brought forward to take place after the first funding round.  Councillor Moriarty explained the recent changes to the CIL funding, the review process, and efforts to make the application process easier for parishes.

In response to a question from Councillor Everett, Councillor de Whalley confirmed that the transition to LED street lighting was ongoing, with improvements in energy efficiency and maintenance.  He asked Councillor Everett to provide him with detail of specific units  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:81

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.