Agenda and draft minutes

Prayers were led by Father Adrian Ling.

The Mayor informed Council that this would be Father Adrian’s last Council meeting and thanked him on behalf of the Council. 

Father Adrian thanked the Council for the privilege and wished Councillors well.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Anota, Ayres, Bhondi, Blunt, Bubb, Bullen, Collingham, Colwell, Devulapalli, Lawrence, Lowe, Moriarty, Nash, Osborne, Parish, Pidcock, Tyler, de Whalley, de Winton and Chief Executive Kate Blakemore.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 2^nd July 2026.

RESOLVED: The minutes from the meeting held on 2^nd July 2026 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair, subject to Councillor Devulapalli’s apologies being added.

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 referred to the Notice of Motion being discussed later in the meeting and declared that he was disabled.

To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

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The Mayor informed Council that Father John would be taking over the position of Mayors Chaplain.

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.

There were no petitions or public questions.

(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 – 29^th June 2026

The Leader, seconded by Councillor Everett, proposed the recommendation from the Electoral Arrangements Committee on 29^th June 2026.

The Leader, Councillor Beales presented the recommendations from the Committee which were to proceed to second round of public consultation.  Councillor Beales noted that the Electoral Arrangements Committee had asked for information on the precept to be included in the second consultation round and as a result of the additional information that was required, Councillor Beales proposed an amendment to the recommendation, in that the final consultation document, including the precept information, be presented to the Electoral Arrangements Committee for final sign off.

Councillor Long agreed that the final consultation document should be considered by the Electoral Arrangements Committee and supported the amendment put forward by Councillor Beales.

Councillor Joyce agreed that information on precepts was important, but noted that it would be up to the Town Council to set the precept.

Councillor Kemp spoke in support of the recommendations and the importance of keeping residents informed on the detail.

Councillor Ratcliffe spoke in support of the proposals and hoped that good local people would stand to represent the Town Council once formed.

Councillor Fry supported the proposals and stressed the importance of transparency throughout the process.

Councillor Ryves spoke in support of the proposals and noted that transfer of assets and ownership of assets would need to be considered.

Councillor Everett, as seconder, thanked the officers involved in analysing the first round consultation responses and supported the recommendations, as amended by Councillor Beales.

In summing up, Councillor Beales informed Members that they would be kept up to date on progress and could attend the Electoral Arrangements Committee meetings under Standing Order 34 as required.  He also explained that the Section 151 officer would be engaged in the financial aspects.

RESOLVED: The recommendations from the Electoral Arrangements Committee meeting held on 29^th June 2026 were approved by Full Council, as set out below:

1. Recommend to Full Council that Officers should proceed to the next stage of the review, including undertaking a second phase of public consultation, including potential precept for 2027/2028.
2. Delegate Authority to the Interim Corporate Governance Manager to make the required arrangements for the second consultation phase, including finalising the draft recommendations, communication and engagement activity, subject to final approval from the Electoral Arrangements Committee.

(ii)          Cabinet – 23^rd July 2026

Councillor Ring proposed the recommendations from Cabinet relating to the West Norfolk Racket and Community Sports Hub. He explained that funding had already been allocated through the Capital Programme and that the recommendation before Council was to increase the allocation in order to secure additional external funding and deliver a project that would provide significant benefits to the residents of King's Lynn.

Councillor Ring outlined the facilities that would be provided as part of the development and explained how the proposals responded to identified local  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:32

To consider the following Notice of Motion (06/26), submitted by Councillor Bone:

The Council notes equality, diversity, and inclusion as a core value in what it does and the services that it delivers. It respects the struggles and tribulations that has taken place in history to ensure that people from all backgrounds feel equal and included. Our borough is becoming increasingly more diverse and is better for it. In our very own council chamber, we have people of colour, different faiths, and orientations. We all have a mutual respect and admiration for our community spirit and proud to be our community representatives.

To ensure that every member of our community feels valued, included, and equal. This council resolves in its communications to acknowledge the equality Calendar throughout the year by sending out a welcoming message of acknowledgement or support for every significant event in that calendar. How hard is it to say Happy Diwali, Hanukkah, or Ede. To acknowledge international woman or pride day, Armed Forces Day. Events such as disability or mental health week. Not every event may have value to everyone, but it will have value to someone. It costs nothing for a simple act of kindness but could mean so much to individual members of the community some who may or may not feel marginalised at times.

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Councillor Bone proposed the following Notice of Motion (06/26):

The Council notes equality, diversity, and inclusion as a core value in what it does and the services that it delivers. It respects the struggles and tribulations that has taken place in history to ensure that people from all backgrounds feel equal and included. Our borough is becoming increasingly more diverse and is better for it. In our very own council chamber, we have people of colour, different faiths, and orientations. We all have a mutual respect and admiration for our community spirit and proud to be our community representatives.

To ensure that every member of our community feels valued, included, and equal. This council resolves in its communications to acknowledge the equality Calendar throughout the year by sending out a welcoming message of acknowledgement or support for every significant event in that calendar. How hard is it to say Happy Diwali, Hanukkah, or Ede. To acknowledge international woman or pride day, Armed Forces Day. Events such as disability or mental health week. Not every event may have value to everyone, but it will have value to someone. It costs nothing for a simple act of kindness but could mean so much to individual members of the community some who may or may not feel marginalised at times.

Councillor Rust seconded the Notice of Motion and spoke in support of it. She stated that she was proud to support the motion, describing it as a simple gesture that could help to raise awareness, understanding and respect within the community. Councillor Rust noted that the Borough's residents came from a wide range of backgrounds and faiths and that the motion would send a clear message that everyone belonged within the community. She further commented that Councillors represented all members of the community and that the Notice of Motion provided a straightforward means of promoting significant events and recognising important occasions.

Councillor Hodson spoke against the Notice of Motion. He stated that, whilst he respected the beliefs of others, he considered the United Kingdom to be a Christian country. He noted his support for Armed Forces Day and expressed concern that the proposals would require officer time, funded through public resources, without delivering any measurable outcomes or tangible benefits to the community.

Councillor Kemp spoke in support of the motion, emphasising the importance of equality and ensuring that all residents felt respected, valued and included. She commented that, although the motion was relatively simple, it would send a positive message to all communities across the Borough.

Councillor Sayers spoke in support of the motion and thanked Councillor Bone for bringing it forward. He disagreed with the comments made by Councillor Hodson and stated that the motion provided a straightforward means of recognising and celebrating the Borough's diverse communities and residents. Councillor Sayers also suggested that the Leader consider appointing Councillor Bone as the Council's Member Champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:33

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.

By way of an update, Councillor Beales informed Council that he would be working closely with councillors at Norfolk County Council to strengthen relationships ahead of Local Government Reorganisation. He emphasised the importance of maintaining positive working relationships and advised that he had already held discussions with some Norfolk County Council Cabinet Members, with further meetings due to be arranged. Councillor Beales also reported that he had met earlier that day with the Portfolio Holder for Transport to discuss the ferry service and considered the meeting to have been productive.

Councillor Long asked whether consideration would be given to leasing vehicles rather than purchasing them, given the lifespan of the Council in light of Local Government Reorganisation. Councillor Beales explained that decisions regarding vehicle acquisitions were assessed on their operational merits. He referred to the recommendation made by the Corporate Performance Panel to Cabinet on this matter and agreed that leasing arrangements could be considered where appropriate.

In response to a question from Councillor Heneghan, Councillor Squire agreed to investigate measures that could be taken to improve waste and recycling rates within flats, including any additional support that could be provided.

Councillor Kemp raised concerns regarding ongoing issues experienced by residents in her ward as a result of dust emissions associated with activity at the port. She advised that the issue had persisted for a number of years and that she had recently written to both the Port and the Health and Safety Executive. Councillor Squire confirmed that officers were investigating the matter.

Councillor Ryves requested that Members be provided with an update on progress towards the new hospital. Councillor Beales advised that he had recently attended the groundbreaking event for the new multi-storey car park and was encouraged to see progress being made. In relation to the wider new hospital programme, he explained that he had recently met with the new Managing Director and agreed to seek an update for circulation to Members.

In response to a question from Councillor Sayers, Councillor Squire confirmed that one new Enforcement Officer was now in post and that a second officer would be commencing employment shortly.

In response to a question from Councillor Kunes, Councillor Ring agreed to investigate the use of solar panels at the Active Travel Hub.

Councillor Heneghan referred to the underutilisation of the pop-up shops at the Purfleet. Councillor Ring agreed to provide Members with an update on planned activity for the site.

Councillor Kemp asked whether Norfolk County Council's funding contribution towards the ferry service was at risk under the new administration at County Hall. Councillor Beales advised that he had discussed the matter with the relevant Portfolio Holder and had highlighted the ferry's social, tourism and heritage value.

In response to a question from Councillor Ryves, Councillor Ring agreed to investigate the potential installation of solar panels at the King's Lynn Innovation Centre (KLIC), Council car parks  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:34

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.