Agenda and draft minutes

Prayers were led by Father Ben Almond.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dickinson, Heneghan, Humphrey, Joyce, Kunes, Lintern, Lowe, Morley, Sandell, Squire, Tyler, de Whalley and de Winton.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 29^th July 2026.

RESOLVED: The minutes from the meeting held on 29^th July were agreed as a correct record.

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.

There were none.

To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

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.

There were no petitions or public questions.

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In proposing the recommendations contained within the report, Councillor Beales proposed an amendment to the proportional allocation of seats.  He explained to Council that the Audit Committee, which had a current Membership of five Members, had experienced issues with maintaining a quorum and he proposed that the Membership be increased to seven Members, which would maintain a quoracy of three.  Councillor Beales outlined the impact that this would have on the proportionality report as contained in the Agenda as follows:

Audit Committee Membership would be revised to seven Members and political make up would be 3 Independent Partnership, 2 Conservative, 1 Reform and 1 Labour.  This would impact the overall proportionality further in that the Labour Group would lose a seat on the Licensing and Appeals Board and the Independent Partnership would gain a seat on the Licensing and Appeals Board.

Councillor Ring seconded the amendment to the proposal.

After being put to the vote, Council agreed the amendment to proportionality in order to increase the Membership of the Audit Committee from five Members to seven Members.

Council then approved the revised proportionality calculations, as amended.

A copy of the revised proportionality figures, as approved by Council is appended to these minutes.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Membership of the Audit Committee be increased from five Members to Seven Members.

2.  That the proportional allocation of seats be amended in accordance with the table appended to these minutes.

3.  That the make up of Task Groups be amended in accordance with section 3 of the report and Democratic Services liaise with Group Leaders regarding revised appointments to Task Groups as required.

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

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

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Cabinet – 8 September 2026

CAB45: Appointment of Honorary Aldermen

Councillor Beales proposed Cabinet Recommendation 45, Appointment of Honorary Aldermen, and expressed his support for the former Councillors nominated for Honorary Alderman status. He highlighted the significant contribution each nominee had made through their civic duties, Council responsibilities and ward representation, together with their dedicated service to the local community.

Councillor Blunt seconded the proposal and stated that he did so with great honour.

Councillor Hodson proposed the addition of former Councillor Sampson to the list of nominees. In response, the Mayor advised that this could be considered at a future date to allow the appropriate process to be followed and to ensure that the eligibility criteria were fully considered.

Councillor Long referred to the timing of the awards and requested that consideration be given to how recognition of service could continue to be achieved in the future, particularly in light of proposals for local government reorganisation and the establishment of a Unitary Council. He noted that many newly elected Councillors might be unfamiliar with those who had previously given distinguished service to the Borough Council.

Councillor Rust expressed her support for the nominations and agreed that the individuals concerned were worthy recipients of the honour.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Spikings, proposed the addition of former Councillor Nockolds to the list of nominees. The Mayor advised that this nomination would be considered alongside the additional nomination put forward by Councillor Hodson.

Councillor Moriarty reminded Council of the role and purpose of Honorary Aldermen, which was to represent the Mayor in their absence, and expressed his support for the recommendations.

Councillor Collop spoke in support of the nominations and reminded Council that former Councillor Lord Howard had played a key role in the establishment of the King's Lynn Area Committee.

Councillor Collingham commented that it was important to ensure that the award retained its prestige and suggested that this could be diminished if it were conferred upon too many former Councillors.

Councillor Kirk expressed his support for the nominations before Council.

Councillor Kemp also supported the nominations and stated that it was important to maintain the tradition of recognising distinguished service to the Council.

Councillor Beales, in summing up, thanked Members for their contributions to the debate. He reminded Council that there were currently nineteen serving Honorary Aldermen and advised that rather than considering ad hoc nominations, through would be given to proper consideration to the significant number of former Councillors that fulfilled the minimum requirements for nomination as an Alderman, mindful of the exceptional nature of the award and giving due respect to the will of Council.

RESOLVED:

1. That the Council places on record its sincere appreciation and gratitude for the eminent services rendered to the Borough Council by former Councillors Carol Bower, Colin Manning, Lesley Bambridge and Lord Greville Howard.

2. That, pursuant to Section 249(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, the title of  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:44

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Councillor Beales proposed the recommendations contained within the report and advised Members that it was important that the matter be considered by Full Council, given the significance of the Hospital to the local community. He stated that it was vital for both the Council and residents to understand the Council's formal position on the future of the Hospital and to provide reassurance regarding the actions being taken by the Council. He considered it appropriate that Full Council had the opportunity to debate the matter.

Councillor Beales explained that the intention was also to assist the QEH and Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee by setting out the formal view of the Council.

He outlined the recommendations contained within the report for Council's consideration, including the proposal to arrange a Joint Panel Meeting following a briefing from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The recommendations recognised that some highly specialised services could be provided on a regional basis; however, this should not be used as justification for the removal of essential local services from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, particularly given the rural nature of the area.

Councillor Rust, in seconding the report, expressed her support for the recommendations. She referred to previous campaigns that had been undertaken and the recent Hospital Annual General Meeting.  She referred to maternity services and noted that fertility rates had declined nationally. Councillor Rust also referred to elective procedures which could be delivered regionally but emphasised the need to maintain appropriate local provision, particularly for emergency services.

Councillor Rust highlighted the current Healthwatch survey and encouraged residents and Councillors to respond, whilst noting that some of the questions were restrictive. She further encouraged individuals to contact the Hospital directly if they were unable to fully express their views through the survey.

Councillor Rust also referred to planned housing growth and the increasing population, highlighting the need to ensure that local healthcare services were maintained and developed accordingly.

Councillor Sayers provided details of an occasion when his partner had required urgent healthcare support during pregnancy and had been able to access assistance quickly through the ambulance service. He stated that the situation would have been very different if local assistance was unavailable.  Councillor Sayers expressed concern that the loss of local ambulance provision could have serious consequences in similar situations and stated that lives could be placed at risk.

Councillor Colwell welcomed the report and its recommendations. He stressed the importance of providing residents with a clear statement of the Council's position. He referred to the community petition, which had attracted more than 10,000 signatures, and encouraged those who had not yet signed to do so. He emphasised the need to reassure residents that vital hospital services would remain locally.

Councillor Colwell also informed Council of a public event ‘Human A&E Queue’ demonstration due to take place on the Tuesday Market Place on 17 October at 11.30am.

Councillor Osborne expressed his support for the proposals and  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:45

None.

None.

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Councillor Blunt, as Chair of the Corporate Performance Panel proposed the recommendations within the report which presented the findings of the Corporate Performance Panel following its review of Notice of Motion 2/26 regarding consultant expenditure on the Lynnsport and St James Pool proposal. He explained that the Panel had reviewed the procurement arrangements, governance processes, financial controls and affordability assessments associated with the project. It was demonstrated that consultants were appointed through a compliant procurement process using an established framework and mini-competition. The project progressed through appropriate governance routes, with Cabinet and Council considering key decisions throughout its development.

Councillor Blunt advised that the Panel also examined affordability and financial oversight and Members were advised that affordability assessments formed part of the project development process and that concerns regarding borrowing constraints were identified through review by the Section 151 Officer before any final commitment was made. Those concerns ultimately led to the project being paused and reconsidered.

Councillor Blunt explained that the Panel further considered whether value had been obtained from the work undertaken. Whilst the project had not progressed, Members recognised that the studies, technical assessments and design work completed provided an important evidence base that could continue to inform future leisure investment decisions.

Councillor Blunt explained that, importantly, the review also identified lessons for future projects, particularly around the benefits of earlier stakeholder engagement and maintaining affordability reviews throughout project development.

The Corporate Performance Panel made no further recommendations and concluded that the matters raised within Notice of Motion 02/26 had been fully considered. Councillor Blunt requested that Council note the findings of the Panel and agree that the requirements of the Notice of Motion had now been fulfilled.

Councillor Long as Vice Chair of the Corporate Performance Panel, seconded the proposal.

RESOLVED: That Council:

1. Notes the findings of the Corporate Performance Panel in response to Notice of Motion 02/26.

2. Notes that the Panel found evidence that procurement, governance and financial oversight processes were applied during the development of the Lynnsport proposal.

3. Supports the continued incorporation of lessons learned from the project, particularly in relation to stakeholder engagement and ongoing affordability review during major capital projects.

4. Agrees that the requirements of Notice of Motion 02/26 have now been fulfilled.

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

Transport Strategy and Car Parking- Councillor J Ratcliffe

Deputy Leader and Business – Cllr S Ring

Leader - Councillor A Beales

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Councillor Beales moved the Cabinet Members Reports and provided an update on the pause of Local Government Review, and the recent staff briefings that had been arranged and well attended.

Councillor Blunt referred to the decision to pause Local Government Reorganisation and to recent communications issued by Norfolk County Council. He sought reassurance that West Norfolk would continue to have a strong voice and representation in discussions going forward. In response, Councillor Beales advised that six Norfolk authorities had supported the three-unitary authority model and considered this to be a position of strength. He assured Members that he would continue to advocate for West Norfolk's interests and ensure that the area remained fully represented in future discussions.

In response to a question from Councillor Everett, it was confirmed that the Community Governance Review relating to the establishment of a Town Council for King's Lynn was continuing to progress. Members were advised that a second phase of consultation would be undertaken, providing further information on governance arrangements, precept implications and financial considerations. The consultation material would first be considered and agreed by the Electoral Arrangements Committee before being issued.

Councillor Kemp referred to funding for improvements to the Ferry Landing Stage. Councillor Beales explained that discussions had been taking place between the Borough Council and Norfolk County Council regarding the matter and agreed to circulate Norfolk County Council's most recent response to all Members for information.

Councillor Parish referred to the ongoing 'Call for Sites' consultation and requested that consideration be given to making future online consultations easier to navigate. Councillor Moriarty reminded Members that the Call for Sites exercise represented an early stage of the Local Plan process. He advised that the consultation had been developed in conjunction with the Communications Team and that briefing sessions had been held with parish councils. Councillor Moriarty explained that the next stage would involve the Local Plan Task Group considering the submitted sites, together with a review of the effectiveness of the consultation process and any improvements that could be made for future exercises. He thanked the officers involved in progressing the Local Plan.

Councillor Long referred to advertising posters for circuses displayed on lampposts and, whilst acknowledging that such displays were exempt from fly-posting restrictions, asked whether further efforts could be made to reduce visual clutter. Councillor Beales agreed to investigate the matter. He also advised that improvements to the appearance of the Southgates Garage site would be progressed in the near future.

Councillor Everett raised concerns regarding recent disruptions to Fen Line rail services. Councillor Ratcliffe advised that she had met with the relevant Members of Parliament, who recognised that the recent service failures were unacceptable. She also confirmed that she was liaising with organisations including Transport East and Greater Anglia to pursue improvements and agreed to provide Members with updates through future Cabinet Members' Reports to Council.

Councillor Kemp referred to safeguarding services and the South Lynn  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:48