Agenda item

Councillor Beales presented his report.  In updating Council he drew attention to recent newspaper reporting on NWES, where a comment he had made had been badly misconstrued  with no opportunity to comment on that.  He drew Council’s attention to the fact that Councillor Daubney had identified a need for a business centre in King’s Lynn and driven the policy in a transparent manner to bring something forward, but he did not drive NWES’s involvement and had absented himself from every part of the decisions relating to that.

He considered that the notice of motion featured later on the agenda was premature as he had earlier asked for an investigation to take place on the situation with the business centre, which was being undertaken by Internal Audit and would be reported to the Audit Committee in March which Members could attend.He considered that should the serious allegations levelled against past NWES management give rise to a wider enquiry into all aspects of NWES rather than the wholly appropriate enquiry into the KLIC situation, then of course this Council would cooperate fully.

In response to a question, Councillor Beales confirmed that the Marsh Lane orchard being renamed in memory of Alderman Jackson was still in train with facts and figures being checked before a planned ceremony.

Councillor Beales explained that H&M were contractually obliged to the new building in the Vancouver Centre, and meetings to check progress on site were being held. He also confirmed that it was hoped that the new H&M would increase footfall to the town.

Following a question on the ownership of the KLIC building, Councillor Beales confirmed that the Council now owned the building, with a few formalities to finalise.  He confirmed that the Council was seeking to do what was best for the taxpayer.  He confirmed that options for future management of the building were still open.

In response to a question on the development of land on the Hardwick industrial estate recently Councillor Beales confirmed the development was taking place by private developers, he also responded to a question relating to antisocial behaviour in the bus station and reminded Members that it was a police matter.

Following a question relating to when the Cabinet Member was first made aware of the issue of the NWES property in France, Councillor Beales confirmed it was a serious allegation and that he was first made aware of it on reading it in the newspaper.   It was suggested that the Council’s representative raised concerns with NWES regarding the property, but not the Council.

At this point the Mayor, Councillor Daubney left the room during discussion on this matter.  The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Hipperson took the Chair. 

In order for the discussion to continue on what would potentially include confidential information, Councillor Long proposed that the press and public be excluded for the discussion.  This was seconded by Councillor Nockolds and agreed by Council.  The labour group asked for their vote against the exclusion to be noted.

Exclusion of the press and public

RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

Councillor Beales reminded members that his dealings with NWES related only to the KLIC, he made reference to the press reporting which had uncovered a number of issues.

A discussion ensued on Directors, and their appointment and NWES experience in the business advisory role and the current investigation taking place.

At this point the press and public were re-admitted to the meeting and the Mayor, Councillor Daubney returned to the Chair.

Councillor Beales answered further questions and undertook to ascertain who had responsibility for the video units in the bus station which held out of date information, and explained that the Council had opted to gift the land for the new North Lynn school, and was not seeking to exempt itself from educational contributions.