Agenda and minutes

Prayers were led by Rev Canon Ling.

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.

None

To receive Mayor’s communications and announcements.

The Mayor informed Council that sadly Councillor Mrs Margaret Wilkinson’s husband Peter had passed away today.  On behalf of all the Council the Mayor sent sincere condolences to Councillor Mrs Wilkinson.

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

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

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

CAB171 – Review of Standing Orders and Articles

Cabinet Members Decision on Standing Orders amendments.

Council is invited to consider the proposed amendments to Standing Orders and Articles which are attached with the agenda.

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At the previous meeting Council had commenced debating CAB171 – Review of Standing Orders and Articles along with Cabinet Members Decision on Standing Orders amendments.  Councillor Moriarty had proposed an amendment to the standing orders prior to the closure of the meeting.

Following further discussions on the subject matter, Councillor Moriarty withdrew his amendment to allow a different amendment to be put.

Councillor Lord Howard proposed:  “That the proposed amendments to Standing Orders and Articles are adopted save for Amendment 11.2A which shall be referred back to Cabinet for further consideration and recommendations to Full Council”.

This was seconded by Councillor Middleton.  Councillor Long as mover of the original proposal confirmed he accepted the amendment.  This was also welcomed by members.  With no dissenters Council approved the amendment, and the substantive motion.

RESOLVED:  That the amendments to standing orders, with the exception of the amendment to SO11.2A which will be referred back to Cabinet for further consideration and recommendation to Council, be approved.

CAB193: Statement of Licensing Policy

CAB194: Covid 19 Response and Recovery Plan

CAB197: Scheme of Delegation

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Councillor Long proposed CAB193: Statement of Licensing Policy, this was seconded by Councillor Mrs Nockolds.  This was agreed.

Councillor Long proposed CAB194: Covid 19 Response and Recovery Plan this was seconded by Councillor Dark and agreed.

Councillor Long proposed CAB197: Scheme of Delegation this was seconded by Councillor Mrs Nockolds and agreed.

RESOLVED:  That the recommendations from the Cabinet meeting on 17 November be agreed.

1)               To consider the following Notice of Motion (6/20), submitted by Councillor S Squire:

This council acknowledges that care leavers are particularly vulnerable and can be at risk of jeopardising their housing tenancies, as they do not have the ability to draw upon the support and experience that family members can provide. 

Therefore this council agrees to build upon the joint housing protocol with Norfolk County Council to prioritise care leavers for housing, and the council tax discounts for care leavers, by also extending the “Care & Repair” service to Care Leavers in the Borough up until their 25th Birthday. 

2)               To consider the following Notice of Motion (7/20) submitted by Councillor J Rust:

This Council believes the way to develop a strong, resilient and successful local economy is through all residents having the opportunity to reach their full potential and supports moves to increase these chances through initiatives such as the School of Nursing. 

As such this Council wishes to express its support of government policy that puts the reskilling of workers at the heart of their economic recovery plans after the pandemic.  The Government's announcement to fully fund entitlement to achieve a first level 3 qualification delivered through the National Skills Fund is to be applauded. 

Therefore, this Council is deeply concerned at the suggestion of the Department of Education to end Government funding to the Union Learning Fund which is open to all workers, union and non union members alike.  

Therefore, this Council resolves to raise this undermining of Government policy with local Members of Parliament and encourage them to call on the Department of Education not to proceed with the withdrawal of funding.

3)               To consider the following Notice of Motion (8/20) submitted by Councillor A Kemp:

Decent Homes for Residents

This Council understands the importance of affordable housing space standards in all new housing. So that all rooms are of a decent size for residents and so housing meets  housing need.

The Council will therefore draw up and enforce a Room Standards Policy. If Planning Applications do not meet our affordable housing space standards, the Local Planning Authority will not recommend their approval.

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1)            Notice of Motion (6/20), Councillor S Squire proposed her Motion, this was seconded by Councillor Rust.:

“This council acknowledges that care leavers are particularly vulnerable and can be at risk of jeopardising their housing tenancies, as they do not have the ability to draw upon the support and experience that family members can provide. 

Therefore this council agrees to build upon the joint housing protocol with Norfolk County Council to prioritise care leavers for housing, and the council tax discounts for care leavers, by also extending the “Care & Repair” service to Care Leavers in the Borough up until their 25th Birthday.” 

Under standing order 14.6, Councillor Long proposed that the item be referred to Cabinet in order for all financial implications to be considered.  This was seconded by Councillor Mrs Nockolds.

RESOLVED:  That the Motion be referred to Cabinet for consideration.

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2)            Notice of Motion (7/20), Councillor J Rust proposed her Motion, this was seconded by Councillor Bone:

“This Council believes the way to develop a strong, resilient and successful local economy is through all residents having the opportunity to reach their full potential and supports moves to increase these chances through initiatives such as the School of Nursing. 

As such this Council wishes to express its support of government policy that puts the reskilling of workers at the heart of their economic recovery plans after the pandemic.  The Government's announcement to fully fund entitlement to achieve a first level 3 qualification delivered through the National Skills Fund is to be applauded. 

Therefore, this Council is deeply concerned at the suggestion of the Department of Education to end Government funding to the Union Learning Fund which is open to all workers, union and non-union members alike.  

Therefore, this Council resolves to raise this undermining of Government policy with local Members of Parliament and encourage them to call on the Department of Education not to proceed with the withdrawal of funding.”

Council debated the Motion, with points being raised on the numbers of people assisted by the Union Learning Fund and the small cost of the fund in comparison to other learning, the need for additional training with large numbers losing jobs and the raising of skills for the workforce. Attention was drawn to the apprenticeship levy currently charged on businesses to provide training for staff.

RESOLVED:  On being put to the vote the Motion was lost.

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3)            Notice of Motion (8/20) - Councillor A Kemp proposed her Motion. 

“Decent Homes for Residents

This Council understands the importance of affordable housing space standards in all new housing. So that all rooms are of a decent size for residents and so housing meets  housing need.

The Council will therefore draw up and enforce a Room Standards Policy. If Planning Applications do not meet our affordable  ...  view the full minutes text for item C:140