Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence, if any.

Apologies were received from Cllrs M Batey, C Heinink, N Housden, G Mancini-Boyle and A Varley.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 18 February 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18^th February were approved as a correct record.

Members are asked at this stage to declare any interests that they may have in any of the following items on the agenda.  The Code of Conduct for Members requires that declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest (see attached guidance and flowchart)

None received.

To determine any other items of business which the Chairman decides should be considered as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B (4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

None.

To receive the Chairman’s communications, if any.

The Chair spoke about recent civic events that he and the Vice-Chair had attended:

27^th February – South Norfolk District Council’s Civic Reception

1^st March – the Justice Service at King’s Lynn Minster

6^th March – Broadland District Council’s Civic Reception

15^th March – national Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, Norwich Theatre Royal

To receive announcements from the Leader.

The Leader began by saying that he welcomed the Government’s ‘minded to’ decision to opt for a three unitary model for Norfolk. It provided clarity after a period of uncertainty. He believed that this model gave the best chance of securing visible and accessible local government. There were distinct economies, geographies and discretionary services across Norfolk and this provided the best opportunity to act on local needs. He acknowledged that the level of cooperation between authorities during the next phase, depended on the outcome of local elections in May. Work would continue in the meantime.

He said that he was very grateful to officers, the public, parish councils and businesses who had all contributed to developing the proposal submitted to central Government. There was still significant amount of work to do and attention would now be turned to that.

To consider any questions or statements received from members of the public.

None.

To approve any new appointments or changes to appointments proposed by the  Group Leaders to committees, sub-committees, working parties and outside bodies.

There were no changes to appointments to Committees, sub-committees, working parties and panels.

To receive reports from Cabinet Members on their portfolios.

Cllr T Adams - Executive Support & Legal Services

Cllr H Blathwayt – Coast

Cllr J Boyle – Housing and People Services

Cllr A Brown – Planning & Enforcement

Cllr C Ringer – IT, Environmental & Waste Services

Cllr L Shires – Finance, Estates & Assets

Cllr J Toye – Sustainable Growth

Cllr A Varley – Climate Change & Net Zero

Cllr L Withington – Community, Leisure & Outreach (Including Health & Wellbeing)

Members are reminded that they may ask questions of the Cabinet Member on their reports and portfolio areas but should note that it is not a debate.

No member may ask more than one question plus a supplementary question, unless the time taken by members’ questions does not exceed 30 minutes in total, in which case, second questions will be taken in the order that they are received (Constitution, Chapter 2, part 2, section 12.2)

The Chair invited members to ask questions:

Cllr A Fitch-Tillett asked Cllr H Blathwayt, Portfolio Holder for Coast why the Coastal Forum was no longer included in the calendar of meetings. Cllr H Blathwayt, Portfolio Holder for Coast, agreed with her concerns.

Cllr L Vickers asked the Leader, Cllr T Adams for an update on 9 Norwich Street, Fakenham. She said that she had campaigned tirelessly to get a resolution to the situation regarding this property and the local community had backed her and presented a petition to Full Council some months ago. At the last meeting, Cllr Punchard had asked for a confidential meeting with local members to discuss concerns but the leader had refused. The MP, Mr J Mayhew had also not received a response. She said that she was concerned that no progress was being made and she sought assurance that the constant rebuttals and citing of confidentiality were not a smoke-screen for ‘kicking the can down the road’.  She asked when the Leader would be in a position to share information with democratically elected members for Fakenham. Cllr Adams said that he had previously met with Jerome Mayhew MP to discuss this matter but as reported at the last meeting of Full Council he was not in a position to share confidential legal information and that remained the case. When there was an announcement, he would share that information but he did not want to jeopardise the process. Cllr Vickers asked when this might happen. Cllr Adams replied that he could not reply at this time.

Cllr V Holliday asked Cllr J Boyle, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Benefits, about preparations made by the Council following a possible increase in homeless households following the introduction of the Renter’s Rights Act. Cllr Boyle replied that there had not been a surge so far but the situation would continue to be monitored.

Cllr K Bayes asked Cllr L Withington about the Town of Culture funding and which towns other than Sheringham and Cromer had been engaged with and what support the Council was offering to assist towns with preparing these applications. Cllr L Withington said there had been considerable interest from North Norfolk and so far Wells, north Walsham and Sheringham and Cromer (combined) had submitted applications. NNDC was the accountable body within the programme, with a deadline of the end of February to agree what this involved. Delivering the programmes was the responsibility of the Partnership scheme of the towns concerned.

Cllr T FitzPatrick asked Cllr A Brown, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Enforcement about the number of enforcement cases. He referred to a case regarding abandoned caravans at Hempton, which neighboured his ward and asked how the Council’s issuing of enforcement notices and achieving results compared with other local authorities. Cllr Brown replied that he was not familiar with the case referred to and was not sure how NNDC compared to other authorities. He said that he would provide a written response.

Cllr C Cushing asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 124.

The Leader, Cllr Adams, introduced this item. He began by saying that most elements of policy development had been removed from action plans given the development of local government reorganisation (LGR) with the exception of anything that had real benefit and longevity. The Workforce Development & People Strategy fell into this category. It was important to continue to support and develop staff up to the inception of the new unitary authority. NNDC sought to maintain recruitment and retention levels. He thanked staff for their input in developing the strategy, adding that it had been discussed by the Joint Staff Consultative Committee (JSCC).

It was proposed by Cllr T Adams, seconded by Cllr L Shires and

RESOLVED

To approve and adopt the Workforce Development and People Strategy, Learning and Development Strategy and Role Model Manager Framework.

Cllr L Withington, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, introduced this item. She explained that, as part of the Council’s Leisure and Localities function, the Markets and Seafront Inspector currently undertook a dual-purpose role supporting both market operations and seafront management. This post was currently vacant, and a review of the service had identified that dividing the responsibilities into two distinct roles would provide significant benefits, particularly in relation to recruitment and the overall effectiveness of each function. This action would result in an increase in headcount for the organisation but will not increase the overall budget for the service.

Cllr C Cushing asked why this report was coming straight to Full Council. He said that two new posts were being created with no supporting information provided and no explanation of the financial benefits. He said that markets should be the responsibility of town councils. Fakenham market was managed by the town council and it was paid for via the precept, whereas the markets in this report were paid for by NNDC council tax. He concluded by saying that a new unitary authority would be unlikely to want to pay to manage these markets going forward and that an agreement with the relevant town councils should be reached.

Cllr L Shires, Portfolio Holder for Finance, referred Cllr Cushing to section 3.2 of the report which stated there was no increase to budget and that it was a full-time role being split into two part time roles. The S151 Officer explained that there was no additional financial strain on the Council and that as the summer months approached, it was deemed to be more practical to recruit two part time roles.

Cllr J Punchard asked why Wells was not included in the area covered by the Seafront Inspector. Cllr Withington replied that Wells seafront was the responsibility of Holkham Estate.

Cllr N Dixon said that it was a very brief report but the aspect of clarity was lacking and it would have been helpful to have the information requested in the report. Cllr Shires reiterated her earlier point regarding no increase in the budget and the proposal to split the role.

Cllr L Vickers said that other towns paid for their own market provision and managed them very well and she was frustrated that customer service provision had recently been cut at the Fakenham Connect site but that no savings were being sought elsewhere. Cllr Adams replied that the reduction in service at Fakenham Connect was due to lack of demand. He went onto say that the report related to a minor operational issue, Full Council had to agree and increase in headcount and that was why it was being presented to members.

Cllr V Holliday said that it was not clear what the cost benefit of having two roles instead of one was.

Cllr T FitzPatrick commented that Overview & Scrutiny Committee should have considered the proposals and made recommendations to Full Council. He added that he did not believe a Market Officer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 126.

The following recommendations were made by Cabinet to Full Council at the meeting held on 9^th March:

Recommendation 1:

1.    Cabinet Agenda Item 8: Budget Monitoring Period 10 2025/2026:

Recommends that Full Council

a)      Notes the contents of the report and the current forecast year end position.

b)      Increase the 2025/26 capital budget for Disabled Facilities Grants to £2,317,266. This is to reflect the addition of £118,204 of grant award towards the scheme

c)       Agrees to use the Extended Responsibility Producer grant of £1,312,840, which was previously forecasted to be an in-year contribution to reserves, to offset relevant in year recycling expenditure.

d)      Request the approval for £50,000 of the forecast underspend to be awarded to a domestic oil fuel poverty charity, to support residents across North Norfolk who are experiencing hardship because of current high oil prices

e)      That the resulting underspend of £1,262,840 in the respective recycling revenue budgets be transferred to the General Reserve to mitigate future unfunded new burdens.

Recommendation 2:

2.    Cabinet Agenda Item 9: Treasury Management Q3 Report 2025/2026

Recommends that Full Council receives the Treasury Q3 Report 2025/2026

Recommendation 1:

1. Cabinet Agenda Item 8: Budget Monitoring Period 10 2025/2026:

Cllr L Shires, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Estates & Property Services, introduced this item. She said that the Budget Monitoring P10 report had been to Cabinet and Overview & Scrutiny Committee and she thanked the latter for their robust discussion.

Cllr Shires said that the following additional recommendation was being presented to Full Council. It was coming through at short notice due to the situation in Iran which was impacting on oil prices:

d)    Request the approval for £50,000 of the forecast underspend to be awarded to a domestic oil fuel poverty charity, to support residents across North Norfolk who are experiencing hardship because of current high oil prices

Cllr Shires advised members to look at recommendations c, d, and e collectively. It was proposed that the Extended Responsibility Producer (ERP) grant was released from reserves to then use that against the service as would have been done if it had been budgeted with that in mind for the recycling expenditure and instead of putting the remainder of the money that was re-released from the recycling revenue budget straight into the general reserve (as had been proposed in previous reports) a small amount of this money would be set aside to help struggling households reliant on domestic heating oil. NNDC would be working with Norfolk Food Bank to provide support

Cllr Shires encouraged anyone facing financial hardship to come forward and seek help. Central Government had recently announced some support but it only amounted to £35 per household using heating oil and this wasn’t enough. This was local support that could be put in place quickly.

Cllr Shires proposed the amendment. It was seconded by Cllr A Brown.

Cllr T FitzPatrick commented on the rapid increase in petrol and oil prices and he welcomed the additional recommendation.  He sought assurance that the charity reached the far ends of the district. Cllr Shires said that it was important that every member promoted the fund and encouraged people to apply for help. Cllr Fitzpatrick suggested that a guide was shared with parish councils and local organisations.

Cllr Holliday commended the work of the Financial Inclusion Team and said they were extremely helpful.

Cllr J Toye said that some of the people affected by these issues were not those that would be expected and he reiterated the need to promote the fund to everyone.

Cllr S Butikofer asked how quickly the fund would be up and running. Cllr Shires replied that it would commence the following day.

The Chair asked members to vote on the amendment. It was supported unanimously.

The Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Cllr V Holliday, confirmed that the Committee had supported the recommendations at the meeting on 18^th March.

The Chair then moved to the vote on the recommendations, as amended.

It was RESOLVED unanimously to

a)      Note the contents of the report and the current forecast year end position.

b)      Increase the 2025/26 capital budget for Disabled  ...  view the full minutes text for item 127.

To consider any further recommendations from the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 18^th March 2026.

The Chair of Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Cllr V Holliday, confirmed there were no further recommendations to Full Council.

None Received.

None.

None Received.

None received.

The following Notices of Motion have been received:

1.     RIGHT TO PLAY PLEDGE

Proposed by: Cllr Liz Withington
Seconded by: Cllr Shires

This Council recognises that access to safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces for play is fundamental to the health, wellbeing and development of children and young people. Opportunities for free play support physical activity, social connection, creativity and mental wellbeing, and are an important part of creating thriving and inclusive communities.

North Norfolk District Council has a strong track record of supporting high-quality public spaces, parks and play areas which benefit residents, families and visitors across the district. As the Council approaches Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), it is important that the value of accessible and inclusive play continues to be recognised within future local authority policy and place-making.

Council further notes the Right to Play Pledge being promoted by the Norfolk Youth Advisory Board through the Mancroft Advice Project, which seeks to encourage organisations and public bodies to recognise and support children and young people’s right to play.

Further information about the Right to Play Campaign and pledge can be found by visiting www.map.uk.net/righttoplay

Council therefore resolves to:

1. Sign the Right to Play Pledge, demonstrating North Norfolk District Council’s support for the principle that all children and young people should have access to safe, inclusive and welcoming opportunities for play.
2. 106 Funding Playpark allocations and sports facilities

That the Council adopts a policy approach whereby S106 play contributions may, where appropriate and legally permissible, be directed towards strategic play and activity spaces rather than solely within the boundary of the originating development.

This approach would allow funding to be pooled or directed to locations that:

• Deliver fully inclusive and accessible play equipment
• Provide larger, higher-quality activity spaces
• Serve multiple developments and neighbourhoods
• Improve connectivity with walking and cycling routes
• Support family-friendly community spaces that encourage physical activity and social interaction

Developers and planning officers would work together to ensure that residents of the contributing development continue to benefit from the facilities delivered.

3. Request that officers prepare a short position statement for the authority outlining the Council’s commitment to inclusive and accessible play, and highlighting the importance of continuing to ensure accessible and inclusive play, recreation and family-friendly public spaces continue to be prioritised as part of asset management, policy development and place planning through the Local Government Reorganisation process.

2.     MOTION TO COUNCIL ON FLY-TIPPING

Proposer : Cllr Andrew Brown

Seconder: Cllr Callum Ringer

THIS COUNCIL NOTES:

1. The Corporate Plan 2023- 2027 includes the following statement of intent: Protecting and enhancing the special landscape and ecological value of North Norfolk whilst improving the biodiversity of the district
2. That fly-tipping is a criminal act, a major anti-social behaviour problem and a blight on our local wildlife and environment
3. That fly-tipping and littering imposes a significant financial burden on councils for removal and disposal costs.
4. That illegal disposal of waste provides an unfair financial advantage to unscrupulous individuals and businesses over those who use legitimate methods to dispose  ...  view the full agenda text for item 131.

Two Notices of Motion had been received. The Chair invited Cllr L Withington, proposer of the motion to introduce the first one.:

1.     The Right to Play Pledge

Cllr Withington explained that Right to Play Pledge was being promoted by the Norfolk Youth Advisory Board through the Mancroft Advice Project (MAP), which sought to encourage organisations and public bodies to recognise and support children and young people’s right to play. She said that the District Council had a strong track record of supporting high-quality public spaces, parks and play areas which benefitted residents, families and visitors across the district. As the Council approached Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), it was important that the value of accessible and inclusive play continued to be recognised within future local authority policy and place-making

She went onto say that play was fundamental to life but often undervalued. Accessibility and inclusivity were ‘buzz words’ but could be overlooked and consideration was not always given as to what they really meant. It was important to think about everybody having access to play parks. She spoke about all the children, young adults, parents and grandparents who would be accessing play areas and then spoke about the additional challenges faced by children with disabilities and additional needs, who struggled to access traditional play equipment. Sensory needs were also vital and there should be quieter spaces available too. Children should be able to play together, regardless of additional needs.

Cllr Withington said that the Council was already committed to fully accessible and inclusive play areas and the Leas in Sheringham was an example of this.

She commended the motion and said that it was a strong position statement as the Council moved towards a unitary model. Using the S106 money more effectively meant that the best value and benefits would be achieved for play spaces across the district.

Cllr L Shires seconded the motion and reserved her right to speak.

The Chair invited members to speak:

Cllr P Porter said that she wished to propose the following amendment:

Proposed amendments –

·       Add wording in italics below

·       Remove wording crossed out below

Council therefore resolves to:

1. Sign the Right to Play Pledge, demonstrating North Norfolk District Council’s support for the principle that all children and young people should have access to safe, inclusive and welcoming opportunities for play.

2. S106 Funding Playpark allocations and sports facilities

That the Council adopts a policy approach whereby S106 play contributions may, where appropriate and legally permissible, be directed towards strategic play andactivity spaces within the same parish as the development rather than solely within the boundary of the originating development.

This approach would allow funding to be pooled or directed to locations that:

• Deliver fully inclusive and accessible play equipment
• Provide larger, higher-quality activity spaces
• Serve multiple developments and neighbourhoods
• Improve connectivity with walking and cycling routes
• Support family-friendly community spaces that encourage physical activity and social interaction

Cllr Porter said that she wanted to propose the amendment to ensure that smaller parishes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 131.

To pass the following resolution – if necessary:

“That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph(s) _ of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”