Agenda and draft minutes

Led by Reverend Canon Paul Thomas OBE, Chaplain to the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.

The Chairman invited Reverend Canon Paul Thomas OBE, Chaplain to the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, to lead prayers.

A short segment by ‘Playing for Cake’, a Norfolk-based community music organisation, which works with people with Parkinson’s disease.

Cllr Gay, Portfolio Holder for Arts & Culture, introduced ‘Playing for Cake’. She explained that Playing for Cake was a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Sheringham. They provided fun, community, participatory music-making workshops that promoted better health and wellbeing. Playing for Cake worked in community-based settings, day-care centres and residential care homes alongside health care professionals to help achieve specific health goals for service users. The Group had

been awarded funding by NNDC, via an Arts & Culture grant.

A member of the group thanked Cllr Gay for her comments and said that they were moving towards social prescribing next year. Attendance for participants at any of their workshops was free and funding was fundamental to ensuring viability. They then played two carols.

Lady Agnew, the High Sheriff of Norfolk, is in attendance to present certificates to

Fiona Wolstenholme, Charlotte Wolstenholme and Sonia Jaggard in recognition of their actions in rescuing a young man who had become unconscious whilst swimming at a local leisure centre.

The Chairman introduced Lady Agnew, High Sheriff of Norfolk, who was in attendance to present certificates to Fiona Wolstenhome, Charlotte Wolstenholme and Sonia Jaggard, in recognition of their actions in rescuing a young man who had become unconscious whilst swimming at a local leisure centre.

To receive the Chairman’s communications, if any.

The Chairman began by congratulating Cllr D Baker on becoming the Member of Parliament for North Norfolk. He also congratulated Cllr Liz Withington on her recent election as member for Sheringham North.

He then spoke with sadness about the recent death of former councillor, Henry Cordeaux. Mr Cordeaux, who had died on 30 October 2019, had been an elected member of the Council for over 20 years. During that time he had sat on 25 committees and 9 outside bodies. He asked that members observe a minutes silence in memory of Mr Cordeaux.

The Chairman then informed Members of his attendance at recent events:

20^th November - memorial service at Templewood, Northrepps

25^th November - National tree week launch

1^st December - civic celebration and carol service at Cromer Parish Church

2^nd December - service of Reflection at Norwich Cathedral

5^th December – ‘at home’ reception at Kings Lynn Town Hall with the Mayor and his wife

6^th December – first of several Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Chairman’s charity school events at Neatishead CE Primary School. Local ward member, Cllr Mancini-Boyle also attended this event and said that it was very enjoyable. The Chairman encouraged members to attend similar events that were being planned in schools across the District.

7^th December – Mayor of Wisbech – port, cheese and wine evening.

9^th December – civic carol concert and presentation of honorary freedom of the borough at Great Yarmouth Minster.

The Chairman concluded by reminding Members of the Council’s carol service on 19^th December in the reception area.

To receive the Leader’s announcements.

The Leader began by saying that she would like to thank all of the staff who had been involved in supporting the recent parliamentary election. Their hard work and professionalism was much appreciated. She then thanked the catering team for hosting the annual Christmas lunch. They had been ably assisted by the Property Services team and it had been a very enjoyable occasion.

The Leader then spoke about the capability review which had been commissioned earlier on in the year. It had been the subject of recent press reports and a Freedom of Information request and she said that she had been very disappointed that there had been a leak of information to the media whilst an investigation had been ongoing. The investigation had found that there had been no wrongdoing by staff and the Constitution Working Party and the Governance, Risk & Audit Committee would be working with officers to review the procurement process going forward.

She concluded by saying that the review had been commissioned to make sure that the new administration was able to act on their ambitions for the Council. Cabinet would not place on 6^th January but there would be a special meeting of Council on 15^th January 2020.

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.

Cllr T Adams declared an interest in relation to agenda item 19: Notice of Motion – Public Fireworks Displays, stating that he served on the Fireworks Committee for Cromer Town Council.

To receive apologies for absence, if any.

Apologies had been received from Cllrs D Baker, P Butikofer, N Dixon and K Ward.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 20 November 2019.

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2019 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Cllr G Hayman referred to page 4 of the minutes and asked Cllr V FitzPatrick to confirm whether he had now received a response to his question. Cllr FitzPatrick replied that he had but that it had not answered his query.

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

Mr D Russell read out the following statement:

‘May I thank you Chairman for joining those at Templewood at Northrepps to remember the three young RAF Volunteer Reserve Airmen from 44 Squadron RAF Waddington who lost their lives in the service of this nation in the early hours of the morning 20 November 1940. Might I respectfully request that this Council send the relevant parts of the Chairman's report/ pictures to the families of the young men who lost their lives on that day. I know that it would mean so much to them to know that their loved ones are not forgotten. May I remind this Council that next year 2020 the 80th anniversary a special service of commemoration to mark this.

To receive reports from Cabinet Members on their portfolios.

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.

1.    Cllr A Brown, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Planning Policy and Housing drew members’ attention to the Local Plan Review consultation, which had received 900 responses from 400 consultees. However, only 15 parish councils had responded which was disappointing. He said that the responses would be collated and a summary document would be prepared for members.

Cllr Brown then spoke about the annual review of brownfield sites, with 10 being identified. These could potentially provide over 200 properties which could be fast-tracked.

Fifteen homes were being built in conjunction with Broadland Housing Association.

Regarding homelessness, Cllr Brown said that the Council was working with charities to try and identify triggers and potential causes to prevent it before it occurred.

He concluded by commending the Council’s Housing team for setting up an Integrated Adaptations team.

2.    The Leader, Cllr S Butikofer, said that she had two updates. Work was progressing well on the North Norfolk Information Centre in Cromer with a new visitor centre for the Deep History Coast Project being developed and new public toilet facilities. A soft launch was planned for early January. She then said that a recent Public Services Network (PSN) health check of the Council’s IT systems, had resulted in positive comments from the inspection team.

3.    Cllr A Fitch-Tillett, Portfolio Holder for Coast, said that the coastal team was working with local representatives and the Environment Agency to improve the ramp at Sea Palling to overcome issues with the launching of fishing vessels and the lifeboat. She then referred to recent seal deaths and thanked the Friends of Horsey Seals for their support in educating people about how to behave around seals and their pups. Cllr Fitch-Tillett concluded by reminding Members that there was no funding for coastal adaptation and she said that she hoped the newly elected MP for North Norfolk would campaign for this.

4.    Cllr V Gay, Portfolio Holder for Arts & Culture, said that a full update on her portfolio had been circulated and that details of arts and community grants had been shared with Members. She added that there had been an attempt to spread grant funding geographically across the District.

5.    Cllr G Hayman, Portfolio Holder for Commercialisation & Assets informed members that the tender documentation for the electric vehicle charging points (EVCP) had been issued on 29 November. The timescale was tight as the deadline for completion was March 2020. He went onto say that a condition survey was being undertaken on the Council’s chalets. Cllr V FitzPatrick commented that there was no single standard for EVCP and asked whether the Council intended to provide a mix of different types. The Head of Paid Service (NB) replied that there was no common standard but that in order to ‘future proof’ the Council would be using the version recommended by the Government and they would all be the same.

6.    Cllr R Kershaw, Portfolio Holder for Economic and Career Development, informed Members that a consultant had been appointed to undertake the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

Agenda Item 9: Fees and Charges 2020-2021

To recommend to Council:

a) The fees and charges from 1 April 2020 as included in Appendix A.

b) That Delegated Authority be given to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and relevant Heads of Service, to agree those fees and charges not included within Appendix A as required as outlined within the report

Agenda Item 10: Treasury Management Half Yearly Report 2019-2020

To recommend to Council:

To RESOLVE that The Treasury Management Half Yearly Report 2019/20 is approved.

That the Council be asked to APPROVE changes to the Counterparty Limits.

Agenda Item 11: Medium Term Financial Strategy

To recommend to Full Council:

a)    The revised reserves statement as included at Appendix 2 to the financial strategy.

Agenda Item 9: Fees and Charges 2020-2021

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Cllr Seward, introduced this item. He recommended its approval to Members.

It was proposed by Cllr E Seward, seconded by Cllr S Butikofer and

RESOLVED

Agenda item 10: Treasury Management Half Yearly Report 2019 -2020

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Cllr Seward, introduced this item. He recommended its approval to Members.

It was proposed by Cllr E Seward, seconded by Cllr J Toye and

RESOLVED

1.    That The Treasury Management Half Yearly Report 2019/20 is approved.

2.    That the Council be asked to APPROVE changes to the Counterparty Limits.

Agenda Item 11: Medium term Financial Strategy

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Cllr Seward, introduced this item. He explained that the strategy was the first stage in the budget setting process and had been through Cabinet and Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

It was proposed by Cllr E Seward, seconded by Cllr R Kershaw and

RESOLVED

To approve the revised reserves statement as included at Appendix 2 to the financial strategy.

The Vice-Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Cllr T Adams, informed Members that there were no recommendations to report.

To consider the response to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) electoral review of Norfolk County Council. The aim of the electoral review is to recommend divisions boundaries that mean each councillor represents approximately the same number of voters. It is also aimed at ensuring that the divisions boundaries reflect the interests and identities of local communities, as well as promoting effective local government.

Steve Blatch, Head of Paid Service

01263 516232

Steve.blatch@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Cllr E Seward, Deputy Leader, introduced this item. He explained that the Council had been invited to respond to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s (LGBCE) review of Norfolk County Council divisions.  It was proposed that the number of county councillors would remain at 84, but that there would be a reduction from 11 to 10 councillors within the North Norfolk district boundary. Where possible, County Council divisions would be made up of District Council wards.

Cllr Seward said that there were two proposals before Members – an officer proposal and a Cabinet proposal.  For five divisions, Cabinet agreed with the officer proposals. However, there were some differences regarding the remaining divisions, which were outlined on pages 136 -137 of the report.

It was proposed by Cllr E Seward, seconded by Cllr R Kershaw and

RESOLVED

a)    That the District Council submits comments and proposals to the LGBCE at the initial stage in the process of developing new divisional boundaries as it relates to the North Norfolk District Council area of Norfolk County Council

b)    To support the submission of the Cabinet proposals (as outlined in the report) to the LGBCE.

Four members voted against the proposals, 1 Member abstained.

The Leader, Cllr S Butikofer, introduced this item. She explained that the Members’ Scheme of Allowances needed to be reviewed in accordance with the requirements of the Local Authorities (Members Allowances) Regulations 2003. An independent panel must be convened to undertake the review and report its findings and recommendations to Full Council. Members were requested to make any representations to the Group Leaders by 10^th January and the Democratic Services Manager would report them to the Panel. The Panel would report its findings and recommendations to the February meeting of Full Council.

It was proposed by Cllr S Butikofer, seconded by Cllr P Grove-Jones and

RESOLVED that

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

 Alison Argent, Tel: 01263 516058, Email: alison.argent@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Cllr S Butikofer, Leader of the Council, introduced this item. She explained that the schedule of meetings was approved on an annual basis and several factors had been taken into consideration before finalising dates of meetings.

RESOLVED

To adopt the Programme of Meetings for 2020-21.

Cllr N Housden has submitted the following question for Cllr J Rest, Chairman of Governance, Risk & Audit Committee:

‘Are there any updates on the Audit Reports being prepared on Sheringham Splash and aborted proposals at Egmere?’

The following question had been submitted by Cllr N Housden:

To Cllr Rest - Chairman of GRAC.

‘Are there any updates on the Audit Reports being prepared on Sheringham Splash and aborted proposals at Egmere?’

Cllr Rest thanked Cllr Housden for his question. He said that the draft report for the Sheringham Leisure Centre project (Splash) been prepared and shared with the Strategic Leadership Team (SLT). The final report would go to Full Council in March having been to Governance, Risk & Audit Committee first.

Regarding the Egmere Business Zone, due to the complexity of this project, the process had been more challenging, however, Cllr Rest has been assured that the report would be ready by the end of March 2020.

None Received.

The following notices of motion have been received:

1.   Public Firework Displays

Proposed by Cllr J Rest, seconded by Cllr N Housden:

This Council resolves:

·         To require all public firework displays within the local authorities boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

·         To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people-including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

·         To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display ( as currently used in Italy and France)

                                            —————————————————

Fireworks are used by people throughout the year to mark different events. While they can bring much enjoyment to some people, they can cause significant problems and fear for other people and animals.

They can be a source of fear and distress for many animals (including pet animals, farm livestock and wildlife). Animals affected not only suffer psychological distress but can also cause themselves injuries, sometimes very serious ones, as they attempt to run away or hide from the noise

The unpredictable loud and high intensity noises that many fireworks make can cause fear. For example studies have found fireworks to be the most common causes of fear in dogs according to the   (Applied Animals Behaviour Science) 45% of dogs show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.

Debris produced by fireworks, if found on the ground, can also pose a hazard to animals such as horses, farm animals and wildlife.

The short lived nature of firework noise can make it difficult for the police or local authority officers to pinpoint locations and take action. In fact the RSPCA believes that a licensing system would help with better enforcement by allowing enforcement bodies to know where licensed events are being held.

There is a real need to raise awareness amongst owners of animals and the general public about firework phobia. This phobia can be treated (in dogs at least) in the long term, if owners prepare themselves and their pets sooner rather than just before the fireworks are let off.

This motion is NOT intended to deter properly authorised public firework displays from going ahead.

We would like to thank the RSPCA for some of the content in this motion.

2.    Adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism

Proposed by Cllr G Mancini-Boyle, seconded by Cllr T FitzPatrick:

‘That this council accepts the request from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (letter attached) to adopt the following non-legally binding working definition of anti-semitism:’

‘Anti-semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities’.

3.    Support for the Local Electricity Bill and community-scale renewable energy

Proposed by Cllr N Lloyd, seconded by Cllr S Butikofer:

That North Norfolk District Council

(  ...  view the full agenda text for item 38.

The following Notices of Motion had been received:

1.    Public Firework Displays

Proposed by Cllr John Rest, seconded by Cllr Nigel Housden

This Council resolves:

·         To require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

·         To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people-including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

·         To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display ( as currently used in Italy and France)

                                            —————————————————

Fireworks are used by people throughout the year to mark different events. While they can bring much enjoyment to some people, they can cause significant problems and fear for other people and animals.

They can be a source of fear and distress for many animals (including pet animals, farm livestock and wildlife). Animals affected not only suffer psychological distress but can also cause themselves injuries, sometimes very serious ones, as they attempt to run away or hide from the noise

The unpredictable loud and high intensity noises that many fireworks make can cause fear. For example studies have found fireworks to be the most common causes of fear in dogs according to the   (Applied Animals Behaviour Science) 45% of dogs show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.

Debris produced by fireworks, if found on the ground, can also pose a hazard to animals such as horses, farm animals and wildlife.

The short lived nature of firework noise can make it difficult for the police or local authority officers to pinpoint locations and take action. In fact the RSPCA believes that a licensing system would help with better enforcement by allowing enforcement bodies to know where licensed events are being held.

There is a real need to raise awareness amongst owners of animals and the general public about firework phobia. This phobia can be treated (in dogs at least) in the long term, if owners prepare themselves and their pets sooner rather than just before the fireworks are let off.

This motion is NOT intended to deter properly authorised public firework displays from going ahead. We would like to thank the RSPCA for some of the content in this motion.

Cllr Rest introduced the motion and explained that it was supported by the RSPCA and Grove Veterinary Clinic in Fakenham.

The Chairman invited Members to comment:

1.    Cllr A Fitch-Tillett said that she wholeheartedly supported the motion. She had previously been involved in the successful campaign to ban balloons and Chinese lanterns. The use of fireworks should be limited to 5^th November, public holidays and New Year. In addition to the distress caused to animals there was also significant damage to the environment through litter.

2.    Cllr T Adams said that he understood the reasons behind the motion, however, he felt that he could not support it. He said that he had looked into it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

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.”