Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence, if any.

Apologies were received from Cllr P Bevan Jones, Cllr S Butikofer, Cllr P Fisher, Cllr M Millership and Cllr E Spagnola

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 24 February 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on 24^th February 2021 were agreed as a correct record.

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 received.

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 receive the Chairman’s communications, if any.

The Chairman said that it had been a very challenging year due to the pandemic, however, he was pleased to inform members that the virtual ‘Cley Calling’ events had been very successful and had raised £2275 for the Chairman’s charity, Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

To receive announcements from the Leader, if any.

None.

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

Ms K Hart spoke in relation to Agenda item 17, Notice of Motion: Domestic Abuse. She said that she wished to highlight the lack of resources available in the town of Sheringham. She said that there were more resources available to those suffering from domestic violence but that there was very little support for the victims of emotional and  psychological abuse, which could have a detrimental effect on mental health. She said that she would like to see a local support service established to assist victims and direct them to relevant voluntary organisations and agencies. Often people lacked the knowledge and the confidence to approach these bodies themselves and having someone to support them through this process would be hugely beneficial. She referred to the Daisy Programme in Dereham which offered these services and said that a similar scheme in Sheringham would be welcomed. She concluded by urging members to consider creating such a help hub.

To approve any appointments to committees, sub committees, working parties, panels and outside bodies as notified by the Group Leaders.

The Independent Group Leader, Cllr J Rest informed members of the following changes to appointments:

Cllr J Rest to replace Cllr N Housden on the Constitution Working Party

Cllr N Housden to be removed from North Norfolk Community Transport (replacement to be confirmed)

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.

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)

Cllr A Fitch-Tillett – Coast

Cllr V Gay – Health, Wellbeing & Culture

Cllr G Hayman – Housing & Benefits

Cllr R Kershaw – Economic Development

Cllr N Lloyd – Environment & Climate Change

Cllr E Seward – Finance & Assets

Cllr L Shires – Organisational Resources

Cllr J Toye – Planning & Enforcement

The Chairman invited Portfolio Holders to present their reports:

Cllr A Fitch-Tillett, Portfolio Holder for Coast said that she was delighted to inform members that the Bacton to Walcott Sandscaping scheme had recently been awarded the Norfolk Construction Excellence Award. She said that Coastal Partnership East’s £8m bid for a 6 year programme to deliver an adaptation scheme on the Norfolk / Suffolk coast had been successful. She concluded by saying that the CPE team was preparing a response to the consultation on the FloodRe scheme, which was exploring the possibility of widening the current scheme to include protection from wider forms of risk such coastal erosion, which was currently uninsurable.  

Cllr C Cushing began by congratulating the team on their award. He referred to a report in the North Norfolk News on 16^th April which detailed sand erosion on Bacton beach. He sought reassurance that the issue was being addressed and asked how it would be monitored. Cllr Fitch-Tillett replied that sand was constantly moving and changing. The coastal team was aware of certain objects rising to the surface and being exposed and the situation was being monitored by the coastal engineers. Any hazards that were found were marked as such. Advice to the public on beach safety would be issued in advance of the summer season.

Cllr V Gay, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, presented her report. She informed members that the new ‘Reef’ leisure centre in Sheringham was on course for a summer opening. She said that an announcement was expected imminently regarding the Council’s blue and green flags. From Saturday 1^st May, four beaches would have a lifeguard in attendance.

Cllr Gay highlighted the continuing success of the North Norfolk Sustainable Communities Fund which had allocated £106k to 22 organisations between March 2020 and March 2021. She concluded by saying that the social prescribing briefing for members had now taken place. It was well attended and feedback had been excellent.

Cllr W Fredericks thanked Cllr Gay for the social prescribing briefing which had been very informative.

Cllr G Hayman, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Benefits presented his report as written. He drew members attention the to Domestic Abuse bill which was shortly to be enacted. He said that the Council was working closely with the County Council to deliver the services required to support the victims of domestic abuse.

Cllr R Kershaw, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development introduced his report and provided an update grant payments. In the last year the Council had distributed £118.5m to businesses. He thanked the team for their exceptional performance. He informed members that consultants had been appointed for the North Walsham Heritage Action Zone project, with work about to commence on the lokes. The newly formed Cultural Committee had recently met.

Cllr G Mancini-Boyle asked whether the Portfolio Holder would like to thank central government for the funding received from Government to pay in grants to businesses. Cllr Kershaw agreed.

Cllr N Lloyd, Portfolio Holder for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Stuart Quick (Economic Growth Manager), 01263 516263,

stuart.quick@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Cllr R Kershaw, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, introduced this item. He explained that the report set out the current financial position of the COVID Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) and the actions that the Council was undertaking to commit the remainder of the District’s allocation which was intended to support businesses and the local economy. He said that the Government had recently announced that local authorities would receive an additional top-up to their ARG allocation. However, in order to qualify for this money (£760,411 for North Norfolk) Councils would need to have fully defrayed all of their current allocation and consideration was now being given as to how this could be drawn down for the benefit of the business community.

AGREED to note

-        the content of the report and the progress to date in committing the ARG allocation to support local businesses;

-        given the time constraints, that delegation is provided to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Growth Economic, to:

1.     establish the terms and processes to commit the remaining ARG fund by 30 June 2021, and;

2.     develop a programme of business support using the anticipated ARG top-up funds that the District will benefit from following the full dissemination of the current fund.

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Steve Blatch, Chief  ...  view the full agenda text for item 35.

The Chief Executive introduced this item. He said that it set out the consideration that the Council was giving to the management of larger numbers of visitors to the District during the summer of 2021. He outlined the key challenges, including an increased demand for holiday homes, car parking, improved road signage and the promotion of quieter areas of the District, to reduce pressure on the coastal towns. He then set out proposals for each of the main coastal towns to manage the anticipated rise in visitor numbers and to ensure that compliance with Covid regulations and guidance was maintained throughout.

The Chairman invited members to comment:

Cllr J Rest referred to the recommendation regarding the provision of a food court area in North Lodge park in Cromer. He asked whether the reference to local businesses meant existing businesses in the area to set up a satellite business or whether other traders who wouldn’t normally trade in that way would be allowed to participate. He also asked whether they would have to be registered with NNDC. The Chief Executive replied that the opportunities would initially be offered to businesses that already had a presence in Cromer such as cafes and restaurants. Conversations were currently ongoing. He confirmed that they would be businesses registered with the Council in terms of food hygiene and commercial licences.

Cllr E Withington said that Sheringham would welcome the opportunity for a Park and Ride scheme in the town. She thanked the Chief Executive for the information and work that had been undertaken so far regarding preparations for the summer season.

Cllr G Hayman asked about the former playgroup building in North Lodge park and whether consideration was being given to it being brought into use over the summer. The Chief Executive replied that the Council’s Estates team was currently looking at options for the building.

Cllr N Pearce asked about car boot sites, saying that there may be an issue regarding additional traffic in relation to these. He also raised concerns regarding the new McDonalds restaurant in Cromer, saying that the traffic on the first day of trading had been exceptionally heavy. In addition litter from the site had begun to appear across the District. The Chief Executive replied that car boot sales had not been considered but this would be monitored together with outdoor markets. Regarding the new McDonalds, he said that the traffic on the first day had been exceptional and had eased off now. The littering situation was the subject of ongoing discussions with the operator.

Cllr S Penfold commented that there were lots of hidden gems across the District and he supported the proposals to promote them more.

AGREED

To note the report and the actions listed.

To receive an update from the Chief Executive on the senior management restructure.

Cllr J Rest, Chairman of the Employment & Appeals Committee, introduced this item. He explained that a Panel had been convened to support the process of the recruitment of the new Director of Place and Climate Change. This had been done in conjunction with SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives). The Panel had met the previous week to undertake the final interviews in person. He said that he was pleased to confirm that the Panel had supported one candidate and a formal offer had been made to them. A response was still awaited and further details would be provided at a suitable time.

No recommendations were made to Council by Cabinet at the meetings held on 15^th March and 12^th April 2021.

None.

To consider any recommendations made at the meeting of Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 21^st April.

Please note this meeting was held after the publication of the Full Council agenda, so the Chairman will provide a verbal update at the meeting.

None.

None Received.

None received.

None Received.

None received.

The following Notices of Motion have been received:

1.     Environment Bill

Proposed by Cllr N Lloyd

Background

Human activity has already resulted in climate change.

The impacts of rising temperatures are being felt around the world. Global temperatures have already increased by 1 degree Celsius from pre-industrial levels.

Limiting Global Warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius may still be possible with ambitious action from national and regional authorities, the private sector, and local communities.

Average World temperature records continue to be broken year on year with the previous 10 year period being the hottest on record (WMO). Despite this, green house gasses continue to rise.

North Norfolk, with its extended coastline, is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change.

Councils have an important role to play in tackling climate change. They can act as leaders and role models for others to follow. NNDC is committed to reaching net zero carbon by 2030. This pledge will soon be evidenced in our Climate Change Charter, indeed reducing the Council’s carbon footprint has been a priority since 2019.

NNDC have already taken action by committing to planting 110,000 trees by 2023, switching to a green energy supply, renewable energy projects, introducing EVCP’s to North Norfolk and including ambitious green policies into our draft Local Plan. Our journey has only just began.

Everyone, has a responsibility to reduce their impact on the environment - but we cannot be expected to solve the problem of climate change on our own. The Government has a huge role to play in restoring the quality of the air we breathe, nature, biodiversity and the natural environment.

The recently announced delay to the Environment Bill was therefore extremely disappointing. This Bill promised new powers to defend nature and biodiversity, protect our water supplies, reduce flooding potential, improve air quality, enhance waste and resource efficiency whilst improving recycling rates.

Motion:

North Norfolk District Council calls for the Government to reintroduce the Environment Bill at its earliest opportunity.

The Bill will call for a new environmental relationship between local and national Government. Councils will take a greater responsibility to enforce many aspects of the Bill and will be obliged to formally adopt new environmental improvement rolesat a local level. NNDC believe we are well placed to take a leading role in this new agenda and to deliver ambitious plans to protect our beautiful district for future generations. However, this will come at a cost. This Council therefore calls upon Government to provide the support that will be required in terms of finance and legislative powers to ensure the Bill is implemented effectively.

NNDC will write to George Eustice MP to express our support for the Bill, urge him to reintroduce the Bill at his earliest opportunity whilst emphasising that adequate resources must be provided to local Councils.

Write to North Norfolk’s two MP’s seeking their support for the Environmental Bill and request them to take a leading role by championing its passage into law through Parliament.

2.     Domestic Abuse  ...  view the full agenda text for item 41.

The Chairman said that two notices of motion had been received:

1.    Environment Bill, proposed by Cllr N Lloyd and seconded by Cllr E Seward

2.    Domestic Abuse, proposed by Cllr W Fredericks and seconded by Cllr E Withington

He invited Cllr Lloyd to introduce the first motion. Cllr Lloyd presented the motion as set out in the agenda:

‘Human activity has already resulted in climate change.

The impacts of rising temperatures are being felt around the world. Global temperatures have already increased by 1 degree Celsius from pre-industrial levels.

Limiting Global Warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius may still be possible with ambitious action from national and regional authorities, the private sector, and local communities.

Average World temperature records continue to be broken year on year with the previous 10 year period being the hottest on record (WMO). Despite this, green house gasses continue to rise.

North Norfolk, with its extended coastline, is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change.

Councils have an important role to play in tackling climate change. They can act as leaders and role models for others to follow. NNDC is committed to reaching net zero carbon by 2030. This pledge will soon be evidenced in our Climate Change Charter, indeed reducing the Council’s carbon footprint has been a priority since 2019.

NNDC have already taken action by committing to planting 110,000 trees by 2023, switching to a green energy supply, renewable energy projects, introducing EVCP’s to North Norfolk and including ambitious green policies into our draft Local Plan. Our journey has only just begun.

Everyone, has a responsibility to reduce their impact on the environment - but we cannot be expected to solve the problem of climate change on our own. The Government has a huge role to play in restoring the quality of the air we breathe, nature, biodiversity and the natural environment.

The recently announced delay to the Environment Bill was therefore extremely disappointing. This Bill promised new powers to defend nature and biodiversity, protect our water supplies, reduce flooding potential, improve air quality, enhance waste and resource efficiency whilst improving recycling rates.

Motion:

North Norfolk District Council calls for the Government to reintroduce the Environment Bill at its earliest opportunity.

The Bill will call for a new environmental relationship between local and national Government. Councils will take a greater responsibility to enforce many aspects of the Bill and will be obliged to formally adopt new environmental improvement roles at a local level. NNDC believe we are well placed to take a leading role in this new agenda and to deliver ambitious plans to protect our beautiful district for future generations. However, this will come at a cost. This Council therefore calls upon Government to provide the support that will be required in terms of finance and legislative powers to ensure the Bill is implemented effectively.

NNDC will write to George Eustice MP to express our support for the Bill, urge him to reintroduce the Bill at his earliest opportunity whilst  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

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.”