Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence, if any.

Apologies were received from Cllr Butikofer, Cllr N Dixon, Cllr N Housden, Cllr K Leith, Cllr S Penfold, Cllr J Toye, Cllr K Toye, Cllr L Vickers.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 20 November 2024

The minutes of the Council held on 20 November 2024 were approved as a true and accurate record, and these were signed by the Chair.

Proposed by Cllr Shires and seconded by Cllr Brown

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 updated members on the following Civic events she had attended:

Royal British Legion Blakeney and Cley Branch Centenary Celebration – 05 December 2024 – The Harbour Rooms Blakeney. Very notable since the Royal British Legion was not established until 1923.

Christmas Carols in the Foyer – 18 December 2024 – NNDC. Thanks to all who attended. Over £160 was raised for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.

Season’s Greetings from the Chairman

The Chairman offered Season’s Greetings and Happy “Hollidays”.

As we approach the conclusion of another year, she wished to extend her heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the staff and councillors for their dedication and hard work. This year presented NNDC with both challenges and triumphs, and it is the steadfast commitment and resilience of everyone that ensures the residents and visitors to North Norfolk are served in the exemplary manner they deserve.

The holiday season offers a moment for reflection and appreciation. As we celebrate this festive season, she encouraged everyone to take the time to relax, rejuvenate, and cherish the company of loved ones.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their continued dedication and for being an integral part of the community. She looked forward to the achievements that will be accomplished in the coming year.

Thanks, were also given to everyone who purchased raffle tickets or a Pick your Patch square, a massive £555 has been raised for the Chairman’s Dementia Charities. 

The Chairman ended by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

The Leader, Cllr T Adams began by discussing the attention brought to devolution and potential for local government reorganisation, which has required a shift in focus to allow for meetings with other local and District Councils.

The white paper published earlier this week presented lots of questions, many of which remain unanswered at the present time.

The leader took the opportunity to reassure all staff, that there is still going to be a requirement for services moving forward and asked that everyone continues to do the fantastic job currently being done.

He also confirmed that Councillors’ objectives would not change due to the considerations taking place at a national level. It will continue to be busy as usual.

The Leader expressed that he had various concerns around the Government agenda, which had been hardened following the publication of the white paper.

Reassurance is needed that small towns won’t be left behind, tourism and offer to visitors is not at risk, and that defences and adaptions to change along the coastline will continue. No mention was given to the coast in the white paper and a very narrow understanding of the role of district councils was portrayed.

He explained that we are yet to see a clear vision on social care and children’s services and while Police reform is coming at a later date, it is hard to see at present how the services we currently offer sit alongside these changing demands.

The Leader confirmed that he will be looking to seek reassurances needed in the coming weeks and months. There is a good common understanding between leaders across Norfolk and Suffolk and a good potential around a mayoral combined authority in terms of improving transport, housing and development of the economy in North Norfolk.

However, there is a lot of detail to emerge and members will be kept informed as discussion progress.

The Leader advised that efforts must be redoubled to secure the local economy and prosperity of our communities and infrastructure.

The Leader wished everyone a Merry Christmas and thanked them for their achievements and contributions over the past year.

The Chairman invited Cllr W Fredericks to speak.

Cllr Fredericks spoke about her delight in being able to attend the celebration of 130 years of women being allowed to stand for District Council. The event commemorated all the women who fought to give women the vote and to allow women to stand in local Government.  Currently however only 37% of district councillors of women and it is thought that a woman has to be asked at least 5 times before their name is put on a ballot paper. This demonstrates that women do not put themselves forward as candidates and we need to be asking why this is.

Cllr Fredericks asked what the barriers are that prevent women from standing, are these family commitments, money, caring responsibilities, or a belief only a certain gender or area of society should stand. We need local and national government to reflect our  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

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

None Received

To receive reports from Cabinet Members on their portfolios.

Cllr T Adams - Executive Support & Legal Services

Cllr H Blathwayt – Coast

Cllr A Brown – Planning & Enforcement

Cllr W Fredericks – Housing and People Services

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)

Cllr FitzPatrick asked the Leader what alternative savings are being proposed to prevent the closure of the public toilets at Walsingham, as this would affect 320,000 visitors annually, many of whom are elderly and disabled.

Cllr Adams responded that it was never the intention to close the facilities at Walsingham. Walsingham is a wonderful and interesting village, and the provision of public toilets is important. However, we currently have over 60 families in temporary accommodation, with the number of children reaching over 80 at one-point last week which is putting great strain on budgets.

With regard to the toilets at Walsingham, we are in discussion with a number of organisations, to try and find another way to find savings that will cover the cost of the facilities. Members will be kept informed as discussions progress.

Similar discussions are taking place with regards to other toilets, with discussion due to commence in Stalham, Potter Heigham and West Runton. We have also recently completed the transfer to the freehold owners of the toilets at Hickling staithe.

The Council don’t want to be in the position of removing discretionary services or reducing the level of statutory services we are able to offer but the financial pressures are such that difficult decisions have to be made.

Cllr Fitzpatrick responded that there is currently a large element of borrowing within the budget and these repayments which will be needed year on year are falling disproportionately across the district.

Cllr Adams replied that all capital investments are considered very carefully particularly in light of current considerations. Conversations will continue to be had with the aim to prevent the facilities closing.

Cllr Fitch-Tillett asked Cllr Blathwayt why the leader has been reporting on coastal issues and whether his appointment as Chair of the Broads Authority meant he no longer has time to focus on the Coast.

Cllr Blathwayt responded that he was still able to do his job for coast as well as being Chair of the Broads Authority. This is clearly demonstrated through the work being done through Coastwise, the Cromer and Mundsley schemes and other works that are on stream to go ahead in the near future.

Cllr Fitch-Tillett asked why Cllr Blathwayt had not attended the Trimingham sub-committee meetings that have been held twice monthly.

Cllr Adams stated that it was not up to members of the Council to be casting judgements in terms of members diaries and workloads. Cllr Blathwayt has the busiest diary of any of the members of Cabinet and if he was not at Trimingham, he was most likely at a meeting related to water somewhere else. Apologies that my colleague cannot be everywhere.

Cllr Blathwayt responded that the Trimingham meeting was the only Coastwise meeting that he didn’t attend as he was at another meeting relating to water.

Cllr Heinrich asked Cllr Varley if he was able to provide details of the benefits to the Victory Swim and Fitness Centre since the completion of the solar array.

Cllr Varley  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

To approve the following recommendations made by Cabinet at the meeting held on 02 December 2024:

Cabinet Agenda Item 10: Housing Allocations Scheme Proposals 2024

Cabinet RESOLVED to recommend that Full Council approve:

·         The proposed allocations scheme.

Cabinet Agenda Item 13: Budget Monitoring P6 2024/25

Cabinet RESOLVED to seek approval from Full Council in respect of the following:

1.    to include an addition to the revenue budget of £13,000 for an addition to existing Exacom software as laid out in paragraph 4.8.1

2.    to include a permanent increase to the revenue budget of £34,000 for an additional member of staff in the Licensing Team as detailed in paragraphs 4.8.2 to 4.8.5. This will be funded from the ring-fenced licencing income.

3.    to include an additional capital budget of £22,000 to complete the Cromer Offices LED lighting project. This is to be funded from the Net Zero Initiatives reserve as detailed in paragraph 5.4.2

4.    to include an additional capital budget of £5,600 to pay the retention sum for the Crinkle Crankle Wall and that this is funded from the Major Projects Reserve as detailed in paragraph 5.4.3

5.    to include an additional capital budget of £30,000 to rethatch the Collector’s Cabin roof and that this is to be funded from the Asset Management reserve as detailed in paragraph 5.4.4

6.    to include an additional capital budget of £23,400 to develop the customer services C3 software and is to be funded from the Development Plan reserve. as detailed in paragraph 5.4

Cabinet Ageda Item15: Fees & Charges 2025/26

Cabinet RESOLVED to recommend to full Council:

·         The fees and charges from 1 April 2025 as included in Appendix A.

·         That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and relevant Directors/Assistant Director to agree the Decision List Monday, 2 December 2024 fees and charges not included within Appendix A as required (outlined within the report).

Council approved the following recommendations made by Cabinet at the meeting held on 02 December 2024:

Cabinet Agenda Item 10: Housing Allocations Scheme Proposals 2024

Cabinet RESOLVED to recommend that Full Council approve:

·       The proposed allocations scheme.

Cabinet Agenda Item 13: Budget Monitoring P6 2024/25

Cabinet RESOLVED to seek approval from Full Council in respect of the following:

1. to include an addition to the revenue budget of £13,000 for an addition to existing Exacom software as laid out in paragraph 4.8.1
2. to include a permanent increase to the revenue budget of £34,000 for an additional member of staff in the Licensing Team as detailed in paragraphs 4.8.2 to 4.8.5. This will be funded from the ring-fenced licencing income.
3. to include an additional capital budget of £22,000 to complete the Cromer Offices LED lighting project. This is to be funded from the Net Zero Initiatives reserve as detailed in paragraph 5.4.2
4. to include an additional capital budget of £5,600 to pay the retention sum for the Crinkle Crankle Wall and that this is funded from the Major Projects Reserve as detailed in paragraph 5.4.3
5. to include an additional capital budget of £30,000 to rethatch the Collector’s Cabin roof and that this is to be funded from the Asset Management reserve as detailed in paragraph 5.4.4
6. to include an additional capital budget of £23,400 to develop the customer services C3 software and is to be funded from the Development Plan reserve. as detailed in paragraph 5.4

Cabinet Ageda Item15: Fees & Charges 2025/26

Cabinet RESOLVED to recommend to full Council:

• The fees and charges from 1 April 2025 as included in Appendix A.

That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and relevant Directors/Assistant Director to agree the Decision List Monday, 2 December 2024 fees and charges not included within Appendix A as required (outlined within the report).

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting of 11 December was held after the publication of the Full Council agenda – any recommendations to Full Council from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be reported verbally at the meeting.

The recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny Committee were deferred to the next meeting as neither the Chair or Vice Chair of the Committee were in attendance.

DRAFT PROGRAMME OF MEETINGS 2025-26

Cllr Adams proposed that the recommended programme of meetings be approved. Seconded by Cllr Fredericks.

Members unanimously agreed to adopt the Programme of Meetings for 2025-26

Cllr Shires explained that the budget monitoring paper had been to Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny committee.

Cllr Shires drew members attention to recommendation four which related to an increase to the staffing in the licensing team due to an increase in the licensing work and recommendation seven which related to the Collectors cabin roof. Cllr Shires assured members money would not be spent until best value for money has been achieved.

Cllr Taylor asked Cllr Varley what the revenue savings and carbon savings would be created each year as a result of the LED lighting works and how these would be evidence and audited moving forward.

Cllr Varley explained that he did not have the information to hand and would provide Cllr Taylor with a written response.

Cllr Taylor expressed his dissatisfaction at this response and stated that he expected some more information to be available given that Councillors need to ensure residents are getting the best possible deal.

Cllr Shires replied that the question was asked at Overview and Scrutiny and Officer Stankley was going to provide a written response.

Cllr Taylor confirmed that he did not feel comfortable voting unless he knew the full information.

Cllr Shires explained she understood Cllr Taylor’s discomfort. Could caveat the recommendation, but the Council has a net zero commitment to meet for which this work is required.

Cllr Taylor stated that he could not vote on something unless hr understood the ramifications. It cannot be net zero at any cost.

Cllr Cushing asked Cllr Shires to confirm that the Council has so far internally borrowed £8 million and how much the Council will have internally borrowed by the end of 2024/25.

Cllr Shires asked that she be able to provide a written response to the question so the correct details are presented.

Cllr Cushing went on to ask about the reserve positions for both the general and earmarked funds.

Cllr Shires was unable to find the information so said she would provide Cllr Cushing with a written response following the meeting. She also stated that should Cllr Cushing have any questions; she was happy to provide information if given an understanding of the information required. 

Cllr FitzPatrick asked if Cabinet had a sufficient grip on the Councils income and expenditure. 

Cllr Shires explained that Cabinet were fully aware of the reasons agency staff have been required to meet the shortfall of staff within finance. Staff are working within a very difficult situation and have risen to the challenges time and time again and for that we thank them. With the announcement of the local government settlement, it cannot be said that Government understand the pressures felt within local government finance.

Cllr Fitzpatrick responded to say that maternity leave, sick leave, compassionate leave should all be built into the budget. The officers are all doing a very good job, it is the   administration that does not have a grip on the finances. The administration is failing to lead the officers and that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

Cllr Shires explained that the fees and charges omitted in the original Full Council papers have been rectified and these have not changed since they were presented to Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny.

The only addition is the

Provision of legal advice and services to third-party public-sector organisations.  This will be at Solicitor’s hourly rate and is discretionary, set by district.

Cllr Shires proposed, Cllr Adams seconded.

Full Council unanimously agreed that:

·       The fees and charges from 1 April 2025 as included in Appendix A.

·       That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and relevant Directors/Assistant Director to agree the fees and charges not included within Appendix A as required (outlined within the report).

Cllr Adams proposed the recommendations for polling places considered to be the best locations within local communities to be designated as polling places which will provide for electors the most convenient and accessible polling arrangements.

Seconded by Cllr Fredericks

Full Council unanimously recommended the:

·       Approval of the list of Polling Districts and Polling Places within the North Norfolk District following this periodic review as detailed in Appendix 1 to this report.

·       Council should note that in exceptional circumstances (such as a polling place becoming unavailable) changes can be made to polling place designations between periodic reviews

None Received.

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None Received.

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None Received.

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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.”

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