Minutes:
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 local communities and represent local demographics.
Cllr Fredericks asked that over the coming year, if you know of someone who would be great at representing local communities that you ask them to stand for election.
Everyone in this chamber stands on the shoulder of giants, those who have come before us and made a difference to our residents and communities. At this Christmas time, think of the person who persuaded or inspired you to stand and thank them for their belief in you.