Agenda and minutes

Councillor Purdue-Horan declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 Bingham Improvement Board report and would not take part in the debate.

Councillor Combellack declared an interest in Item 11 Motion A and would not take part in the debate.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Thursday, 26 May 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 26 May 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

The Mayor reported that her Civic year had certainly got off to a flying start, welcoming the Nottingham Forest Football team back to the Borough following their historic win at Wembley. The event at the Council House in the city centre was very exciting, with her holding up the trophy to the 40,000 fans gathered in the Market Square, and enjoying the red and white smoke, collective sing-along, and tickertape parade.

The Jubilee celebrations later the same week had been just as exciting, with the Mayor attending a number of wonderful street parties, beacon lightings, church services and judging a number of Jubilee themed competition including dogs in fancy dress!  Since then, the magnificent Proms in the Park event to celebrate Armed Forces Day had been topped with a stunning performance from a Queen tribute band.

The Mayor referred to a number of civic services for other district councils that she had attended, including lunch at the Bishop’s Palace, a Jubilee service at Southwell Minster, the beating of the retreat at the DMRC, and the annual pilgrimage to Crich, which had been spectacular, with a glorious Lancaster Bomber flypast. 

The Leader referred to the upcoming move of Anthony May, currently Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire County Council, to his new post at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and stated that Mr May had provided the county with excellent leadership throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and working towards devolution for the East Midlands. The Leader also welcomed Nora Senior, a Rushcliffe resident, to her new post as Chairman of the Freeport, and wished her well in this important role.

The Leader went on to update Council about two significant projects. Firstly, the Borough’s support of families displaced by the war in Ukraine. The Borough had put forward 126 sponsor families to date and 134 individuals had already been placed in sponsor homes, with a further 184 individuals going through the resettlement process. The Leader thanked sponsor families, Council officers and charity workers who had put so much effort into creating safe spaces for displaced Ukrainian families.

Finally, the Leader reported that the Council had paid out 100% of the energy rebates funded by the Government to help residents with the cost-of-living crisis to 36,770 properties in the Borough. This has been achieved well in advance of the September deadline set by the Government. The Leader thanked the Council’s Finance team for their excellent efforts supporting residents during such difficult times.

The Chief Executive reminded Council about the two events organised for prospective candidates thinking of standing in next year’s Borough and Town and Parish Council elections. The first would be held on Thursday, 14 July, at 6pm at the Arena and then on Wednesday, 20 July, at 5pm via Teams. The events would focus upon what was involved in standing for election and answer any questions from prospective candidates.

The Chief Executive went on to thank those who had already been involved by providing quotes for the Guide or films for the social media campaigns and she invited members of the Council to come along to the events and informally share their experiences with potential candidates.

To answer questions submitted by Citizens on the Council or its services.

No citizens’ questions were received for this meeting.

The report of the Monitoring Officer is attached.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough Wide Leadership, Councillor Robinson, presented the report of the Monitoring Officer, outlining proposed revisions to the Council’s Constitution.

In presenting the item, the Leader proposed that following the meeting of Governance Scrutiny Group, two additional changes had been recommended, which he asked the Monitoring Officer to make:

·        Part 2 Committee Structure – to include an additional bullet point for the Governance Scrutiny Group to cover the Review of the Council as a “Going Concern.”

·        Part 3 A process for the remuneration of the Chief Executive to clarify that the pay scale is set by Council, it is movement along the scale that is determined by the Leader, Deputy Leader and Leader of the Opposition, who are advised by an agreed external professional and the Strategic Human Resources Manager.

The Leader advised that it had further been requested that the reference to the Director of Development and Economic Growth be removed from the changes proposed on pages 32 and 92, and that this was agreed.

The Leader explained that this was an administrative item proposing constitutional changes to procedures relating to the paid structures for the Chief Executive, GDPR, and to Planning Committee and referred to the summarised changes, details of which were set out in Appendix One of the report.  The Leader confirmed that this item had been considered and approved by the Governance Scrutiny Group at its meeting on 30 June 2022.

Councillor Edyvean seconded the recommendation and reserved the right to speak.

Councillor Gowland advised that the Labour Group was generally in support of the report, apart from the changes to Planning Committee, as by moving Planning Committee to the afternoon, the Council would be effectively excluding a wide number of people in the population from becoming Councillors, because that if they worked, they could not become a Councillor and attend Planning Committee.

Councillor Jones welcomed the majority of the changes, and particularly the removal of the reference to the Director Development and Economic Growth referred to above. However, Councillor Jones stated that he was also concerned about moving Planning Committee to the afternoon and including that in the Constitution.  The Council wanted a variety of candidates to come forward to stand for election, and young people in work would find afternoon meetings difficult to attend. Councillor Jones understood that it was beneficial to developers and officers but said that it had an impact on the availability of Councillors.

Councillor R Mallender thanked officers for their work on this report and was pleased to see the updates and amendments coming through from Standards Committee.  Councillor Mallender shared the concerns expressed by other Councillors regarding the start time of Planning Committee meetings and questioned why this was being included in the Constitution and stated that it should be a matter that was dealt with by the Planning Committee itself. Councillor Mallender felt that writing it into the Constitution would fetter the discretion of the Chair and members of that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods is attached.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, Councillor Inglis, presented the Report of the Director – Neighbourhoods, outlining the proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Dog Control in Rushcliffe.

Councillor Inglis explained that the process for this report had commenced in January 2021, when the Communities Scrutiny Group had considered that the current Council resources to undertake dog fouling issues were very limited. Two public consultations were undertaken, with parish councils and the public, both were overwhelmingly supporting of the proposal, with the details of those responses outlined in Appendix Three of the report.  Approval from Cabinet had also been gained to take this forward in supplementing the dog fouling order, which was already in place.  Councillor Inglis explained that current measures fell short for new building and residential areas and their open spaces, as they were not included.  The Council had responsibility to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors for all of its open spaces and Councillor Inglis considered that this PSPO was the right tool to deliver that.  Council was advised that this was a safeguarding tool, it would protect children, minimise risk, and effectively deal with irresponsible dog owners and dog walkers.  Councillor Inglis stressed that prosecution was not the aim of the PSPO, nor was income generation, rather it would be used to target areas and those who took no responsibility for their dogs.  This Order would also help protect all open spaces where the public had access, and to play parks that were fenced or enclosed by exclusion, and having dogs on leads in signed areas, to ensure owners had the means to remove any excrement.

Councillor Inglis appreciated that the majority of dog owners were totally responsible; however, dogs could be unpredictable, as history had shown with unprovoked dog attacks, especially in parks and recreational areas.  Councillor Inglis referred to the unpleasant smell and associated health and hygiene risks of dog poo, and the problem of dog poo bags being hung in trees.  Council was reminded that conscientious owners would have nothing to fear nor have need to change their habits, and Councillor Inglis stated that this PSPO clearly set out the standard for everyone to understand and to follow in helping to keep Rushcliffe safe.

Councillor Inglis advised that the local Police Commander and the Police and Crime Commissioner were both supporting of the PSPO.  The PSPO would allow for an extended investigation capacity, using contracted enforcement officers, currently Wise, on a cost neutral basis, to increase the Council’s capacity in dealing with complaints.  Council was reminded that the four Es, Engage, Explain and Encourage would be considered before an Enforcement was made and any action would be monitored by officers to ensure that it was proportionate and in the public interest.

In conclusion, Councillor Inglis stated that it was disappointing that despite extensive consultation, Tollerton Parish Council had continually requested that their open spaces be excluded from this order, which it had been, but the rest of Rushcliffe had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

Having declared an interest, Councillor Purdue-Horan left his seat but remained in the Council Chamber and did not part in the debate or vote for this item.

The Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough Wide Leadership, Councillor Robinson presented the report of the Chief Executive outlining the Bingham Improvement Board report.

The Leader recalled that at its meeting on 30 September 2021, Council had accepted a petition from The Bingham Deserves Better group, following several years of complaints regarding the running of Bingham Town Council.  Legally the Council could not action the requests in that petition; however, it was recognised that there were significant concerns, and the Leader reminded Council that he had proposed a change to the officer’s recommendations in the report, to establish this Improvement Board.  The Leader was pleased that this recommendation had been fully supported, and following on from that decision, he, together with the Chief Executive, the Mayor and the clerk from Bingham Town Council had agreed the terms of reference for the Board, which had also been approved by Bingham Town Council.  The Board, which was made up of three independent members, and two Bingham Town Councillors had completed its report, and that had been considered and agreed by Bingham Town Council at its meeting on 24 May 2022.  The report had also been considered by Cabinet on 14 June 2022, before coming before Council this evening. 

The Leader summarised the four main objectives of the Board, details of which were listed in the Board’s report.  Council was advised that the Board had spoken with over 25 different stakeholders, to canvass views, read numerous reports and attended Bingham Town Council meetings, and the Board was commended for the thorough and excellent work it had achieved.

The Leader stated that some of the findings in the report made for disappointing reading, in particular the lack of respect, poor behaviour and lack of openness, together with a disregard for the Code of Conduct.  However, the Leader considered that there were two main issues of most concern: one being the lack of focus on delivering services for the community, in particular the car park, as all focus had been on internal issues; and secondly the significant and disgraceful financial costs incurred from this entire process, at a time when every Council was trying to save money. 

In conclusion, Council was advised that moving forward, the report listed very clear and tangible recommendations, underpinned by the Nolan Principles, and the Leader referred to a statement in the report, which looked to future cooperation and the potential for change being in the hands of members, and supported that sentiment.

Councillor Edyvean seconded the recommendation and reserved the right to speak.

Councillor J Walker confirmed that the Labour Group would be supporting the recommendation and stated that it was good to see democracy returning to the residents of Bingham, along with decency and integrity in how politics was run. 

Councillor Jones advised that the Liberal Democrat Group  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To receive Notices of Motion submitted under Standing Order No.12

a)               Council resolves to pledge its support to the maintenance and health of the Grantham Canal in the Borough of Rushcliffe as an integral wildlife and wellbeing corridor, and asks Communities Scrutiny Group to oversee the following actions:

·          To raise awareness of the importance of the Grantham Canal with the wider community, the County Council, and other relevant agencies to ensure water is retained in the watered section of the Canal within Rushcliffe, to benefit the environment, Mental Health, Wellbeing and Sport.

·          To raise awareness amongst the adjoining authorities through which the Grantham Canal passes.

·          To review the Service Level Agreement with the Canal and Rivers Trust to include specific reference to water retention (it is due for renewal in 2024 and is being considered by Communities Scrutiny Group on 21 July 2022).

·          To write to DEFRA requesting that it reclassify remainder waterways in order that they may benefit from Government funding in light of the health benefits of the canal environment which have been proven during Covid and the consequent lock down.

Councillor N Clarke

b)               From June 2022, over 40,000 railway workers, mainly represented by the RMT and ASLEF trades unions, are taking strike action, paralysing much of the UK’s train network. This has and will impact on the residents of Rushcliffe and our local businesses with -

1.       Worry and stress for hospital patients as appointments are delayed, cancelled, or rearranged 

2.       Some schools’ exams being potentially disrupted

3.       Many more cars on the roads causing congestion, delays, and a huge spike in pollution

4.       Many workers unable to get to work 

5.       Holiday plans disrupted or cancelled

6.       Uncertainty, inconvenience and increased costs for business and leisure travel

Other public sector Trades Unions are also threatening a summer of industrial action across a range of essential services at time when the economy is just beginning to recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic and many residents are facing a cost of living crisis.

As a Council, we call on the Unions calling these strikes and causing so much misery and inconvenience to our residents, to cease this industrial action immediately and get back to the negotiating table to seek an agreement.

Councillor S Robinson

c)               UNICEF’s Child friendly status is relevant to Communities and Cities alike. It emphasises that consultation is vital to developing our communities, including where children and young people can:

·        Have a say about decisions that affect them

·        Express their views freely and are encouraged and supported to do that

·        Access good health, education, transport, and other services

·        Feel safe, prioritised, and protected from discrimination and harm

·        Enjoy public spaces and meet other children and young people freely.

This Council resolves to investigate UNICEF’s Child Friendly City programme to allow Rushcliffe to become a recognised Child Friendly Community and to show that Rushcliffe is a place where children feel safe, are heard, cared-for, and able to flourish.

Councillor R Jones

Having declared an interest, the Mayor left her seat but remained in the Council Chamber and did not take part in the debate or vote for this item and the Deputy Mayor took the Chair.

a.       The following Notice of Motion was proposed by Councillor Clarke and seconded by Councillor R Mallender

Council resolves to pledge its support to the maintenance and health of the Grantham Canal in the Borough of Rushcliffe as an integral wildlife and wellbeing corridor, and asks Communities Scrutiny Group to oversee the following actions:

·              To raise awareness of the importance of the Grantham Canal with the wider community, the County Council, and other relevant agencies to ensure water is retained in the watered section of the Canal within Rushcliffe, to benefit the environment, Mental Health, Wellbeing and Sport.

·              To raise awareness amongst the adjoining authorities through which the Grantham Canal passes.

·              To review the Service Level Agreement with the Canal and Rivers Trust to include specific reference to water retention (it is due for renewal in 2024 and is being considered by Communities Scrutiny Group on 21 July 2022).

·              To write to DEFRA requesting that it reclassify remainder waterways in order that they may benefit from Government funding in light of the health benefits of the canal environment which have been proven during Covid and the consequent lock down.

Councillor Clarke informed Council, in moving the motion that this related to the leisure corridor of the Grantham Canal and advised that the canal was leaking and losing water, and in turn losing important flora and fauna.  Councillor Clarke referred to the importance of leisure and relaxation, particularly when associated with water in promoting health and wellbeing and stated that this had become even more important in the last few years due to Covid.  The Council needed to ensure that the Government understood the value of waterways, such as the Grantham Canal, and the benefits that it brought, and reiterated that the motion was calling on DEFRA to reclassify the Grantham Canal and other remainder waterways, to ensure that it could receive funding for those vital repairs. Councillor Clarke referred to the process of ‘Blue Prescribing’ used by doctors, and the importance of such waterways in combating mental health issue and stated that it was vital that this valuable resource be protected.  This motion was about conserving this valuable resource, and Councillor Clarke referred to the four main actions required, which were listed in the motion and asked that the motion be supported.

In seconding the motion, Councillor R Mallender stated that the Grantham Canal ran close by to a number of Rushcliffe’s towns and villages, it was an asset to the Borough and provided a haven for wildlife, with a variety of habitats and a safe environment that people could enjoy.  The canal was part of the Borough’s shared history, as it had originally been built to transport various products between Grantham and Nottingham.  The canal was a benefit to the environment and helped improve  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

To answer questions submitted by Councillors under Standing Order No. 11(2)

a.       Question from Councillor Jones to Councillor Brennan

“The Climate Change Strategy says it will support residents but only in applying for grants - so will this Council, as other Councils have, urgently establish and promote a local, cost reducing scheme with a company installing solar panels to encourage residents to pay to have them installed on their homes?”

In response, Councillor Brennan confirmed that the Council already worked closely with a range of key public sector organisations to monitor the potential for such schemes, and historically the Council had supported a similar bulk buying scheme for energy suppliers run by Nottingham Energy Partnership, so the Council had some experience of this type of initiative.  One of the issues was that the installation of such solar panels was usually fully paid for by residents, and the Council did not actually have to be involved.  As a result, they were usually of most benefit to those who had the means to install panels anyway, so they did not address fuel poverty or perhaps those most in need, unlike schemes including LAD 2 and 3, where the Council had been focusing on properties with very poor thermal efficiency in the East Leake area.

Councillor Brennan advised that the Council would commit to continuing to investigate such opportunities, and she was aware that officers had already been in touch with the Midlands Energy Hub and Nottingham Energy Partnership, to explore if any companies were working in the Borough and wished to progress such a scheme that the Council could link into following the normal due diligence checks.

Supplementary Question

Councillor Jones stated that several other Councils such as those in Kent, Swindon, Cambridge, and Suffolk have made arrangements with assessed companies interested in local volume services, to provide reduced cost installations to paying residents and would this Council get on with promoting roof top micro-generation?

Councillor Brennan reiterated that the Council continued to monitor the situation and if an appropriate project was identified, which would provide value for money and due diligence, then it would be considered.

b.       Question from Councillor Sue Mallender to Councillor Inglis.

“Why, when it's the Council policy to minimise use of weedkiller, has the Council been spraying glyphosates in Bridgford Park and on the Hook resulting in strips of dead grasses and other wild plants up to two feet wide alongside paths, fencing and adjacent children's play areas?”

In response, Councillor Inglis confirmed that sadly, this had been a case of human error, when a member of the grounds maintenance team, who was new to managing those spaces, had unfortunately operated from outdated information.  This had now been rectified and all staff were aware of the new approaches and commitment to managing those sites in an environmentally sensitive manner.

In light of a previous Council Motion, Councillor Inglis advised that the Council over the last year, had significantly reduced the use of weed killer, from spraying eight times over the summer season to twice, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.