Agenda and minutes

Councillor Moore declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 10 Upper Saxondale Community Governance Review.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Thursday, 7 July 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 7 July 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

The Mayor informed Council that she had attended many ceremonial duties resulting from the recent sad death of Queen Elizabeth II and had been particularly moved to open the book of condolence and lay the first floral tribute to the late Queen.  The Mayor reported that she had been invited to hear the High Sherriff reading the first local proclamation of the accession of King Charles III before opening her own scroll to read the proclamation in the centre of West Bridgford.  The Mayor had been honoured to represent the residents of Rushcliffe at the ceremony at Southwell Minster and her local Act of Remembrance both on the day before the late Queen’s funeral.

Aside from those very moving events, the Mayor reported that she had raised the flag on Nottinghamshire Day, had also presided over many local events such as the Radcliffe Carnival, Proms in the Park, Hickling Scarecrow Festival, Lark in the Park, and lowered the start flag on the fifth day of the Tour of Britain.

The Mayor also informed Council about the successful Civic Dinner, which had showcased green living, climate change, environmental awareness, sustainability, and conservation and had also allowed invited guests to find out more about the Mayoral charities for this year.  The Mayor invited her fellow Councillors to look up the guest speaker, Professor Lucelia Rodrigues, a passionate advocate of sustainable living who had delivered a really informative and enlightening after dinner speech.

Finally, the Mayor asked Councillors to help her on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday by laying wreaths of handmade poppies on her behalf across the Borough.

The Leader invited Councillors to attend the launch of new environmentally sustainable facilities at Rushcliffe County Park on Wednesday, 12 October 2022.

The Leader provided Council with an update on the Borough’s participation in the Homes for Ukraine scheme with so far, 167 sponsors having offered support to 213 people.  The concern was that up to 40% of initial sponsors had decided not to continue their support past the initial six-month period and that this would have a detrimental effect upon those Ukrainian families in need, as well as suitable housing, and support services, in the Borough.

The Leader asked Councillors to encourage their local town and parish councils to attend the Town and Parish Council Forum on Wednesday, 5 October 2022. He also reminded Councillors about the Budget Workshops scheduled for 5 and 6 December 2022.

The Leader referred to the Rushcliffe Community Awards and called upon Councillors to nominate local community groups and outstanding individuals for the ceremony, which would be held at the end of November.

Finally, the Leader informed Council that Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club had been promoted to the first division today and placed on record his congratulations to the Club for this fantastic achievement.

The Chief Executive informed Council that the opening of the new leisure centre in Bingham had been further delayed following an extremely challenging period within the building industry.  She advised that the Council was working closely with the building contractors to overcome problems with supply chains and available labour to complete the build before Christmas.  The Chief Executive reassured Council that despite the delays the project was still on budget.

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

No citizens’ questions were received for this meeting.

To receive Notice of Motion subitted under Standing Order No.12

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

The following Notice of Motion was proposed by Councillor Jones and seconded by Councillor S Mallender

“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 Jones informed Council, in moving the motion, that he was asking for a policy commitment to investigate the UNICEF Child Friendly Community programme with the aim of ensuring that all children were able to thrive, play and learn in a safe environment, where their voices were heard and could make a difference.  Establishing a youth council for Rushcliffe, which was already under investigation, would be one key step in supporting this wider programme.

Councillor Jones stated that UNICEF worked with councils in cities across the UK to help incorporate children’s rights in their decision making.  The charity offered training to councils to raise awareness of how decisions made by councils could impact upon children and how to ensure those impacts were positive and reflective of children’s voices.  Councillor Jones recognised that it might be determined that after investigation this programme was too demanding but asked for that to be an informed decision following investigation rather than a presumption.  He concluded by stating that children had the right to dignity, to be heard, and that they should be able to access the services and support they needed without fear of discrimination and called upon the Council to support the motion.

In seconding the motion, Councillor S Mallender stated that UNICEF would support any local authority that committed to this programme, providing support over a three-to-five-year programme not just to the Council but to its partners. Councillor Mallender informed Council that some aspects of the programme were more suitable for a county council or unitary authority but that did not mean that the Borough Council could not make a difference to young people in the Borough.  She considered that the voices, needs, priorities and rights of the child should be an integral part of the policies and decisions of the authority and the Council’s involvement in this programme would ensure children of the Borough were represented and able to influence the decisions that affected them.  Council noted that the UNICEF Child Friendly City programme was an international programme and so some aspects including access to shelter and food would thankfully not be relevant to this Borough.  However, the Borough could work towards the elimination of discrimination, work in the best  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough-wide Leadership, Councillor Robinson, presented the report of the Chief Executive, outlining the East Midlands Devolution Deal.

The Leader referred to the Government’s Levelling Up Bill released in February 2020, which contained a commitment to devolution in all areas by 2030 and noted that the Bill also contained a sub list of priority places, one of which was Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.  Consequently, the four Upper Tier local authorities of Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City and Derbyshire County Council had expressed their interest.  The Leader explained that the devolution framework offered three levels of devolution, with the top level, level three, being a Combined Authority with a Mayor.  The Leader confirmed that this was the level that the four Upper Tier authorities had chosen to pursue and that subsequently, both he and the Chief Executive, had been working with them and the Nottinghamshire district local authorities to discuss shaping a deal, which would work for the D2N2 region.  Council was informed that discussions included looking at transport, adult skills, budgets and referred to the offer of £1.14bn of Government funding over a thirty year span, equating to £38m per year.  The Leader added that this funding would be seed capital, which could be borrowed against, and attract external investment.  The Leader stated that the Government had also offered introduction funding of £18m to be spent by April 2023 and advised that it had been decided to accelerate the Devolution Deal, with the four Upper Tier authorities signing an in principle agreement in August 2022.  The Leader confirmed that it was important for Councillors to have time to reflect on the proposals, noting that the proposal presented was an in principle deal rather than a final deal.  Council was advised that districts and boroughs were not signatories to the deal, which had been signed by the four Upper Tiers.  In terms of the roadmap going forward, the Leader stated that work would continue to shape the agreement, and the deal would then be taken to Full Council meetings of the Upper Tier authorities before going out for consultation to businesses and residents across the D2N2 region.  Subject to the consultation, the deal would then go to Parliament for primary and secondary legislation, an interim shadow Board would be set up in May 2023, with a target for Mayoral elections to be held in May 2024.

The Leader drew Council’s attention to section 4.7 of the report which set out the potential powers and also to the brochure in Appendix 1.

In conclusion, the Leader explained that the deal offered potential delivery of projects such as a fourth Trent Bridge crossing, HS2 connectivity and devolved rail powers.  The Leader confirmed that the deal was an in principle agreement and that this was purely a discussion, as reflected in the recommendations, and that any potential deal would be brought back to Full Council.

Councillor Brennan seconded the recommendation and reserved the right to speak.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

Having declared an interest, Councillor Moore did not participate in the debate or vote for this item.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough Wide Leadership, Councillor Robinson, presented the report of the Chief Executive, outlining the Upper Saxondale Community Governance Review.

The Leader explained that in December 2021, the Council had received a petition for it to hold a governance review for the area of Upper Saxondale. A cross party Task and Finish Group had then been established, and the Leader referred to documentation circulated with the report which set out the Terms of Reference for the Group, which included the proposed boundary and Councillor set up. The Leader confirmed that Nottinghamshire County Council had considered and accepted the proposals.  The Leader explained that several referendums had been held which had received a few negative comments, including from the Chairman of Saxondale Parish and from Cropwell Butler Parish Council, which had been considered by the  Group.  The Leader confirmed that the Group had recommended bringing a proposal to Full Councill to create a separate parish for the area of Upper Saxondale as defined by the map in Appendix Three of the report. The Leader referred to the report, which had concluded that the proposals represented the best model for effective governance for this community and considered that this comment reflected the ultimate in devolution to the local community. The Leader commented that the community of Upper Saxondale had been engaged and involved in looking after their locality.

In conclusion, the Leader explained that, if agreed at Full Council, the proposal would then go the Secretary of State, with a target for elections in May 2023, with any logistical matters being supported by Rushcliffe Borough Council.

Councillor Inglis confirmed that he had Chaired the cross party Task and Finish Group, which had voted unanimously in support of the proposal and confirmed that appropriate steps had been taken to ensure that objectives and legalities for Rushcliffe Borough Council were met in the appropriate areas.  Councillor Inglis explained that the proposal was what residents had asked for as demonstrated by the 95.2% of respondents who were in favour, and on that basis, Councillor Inglis stated that he was happy to support the decision of the Task and Finish Group and seconded the recommendation.

Councillor J Walker said that the Labour Group supported the recommendation and the creation of the new parish.

Councillor Jones advised that at the second meeting of the Task and Finish Group he had raised questions about the likely increased cost of the new parish council and whilst, unfortunately, he had not been able to attend the third meeting, he saw from the notes of that meeting that this issue had not been addressed.  Councillor Jones stated that for such a defined community the response rate had been low; however, his colleagues in the Working Group supported the recommendation and so, reluctantly, he would support it also.

Councillor S Mallender confirmed that the Green Group supported the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

The report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough-wide Leadership, Councillor Robinson presented the report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services providing a review of the work undertaken by the Council’s four Scrutiny Groups during 2021/22.  The Leader invited each of the Scrutiny Group Chairmen to deliver a brief summary of the work of each Group over the year.

Councillor Combellack, former Chairman of the Corporate Overview Group, reminded Council that on becoming Mayor, she had stood down as Chairman of this Group.  Councillor Combellack stated that she had found the position very rewarding and welcomed the more proactive, inclusive scrutiny regime, which was now successfully in place.  Council noted that the Group had scrutinised the impact of Covid-19, both on the Council’s staff, ways of working, delivery of services and residents, and she thanked officers for their hard work during such challenging times.  Councillor Combellack in particular thanked officers responsible for producing the Covid reports, which had been so extensive, that it had required two reports, to look at both internal and external factors.  The Council’s resilience throughout the pandemic was highlighted, and the Group had scrutinised the positive and negative aspects of the Council’s working practices throughout that period, with that analysis added to the Council’s Response Programme, should a similar event occur again.  Councillor Combellack advised that she had continued to meet with other councillors and councils via the virtual East Midlands Council meetings to exchange views and ideas. It was hoped that through training and improved communication, Councillors would have a better understanding of the value and process of scrutiny in policy making, including a simpler scrutiny matrix, which it was hoped all Councillors were using.

Councillor Combellack concluded by thanking all Scrutiny Group Chairmen and Vice-chairmen for their valued assistance throughout the year and wished them all the best in their roles.

Councillor Virdi, Chairman of the Governance Scrutiny Group referred to the importance of scrutiny in challenging and influencing how Council made its decisions, to ensure the continued delivery of high quality services.  Council was reminded that the Group had a broad spectrum of responsibilities to scrutinise, and actions taken to ensure the probity and soundness of the Council’s decision making.  Councillor Virdi stated that over the past year the Group had judiciously and robustly scrutinised the Council’s finances, approach to risk as well as other corporate issues, including the Statement of Accounts, Annual Governance Statement, Capital Investment Strategy, Annual Fraud Report, and Internal Audit and Risk Management reports.  Councillor Virdi highlighted key points in the report, which included the positive comments from the Internal Auditors that the Council had a substantial system of internal control in the highest rating, which was a significant achievement.  A positive Going Concern Assessment had been achieved; the Council had healthy returns based on its Capital Investment Strategy, the Annual Audit letter had provided reasonable assurance that the Council’s financial statements were free from material error, together with a positive performance on the Council’s commercial property  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

To move “That under Regulation 21(1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972”.

It was resolved that under Regulation 21(1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth is attached.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, Councillor Upton presented the report of Director – Development and Economic Growth providing an update on the former Officers’ Mess RAF Syerston, Flintham.

It was RESOLVED that Council endorsed the proposed actions set out within the report and granted delegated authority to the Director for Development and Economic Growth and the s151 Officer, in discussion with the Cabinet Portfolio Holders for Finance and Planning and Housing, to progress an application for a Compulsory Purchase Order of the former Officers’ Mess at RAF Syerston, Flintham, up to the value as set out in the report. Where there is an increase in the value of the Compulsory Purchase Order, a further report will be taken to Cabinet.

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

a)     Improving the energy efficiency of homes is vital to help the residents of Rushcliffe who are in the middle of an economic crisis. We call on central government to facilitate a simpler, less chaotic, and less bureaucratic system of aiding local government to deliver home energy improvement schemes to those most in need:

1.       End the bidding system for all relevant schemes that takes up valuable officer time and resources when it could be better spent making the changes needed to ease the economic disparity and suffering, we are seeing.

2.       Stop funding schemes on an annual basis and move to much longer time frames which will encourage local business and much needed skills to develop in this sector whilst alsofacilitating larger scale delivery of projects.

Councillor J Walker

b)     Recognising that hedges have a positive effect for both wildlife and the amenity of residents, and play a vital role in carbon reduction, this Council adopts a strategic aim to protect hedges within the Borough and to increase our hedgerow network by 40% by 2050 as recommended by the Climate Change Committee*.

To further this strategic aim, Council will:

1.      Ask scrutiny to oversee, by March 2023,  a review of the legal and policy framework for the protection and enhancement of hedges including use of planning conditions

2.      Ask the Local Development Framework group to look at strengthening policies to protect hedges and create new hedges in the next version of the local plan

3.      Develop an action plan to establish a baseline and set out an ambitious  route to achieve the target of 40% increase in the hedgerow network as soon as possible

4.      Further promote best practice advice for the management and maintenance of hedge rows in our own operations and with the public, partners, and landowners, including promoting National Hedgerow Week in October 2022.

*The Climate Change Committee is an independent, statutory body established under the Climate Change Act 2008

Councillor L Way

a.           The following Notice of Motion was proposed by Councillor J Walker and seconded by Councillor Gaunt.

“Improving the energy efficiency of homes is vital to help the residents of Rushcliffe who are in the middle of an economic crisis. We call on central government to facilitate a simpler, less chaotic, and less bureaucratic system of aiding local government to deliver home energy improvement schemes to those most in need:

1. End the bidding system for all relevant schemes that takes up valuable officer time and resources when it could be better spent making the changes needed to ease the economic disparity and suffering, we are seeing.

2. Stop funding schemes on an annual basis and move to much longer time frames which will encourage local business and much needed skills to develop in this sector whilst also facilitating larger scale delivery of projects.”

Councillor J Walker informed Council, in moving the motion that she had felt compelled to try and do something, although since writing the motion, the situation had become worse.  She acknowledged that everyone could take simple steps to save money; however, there was no one in the Chamber who could deny the fear and worry coming from local communities, regarding their financial uncertainty.  Councillor Walker advised that she had been approached by village leaders in Ruddington to set up warm spaces for residents to access during the winter, which was a dreadful prospect to consider.  The situation had been horribly juxtaposed by the recent removal of the top rate 45% of Income Tax, an action, which was callous and unhuman, and at best irresponsible, and Councillor Walker urged Councillors to support the motion, to ensure that the Council could start to improve on its workings and processes before the winter.  Councillor Walker stated that this would be a start of some cross-party action, as doing nothing was not an option.

Councillor Gaunt seconded the motion and reserved the right to speak.

Councillor Brennan advised that the Government was taking action and had recently announced £64 billion to help with household energy costs.  Councillor Brennan stated that she would not address the other issues raised by Councillor Walker, as they had no bearing on the motion.  In respect of insulating homes, it was noted that the Council had a strong track record in this area, with substantial funding secured from LAD 2 and 3, together with funding for off-grid homes to retro fit and provide up to date insulation and improvements in energy efficiency.  Council noted that those practical schemes had been delivered and had benefitted many residents.  Reference had been made to Government schemes being chaotic; however, Councillor Brennan stated that no examples had been provided of that, and whilst it was acknowledged that schemes could be bureaucratic, appropriate checks were required.  In respect of the use of officer time and the completion for resources, Councillor Brennan did agree that it took up officer time; however, competitive bidding could be extremely useful in focusing resources and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

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

a.           Question from Councillor J Walker to Councillor Brennan

“Residents would like more secure bike storage at the arena and throughout the borough.  Could RBC look to include bike storage, like that located in the Bridgford Road car park and the around Nottingham City, for other locations in and around Rushcliffe?”

Councillor Brennan responded by stating that it was a significant challenge to provide a completely secure storage facility, which also had public access.  For example, the unit in central West Bridgford was linked to a City card scheme and the Council did explore if it could create something similar to work with the Parkwood membership card but this would require significant investment including electrical supply.  However, the Council recognised that there had been problems with cycle thefts at the Arena, so in addition to the various CCTV cameras that have been installed, an additional cycle rack next to the entrance doors had been installed, right in front of the temporary desks allowing good oversight by Parkwood customers and staff.  Additionally, if customers used an appropriate D style lock, then this should afford a very good level of protection.  Councillor Brennan advised that since the Council had taken this action the situation with bike thefts had much improved.  Furthermore, as part of the Council’s emerging Walking and Cycling Strategy, the Council would continue to explore opportunities such as at the new Bingham Arena to create more cycle parking and secure storage at appropriate locations and within its resources.

b.           Question from Councillor Gowland to Councillor Inglis

“Given the proposed reduction in the Fire Service in West Bridgford, will Rushcliffe undertake a public information campaign on fire safety (in the same way as it supports the police in security campaigns)?”

Councillor Inglis responded by stating that any such decision would be made by the Fire Authority.  The Fire Service was a part of the South Notts Community Safety Partnership, which was a statutory body under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which had the aim of bringing agencies and communities together to tackle crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in the local community.  As a result, the Council already regularly shared comm’s messages including allied ‘community risks’ such as fire safety. Therefore if the Fire Service made this change and created an information campaign as part of their mitigation, the Council would always seek to support and promote that.  The cuts had yet to be made, there would be a consultation period, and Councillor Gowland and her Labour colleagues were urged to petition to stop the cuts.

c.           Question from Councillor Thomas to Councillor Brennan

“What progress has been made in implementing the council motions adopted on Quieter Fireworks (March 20), Protection of Hedgehogs (July 21) and Reducing use of Pesticides (March 2022)?”

Councillor Brennan responded by stating that a briefing note had been prepared, which would be sent to all Councillors next week on the actions taken as a result of all supported Council motions and questions in 2021/22.  However, in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.