Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors E Casling, J Cattanach and J Thurlow.

A copy of the Register of Interest for each Selby District Councillor is available for inspection at www.selby.gov.uk.

Councillors should declare to the meeting any disclosable pecuniary interest in any item of business on this agenda which is not already entered in their Register of Interests.

Councillors should leave the meeting and take no part in the consideration, discussion or vote on any matter in which they have a disclosable pecuniary interest.

Councillors should also declare any other interests. Having made the declaration, provided the other interest is not a disclosable pecuniary interest, the Councillor may stay in the meeting, speak and vote on that item of business.

If in doubt, Councillors are advised to seek advice from the Monitoring Officer.

Councillor Jordan declared a personal interest in minute item 62 and stated he would be leaving the meeting during the consideration of this item. 

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 12 December 2017.

The Council considered the minutes of the meeting of meeting held on 12 December 2017. It was noted that there was an error under minute item 35 – Disclosures of Interest, in the second paragraph where references to ‘he’ should be replaced with ‘she’.

RESOLVED:

To approve the minutes of the Council meeting held on 12 December 2017 with the above amendment for signing by the Chairman.

The Chairman, Leader of the Council or the Chief Executive will deal with any communications which need to be reported to the Council.

There were no communications.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman, Leader or Members of the Executive.

There were no announcements.

To receive any petitions.

There were no petitions received.

To receive and answer questions, notice of which has been given in accordance with rule 10.1 of the Constitution.

There were no public questions received.

To receive and answer questions submitted by councillors in accordance with rule 11.2 of the Constitution.

There were no questions from Councillors received.

The Leader of the Council, and other members of the Executive, will report on their work since the last meeting of the Council and will respond to questions from Councillors on that work.

Councillor M Crane – The Leader of the Council

The Leader of the Council reported on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report and highlighted that he would be attending a meeting in Westminster with the Secretary of State to discuss devolution for the Yorkshire region.

Councillor J Mackman, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Lead Member for Place Shaping

Councillor Mackman, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping, provide an update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

In response to a query concerning the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, the Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping explained that this would be an appendix to the Local Plan and hence would be part of the consultation.

Councillor C Lunn, Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources

Councillor Lunn, Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources presented his update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

The Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources informed Council that officers were preparing a response to the consultation by the Government on the Fair Funding Review. It was explained that the Council would suggest in the response that Internal Drainage Boards should raise a separate precept similar to that raised by the Fire and Police services.

Councillor C Metcalfe, Executive Lead Member for Communities and Economic Development

Councillor Metcalfe, Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development provided an update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

In response to a query around the vibrant changes to the design of Selby Town as mentioned in the report, Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development that it was being looked into with regard to what could be done to make Selby more attractive with particular opportunities in Finkle Street,

A query was raised with regard to whether a company from Selby should have been hired to assist with the work, the Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development explained that there was no such company available in Selby however it was hoped with future investment in the area that a company could come into the district.

Councillor R Musgrave, Executive Lead Member for Housing, Leisure, Health and Culture

Councillor Musgrave, Lead Executive Member for Housing, Leisure, Health and Culture, provide an update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

Concern was raised at the increased incidents of fly tipping on the area, the Lead Executive Member for Housing, Leisure, Health and Culture explained that a range of initiatives had been used to tackle fly tipping and the more incidents were reported then more resources could be devoted to any specific areas affected.

A query was raised around missed bin collections and it was felt that if a collection could not take place due to obstructions then something needed to be done to ensure this did not happen again.

To receive reports from the Council’s committees which need to be brought to the attention of Council. To receive questions and provide answers on any of those reports.

Councillor W Nichols, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor W Nichols, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee provided an update on the work of the Committee as outlined in her report. Council were informed that an emergency exercise event would be taking place on 5 April and Councillors were encouraged to put their names forward to participate in the event. 

Councillor J Deans, Chairman of the Policy Review Committee

Councillor Deans, Chairman of the Policy Review Committee provided an update on the work of the Committee as outlined in his report. There were no questions for Councillor Deans.

Councillor M Jordan, Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee

Councillor Jordan, Chairman of the Audit and Governance provided an update on the work of the Committee as outlined in his report. There were no questions for Councillor Jordan.

To consider the following motion proposed by Councillors Mackay, Buckle, Mrs Duckett, Hobson, Jordan, Marshall, Mrs McCartney, Mrs Nichols, Mrs Shaw-Wright, Thurlow and Welch:

“This Council calls upon the Government to reconsider transitional arrangements for women born on or after the 6th April 1951, so that women do not live in hardship due to Pension changes that they were not told about until it was too late to make alternative financial arrangements.”

The following motion had been listed on the agenda for discussion:

This Council calls upon the Government to reconsider transitional arrangements for women born on or after the 6^th April 1951, so that women do not live in hardship due to Pension changes that they were not told about until it was too late to make alternative financial arrangements.

Councillor Packham proposed the motion and explained that there was around 6,700 women affected by the changes in the Selby and Ainsty Constituency area. Council were informed that the individuals affected were expecting to receive their pension at 60 however as a result of the changes, would not receive it until they were 66. Concern was also raised at the short notice that had been given before the changes had been implemented by the Government.

Following his earlier declaration, Councillor Jordan spoke in favour of the motion then left the meeting and did not return.

An amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor Crane and seconded by Councillor Mackman as follows:

This Council understands that women born on or after 6^th April 1951 were adversely affected by the pension changed announced in 1995. However this Council also recognises that to re-instate the position prior to that date would cost £13bn and that this Government has given £1.1bn to smooth the introduction of the changes. This Council notes the current position.

Discussion took place on the amendment. Councillor Nichols and Councillor McCartney spoke against the motion and it was commented that it would not cost the Council to support the individuals affected and that in doing so, the Council would become the 139^th authority to offer their support.

Before the amendment was put to the vote, a recorded vote was requested in line with rule 19.4 of the Council’s Procedure Rules as outlined in the Council’s Constitution.

For the proposal: Seventeen

Councillors K Arthur, I Chilvers, J Chilvers, M Crane, J Deans, K Ellis, M Hobson, D Hutchinson, C Lunn, J Mackman, C Metcalfe, R Musgrave, C Pearson, D Peart, I Reynolds, B Sage, and D White.

Against the proposal: Eight

Councillors S Duckett, D Mackay, B Marshall, M McCartney, W Nichols, B Packham, J Shaw-Wright, and P Welch.

Abstain: Two

Councillors D Buckle and R Sweeting.

The amendment was carried and was then put to the vote as the substantive motion.

RESOLVED:

To agree the following amended motion:

This Council understands that women born on or after 6^th April 1951 were adversely affected by the pension changed announced in 1995. However this Council also recognises that to re-instate the position prior to that date would cost £13bn and that this Government has given £1.1bn to smooth the introduction of the changes. This Council notes the current position.

To consider a report which provides Council with assurance on the proposed budget and the Council’s reserves in order to formally set the budget and Council Tax for 2018/19.

Karen Iveson, Chief Finance Officer presented the report which provided the Council with assurance on the proposed budget and the Council’s reserves in order to formally set the budget and Council Tax for 2018/19.

The Chief Finance Officer confirmed that she felt that the Council’s budget proposals were robust.

RESOLVED:           

To consider the Chief Finance Officer’s statements in paragraphs 2.5 and 2.11 of the report when setting the Council Tax.

REASONS FOR DECISION

To provide Council with assurance on the proposed budget and the Council’s reserves in order to formally set the budget and Council Tax for 2018/19.

To consider a report which presents Executive’s proposed revenue budget; capital programmes and outline Programme for Growth for 2018/19 to 2020/21.

In accordance with The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, all local authorities must record in their minutes how each Councillor voted (or abstained from voting) on the

question of Budget and Council tax setting at the ‘Budget Decision Meeting’ of the Council. This rule will therefore apply to this item and a recorded vote will be taken on this item.

Councillor Lunn, Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources provided a presentation on Executive’s proposed revenue budget, capital programmes and outline Programme for Growth, for 2018/19 to 2020/21 following public consultation. It was noted that updated figures relating to the Council Tax base and precept following the North Yorkshire County Council meeting and some other minor amendments had been circulated to all of the Councillors.

The key elements of the presentation were:

·         Under the Government’s multi-year finance settlement, core funding would reduce by 36.2% over 5 years from 2016/17 to 2019/2020.

·         The New Homes Bonus would be reducing to a four year scheme in 2018/19, from a six year scheme in 2016/17 and a five year scheme in 2017/18 which would result in a £1m per annum reduction in funding over the two years.

·         The renewable energy business rates windfall was confirmed at £7.8m and Council noted the proposed transfer to reserves in accordance with the approved Medium Term Financial Strategy. It was uncertain whether power stations would be removed from the Local Government rating list going forward which may impact on future business rates receipts.

·         The proposed budget assumed a £5 increase per annum in Council Tax for a band D property which on average worked out to be less than 10p a week.

·         With regard to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), the 2018/19 budget showed a £864k surplus on the HRA, which was required to fund the housing capital programme.

·         The draft budget showed a deficit of around £1.5m by 2020/21 before the delivery of further savings and the report identified the savings plans in progress.

·         The budget proposals also included sizeable capital programmes - £15.6m for the General Fund and £12.5m for the HRA. A large proportion of the programmes relate to affordable housing delivery through Selby and District Housing Trust and the Council’s own HRA.

·         £10m of cash resources had been allocated to the Programme for Growth and the report noted that following the corporate peer challenge the programme would be reviewed with detailed proposals coming forward for approval in line with the approved governance arrangements for the programme.

Discussion took place on the proposals put forward and it was stated that there needed to be greater transparency over the spending from the Special Projects Reserve. Concern was also raised at the lack of effort in the budget proposals to take action against the austerity measures imposed on issues such as the National Health Service, fly tipping and the state of repair in schools.

The Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources explained that the areas referred to were outside of the control of the Council and the budget has sought to use the income received from business rates to invest in the district.

In response to a further concern raised at the proposed increase in council tax overall, the Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources explained that at less than 10p per week for a Band D property, the rise proposed by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

To consider a report which presents for approval the proposed Treasury Management Strategy together with the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy for 2018/19, Capital Strategy 2018/19 and Prudential Indicators 2018/19 as required by the Department of Communities and Local Government and CIPFA.

Councillor Lunn, Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources presented the report which outlined the proposed Treasury Management Strategy together with the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy for 2018/19, Capital Strategy 2018/19 and Prudential Indicators 2018/19 as required by the Department of Communities and Local Government and CIPFA.

The Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources explained that the Council had identified property funds as a potential investment opportunity following discussion with the County Council’s treasury management consultants. Council were informed that the appropriate due diligence would be undertaken before committing to any type of investment and that the County Council would also consult with the Council prior to any investment with the Council having an option to opt out if they wished.

RESOLVED:

i)             To set the Operational Borrowing Limit for 2018/19 at £79m;

ii)            To set the Authorised  Borrowing Limit for 2018/19 at £84m;

iii)           To delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer to effect movement within the agreed authorised boundary limits for long-term borrowing for 2018/19 onwards;

iv)          To delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officer to effect movement within the agreed operational boundary limits for long-term borrowing for 2018/19 onwards;

v)            To approve the treasury management strategy statement 2018/19;

vi)          To approve the minimum revenue provision policy statement for 2018/19;

vii)         To approve the treasury management investment strategy for 2018/19;

viii)        To approve the prudential indicators for 2018/19 which reflect the capital expenditure plans which are affordable, prudent and sustainable;

ix)          To approve the Capital Strategy for 2018/19.

REASONS FOR DECISION

To ensure the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and associated policies are prudent and affordable.

To consider a report which seeks approval of the Council’s Pay Policy Statement 2018/19 in accordance with section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.

Councillor Crane, Leader of the Council presented the report which sought approval of the Council’s Pay Policy Statement 2018/19 in accordance with section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED:

To approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2018/19 as outlined in the appendix to the report. 

REASON FOR THE DECISION

To comply with Localism Act 2011 (the Act) to prepare a Pay Policy Statement articulating the Council’s policy towards the pay of the workforce.

To consider a report which proposes a further public consultation on the additional and amended sites submitted during the recent Pool of Sites consultation.

Councillor Mackman, Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping presented the report which proposed a further public consultation on the additional and amended sites submitted during the recent Pool of Sites consultation.

The Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping explained the additional consultation would follow the same format as the main consultation and would be undertaken for six weeks.

RESOLVED:

To approve a further public consultation on the additional and amended sites submitted during the recent Pool of Sites Consultation and authorise the Director of Economic Regeneration and Place, in consultation with the Lead Executive Member for Place Shaping, to prepare and consult on an Additional Sites Consultation document following the same principles as the previous Pool of Sites Consultation document between 8^th March and 19^th April 2018.

REASONS FOR DECISION

To approve the draft document for public consultation in order to further progress the adoption of the Sites Allocations Local Plan.

To consider a Feedback Report from the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge and comment on the associated Improvement Plan.

Councillor Crane, Leader of the Council presented the feedback report from the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge and asked the Council to comment on the associated Improvement Plan.

Discussion took place on the improvement plan and it was stated that the actions needed to result in change. The Leader of the Council explained that the Improvement Plan would continue to be available to view whether the actions outlined had been delivered.

In response to a query regarding the Programme for Growth, the Leader of the Council explained that improvements had been made in communicating about the programme to Councillors and the Corporate Peer Challenge team had noted the improvements that had taken place.

RESOLVED:

i)             To note Feedback Report.

ii)            To note the attached Improvement Plan and note the comments provided.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The primary purpose of the Peer Challenge was to support Selby DC to deliver its stated objectives and meet residents’ aspirations. Delivering on the seven key recommendations made in the report will help ensure this happens. Being open and transparent in how we do this will help ensure we get stakeholders – including Members - bought into our continuing improvement and delivery.

To consider a report which proposed an appointment of Chair of the Eastern Community Engagement Forum.

Councillor Crane, Leader of the Council presented the report which sought approval to appoint a new Chair for the Eastern Community Engagement Forum.

The Leader of the Council explained that the previous Chair, Councillor Casling has resigned therefore a new Chair was needed and Bob Proctor who was proposed, was currently the Vice Chair.

RESOLVED:

To appoint Bob Proctor as Chair of the Eastern Community Engagement Forum. 

Council moved into private session to discuss the next item.

RESOLVED:

In accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, the meeting be not open to the Press and public during discussion of the following item as there will be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Section 100(1) of the Act as described in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12(A) of the Act.

REASON FOR THE DECISION

To ensure the Council compiles with the correct legislation when discussion private and confidential items.

To consider a report which outlines funding information in relation to Olympia Park and details the next steps to be taken.

Councillor Crane, Leader of the Council presented the report which outlined funding information in relation to Olympia Park and detailed the next steps to be taken.

The Leader of the Council explained that the Council had submitted a bid for £8.878 million to the Homes and Communities Agency’s (now Homes England) Housing Infrastructure Fund to support the development of the Olympia Park site in Selby.

In response to a query, the Leader of the Council stated that a further planning application would be submitted for development of the site.

In response to queries around access roads, the Director of Economic Regeneration and Place explained that there would be consultation on issues such as this along with open space, and proposed school which would be picked up as part of the masterplan.

RESOLVED:

i)             To note that Selby District Council has been successful in securing investment of £8,878,000 from Homes England’s Marginal Viability Housing Infrastructure Fund to support the development of the Olympia Park site. The grant funding will be paid directly to Selby District Council at agreed intervals under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003, based on progress reports from the local authority. As the accountable body, the Council will need to ensure that the funding is drawn down and spent in accordance with the requirements of the Housing Infrastructure Programme

ii)            To note that additional funding of up to £1.2 million to support the development of the Olympia Park site will be provided by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP, subject to the approval of a Detailed Business Case

iii)           To delegate authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council to agree the terms and conditions of the grant funding and to authorise expenditure of the grant including the acquisition if land/site assembly to facilitate the development of the site.

REASONS FOR DECISION

To facilitate the development of site in accordance with the Core Strategy Local Plan.

The Council agreed to move back into public session.

RESOLVED:

To move back into public session for the next item.

REASON FOR THE DECISION

To ensure the public and press can attend the meeting for public items. 

The Chief Executive will report on any instances where she has acted in urgent or emergency situations under the functions delegated to her in the Constitution.

It was noted that the Chief Executive had taken the following urgent action since the last meeting:

·         To appoint Councillor Mike Jordan as a member of the Planning Committee to replace Councillor Ian Reynolds for the municipal year 2017/18 with immediate effect.

·         To appoint Councillor Ian Reynolds as a substitute member of the Planning Committee to replace Councillor Mike Jordan for the municipal year 2017/18 with immediate effect.