New Forest Borough Council
Councillors:
48
Wards:
27
Committees:
15
Meetings (2025):
72
Meetings (2024):
78
Meeting
Council - New Forest
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Monday, 14th April 2025
6:30 PM
Monday, 14th April 2025
6:30 PM
End:
Monday, 14th April 2025
10:30 PM
Monday, 14th April 2025
10:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
14 Apr 2025
14 Apr 2025
Location:
Council Chamber - Appletree Court, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, SO43 7PA
Council Chamber - Appletree Court, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, SO43 7PA
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Vice-Chairman of the Council
Officer
Chief Executive
Kate Ryan
Apologies
Committee Member
Cllr John Adams
Present, as expected
Officer
Strategic Director of Corporate Resources & Transformation, Section 151 Officer
Alan Bethune
In attendance
Vice-Chairman
Chairman of the Council
Committee Member
Leader of the Council
Committee Member
Cllr Richard Frampton
Present, as expected
Officer
Democratic Services Officer
Lee Ellis
In attendance
Officer
Strategic Director – Housing & Communities
Richard Knott
In attendance
Officer
Democratic ICT Officer
Daniel Reynafarje
In attendance
Officer
Karen Wardle
In attendance
Officer
Assistant Director - Strategy and Engagement
Matt Wisdom
In attendance
Agenda
0
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs England, Parker, Thierry and Woods.
Minutes
1
Minutes
To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 24 February and 20 March 2025 as correct records.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes - 24 February 2025 04 Apr 2025
- Document Minutes - 20 March 2025 04 Apr 2025
Minutes
RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the meetings held on 24 February and 20 March 2025, be confirmed.
That the minutes of the meetings held on 24 February and 20 March 2025, be confirmed.
2
Declarations of Interests
To note any declarations of interests made by members in connection with an agenda item. The nature of the interests must also be specified.
Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.
Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.
Minutes
There were no declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interests by Members.
3
Chairman's Announcements
Minutes
The Chairman reported on the following recent engagements:
Chairman’s Civic Service
The Chairman was delighted to report that on 23 March, he had held his Civic Service at St Mary Magdalene Church, New Milton. This highlighted key elements of his time over the year as Chairman, and it was acknowledged that the 50th year of New Forest District Council was drawing to a close. The event had been attended by civic heads, the Chief Executive, the Leader and other councillors and the Chairman thanked all those who attended.
Opening of Hardley Depot
On 24 March, the Chairman attended the grand opening of Hardley Depot which provided larger and modernised facilities. The depot was a base for local services, including waste and recycling collections and street cleaning.
New Milton Community Celebration event
The Chairman attended an event in New Milton to celebrate members of the public and their support within the local community.
Milford on Sea Community Library
The Chairman attended a celebration event to mark the 10 year anniversary of the community library. He acknowledged the importance of libraries and the benefits they brought to the local community.
Civic Days
The Chairman had also attended a number of civic days, including that for the Mayor of Winchester and the Chairman of East Hants. The Vice-Chairman, Cllr John Sleep also attended the Civic Day for the Mayor of Havant and the Chairman of Hart.
Vice-Chairman attended event – Annual Duke of Edinburgh Award Evening
The Chairman thanked the Vice-Chairman, for attending the annual Duke of Edinburgh award presentation evening, where certificates were presented by Lieutenant Colonel D J Love, adventurer and mountaineer.
Chairman’s Civic Service
The Chairman was delighted to report that on 23 March, he had held his Civic Service at St Mary Magdalene Church, New Milton. This highlighted key elements of his time over the year as Chairman, and it was acknowledged that the 50th year of New Forest District Council was drawing to a close. The event had been attended by civic heads, the Chief Executive, the Leader and other councillors and the Chairman thanked all those who attended.
Opening of Hardley Depot
On 24 March, the Chairman attended the grand opening of Hardley Depot which provided larger and modernised facilities. The depot was a base for local services, including waste and recycling collections and street cleaning.
New Milton Community Celebration event
The Chairman attended an event in New Milton to celebrate members of the public and their support within the local community.
Milford on Sea Community Library
The Chairman attended a celebration event to mark the 10 year anniversary of the community library. He acknowledged the importance of libraries and the benefits they brought to the local community.
Civic Days
The Chairman had also attended a number of civic days, including that for the Mayor of Winchester and the Chairman of East Hants. The Vice-Chairman, Cllr John Sleep also attended the Civic Day for the Mayor of Havant and the Chairman of Hart.
Vice-Chairman attended event – Annual Duke of Edinburgh Award Evening
The Chairman thanked the Vice-Chairman, for attending the annual Duke of Edinburgh award presentation evening, where certificates were presented by Lieutenant Colonel D J Love, adventurer and mountaineer.
4
Leader's Announcements
Minutes
Waste Collection Service Roll out
The Leader reported that an important milestone in the journey to improve recycling across the district had been met, as work had begun delivering wheeled bins and food waste caddies to the 30,000 households in Phase 1 of the rollout. This was the first visible step towards the start of the new waste collection service in June, a service that had been a long time in the planning and was eagerly awaited by many of our residents.
Not only would the new service help increase recycling rates, it would also bring immediate environmental benefits, such as cutting down on the mess and hazards caused by animals tearing into sacks, by introducing the new weekly food waste recycling which would take the food waste out of the general waste.
The Leader acknowledged that any big change would take time to get used to. She recognised that it would be an adjustment for both residents and crews, who would be working to entirely new routes and schedules. A great deal of effort had been put into clear, helpful communication, from leaflets and letters to online information, to make sure residents know of the changes, when they would take place, and how to make the most of the new service.
Finally, she thanked residents for embracing this change, and the staff from the crews on the ground to those behind the scenes, for all their hard work in bringing this ambitious project to life.
Local Government Review Update
The Leader expressed her thanks to members of the Council as a whole for making it very clear what the council’s position was on future local government reorganisation, and for supporting Cabinet to take the decision to submit the interim response to Government. Feedback was awaited, but in the meantime hard work was taking place to build alliances to support the preferred outcome, and also to defend the District from any boundary changes that were felt to be not necessary or justified.
The Leader reported that an important milestone in the journey to improve recycling across the district had been met, as work had begun delivering wheeled bins and food waste caddies to the 30,000 households in Phase 1 of the rollout. This was the first visible step towards the start of the new waste collection service in June, a service that had been a long time in the planning and was eagerly awaited by many of our residents.
Not only would the new service help increase recycling rates, it would also bring immediate environmental benefits, such as cutting down on the mess and hazards caused by animals tearing into sacks, by introducing the new weekly food waste recycling which would take the food waste out of the general waste.
The Leader acknowledged that any big change would take time to get used to. She recognised that it would be an adjustment for both residents and crews, who would be working to entirely new routes and schedules. A great deal of effort had been put into clear, helpful communication, from leaflets and letters to online information, to make sure residents know of the changes, when they would take place, and how to make the most of the new service.
Finally, she thanked residents for embracing this change, and the staff from the crews on the ground to those behind the scenes, for all their hard work in bringing this ambitious project to life.
Local Government Review Update
The Leader expressed her thanks to members of the Council as a whole for making it very clear what the council’s position was on future local government reorganisation, and for supporting Cabinet to take the decision to submit the interim response to Government. Feedback was awaited, but in the meantime hard work was taking place to build alliances to support the preferred outcome, and also to defend the District from any boundary changes that were felt to be not necessary or justified.
5
Financial Regulations Review
Attachments:
- Document Financial Regulations Review Report & App 1-2 04 Apr 2025
- Document Appendix 3 - Financial Regulations 2025 04 Apr 2025
- Document Appendix 4 - Annex B Scheme of Delegation Contract Standing Orders 04 Apr 2025
Minutes
Cllr Alvey introduced the report and moved the recommendations. Cllr Adams seconded the motion.
RESOLVED:
1. That the updated Financial Regulations, as set out in the report and in appendices 1-3, be approved; and
2. That the consequential changes to align the Contract Standing Orders (CSO) thresholds as set out in appendix 4 be approved.
RESOLVED:
1. That the updated Financial Regulations, as set out in the report and in appendices 1-3, be approved; and
2. That the consequential changes to align the Contract Standing Orders (CSO) thresholds as set out in appendix 4 be approved.
6
Report of Cabinet - 21 March 2025
Attachments:
- Document Report of Cabinet - 21 March 2025 04 Apr 2025
Minutes
There were no speakers on the item considered by Cabinet on 21 March 2025.
7
Report of Cabinet - 2 April 2025
Attachments:
- Document Report of Cabinet - 2 April 2025 04 Apr 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - People Strategy 04 Apr 2025
- Document Appendix 2 - Digital Strategy 04 Apr 2025
- Document Appendix 3 - Corporate Peer Challenge 04 Apr 2025
- Document Appendix 4 - Principal Risk and Risk Management Policy 04 Apr 2025
- Document Amendment to paragraph 8 - recommendation 4 04 Apr 2025
Minutes
PART I – ITEMS RESOLVED BY CABINET
There were no speakers on the items resolved by Cabinet at its meeting on 2 April 2025.
PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
Item 6 – People Strategy
Cllr Cleary introduced the item and moved the recommendation from the Cabinet meeting held on 2 April 2025. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
A few members recognised that with the prospect of Local Government Review (LGR) that it was an uncertain and challenging time for members of staff. The importance of staff was highlighted, and it was felt that support needed to be in place to manage any insecurities and to provide development opportunities for all staff for the future in an uncertain time.
Cllr Cleary acknowledged and supported the concerns raised.
RESOLVED:
That the People Strategy be adopted.
Item 7 – Digital Strategy 2025-2028
Cllr Heron introduced the report and moved the recommendation. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
A member spoke in support of the strategy but raised concern about members of the public who could not, or would not engage by digital means. This view was supported by other members who spoke about the District having an ageing population and that people should be supported by offering alternative ways to contact and engage with the council. It was highlighted by one member that councillors had a role to play in the community, as that there were various organisations, such as the mens shed, for example, which got people together and this could be used as an opportunity to educate people, recognising that digital skills were important for everyone. It was suggested that this could be done through the provision of a member grant, or through members attending meetings and that this would help the health and wellbeing of the community.
One Member expressed their thanks to the changes which had been made to the Digital Strategy following the discussion at the Resources and Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Panel.
Cllr Heron responded, acknowledging the points raised and reported that the council would continue to be accessible to residents through the information offices which provide face to face contact, as well as on the telephone, as alternatives to online digital services for as long current administration remained in place.
RESOLVED:
That the Digital Strategy 2025-2028 be adopted.
Item 8 – Corporate Peer Challenge report and action plan
Part I – Recommendations resolved by Cabinet
One Member spoke in support of the Corporate Peer Challenge report and felt that all the recommendations should be implemented.
Part II – Recommendation to Council
Cllr Cleary, introduced the report and recommendation for Council approval, relating to the motion which had been considered by the Resources and Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Panel and by Cabinet. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
Cllr Rackham proposed an amendment to recommendation 4. This had been published with the agenda prior to the meeting and is detailed as follows:
That the process for selecting the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Overview and Scrutiny Panels only, be amended to support the principle that these six positions are allocated to the political groups on the Council, in proportion to their overall membership of the Council. At present, this would mean an allocation of:-
Conservative Group – 3 positions
Liberal Democrat Group – 2 positions
Independent Group – 1 position
If the Council supports this principle, draft amendments to the Council’s Standing Orders for Meetings would be made to establish a procedure, for consideration at the Council’s Annual Meeting in May 2025.
Cllr Rackham spoke in support of the amendment, highlighting the purpose of scrutiny, to act as a critical friend and the importance of this in the democratic process. It would enable more sound consideration of scrutiny topics. The peer review had suggested that scrutiny meetings could be chaired by the opposition. The amendment did not propose to alter the political composition of the panels. There was nothing to fear and everything to gain in terms of more equal discussion. Finally, the suggested approach was practiced in some other authorities.
Cllr M Wade seconded the amendment.
A member spoke in opposition to the amendment expressing the view that it was less democratic, as it limited who you could vote for to be chairman and vice-chairman.
A number of members spoke in support of the amendment. It was suggested that the best person to be chairman of the panels was not necessarily from the leading party and that other members were capable of chairing meetings. There was merit in an alternative view being expressed by the opposition and that it would allow greater debate, more challenge and that opposition chairman would enable greater involvement of members and improve working between all parties. A member spoke about scrutiny not being about following party political lines.
It was acknowledged that the peer review report had suggested that the panel meetings could be chaired by an opposition member as a means to strengthen scrutiny. The motion from Cllr Rackham had been discussed by the Resources and Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Panel and that a motion to support the peer challenge recommendation on scrutiny being chaired by opposition members was narrowly defeated by one vote. A member responded to this, acknowledging that there had been a detailed debate at the panel meeting, and the voting demonstrated that the debate had been fairly equal and that the matter had been fully scrutinised.
A member spoke in opposition to the amendment, highlighting that the constitution allowed for any member of the panel to be elected as chairman and vice-chairman and that the proposal would divide up the panels along party political lines.
A member highlighted that the proposed amendment followed the approach taken in the House of Commons, whereby the role of chairman of select committees was shared across the political groups.
Cllr Rackham, in her summing up clarified that the amendment presented at the meeting was not her original motion. The proposal would enable more challenge and examination for the benefit of local residents. The amendment had been put forward, in light of the recommendation contained within the peer review report.
Cllr Cleary responded to the debate reporting that the scrutiny panels allowed for all members to be involved, and that challenge by the opposition was not feared. She felt that close working had been taking place with opposition members and that whilst the peer review had recommended there be consideration of opposition chairman, it was not something she was supportive of.
Put to the vote, the amendment was lost.
RESOLVED:
That Council, having considered the views of the Resources and Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Panel and Cabinet, with regard to the motion that the process for selecting Chairmen and Vice-Chairman of Committees and Panels, agree that the process should remain unchanged.
Item 9 – Principal Risk and Risk Management Policy update
Cllr Cleary introduced the report and moved the recommendations. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
One Member raised an issue which had previously been raised at the Cabinet meeting in relation to page 10 of the Risk Management Policy, and the morale section where it was felt that the first box should be fuller in content.
Cllr Cleary responded to this and clarified that this point had been taken on board.
RESOLVED:
That the Principal Risk Register and revised Risk Management Policy be adopted.
There were no speakers on the items resolved by Cabinet at its meeting on 2 April 2025.
PART II – RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
Item 6 – People Strategy
Cllr Cleary introduced the item and moved the recommendation from the Cabinet meeting held on 2 April 2025. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
A few members recognised that with the prospect of Local Government Review (LGR) that it was an uncertain and challenging time for members of staff. The importance of staff was highlighted, and it was felt that support needed to be in place to manage any insecurities and to provide development opportunities for all staff for the future in an uncertain time.
Cllr Cleary acknowledged and supported the concerns raised.
RESOLVED:
That the People Strategy be adopted.
Item 7 – Digital Strategy 2025-2028
Cllr Heron introduced the report and moved the recommendation. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
A member spoke in support of the strategy but raised concern about members of the public who could not, or would not engage by digital means. This view was supported by other members who spoke about the District having an ageing population and that people should be supported by offering alternative ways to contact and engage with the council. It was highlighted by one member that councillors had a role to play in the community, as that there were various organisations, such as the mens shed, for example, which got people together and this could be used as an opportunity to educate people, recognising that digital skills were important for everyone. It was suggested that this could be done through the provision of a member grant, or through members attending meetings and that this would help the health and wellbeing of the community.
One Member expressed their thanks to the changes which had been made to the Digital Strategy following the discussion at the Resources and Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Panel.
Cllr Heron responded, acknowledging the points raised and reported that the council would continue to be accessible to residents through the information offices which provide face to face contact, as well as on the telephone, as alternatives to online digital services for as long current administration remained in place.
RESOLVED:
That the Digital Strategy 2025-2028 be adopted.
Item 8 – Corporate Peer Challenge report and action plan
Part I – Recommendations resolved by Cabinet
One Member spoke in support of the Corporate Peer Challenge report and felt that all the recommendations should be implemented.
Part II – Recommendation to Council
Cllr Cleary, introduced the report and recommendation for Council approval, relating to the motion which had been considered by the Resources and Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Panel and by Cabinet. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
Cllr Rackham proposed an amendment to recommendation 4. This had been published with the agenda prior to the meeting and is detailed as follows:
That the process for selecting the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Overview and Scrutiny Panels only, be amended to support the principle that these six positions are allocated to the political groups on the Council, in proportion to their overall membership of the Council. At present, this would mean an allocation of:-
Conservative Group – 3 positions
Liberal Democrat Group – 2 positions
Independent Group – 1 position
If the Council supports this principle, draft amendments to the Council’s Standing Orders for Meetings would be made to establish a procedure, for consideration at the Council’s Annual Meeting in May 2025.
Cllr Rackham spoke in support of the amendment, highlighting the purpose of scrutiny, to act as a critical friend and the importance of this in the democratic process. It would enable more sound consideration of scrutiny topics. The peer review had suggested that scrutiny meetings could be chaired by the opposition. The amendment did not propose to alter the political composition of the panels. There was nothing to fear and everything to gain in terms of more equal discussion. Finally, the suggested approach was practiced in some other authorities.
Cllr M Wade seconded the amendment.
A member spoke in opposition to the amendment expressing the view that it was less democratic, as it limited who you could vote for to be chairman and vice-chairman.
A number of members spoke in support of the amendment. It was suggested that the best person to be chairman of the panels was not necessarily from the leading party and that other members were capable of chairing meetings. There was merit in an alternative view being expressed by the opposition and that it would allow greater debate, more challenge and that opposition chairman would enable greater involvement of members and improve working between all parties. A member spoke about scrutiny not being about following party political lines.
It was acknowledged that the peer review report had suggested that the panel meetings could be chaired by an opposition member as a means to strengthen scrutiny. The motion from Cllr Rackham had been discussed by the Resources and Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Panel and that a motion to support the peer challenge recommendation on scrutiny being chaired by opposition members was narrowly defeated by one vote. A member responded to this, acknowledging that there had been a detailed debate at the panel meeting, and the voting demonstrated that the debate had been fairly equal and that the matter had been fully scrutinised.
A member spoke in opposition to the amendment, highlighting that the constitution allowed for any member of the panel to be elected as chairman and vice-chairman and that the proposal would divide up the panels along party political lines.
A member highlighted that the proposed amendment followed the approach taken in the House of Commons, whereby the role of chairman of select committees was shared across the political groups.
Cllr Rackham, in her summing up clarified that the amendment presented at the meeting was not her original motion. The proposal would enable more challenge and examination for the benefit of local residents. The amendment had been put forward, in light of the recommendation contained within the peer review report.
Cllr Cleary responded to the debate reporting that the scrutiny panels allowed for all members to be involved, and that challenge by the opposition was not feared. She felt that close working had been taking place with opposition members and that whilst the peer review had recommended there be consideration of opposition chairman, it was not something she was supportive of.
Put to the vote, the amendment was lost.
RESOLVED:
That Council, having considered the views of the Resources and Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Panel and Cabinet, with regard to the motion that the process for selecting Chairmen and Vice-Chairman of Committees and Panels, agree that the process should remain unchanged.
Item 9 – Principal Risk and Risk Management Policy update
Cllr Cleary introduced the report and moved the recommendations. Cllr S Davies seconded the motion.
One Member raised an issue which had previously been raised at the Cabinet meeting in relation to page 10 of the Risk Management Policy, and the morale section where it was felt that the first box should be fuller in content.
Cllr Cleary responded to this and clarified that this point had been taken on board.
RESOLVED:
That the Principal Risk Register and revised Risk Management Policy be adopted.
8
Nominations to the offices of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
To consider and agree nominations to the Council meeting on 12 May 2025 for election to the offices of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council for the following municipal year, in accordance with the Constitution.
The Conservative Group has nominated Cllr Sleep for election to the office of Chairman and Cllr Penny to the office of Vice-Chairman.
The Liberal Democrat Group has nominated Cllr Clark for election to the office of Chairman and Cllr A Wade to the office of Vice-Chairman.
As these positions are contested, secret ballots will be held at the Council meeting.
The Conservative Group has nominated Cllr Sleep for election to the office of Chairman and Cllr Penny to the office of Vice-Chairman.
The Liberal Democrat Group has nominated Cllr Clark for election to the office of Chairman and Cllr A Wade to the office of Vice-Chairman.
As these positions are contested, secret ballots will be held at the Council meeting.
Minutes
The Chairman invited Members to propose and second the nominations for the offices of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council received in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.
Cllr Hawkins moved that Cllr Sleep be the Council’s nomination for the office of Chairman of the Council for 2025/26. Cllr Poole seconded the motion.
Cllr M Wade moved that Cllr M Clark be the Council’s nomination for the office of Chairman of the Council for 2025/26. Cllr J Davies seconded the motion.
Members debated the nominations.
Put to a secret ballot, Cllr Sleep received the majority of votes.
Cllr Sleep moved that Cllr Penny be the Council’s nomination for the office of Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2025/26. Cllr Poole seconded the motion.
Cllr Miller moved that Cllr A Wade be the Council’s nomination for the office of Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2025/26. Cllr Cullen seconded the motion.
Members debated the nominations.
Put to a secret ballot, Cllr Penny received the majority of votes.
RESOLVED:
That the Council’s Nominations for the Offices of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2025/26, be as follows:-
Chairman – Cllr Sleep
Vice-Chairman – Cllr Penny
Cllr Hawkins moved that Cllr Sleep be the Council’s nomination for the office of Chairman of the Council for 2025/26. Cllr Poole seconded the motion.
Cllr M Wade moved that Cllr M Clark be the Council’s nomination for the office of Chairman of the Council for 2025/26. Cllr J Davies seconded the motion.
Members debated the nominations.
Put to a secret ballot, Cllr Sleep received the majority of votes.
Cllr Sleep moved that Cllr Penny be the Council’s nomination for the office of Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2025/26. Cllr Poole seconded the motion.
Cllr Miller moved that Cllr A Wade be the Council’s nomination for the office of Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2025/26. Cllr Cullen seconded the motion.
Members debated the nominations.
Put to a secret ballot, Cllr Penny received the majority of votes.
RESOLVED:
That the Council’s Nominations for the Offices of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2025/26, be as follows:-
Chairman – Cllr Sleep
Vice-Chairman – Cllr Penny
9
Questions
To ask questions under Standing Order 22. Questions received will be published ahead of the meeting. (Members are reminded that questions must be submitted to Democratic Services by no later than 12.00 noon, Wednesday 9 April 2025).
Attachments:
- Document Questions 04 Apr 2025
- Document Questions and Replies 01 May 2025
Minutes
Questions were put and answered under Standing Order 22, as follows:-
· From Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on the use of profit from the car parks to fund other transport services.
· From Cllr A Wade to the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, Cllr S Davies, regarding the Landlord Forum and challenges to find suitable private sector housing.
· From Cllr J Davies, to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on LGR and timescale for notification of the geographical boundaries of the new unitary authorities.
· From Cllr M Clark, to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on the District Councils contribution towards consultants with regard to LGR discussions.
· From Cllr Brand to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on the assessment of any reorganisation and access to services for local residents.
· From Cllr McCarthy to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on officers and councillors involved in dual discussions with other authorities and conflict of interest.
· From Cllr Mballa to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary on contingency plans and the alignment of the reorganisation plan being developed at county level.
· From Cllr Harrison to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on the publication of all correspondence with DLUHC and other authorities.
Note: A copy of the full questions and replies are attached to these minutes.
· From Cllr Rackham to the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Blunden, on the use of profit from the car parks to fund other transport services.
· From Cllr A Wade to the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, Cllr S Davies, regarding the Landlord Forum and challenges to find suitable private sector housing.
· From Cllr J Davies, to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on LGR and timescale for notification of the geographical boundaries of the new unitary authorities.
· From Cllr M Clark, to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on the District Councils contribution towards consultants with regard to LGR discussions.
· From Cllr Brand to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on the assessment of any reorganisation and access to services for local residents.
· From Cllr McCarthy to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on officers and councillors involved in dual discussions with other authorities and conflict of interest.
· From Cllr Mballa to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary on contingency plans and the alignment of the reorganisation plan being developed at county level.
· From Cllr Harrison to the Leader of the Council, Cllr Cleary, on the publication of all correspondence with DLUHC and other authorities.
Note: A copy of the full questions and replies are attached to these minutes.
10
Appointment of Monitoring Officer
The Council’s Monitoring Officer, Tanya Coulter (Assistant Director – Governance) will leave the Council in May 2025.
Approval is sought to ensure the smooth transition of the Monitoring Officer function.
RECOMMENDED:
1. That Matt Wisdom (currently Service Manager – Democratic and Support Services) be appointed as Monitoring Officer (under a new role: Assistant Director – Strategy & Engagement), with the Monitoring Officer function taking effect from the departure date of the current Monitoring Officer, Tanya Coulter;
2. That the consequential amendments be made throughout the Council’s Constitution; and
3. That Council notes the decision of the Chief Executive (as the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer) to appoint the Strategic Director, Corporate Resource & Transformation to undertake the roles of Deputy Returning Officer and Deputy Electoral Registration Officer.
Approval is sought to ensure the smooth transition of the Monitoring Officer function.
RECOMMENDED:
1. That Matt Wisdom (currently Service Manager – Democratic and Support Services) be appointed as Monitoring Officer (under a new role: Assistant Director – Strategy & Engagement), with the Monitoring Officer function taking effect from the departure date of the current Monitoring Officer, Tanya Coulter;
2. That the consequential amendments be made throughout the Council’s Constitution; and
3. That Council notes the decision of the Chief Executive (as the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer) to appoint the Strategic Director, Corporate Resource & Transformation to undertake the roles of Deputy Returning Officer and Deputy Electoral Registration Officer.
Minutes
RESOLVED:
1. That Matt Wisdom (currently Service Manager – Democratic and Support Services) be appointed as Monitoring Officer (under a new role: Assistant Director – Strategy & Engagement), with the Monitoring Officer function taking effect from the departure date of the current Monitoring Officer, Tanya Coulter;
2. That the consequential amendments be made throughout the Council’s Constitution; and
3. That Council notes the decision of the Chief Executive (as the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer) to appoint the Strategic Director, Corporate Resource & Transformation to undertake the roles of Deputy Returning Officer and Deputy Electoral Registration Officer.
1. That Matt Wisdom (currently Service Manager – Democratic and Support Services) be appointed as Monitoring Officer (under a new role: Assistant Director – Strategy & Engagement), with the Monitoring Officer function taking effect from the departure date of the current Monitoring Officer, Tanya Coulter;
2. That the consequential amendments be made throughout the Council’s Constitution; and
3. That Council notes the decision of the Chief Executive (as the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer) to appoint the Strategic Director, Corporate Resource & Transformation to undertake the roles of Deputy Returning Officer and Deputy Electoral Registration Officer.
11
Membership of Committees and Panels
To consider any changes to the membership of Committees or Panels that might be proposed by the political groups.
Minutes
There were no changes.
12
Any Other Items Which the Chairman Decides Are Urgent
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