Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J Himan, A Dart and

J Whittaker and S Hearse (Strategic Manager (Resources)).

It was proposed by Councillor S Inch, seconded by Councillor P Hackett and -

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2018 be signed as a correct record.

(Vote:  For 7, Abstentions 3)

The Action List was noted.

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme

There were no public contributions.

Meeting 4 March 2019

Following an enquiry from Councillor Morrish, the Head of Paid Service confirmed that no additional Notice of Motion had been submitted by Councillor Laws re Westward Ho! Park.  She advised that an application for Community Asset Transfer had been received, and when deliberating this item, it would also include the Petition and the original Notice of Motion received from Councillor Laws.

The Forward Plan was noted. 

Members with interests to declare should refer to the Agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is being considered.

Declarations of interest were made when the specific agenda items to which they related were under discussion.

There were no Part II items.

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

To receive the report of the Planning and Economy Manager

Resolved:

That a budget of up to £20,000 (to be funded from the Policy Contingency Reserve) for the preparation of a District wide play strategy be refused.

The purpose of the report, which was presented by the Planning and Economy Manager, was to request that Members authorise a budget to commission external consultants to deliver a Play Strategy for the Authority.

When debating this matter, Members put forward their reasons as to why they felt they could not support the request.   The Head of Paid Service and Planning and Economy Manager addressed the concerns raised, and explained that with a limited amount of money there is a need for a proper assessment of how to target that money, and this proposal would give an objective viewpoint designed to help Members with budget making plans and also in relation to future S106 contributions from developers.

It was proposed by Councillor Lock, seconded by Councillor S Inch and -

Resolved:

That a budget of up to £20,000 from the Policy Contingency Reserve for the preparation of a District wide Play Strategy for the Council be approved.

(Vote:  For 3, Against 7)

The motion was lost.

To receive the report of the Customer Support Manager

Resolved:

That the Business Rates Retail Discount Policy attached to the report, in order for the Authority to comply with Government advice and to award the relief to those businesses identified for the financial years 2019/20 and 2020/21 be approved.

The Customer Support Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was to request that Members approve a Policy for Business Rate Retail Discount.

When discussing this item, Councillor Hicks sought clarification as to whether sport clubs are eligible.   The Customer Support Manager agreed to look into this matter and report back.

Following further debate the Senior Solicitor emphasised that this Policy is to apply only after all other discounts had been applied.

It was proposed by Councillor Hellyer, seconded by Councillor S Inch and –

Resolved:

That the Business Rates Retail Discount Policy attached to the report, in order for the Authority to comply with Government advice and to award the relief to those businesses identified for the financial years 2019/20 and 2020/21 be approved.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

To receive the report of the Strategic Manager (Resources)

Resolved:

That the charges for services as detailed in Appendix 1 attached to the report, and to be effective from 1 April 2019, be agreed.

The purpose of the report, presented by the Finance Manager, was for Members to review the level of miscellaneous fees and charges.

Following a brief discussion it was proposed by Councillor Hackett, seconded by Councillor Hellyer and –

Resolved:

That the charges for services as detailed in Appendix 1 attached to the report, and to be effective from 1 April 2019, be agreed.

(Vote:  For 9, Abstentions 1)