Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Wiseman (Councillor Hackett substituting).

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme

Mr Richard Wolfendon-Brown (Director & Live Event Programmer), Mr John Eeles (Chair) and Mr Des Maisey addressed the Committee in relation to the financial crisis at the Plough Arts Centre.

All three speakers gave details of their personal involvement with the Plough, and highlighted the importance of the continuing need for this organisation, not only for Torrington, but also for the wider communities.

The key points mentioned by the speakers included:

·         The history and financial history of the Plough

·         Reasons for the current situation and the funding difficulties faced by Art Organisations

·         Work being undertaken at present and in particular with outside organisations

An appeal was made by the Speakers for support from the Authority.

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.

The Strategic Manager (Resources) responded to an enquiry from Councillor Brenton with regard to Agenda item 12 being in Part II.  He advised that if Members wished to discuss the financial details of the Plough Arts Centre the item must stay in Part II.

Councillor Lock proposed that the Agenda as circulated be agreed.   There was no seconder for the motion.

It was proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor Bushby that Agenda item 10 be presented in Part II.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

It was proposed by Councillor Lock, seconded by Councillor Laws that Agenda item 11 be presented in Part II.

(Vote:  For 7, Against 5)

It was proposed and seconded that Agenda item 12 be moved into Part I.

(Vote:  For 10, Abstentions 2)

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

To receive the report of the Strategic Manager (Resources)

PART I

Resolved:

That a detailed report comparing with our CIPFA Nearest Neighbour Authorities be presented  to a future meeting of the Community & Resources Committee

The Strategic Manager (Resources) presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to consider Councillor Bushby’s Notice of Motion (Full Council – 28 October 2019) that TDC establish a direct labour force.

Following the introduction by the Strategic Manager (Resources), Councillor Bushby addressed the meeting and explained the reasoning for his Notice of Motion.   He felt that a direct labour force would be cost effective to the Council, and disputed the figure quoted in the report being paid to attract local labour. 

The pros and cons of establishing a direct labour force were discussed.  The issues/concerns raised included:

·         The benefits to both towns and parishes.

·         Members confirmed that the figure quoted was correct and applied to the Hinckley Point development.  Also local developers are prepared to pay higher rates to ensure developments are completed quickly, at a time when there is a shortage of labour.

·         The establishment of a direct labour force by both Bideford and Northam Town Councils – recruitment of employees and the work undertaken.   It was acknowledged that although this works well for the Town Councils, it was questioned whether it would be feasible for the District Council.

·         What other Local Authorities are doing to respond to the impacts of increasing costs.   The Strategic Manager (Resources) responded on what is happening across Devon as reported at a recent Devon Districts Forum attended by the Leader, Deputy Leader and Head of Paid Service, which doesn’t include setting up their own workforces.   Members acknowledged this, but wanted Officers to look further afield for evidence.

It was proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor Christie and –

Resolved:

That a detailed report comparing with our CIPFA Nearest Neighbour Authorities be presented  to a future meeting of the Community & Resources Committee

(Vote:  For 8, Against 4)

To receive a verbal update from the Strategic Manager (Resources)

Resolved:

That a report be brought to the next meeting of the Community & Resources Committee detailing options and financial consequences for consideration by Members.

Prior to discussion the Chair advised that the item would need to go into Part II if Members wished to discuss any financial details/information.

The Strategic Manager (Resources) gave a brief summary of the information received to date.

A meeting had been held in February, attended by the Strategic Manager (Resources), the Leader, Head of Paid Service, Senior Solicitor, Councillor Cottle-Hunkin and representatives from the Plough when the current position and the support required from TDC had been discussed.

The information discussed highlighted items that had impacted on the present financial crisis.  From indications given at the meeting, the Strategic Manager (Resources) had concerns with regard to the financial management and running costs of the Centre.

The Plough had been asked to supply the Authority with a Business Plan and Strategy going forward - this information had only been received from Councillor Cottle-Hunkin earlier that day.  Officers to consider this further information and report back.

Following suggestions/recommendations being put forward, Members were informed that the item had been included on the Agenda for an update only and not for a decision to be made at this stage.

Councillor Cottle-Hunkin addressed the meeting highlighting the reasons why support should be given and emphasising the importance of the Centre for Torrington and the wider community.   She also read to the meeting a supportive statement from Councillor Brown, both are Great Torrington Ward Members.

During the discussion it became evident that Members were keen to support the Plough, and requested the matter be brought back to Committee at the earliest opportunity.  The next scheduled meeting is 16 March 2020.  Advice was given by the Strategic Manager (Resources) with regard to the item being in Part I or Part II of the meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded by Councillor Bushby that the Council, in principle, underwrite the present financial crisis, and look at future strategies. 

The Committee were advised that funds are available to balance their books for this year, with support being required from the following financial year.

Following a proposal by Councillor Laws, seconded by Councillor Christie, Councillors Brenton and Bushby withdrew their motion.

It was proposed by Councillor Laws, seconded by Councillor Christie and -

Resolved:

That a report be brought to the next meeting of the Community & Resources Committee detailing options and financial consequences for consideration by Members.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)

The Chair to move:

That the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part I and paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was proposed, seconded and –

Resolved:

That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act (as amended) the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business because of the likely disclosure of exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 and Paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

(Vote: For - Unanimous)

To receive the report of the Strategic Manager (Resources)

Resolved:

That the allocation of additional funding from the funds ring fenced for the homeless accommodation budget to enable the project to be delivered, on the understanding that the Property Team will endeavour to remain within the contract sum and where possible identify potential savings during the course of the works without compromising the completed scheme be approved.

The report, presented by the Property & Procurement Manager, sought Member support for the allocation of additional funding for the refurbishment of the recently acquired homeless accommodation.  

Details of the background to the current situation were given, together with the objectives, constraints, timescales, alternative options and risks involved should the recommendation not be approved.

It was proposed by Councillor Bushby, seconded by Councillor McGeough that the recommendation as set out in the report not be approved, and an alternative proposal was put forward.

(Vote:  For 2, Against 8, Abstentions 2)

The motion was lost.

It was proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded by Councillor Lock and -

Resolved:

That the allocation of additional funding from the funds ring fenced for the homeless accommodation budget to enable the project to be delivered, on the understanding that the Property Team will endeavour to remain within the contract sum and where possible identify potential savings during the course of the works without compromising the completed scheme be approved.

(Vote:  For 10, Against 1, Abstentions 1)

Councillor Brenton left the meeting at 19.38pm.

To receive the report of the Strategic Manager (Resources)

Resolved:

That a new Lease for the additional area only as required for the replacement holes and tees at a peppercorn rent, to maintain and reflect the existing Lease terms be agreed.

Councillor Laws declared a personal interest – Social Member of the Golf Club.

The Estates Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was to review the proposed Lease arrangements with the Royal North Devon Golf Club.

Councillor Hackett left the meeting at 19.45pm.

Following the debate, it was proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded by Councillor James to accept the recommendation as stated in the report.

An alternative proposal was put forward by Councillor Bushby.   There was no seconder to the proposal.

A vote was taken on Councillor Christies proposal, seconded by Councillor James and -

Resolved:

That a new Lease for the additional area only as required for the replacement holes and tees at a peppercorn rent, to maintain and reflect the existing Lease terms be agreed.

(Vote:  For 6, Against 3, Abstentions 1)

It was proposed, seconded and –

Resolved: That the press and public be readmitted

(Vote: For – Unanimous)