Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Laws, McGeough and Brenton.

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

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 28 June 2021 be signed as a correct record.

(Vote:  For - Unanimous)

Matters Arising:

Minute No. 142 – Northern Devon: A Road to Recovery

Councillor Christie referred to his proposal and asked if Geoffrey Cox MP had been contacted regarding concerns in the rise of house prices locally.   The Chief Executive said he is due to meet with the MP and will raise the matter with him.

The action list was updated –

Minute 124 – The Head of Communities & Place reported that as part of the Burrows Centre project, a storage container had been sited at Wilkeys Field car park - it will now be brought back to Riverbank car park.   Following the submission of a planning application, Officers were advised this was not required as it could be carried out under PD. The application was withdrawn.   Action completed.

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme.  .(The deadline for registering  to speak is by 2pm Thursday 5 August 2021. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

There were no public contributions.

The Head of Communities & Place advised that a recommendation from Harbour Board – return of Bond for Fresh Spring - to be included on the Forward Plan for the September meeting.

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 urgent matters brought forward.

To receive the report of the Finance Manager & s151 Officer

Resolved:

That the use of £100,000 from the ARG funding to deliver the ND+ business support scheme as set out in Appendix A attached to the report be approved.

Councillor James declared a personal interest – Member on ND+.

The Finance Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was to present to Members a proposal for a Northern Devon Business Support Scheme and to seek approval to allocate £100,000 from the Additional Restrictions Grant Discretionary fund for its delivery.

The Finance Manager confirmed that ND Council had resolved on 2 August to support the proposal with £100,000 from their ARG allocation.  

There were concerns raised regarding the monies going to ND+ for advice as   Members felt it would be more beneficial for businesses to receive the monies rather than advice.   The Chief Executive explained that the £200,000 is for the time ND+ will spend giving advice to businesses and for those businesses who are not entitled to funding it will be seen as wider support for them.   It will also include giving advice to get businesses started and to support in the preparation of business plans.

The Finance Manager confirmed this funding will be ring fenced for Torridge businesses only.   

It was proposed by Councillor Hodson, seconded by Councillor Lock and –

Resolved:

That the use of £100,000 from the ARG funding to deliver the ND+ business support scheme as set out in Appendix A attached to the report be approved.

(Vote:  For 6, Against 1, Abstentions 2)

To receive the report of the Public Health and Housing Manager

Resolved:

1. That an extension in our previously stated commitment to participate in the UK Government Refugee Resettlement Scheme be approved and that we support the allocation of one property to be made in 2021 and 2022.

2. That the above commitment be extended to participants of the Afghan Relocation Scheme, subject to the necessary risk mitigation measures being put in place and agreed through the Devon Resettlement Group (in agreement with our s151 Officer).

The purpose of the report, presented by the Public Health & Housing Manager, was:

1.    To seek an extension in our participation in the UK Government Refugee Resettlement Scheme

2.    To advise Members of the Afghan Relocation Scheme and determine whether we extend our offer to this additional scheme

When debating this matter, the issue of the housing crisis in Torridge and elsewhere, and the concerns at how local people would view this Scheme were raised.  The Public Health & Housing Manager advised that the Organisers are confident they can source the two properties and will have the support from landlords.  

Following a question concerning the financial situation, Members were informed that regarding this Scheme it is still under negotiation.  The financial information has still not yet been determined by Devon County Council.

Councillor Bushby asked how many people are on the housing list looking for a property, the Public Health & Housing Manager did not have that information too hand and agreed to send it to him.

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

Resolved:

1. That an extension in our previously stated commitment to participate in the UK Government Refugee Resettlement Scheme be approved and that we support the allocation of one property to be made in 2021 and 2022.

2. That the above commitment be extended to participants of the Afghan Relocation Scheme, subject to the necessary risk mitigation measures being put in place and agreed through the Devon Resettlement Group (in agreement with our s151 Officer).

(Vote:  For 8, Against 1)

To receive the report of the Finance Manager and S.151 Officer

Resolved:

That the setting aside of the surplus from 2020/21 into a Leisure Reserve be approved.

The Finance Manager & S151 Officer gave a slide presentation and explained that the purpose of the report was for Members to confirm the recommendation from Internal Overview & Scrutiny Committee that the 2020/21 surplus be set aside to a leisure reserve.

Following a brief discussion, it was proposed by Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Bushby and -

Resolved:

That the setting aside of the surplus from 2020/21 into a Leisure Reserve be approved.

(Vote:  For – Unanimous)