Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors R Lock, L Piper, P Pennington with Councillor C Hawkins substituting, T Tinsley and J Whittaker.

It was proposed by Councillor D Brenton, seconded by Councillor C Leather                     and -

Resolved:  

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 25^th November 2024 be signed as a correct record.

(Vote:  For - 7, Against – 0, Abstention - 1)

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme.  .(The deadline for registering  to speak is by 2pm Thursday 16^th January 2025. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

There were no public contributions.

The Forward Plan was noted. 

It was confirmed that CCCWG stands for Councillor Climate Change Working Group.  

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 Head of Communities & Place.

Resolved:

That the 2024 update of the Carbon Footprint for Torridge District Council be approved for publication.

The Sustainability & Climate Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to gain approval from the Committee for the 2024 update of TDC’s Carbon Footprint.

A slide presentation was delivered.

Councillor P Hames thanked the Sustainability & Climate Officer and addressed the committee expressing the need for TDC to commit more seriously to Climate Change and where possible to accelerate commitment. Within his comments Councillor P Hames referred to the Carbon implications of burning residual waste and suggested TDC’s recycling rates need to improve. In response to these comments, the Sustainability & Climate Officer stated that TDC is solely the collection authority and Devon County Council are responsible for disposing of waste and have a Recycling Strategy.

The realisation of TDC achieving Net Zero by 2030 was debated. In amidst the conversation the Chief Executive confirmed that a decision would be required by Full Council to amend the Net Zero target date and TDC have to continue business as usual ahead of any Local Government Reorganisation.  

Following questioning from the Chair on the North Devon Crematorium contribution to the Carbon Footprint, the Sustainability & Climate Officer confirmed, due to ownership, the Carbon is included within North Devon District Council Carbon Footprint.

In response to a query on the cost of the Councillor Climate Change Working Group, Councillor P Hames advised of work carried out by the group and confirmed he would be willing to provide evidence if required.

The Estates Manager was in attendance and provided clarification to the committee on the £150,000 decarbonisation budget ‘ask’ and how this would be utilised.

Resolved:

That the 2024 update of the Carbon Footprint for Torridge District Council be approved for publication.

(Vote: For – unanimous)  

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Place.

Resolved:

That the submission of a planning application to renovate/convert the garages at Victoria Park Nurseries be approved.

The Head of Communities & Place presented the report, the purpose of which was to request that the committee authorises a planning application to refurbish garages at Victoria Park Nurseries into larger units that will accommodate our grounds maintenance machinery.

In response to a query surrounding electricity supply at the Nurseries and the possibility of having solar panels, the Head of Communities & Place advised he would source this information. 

It was proposed by Councillor R Hicks, seconded by Councillor C Leather and -

Resolved:

That the submission of a planning application to renovate/convert the garages at Victoria Park Nurseries be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

To receive the report of the Head of Legal & Governance (and Monitoring Officer)

Resolved:

That the 12 month in house money advice trial scheme for Torridge District Council be approved.

The Head of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) presented the report, the purpose of which was to advise Members of Torridge District Council’s new in house money advice service.

A brief discussion took place.

Councillor K James addressed the committee expressing his support for the scheme, including his gratitude to all officers involved, and moved the recommendation in the report.

Emerging from comments and queries raised by the committee the Head of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) clarified points around the funding of the post and detailed how the post would provide a more direct contact for individuals and/or families that require financial assistance and support.

It was clarified that Navigate have the employment responsibility and would endure any associated risks.

It was proposed by Councillor K James, seconded by Councillor P Hames and -

Resolved:

That the 12 month in house money advice trial scheme for Torridge District Council be approved.

(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   XXXXXX   of Part I and paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.