Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L Bright, with Councillor C Cottle-Hunkin substituting, Councillor A Dart, with Councillor K O’Rourke substituting and Councillor J Whittaker, with Councillor R Lock substituting.

It was proposed by Councillor C Leather, seconded by Councillor T Elliott                    and -

Resolved:  That the Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th November be signed as a correct record.

(Vote:  For – 9, Against – 0, Abstentions - 3)

Matters Arising

Typing error on the last paragraph of minute 579, seconded should be seconder. Minutes have been amended.

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme. (The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm Thursday 15^th January 2026. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

There were no public contributions.

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 be presented by the Cultural Development Officer.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

The Cultural Development Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to approve the delivery of public art in Westward Ho! in line with S106 monies from the residential development at Buckleigh Road.

Members were invited to ask questions and make comment.

Councillor D Brenton moved the recommendations in the report, acknowledging that the final proposal would return to the committee.

Councillor C Leather seconded Councillor D Brenton’s proposal.  

Following a query surrounding oversight and risk management the Cultural Development Officer confirmed the steering group provides general oversight, a contract with the Burton will define responsibilities, and final designs would return to this committee. The Chief Executive added that risk consideration would occur once the project is approved and funds allocated.

Clarification was provided on Northam Town Council’s involvement.

The Cultural Development Officer noted comments from Members surrounding the importance of not overlooking the historical aspect of the consultation.

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

RESOLVED:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

To be presented by the Finance Manager (S151 Officer).

RESOLVED:

That the charges be agreed and come into effect from 1 April 2026, with items raised during the discussion being referred back to the Member Budget Working Group for further review, establishing a clear distinction between statutory and discretionary charges.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

The Finance Manager (& S151 Manager) presented the report, the purpose of which was to review the level of miscellaneous fees and charges.

The Chair opened the floor for debate and questions from Members.

Councillor D Brenton moved the recommendations in the report and suggested doubling the inflation increase for gambling betting premise licence.

As the Chair of the Member Budget Working Group, Councillor K James seconded the proposal and suggested that some charges be referred back to the working group for a more in-depth review, particularly to distinguish between statutory and discretionary rates. Following this, the Chief Executive highlighted the tight budgetary timeline, making significant changes difficult to implement. He suggested approving the presented fees and charges with a supplementary report being brought back to committee.

Next, Councillor D Brenton welcomed this approach and added that fly-tipping be included in the review. He also questioned why Clarence Wharf is still listed and requested figures on payments to the developer.

In response to the proposed fly-tipping increase, the Principal Accountant (& Deputy S151 Officer) confirmed these are statutory fees and set out in legislation, therefore could not be increased higher than inflation.

The Principal Accountant (& Deputy S151 Officer) confirmed that the decrease in the private hire operators grant was a correction from the previous year’s error.

The Lead Ranger addressed concerns regarding the proposed increase for the Northam Burrows Season Ticket, explaining the requirement to ensure fair pricing, so that Northam Burrows remains affordable and accessible to the community. Continuing, the Lead Ranger stated that relying on higher day rates also makes the budget vulnerable and potential poor weather could lead to a significant shortfall. 

Clarification was provided on the increase in charges for Castle Hill Hub in Torrington, versus the proposed non increase at Caddsdown.

Councillor Pennington asked if the increased DBS criminal records disclosure fee (£49.50 to £65) was retained by the Council or passed on. The Principal Accountant (& Deputy S151 Officer) confirmed it was passed on from Devon County Council.

Councillor T Tinsley requested that Harbour Board fees be included in the review by the Member Budget Working Group.

It was proposed by Councillor D Brenton, seconded by Councillor K James and –

RESOLVED:

That the charges be agreed and come into effect from 1 April 2026, with items raised during the discussion being referred back to the Member Budget Working group for further review, establishing a clear distinction between statutory and discretionary charges.

(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.