Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed Members to the meeting and reminded everyone that the meeting was being webcast.

The Chairman advised with regret that former Councillor Mary Sapsford had passed away earlier this month.  She had served on the Council from 1991 – 2003 representing Ware Trinity ward.  As a mark of respect, Members stood and observed a minute’s silence.

The Chairman informed Members that invitations for the Civic Dinner on 19 March 2016, would be issued shortly.  She also updated Members on the preparations for the “East Herts Got Talent” event and asked Members to provide whatever support they could.

Finally, the Chairman invited Chief Inspector Gerry McDonald to make a brief statement on the recent police operation relating to drug offences.  The Chief Inspector provided an update on a recent operation that had resulted in 20 arrests for various drug offences.  He outlined the extensive work involved in the operation and the positive impact this had had on crime statistics in the East Herts area.  He thanked the Council for their continued support and work in partnership with the police.

The Leader thanked the Chief Inspector and his staff for their contribution to making East Herts an exceptionally safe place to live and work in.

To approve as a correct record and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 16 December 2015.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 16 December 2015, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 5 January 2016 be received.

(see also Minutes 530 – 532)

Minute 487 refers

RESOLVED – that (A) the information contained in the report on the Community Infrastructure Levy be noted; and

(B)      further analysis of CIL issues be undertaken, using additional resources if required.

(see also Minute 529)

Minute 488 refers

The Leader reminded Members that any errors noted in the Interim Study should be referred to the Planning Policy team by 29 January 2016 at latest.

RESOLVED – that the Interim Village Hierarchy Study be noted, with a decision on the final Study deferred until further consultation with relevant Parish Councils has taken place.

(see also Minute 529)

Minute 489 refers

Note – Members are asked to bring their copy of the Executive agendas to the meeting.

RESOLVED – that the Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) 2014/2015 contained at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ and ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed for publication.

(see also Minute 529)

Chairman: Councillor D Andrews

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Development Management Committee meeting held on 6 January 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor C Woodward (to follow)

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Human Resources Committee meeting held on 13 January 2016, be received.

To follow

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the joint meeting of Scrutiny Committees held on 19 January 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor W Mortimer (to follow)

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held on 20 January 2016, be received.

To consider a report (to follow) of the Executive Member for Finance and Support Services.

Council considered a report recommending the calculation of the National Non Domestic Rates Budget 2016/17.  Under theprovisions ofthe Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013, by a direction under paragraph 43 of schedule 7B of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, localauthorities were required on or before 31st January to estimate and then notify the Secretary of State and any relevant precepting authorities of the amounts of each relevant precepting authority’s share of its non-domestic rating income for the relevant year.

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services detailed the calculations, which Council approved, as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) in accordance with the Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013, theamount calculatedby East Herts Council for theyear 2016/17shall be £44,466,980 (Non domestic rating income from rates retention scheme);

(B)      the estimated Collection Fund Deficit for 2015/16 of £5,675,972 be allocated to the constituent bodies as detailed at paragraph 2.18 of the report submitted; and

(C)      the Council’s share of the estimated 2015/16 NDR Collection Fund deficit be funded from the Collection Fund Reserve.