Agenda and minutes

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

She advised Members that she had agreed to accept onto the agenda as an urgent item, a report on Environmental Crime Enforcement Policy and Public Space Protection Orders, on the basis that, if agreed, the proposals could be implemented by 1 May 2016. 

The Chairman updated Members on her recent engagements, including the semi-final stage of the “East Herts Got Talent” event.  She reminded Members of the Civic Dinner on 19 March 2016 and also provided an update on her activities as a mental health champion.

To approve as a correct record and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 17 February 2016.

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 17 February 2016, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Question 1

Mione Goldspink, a resident of Bishop’s Stortford, asked the Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing what plans the Council had to address the shortfall in affordable, rented housing across the District.

The Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing referred to various measures contained within the current Housing Bill progressing through Parliament and also within the ongoing work on the District Plan.  He outlined the Council’s work with various partners and the recent stakeholder consultation on the new Housing Strategy that would be considered by the Executive at its next meeting on 8 March 2016.

The Executive Member also referred to initiatives such as the Empty Homes Strategy, where additional resources had been allocated to bring more empty properties back into use.  Finally, he referred to ongoing partnership work to maximise stock availability and to reduce the numbers of tenants subjected to court action.

In response to a supplementary question on specific actions, the Executive Member reminded Members that the Council was not a direct housing provider.  However, it would continue to use its powers, with housing partners, to maximise the availability of affordable housing.

At this point (7.18 pm), the meeting was adjourned due to a disturbance in the public gallery.  The meeting reconvened at 7.32 pm.

Chairman: Councillor N Symonds

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee held on 16 February 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor J Wyllie (to follow)

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Environment Scrutiny Committee held on 23 February 2016, be received.

Chairman: Councillor C Woodward (to follow)

To consider recommendations on the following matter:

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Human Resources Committee held on 24 February 2016, be received.

(see also Minute 619)

Minute 597 refers

RESOLVED – that the Pay Policy Statement for 2016/17 as detailed, be approved.

(see also Minute 618)

Chairman: Councillor D Andrews (to follow)

RESOLVED – that the Minutes of the Development Management Committee meeting held on 24 February 2016, be received.

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

Note – In accordance with the provisions of The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote will be taken on this matter. 

The Executive Member for Finance and Support Services submitted a report proposing Council Tax levels in 2016/17.  Council noted the precepts set by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), Hertfordshire Police Authority (HPA) and Parish and Town Councils.

In accordance with the provisions of The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote was taken on the Council Tax resolution, the result being:

FOR

Councillors D Abbott, A Alder, M Allen, D Andrews, R Brunton, E Buckmaster, M Casey, R Cheswright, S Cousins, K Crofton, G Cutting, B Deering, I Devonshire, H Drake, M Freeman, J Goodeve, L Haysey, R Henson, D Hollebon, A Jackson, G Jones, J Kaye, G McAndrew, M McMullen, P Moore, D Oldridge, T Page, M Pope, S Reed, P Ruffles, S Rutland-Barsby, C Snowdon, S Stainsby, R Standley, M Stevenson, N Symonds, J Taylor, K Warnell, G Williamson, C Woodward, J Wyllie.

AGAINST

None

ABSTENTIONS:

None

For: 41

Against: 0

Abstentions: 0

Council approved the recommendations as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Council Tax resolution, as now submitted, be approved;

(B)      the local precepts as set out at Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ be noted; and

(C)      the Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Police Authority precepts be noted.

To consider a report (to follow) of the Head of Democratic and Legal Support Services.

Council considered a report reviewing the allocation of seats on the Council’s committees following the resignation of a Member from the Conservative Group.  It was noted that Councillor J Cartwright had given notice that he would be serving as an Independent Member.

As a result of the review, the Leader asked Council to note that Councillors J Jones and J Taylor had been appointed to fill the vacancies on Corporate Business Scrutiny and Audit Committees respectively.

Council approved the allocation of seats as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that the allocation of the number of seats on committees be as set out in Table Two of the report submitted.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Environment & the Public Space

Council considered a report seeking approval for a new Environmental Crime Enforcement Policy, which also sought the making of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).  The Head of Environmental Services explained the consultation process that had been undertaken during which over 300 comments had been received.  These had been summarised in Essential Reference Paper ‘D’ of the report submitted and he referred specifically to the concerns of residents present at the meeting, namely relating to dogs of a nervous disposition and the control of dogs off their leads.  He advised that, if agreed, the proposed Public Space Protection Orders would be kept under review and could be amended or added to with experience, or if new circumstances came to light.

The Executive Member for Environment and the Public Space thanked the Chairman for accepting this item onto the agenda as an urgent matter and explained that it was intended to implement the proposals by 1 May 2016.  He emphasised that for a period of three months after the introduction of the PSPO, Officers would use their discretion and adopt an informal and educational approach to the enforcement of the new legislation.

In response to Members’ comments and questions, the Executive Member accepted an amendment to Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the effect that the other obligations listed at paragraphs 8 – 11 would only be enforced by a police officer.  It was also agreed to amend paragraph 8 so that it referred to mechanically propelled devices as well as vehicles.

Council approved the proposals as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Environmental Crime Enforcement Policy, as set outin Essential Reference Paper ‘B’, be approved; and

(B)      having regard to the conditions within section 59 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the Public Spaces Protection Order, as set out at Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ of the report submitted and as now amended, be made, to provide new and enhanced powers to tackle dog fouling and other forms of anti-social behaviour.