Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting of the council.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2020 were agreed by the members present and will be signed by the Mayor at the next available opportunity.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2020 were agreed by the members present and will be signed by the Mayor at the next available opportunity.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider questions (if any) by members of the public of which the appropriate notice has been given to the Assistant Director (Corporate and Contracted Services).

There was no public participation.

There was no public participation.

To receive announcements and business brought forward by the Mayor, Leader, and Members of the Cabinet or the Chief Executive.

4.1       By the Mayor

4.2       By the Chief Executive

4.3       By the Group Leaders:  Any apologies for absence

4.4       Council Leader and Members of the Cabinet:

Councillor Williams                 Leader of the Council

Councillor Williams                 Corporate and Contracted Services

Councillor Griffiths                  Housing

Councillor Anderson               Environmental Services

Councillor Banks                     Community and Regulatory Services

Councillor G Sutton                Planning and Infrastructure

Councillor Elliot                       Finance and Resources

4.1       By the Mayor:

The Mayor announced the sad passing of former Dacorum Councillor John Bowden. One minutes silence was held in remembrance.

4.2       By the Chief Executive:

None.

4.3       By the Group Leaders:

Councillor Williams confirmed that apologies had been received from Councillors Elliot and Johnson

Councillor Tindall confirmed that apologies had been received from Councillor Stevens

4.4       Council Leader and Members of the Cabinet:

(Full details are in the minutes under Announcements of the Leader and Cabinet).

4.1       By the Mayor:

The Mayor announced the sad passing of Dacorum Councillor John Bowden, Councillor for Tring Central.

Councillor Tindall expressed his sadness of Johns passing. He said he fought so hard after the Election to battle his illness and he did start to recover and perform his duties but sadly had a remission and quickly subsided. He sent wishes to John’s wife, Karen. He said John was very active in the community in different roles and worked willingly for the good of the town and the community association. He was firstly involved with the running of the community centre itself and had contributed to a number of improvements being made. He was elected as a Borough Councillor in May last year but unfortunately his career with us was cut short. We all have huge respect for him and his courage, and we wish his wife well.

Councillor Williams passed on his commiserations to John’s family and colleagues on behalf of the Conservative group. He said it was unfortunate that John’s time as a Councillor had been short and very difficult.

One minutes silence was held in remembrance of John Bowden.

The Mayor advised of the Heroes of Hertfordshire Awards for those that had contributed massively to the community during the pandemic. He was pleased that on Friday this week he will be presenting the certificates to Cedars Shop in Potten End, Sarah Gall and Wendy Molloy who are first responders in Little Gaddesden, Little Gaddesden Village Shop, Nisa shop in Markyate and Judith McMullen in Markyate. He said he was very pleased to be able to do this and hoped that any others that had contributed had been recognised in the appropriate way.

4.2       By the Chief Executive:

None.

4.3       By the Group Leaders:

Councillor Williams confirmed that apologies had been received from Councillors Elliot and Johnson.

Councillor Tindall confirmed that apologies had been received from Councillor Stevens.

The Mayor passed on the council’s wishes for a speedy recovery to Councillor Stevens.

4.4       Council Leader and Members of the Cabinet:

Councillor Williams, Leader of the Council

The Leader presented his update as follows:

Councillor Williams recognised the tremendous work carried out by the staff of DBC over the last few months and could cite examples across the council where staff have gone above and beyond to support the community of Dacorum during the Covid-19 pandemic. He passed his thanks to the staff for the work they have done and what they will continue to do in the future as the consequences of the pandemic are felt.

Members were given a presentation last night on the new working arrangements in The Forum which will be different to what the council is used to. He extended his thanks to the organisation for continuing to adapt to the new environment and to provide services to residents.

It was the intention of the Chief Executive to retire at the end of July having given notice in the New Year. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Motions to the Dacorum Borough Council Meeting on Wednesday 15^th July, 2020.

A.  Climate Emergency.  Proposed by Cllr. Ron Tindall

This council takes note of the Strategy and Action Plan adopted by the Cabinet at their meeting on 23rd June.  In addition, the council welcomes the Climate Change Emergency Statement and the undertaking to work with businesses, community groups and residents to reduce emissions across the Borough.

In furtherance of these decisions and objectives, the council believes that the bringing together of those interested in working with the Council in a public programme of Community Engagement would be beneficial, and asks that as soon as reasonably possible, given the present restrictions imposed because of the health crisis, a series of consultative events are promoted which will engage all sectors of the community, culminating in a Climate Emergency event at which representatives of those community sectors will meet to discuss with the Council the attainment of the Council's objectives by 2030.

B.  Overview and Scrutiny.  Proposed by Cllr. Adrian England

This Council recognises that scrutiny is an important part of a well-functioning administration where policies, strategy and decisions are tested by members and justified by Portfolio-holders with the support of officers.

Now that the Council is once again in a state of credible balance, and all Councillors have at least one year's experience, Council believes that scrutiny ought rightly to be led by a politically-proportionate group of Chairs and Vice-Chairs.

The council resolves to review Scrutiny and reform Chairmanship of OSCs so that Scrutiny in Dacorum is cross-party, with Chairs and Vice Chairs being drawn proportionately from the recognised political groups of the council, the appropriate amendment to the Constitution to be presented to the Council at their meeting in September.

The following Motion was proposed by Councillor Tindall and seconded by Councillor Freedman:

1.            Climate Emergency

This council takes note of the Strategy and Action Plan adopted by the Cabinet at their meeting on 23rd June. In addition, the council welcomes the Climate Change Emergency Statement and the undertaking to work with businesses, community groups and residents to reduce emissions across the Borough.

In furtherance of these decisions and objectives, the council believes that the bringing together of those interested in working with the Council in a public programme of Community Engagement would be beneficial, and asks that as soon as reasonably possible, given the present restrictions imposed because of the health crisis, a series of consultative events are promoted which will engage all sectors of the community, culminating in a Climate Emergency event at which representatives of those community sectors will meet to discuss with the Council the attainment of the Council's objectives by 2030.

An amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor Williams and seconded by Councillor Griffiths

Revise the first line to read:

“This council endorses the administrations ambitious Strategy and action plan….”

A vote was held on the amendment to the motion:

36 For, 0 Against and 1 Abstain

Therefore the amendment was agreed

A vote was then held on the amended motion

39 For, 0 Against and 1 Abstain

Therefore the Motion was carried.

The following Motion was proposed by Councillor England and seconded by Councillor Hobson:

2.            Overview and Scrutiny

This Council recognises that scrutiny is an important part of a well-functioning administration where policies, strategy and decisions are tested by members and justified by Portfolio-holders with the support of officers.

Now that the Council is once again in a state of credible balance, and all Councillors have at least one year's experience, Council believes that scrutiny ought rightly to be led by a politically-proportionate group of Chairs and Vice-Chairs.

The council resolves to review Scrutiny and reform Chairmanship of OSCs so that Scrutiny in Dacorum is cross-party, with Chairs and Vice Chairs being drawn proportionately from the recognised political groups of the council, the appropriate amendment to the Constitution to be presented to the Council at their meeting in September.

The following amendment was made by Councillor Williams and seconded by Councillor Griffiths:

Delete all text after the first paragraph and insert a new second paragraph

“This  council resolves that the current arrangements for Chairs and Vice Chairs supports the effective process of scrutiny and supports continuing with the current allocations of Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees”

A vote was held on the amendment to the motion:

24 For, 18 Against and 3 Abstain

Therefore the amendment was agreed

A vote was then held on the amended motion

21 For, 17 Against and 3 Abstain

Therefore the Motion was carried.

The following Motion was proposed by Councillor Tindall and seconded by Councillor Freedman:

1.         Climate Emergency

This council takes note of the Strategy and Action Plan adopted by the Cabinet at their meeting on 23rd June. In addition, the council welcomes the Climate Change Emergency Statement and the undertaking to work with businesses, community groups and residents to reduce emissions across the Borough.

In furtherance of these decisions and objectives, the council believes that the bringing together of those interested in working with the Council in a public programme of Community Engagement would be beneficial, and asks that as soon as reasonably possible, given the present restrictions imposed because of the health crisis, a series of consultative events are promoted which will engage all sectors of the community, culminating in a Climate Emergency event at which representatives of those community sectors will meet to discuss with the Council the attainment of the Council's objectives by 2030.

An amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor Williams and seconded by Councillor Griffiths to revise the first line to read:

“This council endorses the administrations ambitious Strategy and Action Plan….”

Councillor Tindall thanked everyone involved and said we all needed to work together to succeed.

A vote was held on the amendment to the motion:

36 For, 0 Against and 1 Abstention.

Therefore the amendment was agreed.

A vote was then held on the amended motion:

39 For, 0 Against and 1 Abstention.

Therefore the Motion was carried.

The following Motion was proposed by Councillor England and seconded by Councillor Hobson:

2.         Overview and Scrutiny

This Council recognises that scrutiny is an important part of a well-functioning administration where policies, strategy and decisions are tested by members and justified by Portfolio-holders with the support of officers.

Now that the Council is once again in a state of credible balance, and all Councillors have at least one year's experience, Council believes that scrutiny ought rightly to be led by a politically-proportionate group of Chairs and Vice-Chairs.

The council resolves to review Scrutiny and reform Chairmanship of OSCs so that Scrutiny in Dacorum is cross-party, with Chairs and Vice Chairs being drawn proportionately from the recognised political groups of the council, the appropriate amendment to the Constitution to be presented to the Council at their meeting in September.

Councillor England said he hoped the majority group would engage with this motion. The purpose of the OSC’s which he quoted from the DBC website says ‘there are three OSC’s which support the work of cabinet and council as a whole. They allow citizens to have the greater say in council matters by holding public enquiries into matters of local concern and these leads to reports and recommendations’. He didn’t feel OSC’s had been doing much reporting and recommending as they should according to the description on the website, reports are typically just noted. He felt giving some responsibilities of Chairman to the minority group would introduce right and proper market forces to the operation of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider questions (if any) by members of the Council of which the appropriate notice has been given to the Assistant Director (Corporate and Contracted Services).

Question from Councillor Allen to Councillor G Sutton:

“Given the concerns of local residents, can the portfolio holder please confirm that Chaulden Lane, the much-loved designated country lane, will not need any widening beyond the passing points agreed when the LA3 planning application was granted”

Councillor G Sutton responded that the proposals for development at site LA3 (land at West Hemel Hempstead) involve the provision of passing places on Chaulden Lane. Responsibility for the management and future use of the Lane rests with Hertfordshire County Council, which it regards as a rural route. Dacorum Borough Council has no further plans other than those in relation to site LA3 that it would wish to put to HCC in respect of Chaulden Lane.

Councillor Allen asked if there will be width restrictions on the static homes permissible at Chaulden Lane Gypsy and Traveller site which often can be as wide as 16ft and are often 14ft when the HCC assessment of the lane has only assessed on traffic that is 9.5ft wide?

Councillor G Sutton said he believed that it was up to the hauliers or carriers of these vehicles to ensure that they are able to travel through the lane but believes the passing places should allow the access required. This issue is faced across rural areas, especially on the coast with mobile holiday homes. He reassured Councillor Allen that this wouldn’t be turned into a rat run that can be used by the public.

Councillor Allen asked in the instance of there being wider loads, that might cause damage to hedgerows and banks of the lane, can the portfolio holder commit to working with Herts Highways to ensure that these wider loads do not cause damage?

Councillor G Sutton said he was sure that this could be included in the planning conditions of the site which are still being considered.

Councillor Allen asked if the Gypsy and Traveller community had been consulted on the HCC assessment which has assessed the lane on the basis of a 9.5ft wide load?

Councillor G Sutton said he was not privy to those conversations to be aware of it.

Question from Councillor Allen to Councillor G Sutton:

“Given the concerns of local residents, can the portfolio holder please confirm that Chaulden Lane, the much-loved designated country lane, will not need any widening beyond the passing points agreed when the LA3 planning application was granted”

Councillor G Sutton responded that the proposals for development at site LA3 (land at West Hemel Hempstead) involve the provision of passing places on Chaulden Lane. Responsibility for the management and future use of the Lane rests with Hertfordshire County Council, which it regards as a rural route. Dacorum Borough Council has no further plans other than those in relation to site LA3 that it would wish to put to HCC in respect of Chaulden Lane.

Councillor Allen asked if there will be width restrictions on the static homes permissible at Chaulden Lane Gypsy and Traveller site which often can be as wide as 16ft and are often 14ft when the HCC assessment of the lane has only assessed on traffic that is 9.5ft wide?

Councillor G Sutton said he believed that it was up to the hauliers or carriers of these vehicles to ensure that they are able to travel through the lane but believes the passing places should allow the access required. This issue is faced across rural areas, especially on the coast with mobile holiday homes. He reassured Councillor Allen that this wouldn’t be turned into a rat run that can be used by the public.

Councillor Allen asked in the instance of there being wider loads, that might cause damage to hedgerows and banks of the lane, can the portfolio holder commit to working with Herts Highways to ensure that these wider loads do not cause damage?

Councillor G Sutton said he was sure that this could be included in the planning conditions of the site which are still being considered.

Councillor Allen asked if the Gypsy and Traveller community had been consulted on the HCC assessment which has assessed the lane on the basis of a 9.5ft wide load?

Councillor G Sutton said he was not privy to those conversations to be aware of it.

To consider any business referred from the previous meeting.

None.

None.

To consider the following referrals from Cabinet:

8.1       CA/046/20       19 May 2020    Provisional Outturn 2019/20

8.2       CA/059/20       23 June 2020   Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan

Resolved:

That the following be approved:

19 May 2020

8.1      CA/046/20    Provisional Outturn 2019/20

Decision

The approval of a supplementary capital budget of £300k in 2020/21 to complete works to the Berkhamsted multi-storey car park.

23 June 2020

8.2      CA/059/20    Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan

Decision

The creation of a budget for the Climate Emergency of £75,000 in 2020/21 and authority be delegated for its expenditure be made to the Corporate Director Housing and Regeneration and the Assistant Director Corporate and Contracted Services in consultation with the Leader be approved.

Resolved:

That the following be approved:

19 May 2020

8.1      CA/046/20    Provisional Outturn 2019/20

Decision

The approval of a supplementary capital budget of £300k in 2020/21 to complete works to the Berkhamsted multi-storey car park.

23 June 2020

8.2      CA/059/20    Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan

Decision

The creation of a budget for the Climate Emergency of £75,000 in 2020/21 and authority be delegated for its expenditure be made to the Corporate Director Housing and Regeneration and the Assistant Director Corporate and Contracted Services in consultation with the Leader be approved.

The Chairman ofthe Strategic Planning and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor John Birnie, introduced the Annual Reports of the Overview and Scrutiny Groups to the Council and highlighted certain aspects of the work carried out by the individual committees.

The Chairman ofthe Strategic Planning and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor John Birnie, introduced the Annual Reports of the Overview and Scrutiny Groups to the Council and highlighted certain aspects of the work carried out by the individual committees.

To consider the following proposals for changes to committee membership:

Councillor Allen to replace Councillor Taylor on the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Allen to replace Councillor England on the Health in Dacorum Committee.

Councillor Tindall to replace Councillor Symington on the Development Management Committee.

The following changes to committee membership were agreed:

Ø  Councillor Allen to replace Councillor Taylor on the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Ø  Councillor Allen to replace Councillor England on the Health in Dacorum Committee.

Ø  Councillor Tindall to replace Councillor Symington on the Development Management Committee.

Ø  Councillor McDowell to replace Councillor Woolner on the Strategic Planning and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Ø  Councillor Symington to fill the vacancy on the Health in Dacorum Committee.

Ø  Councillor Woolner to fill the vacancy on the Licensing and Health and Safety Enforcement Committee.

The following changes to committee membership were agreed:

Ø  Councillor Allen to replace Councillor Taylor on the Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Ø  Councillor Allen to replace Councillor England on the Health in Dacorum Committee.

Ø  Councillor Tindall to replace Councillor Symington on the Development Management Committee.

Ø  Councillor McDowell to replace Councillor Woolner on the Strategic Planning and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Ø  Councillor Symington to fill the vacancy on the Health in Dacorum Committee.

Ø  Councillor Woolner to fill the vacancy on the Licensing and Health and Safety Enforcement Committee.

To consider the following proposals for changes to committee dates:

Move Audit Committee from 30 September to 17 September 2020.

The following changes/additions to committee dates were agreed:

Ø  Move Audit Committee from 30^th September to 17^th September 2020.

Ø  Add Appointments Committee on 30^th July 2020.

Ø  Add a special Council meeting on 5^th August 2020.

The following changes/additions to committee dates were agreed:

Ø  Move Audit Committee from 30^th September to 17^th September 2020.

Ø  Add Appointments Committee on 30^th July 2020.

Ø  Add a special Council meeting on 5^th August 2020.

The Council noted the following urgent Portfolio Holder Decisions:

Ø  PH/009/20 - Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund, (Ladgf) – Covid-19 Support for Local Businesses

Ø  PH/010/20 - Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund, (Ladgf) – Covid-19 Support For Local Businesses Phase 2

Ø  PH/013/20 - Building Control Financial Settlement With Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd

The Council noted the following urgent Portfolio Holder Decisions:

Ø  PH/009/20 - Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund, (Ladgf) – Covid-19 Support for Local Businesses

Ø  PH/010/20 - Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund, (Ladgf) – Covid-19 Support For Local Businesses Phase 2

Ø  PH/013/20 - Building Control Financial Settlement With Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd