Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor M Bailey

To receive the minutes of the previous two meetings held on 6 June 2018 and 7 July 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6^th June 2018 and 17^th July 2018 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Moved by Councillor D Cook and seconded by Councillor Dr S Peaple)

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Andrew Barratt Chief Executive made the following announcement;

“Some members may recall a special meeting on the 12^th September last year, it was resolved that Mr Chris Cook had the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough unfortunately due to illness he was unable to attend the meeting and again he is unable to attend tonight, I’ve had a message that he would like his son to collect the certificate on his behalf, I would like to ask you Mr Mayor if you would present this to Councillor Christian Cook.”

Councillor Mayor P Thurgood made the Following announcement;

“It would be a pleasure, Christian would you like to come up please, Wish your father all the very best and thanks from the Chamber.”

Councillor C.Cooke made the following announcement;

“On receiving this award I would like to thank everybody on behalf of my dad he’s having a rather happy retirement, thank you.”

Councillor D Cook made the following announcement;-

Thank you Mr Mayor I would like to take this opportunity to announce I will be appointing a champion to work under cabinet member Councillor Steven Claymore and his portfolio for Heritage and Growth. I will be appointing Councillor Ben Price as Town Centre Champion to support Councillor Claymore in works around to improve our Town centre. The Town Centre continues to deserve our dedication and improvement where possible and another set of eyes can do nothing more but help.

To receive the recommendations of the Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee on the Report on Prayers to Full Council

The Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee presented the Corporate Scrutiny Committee’s review of the inclusion of prayers at the start of full Council meetings. To seek the approval of the Committee’s recommendations from Council on the inclusion of prayers at full council.

Councillor Cook proposed an amendment to the recommendations in the report as follows;

“On Full Council night the Mayor welcomes Councillors in the chamber at 18.00 thus those that want to pray or take part can, Mr Barratt as Chief Executive sends out the official summons for the Council meeting to actually start at 18.10 when the other members can then be seated to continue the meeting, therefore our tradition stands

At the start of full council those that wish to pray can pray. Those that wish to wait outside or to fetch a different denomination priest, vicar, father we can facilitate.”

(Moved by Councillor D Cook and seconded by Councillor Dr S

Peaple)

(Moved by Councillor J Oates and seconded by Councillor Dr S

Peaple)

To receive a recommendation from the Chair of Corporate Scrutiny Committee to endorse Cabinet’s decision regarding Amnesty International’s Against Hate Campaign

Council received a recommendation from the Chair of Corporate Scrutiny Committee to endorse Cabinet’s decision regarding Amnesty International’s Against Hate Campaign

As a result of a named vote it was:-

To change the order of business in the agenda, Proposing that item 8 be dealt with before item 7

(Moved by Councillor R Kingstone and seconded by Councillor R Bilcliff)

The Portfolio Holder for Assets and Finance informed Members that The Annual Treasury report is a requirement of the Council’s reporting procedures.

It covers the Treasury activity for 2017/18, and the actual Prudential Indicators for 2017/18.

The report meets the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities. The Council is required to comply with both Codes in accordance with Regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003. It also provides an opportunity to review the approved Treasury Management Strategy for the current year and enables Members to consider and approve any issues identified that require amendment.

QUESTION FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL NO.1 ROLLED OVER FROM 17^th JULY 2018

Under Procedure Rule No 11, Councillor Dr S Peaple will ask the Portfolio Holder for Assets and Finance, Councillor R Pritchard, the following question:-

“How much money received under 106 agreements (or equivalent) has the Council received and not yet spent, and what is the breakdown by ward in which it is due to be spent and how much is being retained for overall town-wide projects?”

Written response from Councillor R Pritchard

A list including monies for maintenance of open spaces was provided. Councillor Pritchard highlighted that agreements can relate to specific developments, so the area that they are spent in is determined by the location of the development, and the terms of the agreement. (spreadsheet attached)

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL NO. 1

Under Procedure Rule No 11, Councillor Dr S Peaple will ask the Leader of the Council, Councillor D Cook, the following question:-

“Would the Council Leader please update the Council regarding the steps taken to develop a vision for the former Gungate Precinct site, since its acquisition by the Council?”

Councillor D Cook gave the following reply:-

“Thank you Mr Mayor,

Cllr Peaple will of course recall the cross party decision for approval to acquire the site granted 11^th April 2018. After a decade of failed attempted by the site owner to bring forward a proposal that matched the aspirations of this town it was time to step in and address this matter and bring forward a scheme that worked for the Town centre, the town as a whole and this Council.

We must all recall that it was noted in the report that this project would be several years in the future as we have to get is right for the town. We need to masterplan correctly, to future proof the site in both the needs of the town centre, our residents and ensure a pay back to the tax-payer.

The site was physically acquired 7^th June 2018 once legal diligence had been completed by all parties. At this point an internal team set up to consider actions needed, where we needed to start on the journey.

I personally met with the CEO and Leader of the County Council in June 2018 to discuss the wider footprint of the site if they put in the Courts and old youth centre. Let’s say bigger bang for our buck for want of a better term if the County came in with us. We have a follow up meeting in late September 2018.

I personally spoke with the PCC (Police and Crime Commissioner) Matthew Ellis about options of rolling the Police Station into the development. Officers are progressing this conversation.

We were then successful in July 2018 in obtaining LGA support to provide 40 days of consultancy support to assist specifically with housing options for the site.

We were successful in obtaining a GBSLEP grant to co-fund master-planning and cost  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.