NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL
QUARTERLY MEETING
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
Summons, Agenda, Minutes
and Reports
NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL
You are summoned to attend the Quarterly Meeting of the Council. This meeting is being held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Northallerton on Wednesday, 13 November 2024at 10.30 am, at which the following business will be transacted.
The meeting will be available to view once the meeting commences, via the following link -
www.northyorks.gov.uk/livemeetings
BUSINESS
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1. |
Minutes of the meeting held on 24 July 2024
To move that the Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting held on 24 July 2024, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record. |
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(Pages 13 - 32) |
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2. |
Apologies for absence |
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3. |
Declarations of Interest |
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4. |
Chair's Announcements
Any correspondence, communication or other business brought forward by the direction of the Chair of the Council. |
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5. |
Statement by the Leader of the Council |
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(Pages 33 - 36) |
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6. |
Public Questions or Statements
Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice and provided the text to Barry Khan, Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services – email: barry.khan@northyorks.gov.uk or in writing to Barry Khan, Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services, County Hall, Northallerton DL7 8AD by midday on Friday, 8 November 2024. Each speaker should limit themselves to 3 minutes on any item.
If you are exercising your right to speak at this meeting, but do not wish to be recorded, please inform the Chair who will instruct anyone who may be taking a recording to cease while you speak. |
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7. |
Notices of Motion
1. Councillor Safety
The intimidation and abuse of Councillors and Officers, in person or otherwise, undermines democracy; preventing elected members from representing the communities they serve, deterring individuals from standing for election, and undermining public life in democratic processes and deterring potential Officers from considering public sector as a career option.
This council notes that increasing levels of toxicity in public and political discourse is having a detrimental impact on local democracy and that prevention, support and responses to abuse and intimidation of local politicians and Officers must improve to ensure councillors and Officers feel safe and able to continue representing their residents and performing their duties.
This council therefore commits to challenge the normalisation of abuse against councillors and officers and uphold exemplary standards of public and political debate in all it does. The council agrees to sign up to the LGA’s Debate Not Hate campaign. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in local communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the response to and support those in public life facing abuse and intimidation.
This Council therefore endorses the recommendations from the Jo Cox Civility Commission and specifically resolves that:
(A) there should be appropriate risk planning for abuse at Council Meetings and other events, ensuring high risk events are properly resourced (B) this Council signs up to the LGA’s Debate Not Hate Campaign. (C) There should be appropriate security and wellbeing resources available to Councillors and Officers
1. Background
The Jo Cox Civility Commission was launched in February 2023. The Commission takes as its starting point a belief that abuse and intimidation is having a detrimental impact on democracy in the UK, but that addressing the issue is complex and requires action across multiple different sectors.
The Commission published a report titled, “No place in politics: tackling abuse and intimidation.” The report can be found at the following link https://www.jocoxfoundation.org/wpcontent/uploads/2024/01/Jo-Cox-Civility-Commission-report.pdf.
A series of recommendations are made in the report which are directed towards different audiences including the Government, the Police, the Electoral Commission and Political Parties. However, three of the recommendations are specifically directed to local government as follows:-
• Local authorities should improve risk planning for abuse at council meetings and other events, ensuring high risk events are properly resourced with trained security. • Councils should pass motions affirming principles to address abuse and model good behaviour, from the Local Government Association’s Debate Not Hate toolkit or the National Association of Local Councils’ (NALC) Civility and Respect Project. • Local authorities should ensure security and wellbeing resources are available to councillors. These should be clearly signposted, and there should be a dedicated point of contact for the escalation of any issues. The Committee is asked to consider what further actions it may wish to recommend in response to the above.
The following actions have been taken by the Council in line with those recommendations:
(a) Risk Planning
The Council takes a proportionate response in regards to its meetings. Security provision is made after an assessment by senior Officers or in response to member requests. Members are reminded to take into consideration safety considerations when attending external meetings.
Police should be involved where appropriate and in particular when there is a risk to democratic engagement. The advice of the Police is sought when appropriate.
[The opportunity should exist for council meetings to take place online in instances when there are specific risks of physical abuse to councillors. Current legislation requires formal meetings to be undertaken in person.]
(b) Debate Not Hate Toolkit
The LGA’s toolkit on Debate Not Hate can be found at:
Debate Not Hate: Campaign toolkit | Local Government Association
(c) Security and Wellbeing resources.
Councillors have received copies of the resource - ‘Councillors' guide to handling intimidation - Local Government Association’ which details practical steps that Councillors and their Council can undertake to protect yourself as a person in a public position.
The LGA recognise the growing need among councillors for support related to intimidation and have jointly developed this resource following advice from councils, councillors, other council representative organisations, as well as national organisations such as the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and National Counter Terrorism Security Organisation. The guide covers topics such as how to handle abuse, whether face-to-face, letters or online, and the legal and practical remedies, including the nature of the criminal offences involved. It will be continuously updated with the latest advice and information available.
The Council has a limited fund for which Councillors can ask for funding for security measures. In addition members and Officers can have access to the Council’s Occupational Health Services upon request.
Proposer: Councillor Gareth Dadd Seconder: Councillor Steve Shaw-Wright
2. Pensioners Winter Fuel Allowance
The Chancellor has announced that the Winter Fuel Payment will be scrapped which is expected to impact 10 million pensioners across the UK and thousands in North Yorkshire.
With the Energy Price Cap rises meaning an annual increase in energy costs or around £150 a year, this will plunge many pensioners into poverty. This will also put an additional strain on Adult Services in North Yorkshire.
This council therefore resolves that:
1. It opposes the decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment from pensioners. 2. It urges all pensioners to check whether they are entitles to receive Pension credit. 3. The Leader of the Council writes to the Chancellor on behalf of the Council urging her to reverse the decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners.
Proposer: Councillor Mike Jordan Seconder: Councillor Stuart Parsons
3. Water Fluoridation
The act of adding fluoride to drinking water to help improve consumer’s oral health has been described as both a panacea for tooth decay and forced mass medication.
Currently, around 6 million people in England live in areas with water fluoridation schemes, mainly in the West Midlands and the North East. Many schemes have been operating for over 50 years. Birmingham was the first permanent scheme to commence in 1964.
The most recent data shows that the incidence of dental decay in children in Birmingham is higher than the national average.
Birmingham (29%) West Midlands Region (23%) England (23%)
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/oral-health-survey-of-5-year-old-children-2019
Generally, dental health is better in the south east of England and poorer in the north (report by Dentistry.co.uk).
Reports also suggest that there is a huge oral health divide between those from more deprived areas and those from less deprived areas.
There is also an association between increasing levels of fluoride in water and dental fluorosis. The Community Dental Health Journal has published a document indicating the prevalence of fluorosis is greater in fluoridated cities (61%) compared to the non-fluoridated cities (37%). There are many arguments against the use of fluoride in relation to harm as well as elevated levels of fluorosis (which can be an indicator of osteopathic, kidney and other neurological diseases).
It is highly likely that the new government will decide to adopt the same / similar scheme as the previous and look to encourage new community water fluoridation schemes.
I therefore propose the following motion.
"This council considers that medication without consent is not in the best interests of all its citizens and notes that fluoride dosage cannot be controlled and can be linked to negative health effects.
Therefore, this council will instruct its Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Health stating that any moves to introduce a fluoridation scheme within North Yorkshire will return a negative when or if consulted. It is the view of this council that Water undertakers in North Yorkshire must be prohibited from artificially increasing the fluoride content of the water supplied by them."
Proposer: Councillor Rich Maw Seconder: Councillor Arnold Warneken.
4. Youth Council Engagement
Many British young people are very interested in how society should be run. In March this year, UK Youth reported, “88 per cent of young people believe it is important to have a say in the decisions politicians make about public life” (1). Despite this, according to an IPPR report, turnout in the 2024 general election was lowest in the constituencies with the lowest average age (2).
It is clear that many young people feel that most politicians, regardless of political party or lack thereof, are not interested in supporting them with the issues they face. This adversely affects their engagement in elections and the democratic process as a whole.
Children and young people are our future. Engaging them in politics is crucial to ensure the survival of institutions of this country.
Council therefore agrees to more fully involve young people in the democratic decision-making process by:
● Inviting the Youth Assembly of North Yorkshire to prepare a single motion each year to be submitted and considered at the Full Council meeting held before the 1st of September of that year. ● Amending the council constitution such that the motion may be proposed by the chair of the Youth Assembly. ● Genuinely debating and considering the motion in the same way as if a North Yorkshire Councillor had proposed it.
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 1. Goal 4: Quality Education - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. 2. Goal 5: Gender Equality - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. 3. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities - Reduce inequality within and among countries. 4. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. 5. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.
Data Sources (2) https://www.ippr.org/articles/half-of-us
Proposer: Councillor Andrew Timothy Seconder: Councillor Barbara Brodigan
5. Ripon Miliary Heritage Project
This motion on notice was submitted in draft form within the deadline. The final agreed version will follow.
Proposed: Councillor Andrew Williams Seconder: Councillor Nick Brown
6. Winter fuel allowance
That this Council notes: · the Government’s recent legislation restricting entitlement to the Winter Fuel Payment to households in receipt of Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits · that in North Yorkshire, 131,000 pensioners are affected by this change as fewer than 10% of pensioners claim Pension Credit · that 11,000 of the 131,000 do not claim the Pension Credit to which they are entitled And therefore this Council resolves to: · write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy of linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipts to be immediately paused and fairer criteria to be introduced to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments · immediately maximise its awareness campaign, including urging those eligible to claim their Pension Credit and explaining other support available to those in fuel poverty, such as Warm and Well, the Household Support Fund and the North Yorkshire Local Assistance Fund · sign the “save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners” petition organised by Age UK
Relevant SDGs: · SDG 1: No Poverty - Addressing poverty among pensioners by ensuring they receive adequate support. · SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being - Ensuring pensioners have access to resources that contribute to their health and well-being, such as heating during winter. · SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Reducing inequalities by ensuring all pensioners have access to necessary benefits. · SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Supporting vulnerable populations within communities to live with dignity and security. · SDG 13: Climate Action - Promoting sustainable practices and support systems that help mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
Proposer: Councillor Dan Sladden Seconder: Councillor Monika Slater
7. Community Impact
Reflecting the declared intent of North Yorkshire Council to become the most local large Unitary in England, and in light of this Council adopting the United Nations Sustainability and Development Goals (SDGs) as the basis for policy development, implementation and monitoring, there is a need to ensure that any decisions made by the Council are properly weighed in the light of their potential impact on local communities (SDG goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Whilst it is acknowledged that financial, legal, equalities and climate change implications of policy changes are already a requirement in the development of policy, Council accepts that decisions should also be taken in the full knowledge of any impact on local economies and the health and wellbeing of local communities (SDG goal 3: Good Health and Well-being), either in specific geographical locations or more generally.
Council therefore resolves that by December 2025 it will explore and adopt appropriate means to ensure that policies and decisions made by Council are properly informed by their potential impact on local communities (SDG goal 17: Partnerships to deliver the Goals).
Council also notes that:
1. By focusing on the local impact of decisions, this motion will support the creation of inclusive, safe, and resilient communities. It ensures that development is sustainable and beneficial to residents. 2. The motion aligns with the goal of taking urgent action to combat climate.
Proposer: Councillor Peter Lacey Seconder: Councillor Chris Aldred
8. Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise Sector – impact of the Chancellor’s budget
This Council acknowledges the invaluable work, and significant added value that the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector makes in harnessing local volunteer capacity and community assets to help the Council achieve its responsibilities in maintaining and improving the health and wellbeing of local communities. Council also notes the potential impact of the Chancellor’s decision to increase Employers National Insurance contributions and the unintended consequence that this will have on the VCSE sector.
We therefore call on the Council to explore all means possible to alleviate the impact of the change in employer NI contributions on those VCSE organisations with whom the Council has a contractual relationship for the provision of services or who receive grant funding from the Council in the budget setting process for 2024/25 in order to minimise the impact that this measure will have for local communities.
Proposer: Councillor Peter Lacey Seconder: Councillor Matt Walker
9. Support for the Climate and Nature Bill
North Yorkshire Council notes that:
The Climate and Nature Bill is backed by 372 local authorities, 250 cross-party MPs and Peers, alongside the support of eminent 1250 scientists and has passed 1st reading in the house.
The Bill requires the UK Government to develop and deliver a new environmental strategy, which would include:
1. Delivering a joined-up environmental plan. 2. Reducing emissions in line with our 1.5°C commitment. 3. Not only halting, but also reversing the decline in nature, setting nature measurably on the path to recovery by 2030. 4. Taking responsibility for our overseas emissions and ecological footprint. 5. Prioritising nature in decision-making and ending fossil fuel production and imports as rapidly as possible, 6. Ensuring that no-one is left behind, by providing retraining for people currently working in fossil fuel industries. 7. Giving people a say in finding a fair way forward through an independent and temporary Climate & Nature Assembly,
This council therefore resolves to:
1. Support in principle the Climate and Nature Bill. 2. Write to all North Yorkshire Members of Parliament asking them to support this bill. 3. Inform residents, and local press/media of this decision.
Direct relevance to the UN SDGs of the motion
1. Climate Action (SDG 13): 2. Life Below Water and Life on Land (SDGs 14 & 15): 3. Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): 4. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): 5. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): 6. Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10):
Proposer: Councillor Steve Mason Seconder: Councillor Bryn Griffiths
10. Adoption of an Active Travel Strategy
North Yorkshire Council recognises the importance of promoting active travel as a key component in improving public health, boosting local economies, connecting communities, reducing congestion, improving air quality, and contributing to our commitments on climate change and sustainability as specified in NYC’s adopted Sustainable Development Goals.
Therefore, North Yorkshire Council:
- Commits to develop and implement an Active Travel Strategy by December 2025, that will outline a clear framework for promoting and supporting walking, cycling, and other active travel modes across the county.
- Uses data from the already completed ‘Let’s Talk Climate’ and ‘Let’s Talk Transport’ consultations to ensure that the strategy reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of our communities
- Incorporates the following key principles into the strategy:
1. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure that active travel infrastructure is accessible to all residents. 2. Safety: Prioritise the development of safe walking and cycling routes, especially near schools, town centres, and residential areas. 3. Integration with Public Transport: Improve connections between active travel routes and public transport hubs to encourage multimodal journeys. 4. Sustainability: Promote active travel as a means to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality across North Yorkshire. 5. Health and Wellbeing: Recognise and promote the physical and mental health benefits associated with active travel. 6. Identifies potential funding sources to support the implementation of the strategy, including national grants, regional partnerships, and private sector collaboration. 7. Sets measurable goals and a timeline for the implementation of the Active Travel Strategy, ensuring regular monitoring and review processes to track progress and outcomes. 8. Works with neighbouring local authorities and regional bodies to ensure that the strategy aligns with broader regional efforts to promote sustainable and active transport.
This motion works towards the following Sustainable Development Goals: • Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being - Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Relevance: Encourages active travel to improve physical and mental health. • Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Relevance: Develops infrastructure for walking and cycling to create safer and more connected communities. • Goal 13: Climate Action - Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Relevance: Promotes active travel to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. • Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Strengthening the means of implementation and revitalising the global partnership for sustainable development. Relevance: Utilises consultations and collaborations to ensure diverse community needs are met and strategies align with broader efforts. • Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities - Reducing inequality within and among countries. Relevance: Ensures active travel infrastructure is accessible to all, addressing inequalities. • Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure - Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. Relevance: Integrates active travel routes with public transport to encourage efficient, multimodal travel. • Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Relevance: Establishes measurable goals and regular reviews to ensure transparency and accountability.
Proposer: Councillor Hannah Gostlow Seconder: Councillor Bryn Griffiths
Update on progress with Motions referred to Overview and Scrutiny
The following motion that was referred to Scrutiny from Full Council on 15 May 2024 will be brought back to a meeting of Full Council in February 2025. It has been agreed with the proposer and seconder of this motion that further time be allowed to consider all of the issues arising from this proposal.
· Treating care experience as a protective characteristic – Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee
The following motion that was referred to Scrutiny from Full Council on 21 February 2024 will be brought back to a meeting of Full Council in February 2025. It has been agreed with the proposer and seconder of this motion that further time be allowed to consider all of the issues arising from this proposal.
· To reduce the budget for mowing and spraying by at least £100k a year and to cease all purchases of any products containing glyphosate or neonicotinoids – Scrutiny of Health Committee |
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8. |
Motion on Residents right to grow referred from Council on 15 May 2024 - Recommendation from the Corporate and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee |
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(Pages 37 - 40) |
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9. |
To consider the report and recommendations of the Executive and make decisions on them |
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(Pages 41 - 44) |
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10. |
Appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies |
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(Pages 45 - 46) |
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11. |
Report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Member Allowances for 2025-26 |
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(Pages 47 - 64) |
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12. |
Adoption of North Yorkshire Housing Assistance and Disabled Facilities Grant Policy |
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(Pages 65 - 94) |
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13. |
Cultural Strategy for North Yorkshire |
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(Pages 95 - 126) |
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14. |
Neighbourhood Planning – Making of the Malton & Norton Neighbourhood Development Plan |
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(Pages 127 - 130) |
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15. |
Neighbourhood Planning – Making of the Pannal & Burn Bridge Neighbourhood Development Plan |
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(Pages 131 - 134) |
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16. |
Community Governance Review Kirby Grindalythe and Duggleby Parish Council |
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(Pages 135 - 144) |
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17. |
Harrogate and Scarborough Town Councils - Anticipation of Budget and Precepts for 2025/2026 |
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(Pages 145 - 148) |
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18. |
To consider the Annual Report and recommendations of the Audit Committee |
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(Pages 149 - 158) |
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19. |
To consider the Annual Report and recommendations of the Pension Board |
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(Pages 159 - 192) |
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20. |
Statements of Executive Members and Chairmen of Overview and Scrutiny Committees |
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Executive Members |
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20(a) |
Executive Member for Finance and Assets - Councillor Gareth Dadd |
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(Pages 193 - 194) |
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20(b) |
Executive Member for Open to Business - Councillor Mark Crane |
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(Pages 195 - 198) |
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20(c) |
Executive Member for Corporate Services - Councillor Heather Phillips |
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(Pages 199 - 204) |
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20(d) |
Executive Member for Highways and Transportation - Councillor Keane Duncan |
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(Pages 205 - 206) |
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20(e) |
Executive Member for Adult Services - Councillor Michael Harrison |
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(Pages 207 - 208) |
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20(f) |
Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing - Councillor Simon Myers |
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(Pages 209 - 214) |
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20(g) |
Executive Member for Children and Families - Councillor Janet Sanderson |
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(Pages 215 - 218) |
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20(h) |
Executive Member for Managing our Environment - Councillor Greg White |
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(Pages 219 - 224) |
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20(i) |
Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills - Councillor Annabel Wilkinson |
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(Pages 225 - 228) |
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Overview and Scrutiny Chairs |
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20(j) |
Scrutiny Board (Chair: Councillor Karin Sedgwick) |
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(Pages 229 - 230) |
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20(k) |
Scrutiny of Health (Chair: Councillor Andrew Lee) |
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(Pages 231 - 232) |
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20(l) |
Transport, Economy, Environment and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Chair: Councillor David Staveley) |
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(Pages 233 - 234) |
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20(m) |
Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Chair: Councillor Barbara Brodigan) |
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(Pages 235 - 236) |
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20(n) |
Housing and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Chair: Councillor Malcolm Taylor) |
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(Pages 237 - 238) |
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20(o) |
Care and Independence Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Chair: Councillor Karin Sedgwick) |
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(Pages 239 - 240) |
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20(p) |
Corporate and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Chair: Councillor Andrew Williams) |
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(Pages 241 - 242) |
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21. |
Corporate Calendar 2025/2026 |
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(Pages 243 - 268) |
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22. |
Use of special urgency procedures since the last meeting of Council - Report of the Leader |
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(Pages 269 - 274) |
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23. |
Council Procedure Rule 10 Questions |
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RICHARD FLINTON Chief Executive Officer |
BARRY KHAN Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services |
County Hall,
NORTHALLERTON