North Yorkshire County Council
Quarterly meeting of County Council
Minutes of the quarterly meeting held on Wednesday, 22nd February, 2023 commencing at 10.30 am.
County Councillor David Ireton in the Chair and County Councillors Chris Aldred, Joy Andrews, Karl Arthur, Alyson Baker, Phillip Barrett, Derek Bastiman, Philip Broadbank, Eric Broadbent, Barbara Brodigan, Andy Brown, Nick Brown, Lindsay Burr MBE, John Cattanach, David Chance, Liz Colling, Mark Crane, Sam Cross, Gareth Dadd, Melanie Davis, Caroline Dickinson, Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff, Stephanie Duckett, Keane Duncan, Bridget Fortune, Kevin Foster, Richard Foster, Sam Gibbs, Caroline Goodrick, Hannah Gostlow, Bryn Griffiths, Tim Grogan, Michael Harrison, Paul Haslam, Robert Heseltine, Nathan Hull, George Jabbour, David Jeffels, Janet Jefferson, Tom Jones, Mike Jordan, Nigel Knapton, Andrew Lee, Carl Les, Cliff Lunn, John Mann, Pat Marsh, Steve Mason, Rich Maw, John McCartney, Heather Moorhouse, Andrew Murday, Simon Myers, David Noland, Bob Packham, Andy Paraskos, Stuart Parsons, Yvonne Peacock, Clive Pearson, Heather Phillips, Kirsty Poskitt, Jack Proud, John Ritchie, Janet Sanderson, Mike Schofield, Karin Sedgwick, Subash Sharma, Steve Shaw-Wright, Monika Slater, Andy Solloway, David Staveley, Neil Swannick, Roberta Swiers, Malcolm Taylor, Angus Thompson, Phil Trumper, Matt Walker, Arnold Warneken, Steve Watson, David Webster, John Weighell OBE, Greg White, Dave Whitfield, Annabel Wilkinson, Peter Wilkinson, Andrew Williams and Robert Windass.
Apologies: Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Peter Lacey and Tony Randerson.
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Copies of all documents considered are in the Minute Book
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To elect a Chairman of the County Council to serve until the May 2023 AGM
It was moved and seconded that County Councillor David Ireton be elected Chairman of the County Council to serve until the Annual General Meeting of the North Yorkshire Council in 2023.
The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
That County Councillor David Ireton is elected Chairman of the County Council, to serve until the Annual General Meeting of the North Yorkshire Council in 2023.
County Councillor David Ireton then made his declaration of acceptance of office of Chairman of the County Council.
County Councillor David Ireton in the Chair
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Minutes of the Quarterly meeting held on 16 November 2022 and Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting held on 16 November 2022
The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 86 for, none against and 1 abstention.
It was moved and seconded that the Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting of the County Council held on 16 November 2022, having been printed and circulated, are confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 86 for, none against and 1 abstention.
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Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from County Councillors Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Peter Lacey and Tony Randerson.
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To elect a Vice-Chairman of the County Council to serve until the May 2023 AGM
It was moved and seconded that County Councillor Roberta Swiers be elected Vice-Chairman of the County Council, to serve until the Annual General Meeting of the North Yorkshire Council in 2023.
The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
That County Councillor Roberta Swiers is elected Vice-Chairman of the County Council, to serve until the Annual General Meeting of the North Yorkshire Council in 2023.
County Councillor Roberta Swiers then made her declaration of acceptance of office of Vice-Chairman of the County Council and thanked the Council for her appointment.
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Declarations of Interest
Declarations of Interest were made as follows:
County Councillor Michael Harrison regarding agenda items 9 and 12.
County Councillor Steve Mason regarding agenda item 18b.
County Councillor Yvonne Peacock regarding agenda item 12.
County Councillors Kevin Foster, Andy Brown and Arnold Warneken regarding agenda item 13.
County Councillor Karl Arthur regarding agenda item 15b.
County Councillor Gareth Dadd regarding agenda item 9.
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Chairman's Announcements
The Chairman welcomed the Honorary Aldermen and members of the public and press who were present.
The Chairman informed Members of the usual arrangements for the meeting.
The Chairman reminded Members that, as per the email that Barry Khan, Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services, previously sent, that there is a legal requirement to ensure that Members are not in arrears for their Council Tax when voting on the budget.
The Chairman informed Members that he would consider the Motion on the new Constitution for the North Yorkshire Council, as outlined in agenda item 16 on the agenda, when the Constitution is being debated. It has been agreed with the proposer and seconder of the Motion that it be treated as an amendment.
The death of former County Councillor Jim Clark was noted. Jim was a County Councillor from 2001 to 2005 and then from 2009 to 2022, Chairman of the County Council in 2018/19 and 2019/20 and Chair of the Council’s Scrutiny of Health Committee from 2010 to 2019. Jim was also a Harrogate Borough Councillor.
The death of former County Councillor Bernard Bateman was noted. Bernard was a County Councillor from 1999 to 2017 and was Chairman of the County Council in 2013/14. He was Mayor of Ripon and a Ripon City Councillor. He was also a Harrogate Borough Councillor and Mayor of Harrogate.
A minute’s silence was held in memory of both former county councillors.
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Statement by the Leader of the Council
County Councillor Carl Les made a statement and answered questions, under Council Procedure Rule 2.3, as Leader of the County Council, a summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appear in the Minute Book (pages 14030 to 14031).
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Public Questions or Statements
There was one public statement, as follows:
Mr Ian Conlan made a statement regarding the reduction in road casualties that would be achieved through the introduction of 20mph speed limits in North Yorkshire and asked the Council to commit £1 million of funding to this in 2023/24.
County Councillors Carl Les and Keane Duncan responded.
Mr Ian Conlan asked a supplementary question.
County Councillors Carl Les and Keane Duncan responded.
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Revenue Budget 2023/24, Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and Council Tax for 2023/24
Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2023/24, the Revenue Budget for 2023/24 and Council Tax for 2023/24
The recommendation at pages 23 to 24 of the report (pages 14032 to 14034 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Liz Colling and seconded by County Councillor Steve Shaw-Wright that the proposed £450,000 reduction in the Domestic Violence Budget be deferred and the money used to assist in the provision of services to support victims of domestic violence.
There followed a debate.
A named vote was taken by roll call and the motion was declared defeated 38 for, 48 against and no abstentions.
For: County Councillors Chris Aldred, Joy Andrews, Phillip Barrett, Philip Broadbank, Eric Broadbent, Barbara Brodigan, Andy Brown, Lindsay Burr MBE, Liz Colling, Sam Cross, Melanie Davis, Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff, Stephanie Duckett, Kevin Foster, Hannah Gostlow, Bryn Griffiths, Janet Jefferson, Pat Marsh, Steve Mason, Rich Maw, John McCartney, Andrew Murday, David Noland, Bob Packham, Stuart Parsons, Kirsty Poskitt, Jack Proud, John Ritchie, Mike Schofield, Subash Sharma, Steve Shaw-Wright, Monika Slater, Andy Solloway, Neil Swannick, Malcom Taylor, Matt Walker, Arnold Warneken, Dave Whitfield.
Against: County Councillors Karl Arthur, Alyson Baker, Derek Bastiman, Nick Brown, John Cattanach, David Chance, Mark Crane, Gareth Dadd, Caroline Dickinson, Keane Duncan, Bridget Fortune, Richard Foster, Sam Gibbs, Caroline Goodrick, Tim Grogan, Michael Harrison, Paul Haslam, Robert Heseltine, Nathan Hull, David Ireton, George Jabbour, David Jeffels, Tom Jones, Mike Jordan, Nigel Knapton, Andrew Lee, Carl Les, Cliff Lunn, John Mann, Heather Moorhouse, Simon Myers, Andy Paraskos, Yvonne Peacock, Clive Pearson, Heather Phillips, Janet Sanderson, Karin Sedgwick, David Staveley, Roberta Swiers, Angus Thompson, Philip Trumper, Steve Watson, David Webster, John Weighell OBE, Greg White, Annabel Wilkinson, Peter Wilkinson, Andrew Williams and Robert Windass.
Abstentions: None.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Matt Walker and seconded by County Councillor Bryn Griffiths that an additional £1million be set aside from reserves on a one-off basis for environmental projects and to supplement existing pump-priming funding and to undertake feasibility study work to help build business cases for projects which lead to net zero.
There followed a debate.
County Councillor Andrew Williams moved that the vote be taken now. This was seconded. The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 77 for, 10 against and no abstentions.
A named vote was taken by roll call on the amendment regarding funding for environmental projects. The motion was declared defeated with 30 for, 53 against and 4 abstentions.
Against: County Councillors Karl Arthur, Alyson Baker, Philip Barrett, Derek Bastiman, Nick Brown, John Cattanach, David Chance, Mark Crane, Gareth Dadd, Caroline Dickinson, Keane Duncan, Bridget Fortune, Richard Foster, Sam Gibbs, Caroline Goodrick, Tim Grogan, Michael Harrison, Paul Haslam, Robert Heseltine, Nathan Hull, David Ireton, George Jabbour, David Jeffels, Janet Jefferson, Tom Jones, Mike Jordan, Nigel Knapton, Andrew Lee, Carl Les, Cliff Lunn, John Mann, Heather Moorhouse, Simon Myers, Andy Paraskos, Yvonne Peacock, Clive Pearson, Heather Phillips, Kirsty Poskitt, Janet Sanderson, Karin Sedgwick, David Staveley, Roberta Swiers, Malcolm Taylor, Angus Thompson, Philip Trumper, Steve Watson, David Webster, John Weighell OBE, Greg White, Annabel Wilkinson, Peter Wilkinson, Andrew Williams and Robert Windass.
Abstentions: County Councillors Andy Brown, Sam Cross, Kevin Foster and Andy Solloway.
At 12:55pm, the Chairman then adjourned the meeting for lunch.
The meeting was re-convened at 1:45pm.
A named vote was taken by roll call on the substantive motion, the recommendations at pages 23 to 23 of the report, and declared carried with 66 for, 4 against and 17 abstentions.
For: County Councillors Karl Arthur, Alyson Baker, Philip Barrett, Derek Bastiman, Eric Broadbent, Nick Brown, John Cattanach, David Chance, Liz Colling, Mark Crane, Sam Cross, Gareth Dadd, Melanie Davis, Caroline Dickinson, Stephanie Duckett, Keane Duncan, Bridget Fortune, Richard Foster, Sam Gibbs, Caroline Goodrick, Tim Grogan, Michael Harrison, Paul Haslam, Robert Heseltine, Nathan Hull, David Ireton, George Jabbour, David Jeffels, Tom Jones, Mike Jordan, Nigel Knapton, Andrew Lee, Carl Les, Cliff Lunn, John Mann, Rich Maw, Heather Moorhouse, Simon Myers, Bob Packham, Andy Paraskos, Yvonne Peacock, Clive Pearson, Heather Phillips, Kirsty Poskitt, Jack Proud, Janet Sanderson, Karin Sedgwick, Subash Sharma, Steve Shaw-Wright, Andy Solloway, David Staveley, Neil Swannick, Roberta Swiers, Malcolm Taylor, Angus Thompson, Philip Trumper, Steve Watson, David Webster, John Weighell OBE, Greg White, Davie Whitfield, Annabel Wilkinson, Peter Wilkinson, Andrew Williams and Robert Windass.
Against: County Councillors Lindsay Burr MBE, Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff, John McCartney and Stuart Parsons.
Abstentions: County Councillors Chris Aldred, Joy Andrews, Philip Broadbank, Barbara Brodigan, Andy Brown, Kevin Foster, Hannah Gostlow, Bryn Griffiths, Janet Jefferson, Pat Marsh, Steve Mason, Andrew Murday, David Noland, Mike Schofield, Monika Slater, Matt Walker and Arnold Warneken.
Resolved -
That the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2023/24, the Revenue Budget for 2023/24 and Council Tax for 2023/24 be approved and that:
a) The Section 25 assurance statement provided by the Corporate Director, Strategic Resources regarding the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of the reserves (paragraph 8.12) and the risk assessment of the MTFS detailed in Section 9 are noted;
b) An increase in Council Tax of 4.99% (basic 2.99% and Adult Social Care 2%) resulting in a Band D weighted average charge of £1,759.96 – an increase of £83.64 (paragraph 4.3.8 and Appendix D);
c) In accordance with Section 31A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended by Section 74 of The Localism Act 2011), a Council Tax requirement for 2023/24 of £427,729,811.74 is approved;
d) A Net Revenue Budget for 2023/24, after use of reserves, of £623,458k (Section 5.0 and Appendix H) is approved;
e) In the event that the level of overall external funding (including from the final Local Government Settlement) results in a variance of less than £5m in 2023/24 then the difference to be addressed by a transfer to / from the Strategic Capacity Unallocated Reserve in line with paragraph 4.2.3 with such changes being made to Appendix F as appropriate.
f) The Corporate Director – Children and Young People’s Service is authorised, in consultation with the Corporate Director, Strategic Resources and the Executive Members for Schools and Finance, to take the final decision on the allocation of the Schools Budget including High Needs, Early Years and the Central Schools Services Block (paragraph 3.1.16).
g) The Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2023/24 to 2025/26, and its caveats, as laid out in Section 3.0 and Appendix G is approved in line with the proposed council tax option.
h) The Corporate Director – Environment is authorised, in consultation with the Executive Members for Highways & Transportation and Open for Business, to carry out all necessary actions, including consultation where considered appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (ENV1 to 6).
i) The Corporate Director – Community Development is authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning for Growth, to carry out all necessary actions, including consultation where considered appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (CDS 1).
j) The Corporate Director – Health and Adult Services is authorised, in consultation with the Executive Members for HAS, to carry out all necessary actions, including consultation where he considers it appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (HAS 1 to 3).
k) The Corporate Director – Children and Young People’s Services is authorised, in consultation with the Executive Members for CYPS, to carry out all necessary actions, including consultation where he considers it appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (CYPS 1 to 5).
l) The Chief Executive is authorised, in consultation with the Executive Members for Central Services, to carry out all necessary actions, including consultation where he considers it appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (CS 1 to 3).
m) Any outcomes requiring changes following Recommendations h), i), j), k) and l) above be brought back to the Executive to consider and, where changes are recommended to the existing major policy framework, then such matters to be considered by full Council.
n) The proposed policy target for the minimum level of the General Working Balance is £62m in line with Appendix E.
o) £900k be provided annually to provide for a Member Locality Budget at £10k per annum per Member as set out in paragraph 4.8.2.
p) £50k be provided annually for each Area Constituency Committee to commission works they feel appropriate for their local areas as set out in paragraph 4.8.3 and to delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Community Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning for Growth to determine application of the scheme.
That the delegation arrangements referred to in Section 11 are agreed and that the Corporate Directors are authorised to implement the Budget proposals contained in this report for their respective service areas and for the Chief Executive in those areas where there are cross-Council proposals.
That the introduction of a council tax premium of 100% on second homes following consultation subject to the legislation receiving Royal Assent as currently drafted is confirmed.
That Council will have regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty (identified in Section 7 and Appendix J) in approving the Budget proposals contained in this report.
Council Tax Resolution Report
The recommendation at pages 25 of the report (page 14034 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
A named vote was taken by roll call on the amendment regarding funding for environmental projects. The motion was declared defeated with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
For: County Councillors Chris Aldred, Joy Andrews, Karl Arthur, Alyson Baker, Philip Barrett, Derek Bastiman, Philip Broadbank, Eric Broadbent, Barbara Brodigan, Andy Brown, Nick Brown, Lindsay Burr MBE, John Cattanach, David Chance, Liz Colling, Mark Crane, Sam Cross, Gareth Dadd, Melanie Davis, Caroline Dickinson, Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff, Stephanie Duckett, Keane Duncan, Bridget Fortune, Kevin Foster, Richard Foster, Sam Gibbs, Caroline Goodrick, Hannah Gostlow, Bryn Griffiths, Tim Grogan, Michael Harrison, Paul Haslam, Robert Heseltine, Nathan Hull, David Ireton, George Jabbour, David Jeffels, Janet Jefferson, Tom Jones, Mike Jordan, Nigel Knapton, Andrew Lee, Carl Les, Cliff Lunn, John Mann, Pat Marsh, Steve Mason, Rich Maw, John McCartney, Heather Moorhouse, Andrew Murday, Simon Myers, David Noland, Bob Packham, Andy Paraskos, Stuart Parsons, Yvonne Peacock, Clive Pearson, Heather Phillips, Kirsty Poskitt, Jack Proud, John Ritchie, Janet Sanderson, Mike Schofield, Karin Sedgwick, Subash Sharma, Steve Shaw-Wright, Monika Slater, Andy Solloway, David Staveley, Neil Swannick, Roberta Swiers, Malcolm Taylor, Angus Thompson, Phil Trumper, Matt Walker, Arnold Warneken, Steve Watson, David Webster, John Weighell OBE, Greg White, Dave Whitfield, Annabel Wilkinson, Peter Wilkinson, Andrew Williams and Robert Windass.
Against: none.
Abstentions: none.
Resolved -
That the Council Tax Resolution be approved.
Capital Five Year Spending Plan and the Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24
These items were taken as one. The recommendation regarding the Capital Five Year Spending Plan at page 25 of the report (page 14034 of the Minute Book) and the recommendation regarding the Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24 at page 25 of the report (page 14034 of the Minute Book) were moved and seconded.
The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried, with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
That the Capital Five Year Spending Plan be approved:
a) Approve the consolidated Capital Plan summarised at Appendix A;
b) Note the next steps in transitioning to the new unitary council; and
c) Agree that no action be taken at this stage to allocate any additional capital resources (paragraph 6.7).
That the Treasury Management Strategy 2023/24 be approved:
a) The Treasury Management Strategy Statement at Annex 1, consisting of the Annual Treasury Management Strategy (Section 1), Capital Prudential Indicators (Section 2), Borrowing Strategy (Section 3) and Annual Investment Strategy 2023/24 (Section 4), including in particular;
i. an authorised limit for external debt of £652.1m in 2023/24;
ii. an operational boundary for external debt of £631.1m in 2023/24;
iii. the Prudential and Treasury Indicators based on the Council’s current and indicative spending plans for 2023/24 to 2025/26;
iv. a limit of £60m of the total cash sums available for investment (both in house and externally managed) to be invested in Non-Specified Investments over 365 days;
v. a Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy for debt repayment to be charged to Revenue in 2023/24;
vi. the Corporate Director – Strategic Resources to report to the Council if and when necessary during the year on any changes to this Strategy arising from the use of operational leasing, PFI or other innovative methods of funding not previously approved by the Council;
b) The Capital Strategy as attached as Annex 2;
c) The Debt Recovery Policy set out at Annex 3;
d) That the Audit Committee be invited to review Annex 1, 2 and 3 and submit any proposals to the Executive for consideration at the earliest opportunity.
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Council Plan 2023-2027
County Councillor David Chance noted that the wording of the recommendation in the report had been updated to reflect that County Council was the decision maker.
The recommendation at page 312 of the main agenda (page 14333 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried, with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
That the draft Council Plan be approved and that the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to make any necessary changes to the text, including reflecting decisions made by the County Council on the budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy, and updated performance data and key performance indicators.
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New Constitution for North Yorkshire Council
New Constitution for North Yorkshire Council
The recommendations at pages 384 to 385 of the report (pages 14405 to 14406 of the Minute Book) were moved and seconded.
County Councillor David Chance stated that the name of the new Council as specified in the recommendations at (i) should read ‘The North Yorkshire Council’ and not ‘North Yorkshire Council’ as indicted in the report, which was an error.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Bryn Griffiths and seconded by County Councillor Stuart Parsons, as per the Notice of Motion that was included in the agenda for the meeting at item 16, regarding time limits for questions and statements.
There followed a debate.
The vote was taken on the proposed amendment and the motion was declared defeated with 36 for, 51 against and no abstentions.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Andy Brown and seconded by County Councillor David Noland regarding the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules at page 662 in the agenda pack.
There followed a debate at the end of which it was agreed that the matter be referred to the Member Working Group on the Constitution for consideration and referral back to County Council.
County Councillor Kevin Foster withdrew an amendment that had previously been circulated to members in the Council Chamber regarding quoracy at meetings, as at page 600 in the agenda pack.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Andy Brown and seconded by County Councillor Stuart Parsons regarding the appointment of Chairs of Overview and Scrutiny Committees at page 662 in the agenda pack.
There followed a debate.
County Councillor Tim Grogan moved that the vote be taken now. This was seconded. The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 72 for, 15 against and no abstentions.
The vote was taken on the proposed amendment and the motion was declared defeated with 38 for, 47 against and 1 abstention.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Andy Brown and seconded by County Councillor Kevin Foster regarding the process for dealing with Motions, as at page 608 in the agenda pack.
The vote was taken on the proposed amendment and the motion was declared defeated with 33 for, 50 against and 2 abstentions.
County Councillor Andy Brown withdrew an amendment that had previously been circulated to members in the Council Chamber regarding the Terms of Reference for the Area Constituency Committees, as at page 511 in the agenda pack.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Andrew Murday and seconded by County Councillor Chris Aldred regarding the Terms of Reference for the Area Constituency Committees, as at page 509 in the agenda pack.
The vote was taken on the proposed amendment and the motion was declared carried with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Philip Broadbank and seconded by County Councillor Steve Shaw-Wright regarding a move to the committee system of decision making with effect from the May 2023 AGM.
The vote was taken on the proposed amendment and the motion was declared defeated with 35 for, 51 against and 1 abstention.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Stuart Parsons and seconded by County Councillor Andrew Williams regarding the Area Constituency Planning Committees have the right to elect their own Chairs and Vice Chairs.
There followed a debate.
County Councillor Andrew Lee moved that the vote be taken now. This was seconded. The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 55 for, 32 against and no abstentions.
The vote was taken on the proposed amendment and the motion was declared defeated with 40 for, 46 against and 1 abstention.
The vote was taken on the new Constitution for North Yorkshire Council, taking in account the amendments previously agreed, and declared carried with 54 for, 33 against and no abstentions.
County Councillor Stuart Parsons requested that his vote against the adoption of the Constitution be recorded in the minutes.
Resolved –
That, the new Constitution for the North Yorkshire Council be adopted and that:
The Chairman, County Councillor David Ireton, adjourned the meeting to recommence at 10.30am on Friday 24 February 2023.
The meeting was adjourned at 5.00pm.
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To consider the report and recommendations of the Executive and make decisions on them
The quarterly meeting of the County Council was reconvened at 10.32am on Friday 24 February 2023, having been adjourned from Wednesday 22 February 2023.
The Chairman, County Councillor David Ireton, made announcements and reminded members of the arrangements for the meeting.
Apologies were recorded from County Councillor John McCartney, Tony Randerson and Pat Marsh.
Report of the Member Working Group on Planning
The recommendations at page 848 of the agenda pack (pages 14869 to 14870 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 73 for, none against and 14 abstentions.
Resolved -
That:
1. A single local plan is prepared and progressed as far as possible within five years and:
a. Work on the new local plan should start as soon as possible b. A separate Minerals and Waste Local Plan is prepared c. The following plan reviews should be halted in order to focus resources on preparing a new Local Plan:
· Craven Local Plan · Hambleton Local Plan · Harrogate District Local Plan · Richmondshire Local Plan · Scarborough Borough Local Plan.
2. The following reviews should continue:
· Harrogate: Maltkiln New Settlement DPD · The Ryedale Plan · Selby Local Plan · Minerals and Waste Joint Plan
3. An Interim LDS, including key milestones and programme management arrangements, is prepared on the basis of the above recommendations
4. A specific report is prepared setting out the required evidence base and associated costs/resource to support the preparation of the new plan
5. Formal governance arrangements should also be established to oversee plan making ahead of transformational change.
be approved.
Admission Arrangements 2024/25
The recommendation at page 855 of the agenda pack (page 14870 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
That:
i) the proposed co-ordinated admission arrangements (Appendix 1) ii) the proposed co-ordinated in year admission arrangements (Appendix 1a) iii) the proposed admission policy for community and voluntary controlled schools (Appendix 2) iv) the proposed admission policy for nursery schools, schools with nursery classes and pre-reception classes, (Appendix 3) v) the proposed published admission numbers (PAN’s) for community and voluntary controlled schools as shown in appendices 4 (Primary) and 5 (Secondary)
be approved.
Housing Revenue Account Budget 2023/24
The recommendation at page 849 of the agenda pack (page 14870 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 84 for, 2 against and 1 abstention.
Resolved -
That:
a) the HRA budget for 2023/24 as set out in paragraph 4.3, being a net expenditure of £2,219k to be funded from the HRA working balance.
b) an increase of 7% be applied to social, affordable and hostel rents from 1 April 2023;
c) an increase of 2% be applied to shared ownership rents from 1 April 2023.
be approved.
North Yorkshire Council Pay Policy
The recommendation at page 850 of the agenda pack (page 14871 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
That the North Yorkshire Council Pay Policy for 2023/24 be approved for publication.
Counter Fraud Policies
The recommendation at page 850 of the agenda pack (page 14871 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
That the Counter Fraud Policies be approved.
Risk Management Policy
A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
That the Risk Management Policy be approved.
Approval of Appointment and Remuneration of Corporate Directors
The recommendation at page 851 of the agenda pack (page 14872 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
It was noted that the correct start date for Nic Harne was 6 March 2023.
A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
i) That the appointments of Gary Fielding as Corporate Director Resources and Karl Battersby as Corporate Director of Environment for North Yorkshire Council wef 1 April 2023 and the appointment of Nicholas Harne as Corporate Director Community Development for North Yorkshire Council wef 6 March 2023 be approved.
ii) That the proposed Chief Officer salary range from £129k to £150k, with 4 incremental progression points, (£129,000 to £133,967 to £139,125 to £144,481 to £150,044) be approved.
Devolution Deal for York and North Yorkshire – Consideration of consultation and decision whether to proceed
The recommendation at page 851 of the agenda pack (pages 14872 to 14873 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
There followed a debate.
It was moved and seconded that the vote be taken now. The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 81 for, 6 against and no abstentions.
A vote was taken on the substantive motion and it was declared carried with 68 for, 5 against and 14 abstentions.
County Councillor Stuart Parsons requested that his vote against the motion be recorded in the minutes.
Resolved -
That the following are approved:
i. The submission of a Consultation Summary Report to Government.
ii. The amendments to the Scheme and proposals for the operating model of the Combined Authority outlined in paragraphs 4.69 to 4.72, for submission to Government.
iii. The delegation of authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to undertake any action necessary to submit the Consultation Summary Report and Scheme to Government, in line with recommendations (i) and (ii).
iv. The amendments to the Terms of Reference for the York and North Yorkshire Joint Devolution Committee outlined in paragraphs 6.1 to 6.5 and attached at Appendix 2
v. The delegation of authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to undertake any action necessary to provide consent to the Order facilitating the creation of the Combined Authority in line with the scheme submitted to Government, as outlined in paragraphs 8.1 to 8.5.
Consider the outcome of the consultation on Taxi Licensing Policy and Conditions
The recommendation at page 852 of the agenda pack (page 14873 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
County Councillor Derek Bastiman noted that there were two additional recommendations from the Executive meeting on 21 February 2023, which were not included in the report to County Council, as below:
5. The LGR Licensing Members Working Group hold a further meeting in 3 months’ time to consider the draft public consultation arising from the development of an Inclusive Service Plan, and to provide an opportunity for all members to feed in proposals for any further revisions required to the new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
6. The license fees for any new applications and renewals for WAVs be waivered until such time as the Inclusive Service Plan is completed, and any subsequent changes to the Policy implemented.
County Councillor Yvonne Peacock left the room having previously declared an interest.
A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 86 for, 1 against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
That the following be approved:
1. to pass a resolution that the provisions of Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (other than section 45) shall be adopted within the administrative area of North Yorkshire Council, with effect on the 1 April 2023, with the caveat of the decision only taking effect if the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy has been adopted for the 1 April 2023; 2. Adopt the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy as shown in Appendix 1 of the report dated 7 February 2023, with the amendment identified in paragraph 2.4; 3. if adopted, to authorise the approval of minor and inconsequential amendments to the policy from time-to-time by a senior officer to reflect legislative changes or correct any inaccuracies; 4. if adopted to give approval for an Inclusive Service Plan to be implemented within 12 months of adoption. 5. The LGR Licensing Members Working Group hold a further meeting in 3 months’ time to consider the draft public consultation arising from the development of an Inclusive Service Plan, and to provide an opportunity for all members to feed in proposals for any further revisions required to the new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. 6. The license fees for any new applications and renewals for WAVs be waivered until such time as the Inclusive Service Plan is completed, and any subsequent changes to the Policy implemented.
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87 |
Admission Arrangements (school)
This was considered under agenda item 12 – the Report and Recommendations of the Executive.
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88 |
Independent Remuneration Panel Recommendations for 2023/24 (Member Allowances)
Independent Remuneration Panel Recommendations for 2023/24
The recommendations at page 916 of the agenda pack (page 14937 of the Minute Book) were moved and seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 84 for, 1 against and 2 abstentions.
Resolved –
That the following be approved:
a. A Basic Allowance for 2023/24 of £15,500 b. Special Responsibility Allowances as detailed in Appendix 3 c. That Councillors are invited to voluntarily return a proportion of their allowance if their attendance falls below a benchmark of 66%, except where there are mitigating circumstances such as illness, in line with the existing scheme for Councillors d. That, if there are any increases in the travel and subsistence rates payable to staff, a similar increase be made to the rates in the Members’ Allowances Scheme, to come into effect at the same time.
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89 |
Appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies
Appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies
The paper detailing all of the proposed appointments to the Strategic Planning Committee, the six Area Constituency Planning Committees, the General Licensing and Registration Committee, the Statutory Licensing Committee, the North York Moors National Park Authority and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority had been marked as ‘To Follow’ at the point that the papers for the County Council meeting were published. The paper was circulated to all councillors by email on 23 February 2023 and published on 24 February 2023.
The recommendation at paragraph 14 of the report was moved by County Councillor Carl Les and seconded.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Bryn Griffiths and seconded that County Councillor Mike Schofield replace County Council Chris Aldred on the General Licensing and Registration Committee and the Statutory Licensing Committee.
The vote was taken and the amendments unanimously supported.
A paper was circulated to all councillors by email on 23 February 2023 with the proposed Chairs and Vice Chairs of the planning and licensing committees.
The recommendations were moved by County Councillor Carl Les and seconded.
An amendment was moved by County Councillor Andy Brown and seconded by County Councillor David Noland proposing County Councillor Andy Brown as Vice Chair of the Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency planning Committee.
The vote was taken and the motion defeated with 26 for, 51 against and no abstentions.
The vote was taken on the substantive recommendations and declared carried, with 87 for, none against and no abstentions.
Resolved -
Appointments to the Strategic Planning Committee, the six Area Constituency Planning Committees, the General Licensing and Registration Committee, the Statutory Licensing Committee, the North York Moors National Park Authority and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority as below:
Strategic Planning Committee
Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Planning Committee
Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency Planning Committee
Richmond (Yorks) Area Constituency Planning Committee
Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Planning Committee
Thirsk and Malton Area Constituency Planning Committee
Scarborough and Whitby Area Constituency Planning Committee
General Licensing and Registration Committee
Statutory Licensing Committee
North York Moors National Park Authority
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority
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90 |
Statements of Executive Members and Chairmen of Overview and Scrutiny Committees
Statements of Executive Members, in the order set out below, followed by the Statements of the Chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
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91 |
Executive Member for Corporate Services - County Councillor David Chance
County Councillor David Chance, Executive Member for Corporate Services, made a statement and answered questions. A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 14966 to 14970).
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92 |
Executive Member for Highways and Transportation - County Councillor Keane Duncan
County Councillor Keane Duncan, Executive Member for Highways and Transportation, made a statement and answered questions. A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 14972 to 14973).
The Chairman, County Councillor David Ireton, adjourned the meeting of the County Council for lunch at 1.00pm.
The meeting was reconvened at 1.45pm.
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93 |
Executive Member for Health and Adult Services - County Councillor Michael Harrison
County Councillor Michael Harrison, Executive Member for Health and Adult Services, made a statement and answered questions. A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 14974 to 14975).
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94 |
Executive Member for Planning for Growth - County Councillor Simon Myers
County Councillor Simon Myers, Executive Member for Planning for Growth, made a statement. A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appears in the Minute Book (page 14976).
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95 |
Executive Member for Children and Young People's Service - County Councillor Janet Sanderson
County Councillor Janet Sanderson, Executive Member for Children’s Services, made a statement, a summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 14978 to 14982).
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96 |
Executive Member for Working in Localities - County Councillor Greg White
County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Working in localities, made a statement and answered questions. A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 14984 to 14990).
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97 |
Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills - County Councillor Annabel Wilkinson
County Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, Executive Member for Education and Skills, answered questions. A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 14992 to 14994).
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98 |
Executive Member for Finance, Assets and Resources and Special Projects - County Councillor Gareth Dadd
County Councillor Gareth Dadd, Executive Member for Finance and Assets and Special Projects, made a statement and answered questions. A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appears in the Minute Book (page 14996).
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99 |
Executive Member for Open to Business - County Councillor Derek Bastiman
County Councillor Derek Bastiman, Executive Member for Open to Business, answered questions. A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 14998 to 14999).
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100 |
Scrutiny Board (Chair: County Councillor Karin Sedgwick)
The written statement of County Councillor Karin Sedgwick having previously been circulated, and which appears in the Minute Book (page 15000), was noted.
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101 |
Scrutiny of Health (Chair: County Councillor Andrew Lee)
The written statement of County Councillor Andrew Lee having previously been circulated, and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 15002 to 15004), was noted.
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102 |
Transport, Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Chair: County Councillor David Staveley)
The written statement of County Councillor David Staveley having previously been circulated, and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 15006 to 15007), was noted.
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103 |
Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Chair: County Councillor Barbara Brodigan)
The written statement of County Councillor Barbara Brodigan having previously been circulated, and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 15008 to 15010), was noted.
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104 |
Transition (LGR) Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Chair: County Councillor Malcolm Taylor)
The written statement of County Councillor Malcolm Taylor having previously been circulated, and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 15012 to 15013), was noted.
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105 |
Care and Independence Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Chair: County Councillor Karin Sedgwick)
The written statement of County Councillor Karin Sedgwick having previously been circulated, and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 15014 to 15016), was noted.
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106 |
Corporate and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Chair: County Councillor David Ireton)
The written statement of County Councillor David Ireton having previously been circulated, and which appears in the Minute Book (page 15018), was noted.
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107 |
Notices of Motion
The Chairman, County Councillor David Ireton, noted that the Motion regarding the Constitution has been dealt with as an amendment to agenda item 11.
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108 |
Motion on Fairer Tax - Recommendation from the Executive
Response to the Motion referred from County Council on Fair Tax to the Executive at the meeting of the County Council on 16 November 2023
The motion was moved by County Councillor Liz Colling and seconded by County Councillor Neil Swannick.
There was a debate at the end of which the vote was taken. The motion was declared carried with 74 for, none against and no abstentions.
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109 |
Motion on Fracking Activities - Recommendation from the Executive
Response to the Motion referred from County Council on fracking activities for oil and gas in North Yorkshire that was referred to the Executive at the meeting of the County Council on 16 November 2023
The motion was moved by County Councillor Bryn Griffiths and seconded by County Councillor Arnold Warneken.
County Councillor Steve Mason left the room having previously declared an interest.
County Councillor Bryn Griffiths requested that the debate upon the motion be deferred to the May AGM to enable further investigation to be undertaken on the legal matters arising.
The Chairman, County Councillor David Ireton, ruled that the matter be dealt with at the meeting today.
There was a debate at the end of which the vote was taken. The motion was declared defeated with 25 for, 44 against and 5 abstentions.
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110 |
Use of special urgency procedures since the last meeting of County Council - Report of the Leader
The report on the Use of Special Urgency Procedures since the last meeting of the County Council in November 2022 was considered and the recommendation at page 1013 of the agenda pack (page 15046 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.
Resolved –
That the report on the Use of Special Urgency Procedures since the last meeting of the County Council in November 2022, be noted.
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111
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Council Procedure Rule 10 Questions
There were no Council Procedure Rule 10 questions.
The Chairman, County Councillor David Ireton, noted that this was the last Full Council meeting of North Yorkshire County Council.
The meeting ended at 3pm. |