North Yorkshire Council
Standards and Governance Committee
Minutes of the remote meeting held on Monday, 15th July, 2024 commencing at 10.00 am.
Councillor Clive Pearson in the Chair, plus Councillors Nick Brown, Heather Phillips, Monika Slater, David Ireton, Nigel Knapton and Peter Wilkinson.
Councillors Sam Cross and Andy Solloway attended remotely.
In attendance: Councillor George Jabbour .
Officers present: Barry Khan, Jennifer Norton, Elizabeth Jackson and Kerry Russett and
Christine Phillipson.
Other Attendees: Roy Martin, Independent Person for Standards. .
Apologies: Councillor Melanie Davis and Independent Person Hilary Gilbertson .
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Copies of all documents considered are in the Minute Book
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Welcome and Introductions
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Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Councillor Melanie Davis and Independent Person Hilary Gilbertson.
Councillor Sam Cross attended remotely.
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Declarations of Interest
There were none.
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Harrogate and Scarborough Community Governance Review
Considered –
The report of the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services presenting the final recommendations for new town councils to be created for Harrogate and Scarborough, along with proposed minor amendments to parish boundaries in Scarborough affecting three parish councils.
Following presentation of the report Members raised the following:
· Harrogate consisting of single member ward was generally agreed but it was noted that this was the start of the process and the LGBR review in 2027 would also prove a starting point. · The suggestion of multi member wards in Scarborough was of concern as a number of members felt this was not a workable option. It was pleasing to members that the boundaries had been tidied up. · It was asked how many of the respondents to the consultation were from Scarborough residents. The report noted the results of the consultation and supported the opinion that the response rate was not huge. · It was generally agreed across the Committee that the process should not be delayed any longer and we should press ahead.
It was proposed by Councillor Nigel Knapton and seconded by Councillor Heather Phillips that an amendment be made to the report to recommend a single member warding pattern for Scarborough. Upon taking a vote, this was approved unanimously. This will result in amendments being made to recommendation ii)B (5) and (7) at section 15.0 of the main report.
It was then proposed by Councillor Nigel Knapton and seconded by Councillor Monica Slater that the recommendations, as amended, then be made to Full Council on 24th July 2024. Upon taking a vote, this was agreed unanimously.
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Councillor Peacock Dispensation
Considered-
A report of the Monitoring Officer concerning a dispensation request from Councillor Yvonne Peacock. This request was for four years from today’s date and would allow her to speak and vote at meetings of the Housing and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee and full Council regarding community led housing and the ‘policy on second home extra council tax to spend on housing. A copy of Councillor Peacock’s application was attached to the report. She believed the application would satisfy the appropriate criteria, namely that the granting of the dispensation would be in the interests of persons living in the authority’s area.
Councillor Peacock states that she is a Director on the Upper Dales Community Land Trust which covers the Upper Dales which has over 640 second homes. She states that she has been heavily involved in delivering the building of homes in the Upper Dales and has detailed knowledge of the difficulties and barriers facing the delivery of affordable homes in rural areas. Councillor Peacock feels she could usefully inform any debate on these issues and is seeking a dispensation to enable her to fully participate in council business relating to these issues.
Councillor Peacock has indicated that she is seeking the dispensation in order to inform relevant debate and would not participate in any vote required on direct funding to the Trust.
Members discussed the request, and the following issues were raised: • It was clarified that Members were required to declare at meetings that they had been given a dispensation when an issue arose relating to that matter. • It was questioned and clarified in relation to the nature of the dispensation, i.e., to participate in debate. • It was discussed if a separate dispensation be required for the National Park area and whether that falls within the Local Plan. • The dispensation to be granted for a full four years which would carry over into the new Term of Office post May 2027. • It was considered wise of Councillor Peacock to request the dispensation.
Resolved
That the dispensation request for Councillor Yvonne Peacock be approved, as set out in the report.
Voting Record Unanimous
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Urgent Business
There was no urgent business.
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Date of the Next Meeting
The next meeting is on Friday 6th September 2024 @2pm in the Brierley Room.
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Public Participation
There were no public questions or statements.
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The meeting concluded at 10.30 am.