Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Biederman, Bulled, Davis, Leaver, Orange, Phillips, Prowse and Saxby.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 January 2022 (circulated previously) be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(a)  Chairs Civic Service: 27 February 2022

The Chair reminded Councillors that it was her Civic Service on Sunday 27 February 2022 and asked if that any Councillors who had not yet responded to the invitation to do so to either herself or the Senior Corporate and Community Services Officer this evening.

(b)  Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Green Canopy

The Chair advised that she was taking part in a number of tree planting ceremonies as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Green Canopy around North Devon in parks, care homes and some schools.  She encouraged other local communities to become involved.

(c)  Western Power Distribution

The Chair passed on the Council’s sincere gratitude to Western Power’s hard work in re-instating power at homes in all weathers following the recent disruptions caused by Storm Eunice.

There were no items of business brought forward by or with the consent of the Chair.

There were no questions submitted by the Public, or Petitions received under part 4 of the Council Procedure Rules, Paragraph 8 and 9 of the Constitution.

(a)  To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Wilkinson (background paper attached).

“This Council declares an urgent need for Ocean Recovery.

We recognise that we need ocean recovery to meet our net zero carbon targets, and we need net zero carbon to recover our ocean.

This Council pledges to:

1.    Report to Full Council within twelve months on the actions and projects that will help with an ocean recovery in North Devon.

2.    Consider ocean recovery in our strategic decisions, plans, budgets and approaches to decisions by the Council (particularly in planning, regeneration, skills and economic policy), aligning with climate change mitigation and adaptation requirements, and considering ocean-based solutions in our journey towards a carbon neutral and climate resilient future.

3.    Ensure that the Local Nature Recovery Strategy strives to support ocean recovery.

4.    Work with partners locally to deliver increased sustainability in marine industries and develop a sustainable and equitable blue economy that delivers ocean recovery and local prosperity.

5.    Communication through our social media of actions which are being taken to aid ocean recovery progress, signpost ocean literacy development opportunities, and marine citizenship pledges.

6.    Write to the Government asking them to put the ocean into net recovery by 2030 by

a)    Ensuring Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities and Natural England have the resources they need to effectively research and monitor our growing number of marine protected areas, and to set and enforce appropriate fishing levels that support local economies and deliver environmental sustainability.

b)    Ensuring coastal communities have a meaningful say in the development of marine policy to ensure it delivers equitable and sustainable outcomes.

c)    Appoint a dedicated Minister for Coastal Communities.

d)    And by listening to marine scientific advice, including marine social science, to update the Marine Policy Statement and produce a national Ocean Recovery Strategy which will:

i. Enable the recovery of marine ecosystems rather than managing degraded or altered habitats in their reduced state.

ii. Consider levelling up, marine conservation, energy, industrial growth, flood and coastal erosion risk management, climate adaptation and fisheries policy holistically rather than as competing interests.

iii. Develop a smarter approach to managing the health of the entire ocean that moves beyond Marine Protected Areas and enables links to be made across sectors towards sustainability.

iv. Establish improved processes for understanding the benefits of ocean recovery, leaving no doubt the links between this and human lives, livelihoods, and wellbeing.

v. Stop plastic pollution at source by strengthening the regulations around single-use plastics and set standards for microfibre-catching filters to ensure that all new domestic and commercial washing machines are fitted with a filter that captures a high percentage of microfibres produced in the wash cycle.”

(b)  To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Lofthouse (background paper and supporting letter attached).

“Motion to support the re-instatement of Bideford to Barnstaple rail link for passenger and other services, as proposed by ACE Rail.

This Council agrees to:

1)    Include this policy aim within  ...  view the full agenda text for item 104.

(a)  To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Wilkinson

Councillor Wilkinson presented his notice of motion to Council.

It was moved by Councillor Wilkinson and seconded by Councillor Yabsley “that the notice of motion be referred to the Strategy and Resources Committee for consideration”.

RESOLVED that the notice of motion be referred to the Strategy and Resources Committee for consideration.

(b)  To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Lofthouse

Councillor Lofthouse presented his notice of motion to Council.

It was moved by Councillor Lofthouse and seconded by Councillor Walker “that the notice of motion be referred to the Strategy and Resources Committee for consideration.

RESOLVED that the notice of motion be referred to the Strategy and Resources Committee for consideration.

(NB. Members only need to re-declare any interests previously declared at Committee and Sub-Committee meetings if the item is discussed at Council).

There were no declarations of interest received.

There were no questions received by Members submitted under Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, Paragraph 10 of the Constitution.

Report by Leader of the Council (attached).

Council considered and noted a report by the Leader of the Council (circulated previously) regarding work that had been undertaken since the last Council meeting.

The Leader updated Council on devolutions discussions that were taking place with Devon County Council, Torbay Council and other District Councils.  An update would be provided at the next Strategy and Resources Committee on 7 March 2022 and he invited Members to attend that meeting.

It was agreed that if any other Members of the Council wished to attend the meeting on Strategy and Resources Committee on 7 March 2022 that they attend virtually.

Questions to the Leader or the Chair of a Committee submitted under Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, paragraph 10.4 of the Constitution.

There were no questions submitted by Members to the Leader or the Chair of a Committee under Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, paragraph 10.4 of the Constitution.

(NOTE: A copy of the report that was considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee on 7 February 2022 is attached).

Council considered the Performance and Financial Management report for Quarter 3 of 2021/22 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 7 February 2022 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 10 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor D. Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Performance and Financial Management for Quarter 3 of 2021/22 to the Policy Development Committee on 10 February 2022 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor Worden, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee on the Performance and Financial Management for Quarter 3 of 2021/22 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Worden and seconded by Councillor Bushell “that minute 104 (f) of the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 regarding the Performance and Financial for Quarter 3 of 2021/22 be adopted.”

Councillor Worden advised Council that it was a very encouraging report and thanked the Finance team for their hard work.

RESOLVED that minute 104 (f) of the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 regarding the Performance and Financial for Quarter 3 of 2021/22 be adopted.

(NOTE: A copy of the report that was considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee on 7 February 2022 is attached).

Council considered the Review of Fees and Charges for Services 2022/23 report to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 7 February 2022 (circulated previously).

To receive the Pannier Market Traders Committee consultation response (attached).

Council received the Pannier Market Traders Committee consultation response (circulated previously).

The Director of Resources advised that the Pannier Market Traders Committee had requested that the Pannier Market fees not be increased. He advised that both the Strategy and Resources Committee and Policy Development Committee had recommended that the Pannier Market fees were not increased.

To receive the report of the meeting of the Harbour Board held on 1 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor Fowler, Chair of the Harbour Board presented the report of the meeting of the Harbour Board held on 1 February 2022 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 10 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor D. Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the review of Fees and Charges for services 2022/23 to the Policy Development Committee on 10 February 2022 (circulated previously).

The Director of Resources confirmed that the Policy Development Committee at its meeting on 10 February 2022 had endorsed the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022.

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor Worden, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee on the review of Fees and Charges for Services 2022/23 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Worden and seconded by Councillor York “that minute 105 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 regarding the Review of Fees and Charges for Services 2022/23 be adopted.”

RESOLVED that minute 105 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 regarding the Review of Fees and Charges for Services 2022/23 be adopted.

(NOTE: A copy of the report that was considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee on 7 February 2022 is attached). Budget Book 2022/23 (attached).

Councillor Worden, provided an introduction to the Revenue Budget 2022/23, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022-23 to 2027/28 to Council which had been considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee and Policy Development Committee.  He thanked the Director of Resources and the Finance Team for producing a balanced budget.

Council received a presentation by the Director of Resources regarding the Revenue Budget 2022/23, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022-23 to 2027/28 (circulated previously).

The Director of Resources advised Council that a copy of the presentation had also been circulated to all Members via email.

·       Government Finance Settlement December 2021.  The Revenue Support Grant and baseline funding was predominantly the same as for 2021/22. The Rural Services Delivery grant was same as for 2021/22. The New Homes Bonus (Medium Term Financial Strategy refresh assumed £812,000 which was legacy payment of £435,000 plus approximately £400,000 for 2022/23.  The actual New Homes Bonus award was £1.45m. Lower Tier Services grant of £134,000 had been retained in the funding.  The Government had previously advised that this grant would only be received for 2021/22.  New “Services” grant had been provided of £206,000 for a one year period only.  All Covid 19 additional grant support had been removed.  

·       In relation to Council Tax, a referendum was required for Shire Districts if the Authority set an increase of 2% (or more than 2%), or more than £5, whichever was greater. The draft revenue budget for 2022/23 assumed an increase of £5.  The overall council Tax income would increase by £244,000 of which £172,000 came from the additional £5 and £72,000 from the increase in Council Tax base.

·       The draft budget factored in £1.750m for retained income growth for Business Rates.  The Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) assumed £1.8m which was made up of £1.2m National Non Domestic Rates growth, Renewable Energy schemes of £400,000 and Devon pool retained income of £200,000.       

·       Analysis of national Local Government funding from 2012/13 to 2022/23.  Funding had reduced from £28.1billion in 2012/13 to £18.5billion in 2019/20 which was a 34% cut. There had been rises in funding since 2019/20, the largest in 2021/22 to 2022/23 of £2.1billion which reduced the overall cut to 20%.

·       Core Spending Power analysis by region and authority type for England.  

·       The MTFS model had been refreshed in October 2021 based upon: the Fair Funding Review which had been planned for 2022/23 had now slipped by one year to 2023/24 and the New Homes Bonus Review that had been planned for 2022/23 which had now slipped to 2023/24.  The MTFS refresh had not included: any financial net benefit of further reviews to service areas; income generation and net revenue gains through projects form the Commercialisation Strategy; any new Business Rates growth following the 2023/24 Fair Funding Review; and review and/or price increases to income streams. 

·       New Homes Bonus provisional level of funding of £1,451,083 for 2022/23.  The level of funding 2021/22 was £1,354,430.  The MTFS assumed £812,000 for 2022/23, therefore, there was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 10 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor D. Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Revenue Budget 2022/23, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 to 2027/28 to the Policy Development Committee on 10 February 2022 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor Worden, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the Committee’s recommendations on the Revenue Budget 2022/23, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 to 2027/28 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 7 February 2022 (circulated previously).

It was proposed by Councillor Wilkinson and seconded by Councillor Bushell “that the recommendations in minutes 106 (f) to (j) of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 in relation to the Revenue Budget 2022/23, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 to 2027/28 be adopted and that the proposed increase in coastal car park fees only be accepted if a solid agreement was in place with Devon County Council to provide additional parking enforcement officers to monitor and enforce parking on County highways in coastal areas and confirmation of this agreement be brought back to the Strategy and Resources Committee for consideration prior to any car parking fees being increased”.

In response to questions, the Director of Resources advised the following:

·       The proposed increase in 17 additional full time equivalent staff would be distributed across a number of teams. 4 posts would be apprentices and 13 would be new substantive posts.

·       The Council received a small amount of recycling credits back from Devon County Council for recycling green waste. The net cost of providing the green waste collection service to the Council was £47 per household.  The Council currently charged £40. Therefore the service was currently being subsidised by Council Tax payers.  By increasing the fee to £45 would almost cover the Council costs to provide the service. Other Devon Local Authorities were already charging £45 and Torridge District Council would be charging £50 in 2023/24.

·       Borrowing costs were built into financial modelling. When the Tarka Leisure Centre scheme was approved in 2019, the borrowing costs were built into the overall cost of the project.  Forecast borrowing modelling was used for both the Tarka Leisure Centre and Green Lanes Shopping Centre schemes and an estimated increase in borrowing rates was included within the modelling. The interest rates for long term borrowing over a 40-50 year period did not change at such a high rate compared to short term borrowing.  The forecast borrowing model assumed a higher rate of interest.

·       The Pilotage boat served the estuaries between the rivers Taw and Torridge and was used to assist the larger boats.  The costs were shared with Torridge District Council.

 In response to questions, the Chief Executive advised the following:

·       If Council approved the proposed increase in coastal car parks during the summer months, then the Council would receive the additional income to enable enforcement to be undertaken by either Devon County Council or North Devon Council. Discussions had taken place with Devon County Council regarding North Devon Council increasing its staff and having the authority to enforce on street parking also.  Additional enforcement would only be undertaken if the proposed increase in coastal car park fees was approved.

Council noted that in accordance with the Local Authorities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111b

RESOLVED that it being 8.45 pm the meeting be adjourned for a five minute comfort break.

RESOLVED that it being 8.50 pm the meeting be reconvened.

Councillors Gubb, Ley and Patrinos left the meeting.

(NOTE: A copy of the report that was considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 is attached).

 Council considered a report by the Director of Resources regarding the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2022/23 (circulated previously).

The Director of Resources highlighted the following:

·       Capital Prudential Indicators for 2022/23 and the impact of the capital expenditure and financing. In 2021/22, the net financing need for the year was estimated at £18.065m.

·       The Council’s Capital Financing Requirement was a key indicator. The projected Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) for 2024/25 was £35.4m.

·       In the current financial environment it was prudent to use internal borrowing from reserves and cash balances to fund the CFR to offset some of the borrowing need. A further £12m of external borrowing may be required in 2022/23 to support the approved capital programme, taking the total projected external borrowing to £22.5m for 2022/23.

·       From October 2021 the Council entered a vehicle leasing programme with SFS and currently had circa £1.2m of finance leases within the CFR.

·       Two key Treasury Indicators: the operational boundary and authorised borrowing limit. Borrowing interest rates as detailed on page 238 of the report.

·       Investment Strategy – there were no proposed changes to the investments with investment limits as detailed in page 245 and Appendix A of the report

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 10 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor D. Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2022/23 to the Policy Development Committee on 10 February 2022 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor Worden, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee on the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2022/23 circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Worden and seconded by Councillor Henderson “that minute 108 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 regarding the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2022/23 be adopted.”

RESOLVED that minute 108 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 regarding the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2022/23 be adopted.

(NOTE: A copy of the report that was considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 is attached).

Council considered a report by the Director of Resources regarding the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2022 to 2032 (circulated previously).

The Director of Resources highlighted the following:

·       The Capital Strategy was a high level review of the corporate priorities, capital investment ambition, available resources, affordability and risk management in the context of ensuring the long term financial sustainability of this authority.

·       The Capital Strategy contained the medium (MTFS) and long term strategies in relation to capital funding and affordability.

·       The Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) was predicted to remain at a high level but would decrease over the longer term.

·       The cost for external borrowing was set to remain above £1.5m over the long term period.

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 10 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor D. Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2022 to 2032 to the Policy Development Committee on 10 February 2022 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 (attached).

Councillor Worden, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee on the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2022 to 2032 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Lofthouse and seconded by Councillor Bushell “that minute 109 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 regarding the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2022 to 2032 be adopted.”

RESOLVED that minute 109 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 7 February 2022 regarding the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2022 to 2032 be adopted.

Report by Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive (attached).

Council considered a report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive (circulated previously) regarding the Council Tax Resolutions for 2022/23.

The Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive highlighted the following:

·       Devon County Council at its meeting on 17 February 2022 had approved a Council Tax increase of 2.99%, which was in line with the report.

·       Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority were unable to meet on 18 February 2022, but did meet on 21 February 2022.  Confirmation had been received that the Authority had approved a Council Tax increase of 1.99% which was in line with the report.

·       The Government had recently announced guidance regarding Council Tax energy rebates.  Information regarding the rebate would be included within the leaflet to be sent out with the Council Tax bills.  Rebates would start to be paid in April 2022 and those paying by direct debits would receive their rebates quicker as the Council already held their bank details.

It was moved by Councillor Tucker and seconded by Councillor Worden “that the formal Council Tax Resolutions for 2022/23 as set out in Appendix A of the report be approved.”

In response to a question, the Director of Resources advised the following:

·       The Council included information on its website regarding “scams” and advice that the Council does not make direct contact via phone calls to  the public to obtain personal details.

Council noted that in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 which came into force on 25 February 2014 and the Constitution, Council was required to take a recorded vote when setting its budget and Council Tax.

Voting on the motion:

Voting for the motion: Councillors Barker, Bushell, Campbell, Cann, Davies, Fowler, Henderson, Hunt, Knight, Lofthouse, Lovering, Mack, Mackie, Pearson, Roome, D. Spear, L. Spear, Topham, Topps, Tucker, Turton, Walker, Wilkinson, Worden, Yabsley and York.

Voting against the motion: Councillor Lane

Abstained from voting: None

Totals: 26 For, 1 Against and 0 Abstained.

The motion was therefore carried.

RESOLVED that the formal Council Tax Resolutions for 2022/23 as set out in Appendix A of the report be approved.

Lead Member for Climate Change to report.

Council received an update from the Lead Member for Climate Change.  He provided an update on the work of the Climate Action Team and in relation to the provision of rapid chargers. He advised that North Devon Homes had been successful in becoming more energy efficient and would be providing a report to Members regarding the Council becoming more self-sufficient with energy.  An update would be emailed to all Members.

In response to a question, the Director of Resources advised that the Council had been awarded a £12,000 Government grant to start making Council buildings more energy efficient.  Officers were currently in the process of exploring options to reduce energy usage in Council buildings.

It was moved by Councillor Roome and seconded by Councillor Tucker “that the update report be noted”.

RESOLVED that the update report be noted.

Council is recommended to note the schedule of Committee minutes and approve recommendations as listed below:

(i)             1 February 2022

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Harbour Board (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             1 February 2022

(i)             18 January 2022

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Licensing and Community Safety Committee (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             18 January 2022

(i)             12 January 2022

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Planning Committee (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             12 January 2022

(i)             6 January 2022

(ii)            10 February 2022 (attached)

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Policy Development Committee (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             6 January 2022

(ii)            10 February 2022

(i)             7 February 2022

(A) Minute 102 (c): Approval and Release of Section 106 Public Open Space Funds – Georgeham and Lee Bay

(B) Minute 110: Council Tax Discounts

(C) Minute 111: Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2022/23

RESOLVED that the following minutes of the Strategy and Resources Committee (circulated previously) be noted and adopted as follows:

(i)             7 February 2022

(A) Minute 102 (c): Approval and Release of Section 106 Public Open Space Funds – Georgeham and Lee Bay

(B) Minute 110: Council Tax Discounts

(C) Minute 111: Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2022/23