(a)  To consider the following question submitted by Tanya Rebel to the Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Climate and  Biodiversity

“How does the 5G rollout, which has a considerable Carbon and Ecological Footprint, square with the NDDC Climate and Ecological Emergency Declaration and what measures are being taken to protect Humans (in particular the Electro Hypersensitive) as well as Wildlife from harm caused by Electrosmog? Biological harm from non-ionising Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has been verified in tens of thousands of peer-reviewed studies. 

NB: The average consumption of a 5G monopole is similar to that of approximately 74 domestic houses.”

(b)  To consider the following question submitted by Glynis Walker to the Leader of the Council

“Why were the 5G Masts rolled out at Sainsburys and NDDH without informed Consent, which is necessary in UN Law. Stop ruling by Government Narrative and listen to us. I was at a well attended meeting of the North Devon Residents Association on Wednesday, all those present voted against 5G

Lloyds of London will not cover any EMF Damages.  Former President of Microsoft Canada Frank Clegg says there are no safety studies regarding Health Implications and not a single study stating that 5G is safe.

I need a copy of the Independent Strategic Health & Environmental Impact Assessment from you.”

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

Motion: support for our MP Ian Roome’s campaign and North Devon District hospital

“This Council recognises the vital work that North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) plays in providing essential healthcare services to our communities.  Since completion in 1979 NDDH has been the Uks most isolated mainland hospital serving not only North Devon but our friends across Exmoor, Torridge and North Cornwall.   Over decades it has won awards for its dynamic and flexible to an ever changing demographic and political landscape.

However, the hospitals ageing infrastructure now presents significant barriers to meeting the growing healthcare needs of our residents.  The 2019 pledge to rebuild NDDH was welcome, but whilst we respect that these were promises made in haste and without funding, we must respect that the remoteness of our hospital deserves to be a serious consideration when prioritising rebuilding and renovating efforts.

Now 6 years after an election promise that North Devon would see one of the 40 new hospitals.  We find that we must wait upwards of 2 decades to see delivery of this vital infrastructure and investment in our community.  In light of these concerns this Council fully supports Ian Roomes campaign to expedite the redevelopment of North Devon District Hospital.  Delays risk further straining local services, exacerbating workforce challenges (including the workforce of NDC)and compromising patient care.

This Council believes that the government has a duty to ensure that rural communities like ours are not left behind in healthcare provision.  A revitalised modern NDDH is essential for improving outcomes, addressing health inequalities and attracting and retaining the skilled healthcare professionals we so urgently need.

Therefore this Council resolves to:

1.    Write to the Health Minister Mr Wes Streeting MP, cc'ing Cllr Ian Roome MP in order to express the urgent need to reconsider the timescale involved in supplying genuine changes to our hospital.

2.    Commit to working with healthcare partners, local MPs and community representatives to highlight the importance of timely action to rebuild NDDH

3.    This council reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the health and wellbeing of all it's residents in North Devon.  This Council owes it to our community, our healthcare professionals and future generations to ensure that NDDH remains a centre of excellence, with modern facilities that match the dedication of those who work there.  This is not just an investment in infrastructure but an investment in the health and resilience of `North Devon.”

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

Motion on Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI)

“Council notes that:

·       The 1995 Pensions Act increased the State Pension age for women from 60 to 65, with the 2011 Pensions Act increasing it again to 66.

·       The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was guilty of maladministration, through its failure to properly inform women of the changes, which left them little time to make alternative retirement plans.

·       Approximately 3.6  ...  view the full agenda text for item 6.

Please telephone the Corporate and Community Services team to prepare a form for your signature before the meeting. Interests must be re-declared when the item is called. A declaration of interest under the Code of Conduct will be a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, an Other Registrable Interest or a Non-Registrable Interest.  If the item directly relates to your interest you must declare the interest and leave the room for the item, save in the case of Other Registrable Interests or Non-Registrable Interests where you may first speak on the item as a member of the public if provision has been made for the public to speak.  If the matter does not directly relate to your interest but still affects it then you must consider whether you are affected to a greater extent than most people and whether a reasonable person would consider your judgement to be clouded, if you are then you must leave the room for the item (although you may speak as a member of the public if provision has been made for the public to speak) or, if you are not, then you can declare the interest but still take part).

Superintendent Toby Davies, North and West Local Policing Area Commander to report.

Report by Leader of the Council (attached).

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

Report by Lead Member for Commercialisation and Resources (attached).

Report by Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 (attached).

To receive the report fo the Policy Development Committee held on 13 February 2025 (attached).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 (attached).

Report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 (attached).

To consider the recommendation of the meeting of the Harbour Board held on 11 February 2025 (attached).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 13 February 2025 (attached).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 (attached).

Report by Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 (attached).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 13 February 2025 (attached).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 (attached).

Report by Head of Governance to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 (attached).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 13 February 2025 (attached).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 (attached).

Report by Head of Governance to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 (attached)

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 13 February 2025 (attached).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 (attached).

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

Report by Member Development Working Group (attached).

Report by Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer (attached).

Report by Head of Organisational Development (attached).

To consider the appointment of a deputy Member to the Local Government Association Coastal Special Interest Group to replace former Councillor Renshaw for the life of Council and that attendance at meetings be an approved duty.

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

(i)             23 January 2025

(i)             24 January 2025 (to follow).

(i)             13 January 2025

(ii)            13 February 2025 (to follow)

(A)      Minute 68: Revenue Budget 2025-26, Capital Programme and  

      Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025-26 to 2030-31 (to follow).

(i)             3 February 2025

Nil.