Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bulled, Denton, D. Knight, P. Leaver, Lovering, Orange and Whitehead.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2024 (circulated previously) be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(a)  Chair’s Valentine Charity Ball – 10 February 2024

The Chair thanked those Councillors that had attended her Valentine Charity Ball held on 10 February 2024 and advised that over £5,000 had been raised which would be split between the North Devon Hospice and the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity.  Representatives from both charities would be invited to the meeting of Council in March 2024 to be presented with a cheque.

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

There were no questions submitted by the Public and/or to receive Petitions under Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, Paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Constitution.

There were no motions of which notice had been submitted by Members in accordance with Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, Paragraph 11 of the Constitution to be considered.

(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 submitted by Members 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.

He advised that at the recent local businesses support event held at the NODE centre, businesses were advised of grants that were available, which included grants for improvements to be carried out on shop frontages.  This grants scheme was being administered by North Devon+ and there were still funds available if any Councillors were aware of any businesses that would benefit.

Report by Chief Executive (attached).

Council considered a report by the Chief Executive (circulated previously) regarding the Devon and Torbay Devolution Offer.

Keri Denton, Head of Economy, Enterprise and Skills, of Devon County Council joined the meeting virtually.  She advised that discussions had been ongoing for some time in relation to providing additional powers. Central Government had now published the provision for the creation of County Combined Authorities and for the devolution of powers to those authorities as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.  The offer for Devon and Torbay was now out for public consultation and District Councils were invited to comment alongside local businesses and residents. It was recognised that this offer may lead to other discussions about further devolution in the future. The proposal would include the devolution of the adult education budgets which was currently held centrally by Devon and Torbay.  This would include co-designing with education and training providers, benefit from funding for free courses for jobs and longer term co-design skills programme. Housing would remain with District Councils. The proposal would be to work collaboratively to deliver investment in affordable housing schemes for local people and work direct with Homes England. Devon and Torbay would strengthen their joined up approach as equal partners to improve transport and request that their powers are devolved. To meet net zero ambitions, it was proposed there would be more investment in green business growth and attracting inwards investment. The next stage would be to develop a business case for the allocation of the £16m for new capital funding to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).  There would be direct engagement with the Government and other Government Departments. In addition to the Combined County Authority (CCA) and Team Devon Joint Committees, there would be number of advisory boards established in relation to employment, housing and Net Zero. These advising boards would be developed by building on existing arrangements that were already in place. Following the conclusion of the consultation, the legal arrangements with Government would commence and there would be opportunity to work with District Councils and other stakeholders on the design of the CCA to ensure that it met the needs of everyone.

It was moved by Councillor C Leaver and seconded by Councillor Roome “that the formulation of a consultation response to the Devon and Torbay Devolution proposal on behalf of the Council be referred to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 4 March 2024”.

Council requested that Councillors forward any concerns on the proposal by emailing the Senior Corporate and Community Services Officer to enable these to be considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee. It was noted that any Councillor could attend the meeting of the Committee.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Bushell and seconded by Councillor Maddocks “that Strategy and Resources Committee be requested to formulate ideas and that an extraordinary meeting of Council be arranged to enable all Councillors to have a vote on the formulation of a response to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

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

Council noted that no questions had been submitted to the Leader or the Chair of a Committee under Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, paragraph 10.4 of the Constitution.

Report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 6 February 2024 (attached).

Council considered a report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive on the Performance and Financial Management report for quarter 3 of 2023-24 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 6 February 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 12 February 2024 (to follow).

Councillor Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Performance and Financial Management for quarter 3 of 2023-24 to the Policy Development Committee on 12 February 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 (attached).

Councillor Roome, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 on the Performance and Financial Management report for quarter 3 of 2023-24 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Worden and seconded by Councillor R. Knight “that recommendation 88 (f) of the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 regarding the Performance and Financial Management report for quarter 3 of 2023-24 be adopted”.

RESOLVED that recommendation 88 (f) of the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 regarding the Performance and Financial Management report for quarter 3 of 2023-24 be adopted.

Report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 February 2024 (attached).

Council considered a report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive on the Fees and Charges for 2024-25 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 6 February 2024 (circulated previously).

The Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive advised that the report that had been presented to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 6 February 2024 had been amended and an updated report had been included on the agenda for Council.  The original report had omitted the Non-EU Certificate (£70) and Non-Standard applications (£35), both of which had now been included within Appendix E of the final version of the report for approval by Council.

To consider the recommendation of the meeting of the Harbour Board held on 6 February 2024 (attached).

Councillor Wilkinson, Chair of the Harbour Board reported the recommendation of the Harbour Board (circulated previously) held on 6 February 2024 regarding the Ilfracombe Harbour Charges Review 2024-25.

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 12 February 2024 (to follow).

Councillor Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on Fees and Charges 2024-25 to the Policy Development Committee on 12 February 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 (attached).

Councillor Worden, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee presented the Committee’s report on Fees and Charges 2024-25 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 February 2024 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Maskell and seconded by Councillor Worden “that the recommendation 35 of the Harbour Board held on 6 February 2024 and recommendation 89 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 regarding Fees and Charges 2024-25 be adopted.”

In response to a question, the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive advised that the Service Manager had confirmed that the fees for the modification of section 106 agreements as detailed on page 195 of the agenda related to section 106 agreements for planning permissions for sites of 10+ dwellings.

RESOLVED that the recommendation 35 of the Harbour Board held on 6 February 2024 and recommendation 89 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 regarding Fees and Charges 2024-25 be adopted.

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

The Lead Member for Resources and Commercialisation addressed Council gave a brief introduction:

·       The Council had a legal duty to prepare a balanced budget.

·       This had been achieved despite the unforeseen pressures on Councils due to higher than expected pay awards, ever decreasing central Government funding and the high rise in inflation.

·       The budget process began in the summer of 2023 with a cross party workshop in the autumn of 2023.

·       The Council had responded to the Government’s consultation on the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement.

·       Rural authorities were still seen as the ‘poor relation’ compared to urban authorities. With an average, per head, of £142 less awarded to rural authorities.

·       Council tax had to be increased to help bridge the gap in funding.

·       The purchase of Green Lanes was seen as a strategic decision proving to be a beneficial revenue stream.

·       £200,000 had been earmarked for the continuation of the much-valued Street Marshal scheme.

·       The demand on Temporary Accommodation was an ever growing burden but somewhat mitigated by the purchase of properties, by the Council, to help offer a cheaper alternative to expensive Bed and Breakfast placements.

·       The delay in the fair funding review, which was now expected in two years’ time, meant predicting the Medium term finance strategy was challenging.

·       She thanked the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive and his team for producing a balanced budget without the need to cut services but increasing services with the continuation of the Street Marshal scheme.

Council received a presentation by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive on the Revenue Budget 2024-25, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024-25 to 2029-30 (circulated previously) as follows:

·       The provisional Local Government finance settlement was announced in December 2023 and confirmed a 3% funding guarantee for all authorities and Council Tax Referendum limit principles of 3% or £5 (whichever was the highest).

·       The final Local Government finance settlement figure had been announced last week.

·       Members had previously received the detailed budget book early, normally circulated ahead of the February Council meeting.  This information looked in detail at funding each service area of the Council.

·       Nationally the total funding settlement stood at just over £64 billion with a core spending power of 6.5%.  This included council tax setting.

·       The allocation of the finance settlement depended on the type of authority.  North Devon Council was a Shire District authority. 

·       Nationally a Shire District authority received 4.9% Core Spending Power share but our allocation was lower still at 4.7%.

·       The level of CPI inflation at October 2023 was 4.6%.

·       For 2024-25 the Revenue and Support Grant and Baseline Funding increased by £119,000.

·       The Rural Services Delivery grant saw an increase of £57,000.

·       The New Homes Bonus award of £351,000 was £97,000 less than 2023-24.  This was a reduction in the grant not the Council’s lack of new homes.

·       Services grant provided was £21,000 that was £100,000 less than 2023-24.

·       The 3% Funding Guarantee of £1,507,000 gave an increase of £354,000 more than  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 12 February 2024 (to follow).

Councillor Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Revenue Budget 2024-25, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024-25 to 2029-30 to the Policy Development Committee on 12 February 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 (attached).

Councillor Roome, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Revenue Budget 2024-25, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024-25 to 2029-30 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 February 2024 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Roome and seconded by Councillor Worden “that the recommendations in minutes 90 (e) to (h) “Revenue Budget 2024-25, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024-25 to 2029-30” of the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 February 2024 be adopted.”

Council noted that in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations (as amended) 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 Bell, Biederman, Bishop, Bushell, Cann, Clayton, Crabb, Davies, Haworth-Booth, Hunt, Jones, Jusef, R. Knight, Lane, C. Leaver, Lethaby, Maddocks, Maskell, Milton, Norman, Patrinos, Prowse, Quinn, Renshaw, Roome, Spear, Stevenson, Topps, Turton, Walker, Wilkinson, Williams, Wilson, Worden and York.

Voting against the motion: None.

Abstained from voting on the motion: None.

Totals: 35 For, 0 Against and 0 Abstained.

The motion was carried.

RESOLVED that the recommendations in minutes 90 (e) to (h) “Revenue Budget 2024-25, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024-25 to 2029-30” of the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 February 2024 be adopted.

Report by the Head of Governance to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 February 2024 (attached).

Council considered a report by the Head of Governance regarding the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2024/25 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 February 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 12 February 2024 (to follow).

Councillor Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2024/25 to the Policy Development Committee on 12 February 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 (attached).

Councillor Worden, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations on the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2024/25 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Roome and seconded by Councillor Worden “that minute 91 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 regarding the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2024/25 be adopted”.

RESOLVED that minute 91 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 regarding the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2024/25 be adopted.

Report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 February 2024 (attached).

Council considered a report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive regarding the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2024 to 2034 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 5 February 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Policy Development Committee held on 12 February 2024 (to follow).

Councillor Spear, Chair of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2024 to 2034 to the Policy Development Committee on 12 February 2024 (circulated previously).

To receive the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 (attached).

Councillor Roome, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations on the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2024 to 2034 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Roome and seconded by Councillor Worden “that minute 92 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 regarding the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2024 to 2034 be adopted.”

RESOLVED that minute 92 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 5 February 2024 regarding the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2024 to 2034 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 2024/25.

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

·       Devon County Council at its meeting on 15 February 2024 had approved a Council Tax increase of 4.99% which was in line with the report.

·       Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority at its meeting on 16 February 2024 had approved a Council Tax increase of 2.99% which was in line with the report.

It was moved by Councillor Roome and seconded by Councillor Worden “that the formal Council Tax Resolutions for 2024/25 as set out in Appendix A of the report be approved”.

Council noted that in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) Regulations (as amended) 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 Bell, Biederman, Bishop, Bushell, Cann, Clayton, Crabb, Davies, Haworth-Booth, Hunt, Jones, Jusef, R. Knight, Lane, C. Leaver, Lethaby, Maddocks, Maskell, Milton, Norman, Patrinos, Prowse, Quinn, Renshaw, Roome, Spear, Stevenson, Topps, Turton, Walker, Wilkinson, Williams, Wilson, Worden and York.

Voting against the motion: None.

Abstained from voting on the motion: None.

Totals: 35 For, 0 Against and 0 Abstained.

The motion was carried.

RESOLVED that the formal Council Tax Resolutions for 2024/25 as set out in Appendix A of the report be approved.

Report by Chief Executive (attached).

Council considered a report by the Chief Executive (circulated previously) regarding the Corporate Plan 2023-2027.

Councillor Roome presented the refreshed Corporate Plan for 2023-2027 which had been produced following an all Councillor workshop that had been held in October 2023 and set out the strategic framework for the Council.

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

·       That the refreshed Corporate Plan for 2023-2027 had been produced following an all Councillor workshop that had been held in October 2023 and that the actions and priorities had formulated directly from the outcomes of this workshop.

·       The Corporate Plan would be reviewed as the priorities of the Council changed during the lifetime of the Council.

It was moved by Councillor Roome and seconded by Councillor Worden “that the refreshed Corporate Plan 2023-2027 be approved”.

RESOLVED that the refreshed Corporate Plan 2023-2027 be approved.

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 appointment of a co-opted Independent Member to the Governance Committee.

It was moved by Councillor Norman and seconded by Councillor Haworth-Booth that the recommendations in the report be adopted.

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the appointment of a Co-opted Independent Member to the Governance Committee be approved;

(b)  That Naomi Whitmore be appointed as the Co-opted Independent Member to the Governance Committee;

(c)  That the required changes to Part 3 Annexe 1 paragraph 5 of the Constitution as set out in the body of the report and in Appendix A be approved;

(d)  That the Scheme of Members Allowances for 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 be amended to include a special responsibility allowance of £200 per annum for the Co-opted Independent Member of the Governance Committee.

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

(i)             25 January 2024

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

(i)             25 January 2024

(i)             9 January 2024

                                               i.     Minute 53: Letter of Representation (NOTE: This recommendation was adopted by Council on 17 January 2024)

                                              ii.     Minute 59: Polling District and Place Review 2023 (NOTE: This recommendation was adopted by Council on 17 January 2024)

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

(i)             9 January 2024

a.    Minute 53: Letter of Representation (NOTE: Council noted that this recommendation had been adopted by Council on 17 January 2024)

b.    Minute 59: Polling District and Place Review 2023 (NOTE: Council noted that this recommendation had been adopted by Council on 17 January 2024)

(i)             6 February 2024

a.    Minute 36: Marine Safety Plan

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

(i)             6 February 2024

a.    Minute 36: Marine Safety Plan

(i)             8 December 2023

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

(i)             8 December 2023

(i)             10 January 2024

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

(i)             10 January 2024

(i)             11 January 2024

(ii)            12 February 2024 (to follow)

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

(i)             11 January 2024

(ii)            12 February 2024

(i)             5 February 2024

a.    Minute 87: Approval and Release of S106 Public Open Space Funds – Barnstaple, South Molton and Tawstock (NOTE: That it be noted that there was an error in the report and therefore “it is RECOMMENDED that the minute be amended to that Council vary the capital programme by £358,019.97 and not £405,112.32 as stated in the minutes”.  The minutes of this meeting will be amended at the next meeting of the Committee on 4 March 2024)

b.    Minute 93 (b) and (c): Town Centre Hub

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

(i)             5 February 2024

a.    Minute 87: Approval and Release of S106 Public Open Space Funds – Barnstaple, South Molton and Tawstock subject to the minute being amended and adopted as follows “that Council vary the capital programme by £358,019.97 and not £405,112.32 as stated in the minutes”.  (NOTE: Council noted that the minutes of this meeting will be amended at the next meeting of the Committee on 4 March 2024)

b.    Minute 93 (b) and (c): Town Centre Hub