Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bulled, Denton, Hunt, P. Leaver, Maskell, Orange, Patrinos, Roome, Spear and Whitehead,

(NOTE: It was noted that apologies were received from Councillor Turton via email which had not been viewed prior to the commencement of the meeting)

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 9 January 2025 and 15 January 2025 (circulated previously) be approved as correct records and signed by the Chair.

There were no Chair’s announcements.

(a)  Order of Agenda

It was agreed that item 7 be considered before item 6 on the agenda to allow for the Declarations of Interest to be recorded prior to item 7 and that item 10  be considered before item 7 on the agenda.

(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 question submitted by Tanya Rebel to the Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity

The Chair invited Tanya Rebel to present her question to Council.

Tanya Rebel put her question to Council.

Councillor Clayton, Leader of the Council provided a response to the question and advised that any development, of whatever nature, that produces carbon or has an adverse impact on carbon reduction will have an impact on the Council’s aim of becoming a carbon neutral area.  The Council has no responsibility for 5G infrastructure strategy or roll out. The UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy is the responsibility of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).  The Council’s only responsibility for communication and emerging technology infrastructure is to assess prior approvals and planning applications for new or upgraded installations (e.g. masts or antennae). To assess these the Council follows the UK Government legislation and guidance: The Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order 2015 (section 16) and the national planning policy framework (NPPF) on communications infrastructure. Officers dealing with such applications can only make recommendations based on agreed national and local policy.  In relation to safety issues, a developer is required to submit a statement that confirms that a proposed mobile mast will adhere to exposure limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.  Details of any application submitted to the council, together with accompanying documentation, can be found on the Council’s website.

Tanya Rebel asked a supplementary question.  Have you asked for people’s written informed consent right enshrined by law to be exposed to ubiquitous 24/7 radiation, electromagnetic radiation, according to Ikneof, that's allowed and what specific measures have you put into place to protect the electro hypersensitive from exposure inside and outside their homes in accordance with the 2010 Equality Act 2010, UK inclusion policy and duty of care, people and wildlife according your declaration of emergency etc should come before project should come before best interests?

In response to the supplementary question, Councillor Clayton, Leader of the Council advised that the Council were following the guidelines, as is every Authority across the country. To say they are outdated, these are robust guidelines and are specific.  He recalled when mobile phones were introduced and the scare stories and when railways were introduce. There was always going to be some dangers, but we have to have specific guidelines and these were probably the most robust in the world. The Council didn’t have authority to go against the guidelines and had to follow national legislation.

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

The Chair invited Glynis Walker to present her question to Council.

Glynis Walker put her question to Council.

Councillor Clayton, Leader of the Council provided a response to the question and advised that the Council has no responsibility for 5G infrastructure strategy or roll out. The UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy is the responsibility of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

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

Council received a presentation by Superintendent Toby Davies, North and West Local Policing Area Commander.

Superintendent Davies advised Council that this would be the last Council meeting that he would be attending as he was due to retire in April 2025. He thanked Councillors and Officers at North Devon Council for their support and advised that the relationship was strong. He spoke about staffing, audits, Leadership changes, response times, crime levels, focus on domestic abuse, funding, local schemes such as Street Marshalls and Parish Council engagement.

There then followed a question and answer session.

Councillor York, on behalf of the Licensing and Community Safety Committee, thanked Superintendent Davies for his support and helping keeping communities safe.

Councillor Walker, Chair, presented Superintendent Davies with a gift to thank him on behalf of North Devon Council.

Councillor Leaver, presented Superintendent Davies with a gift to thank him on behalf of the Community Safety Partnership.

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).

The following declarations of interest were received:

Councillor Bell, Item 6(a), non registerable interest as an employee of the National Health Service and North Devon District Hospital.

Councillor Lovering, Item 6(a), non registerable interest as an employee of the Maternity unit at North Devon District Hospital.

Councillor Prowse, Item 6(b), non registerable interest as his wife fell into this category.

Councillor Williams, Item 6(b), non registerable interest as she fell into this category.

Councillor Wilkinson, Item 6(b), non registerable interest as his wife fell into this category.

(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 97.

(a)  To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Williams – Support for Our MP Ian Roome’s campaign and North Devon District Hospital

Councillors Bell and Lovering left the meeting during the consideration of this item.

Councillor Biederman declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in this item as he worked for Ian Roome MP and left the meeting during the consideration of this item.

Councillor Williams presented her notice of motion to Council.

The notice of motion was moved by Councillor Williams and seconded by Councillor Jusef.

Councillor Crabb moved an amendment to approve the notice of motion subject to paragraph 1 being amended to include “that Councillor Roome remind the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on his previous promise to attend North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple and that if he did not attend that he stand up in Parliament to apologise”, which was seconded by Councillor Jones.

A vote was taken on the amendment, which was carried.  The amendment then became the substantive motion.

RESOLVED that Council:

(i)             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 and that Councillor Roome remind the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on his previous promise to attend North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple and that if he did not attend that he stand up in Parliament to apologise.

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

(iii)          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.

Councillors Bell, Biederman and Lovering returned to the meeting.

(b)  To consider the following notice of motion from Councillor Williams – Notice on Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI)

Councillors Prowse, Williams and Wilkinson left the meeting during the consideration of the item.

Councillor R. Knight declared a non registerable interest as his wife was within the category and left the meeting during the consideration of the item.

Councillor C. Leaver presented her notice of motion to Council.

The notice of motion was moved by Councillor C. Leaver and seconded by Councillor York.

RESOLVED that Council:

(i)             Publicly voice its disappointment with the previous and current governments to ensure women born in the 1950s received compensation and recognition of the problems arising from the lack of adequate notice of changes in pensionable age.  

(ii)            Ask our North Devon MP to join the All-Party Parliamentary Group on State Pension Inequality for Women.

(iii)           Write to our  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

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 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.

In response to a question, the Leader advised that Council that all Members were invited to a meeting following the Strategy and Resources Committee on Monday 3 March 2025 to discuss options to be put forward in relation to the Local Government Review.  The deadline to submit options was by 21 March 2025. He was hoping that the Devon Leaders had been discussing potential options and would put forward a number of options to the Government.  He advised Council of the current option that was being discussed which was known as the 1, 4, 5 model.  A working party had been set up by the Council with representatives from each political group. 

The Chair advised that Councillors would be able to join the informal meeting on 3 March 2025 virtually.

The Chief Executive advised that it was proposed that an Extraordinary Council meeting would take place on 19 March 2025, however the date had not yet been confirmed.  Council at this meeting would consider and approval proposals to be put forward to Government.  Councillors were invited to an informal session following Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 March 2025.  Options to be put forward would be considered at the meeting on 3 March 2025.  All proposals were welcome and any concerns could be raised at this meeting.

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

(a)  Questions by Members

The following question was submitted in advance of the meeting and response provided by the Leader was circulated previously:

(i)             Question for the Leader from Councillor Bell“Plymouth and Leeds have both worked with key dental providers to open centrally located dental hubs to tackle the growing NHS dental care crisis. With North Devon experiencing some of the worst dental access issues in the country, far below the national average, can I ask you to champion a plan to explore how North Devon Council, Green Lanes and an appropriate provider could provide a similar Dental hub in conjunction with a dental provider or dental school? A centrally located hub would provide much-needed access to dental care for residents, particularly those using public transport, while making use of flexible commercial space in a high-footfall location. Plymouth’s and Leeds both provide potential templates, ensuring emergency and routine care is available to those who need it most. This would not only improve public health but also contribute to the revitalisation of Green Lanes. Will you please take this forward?” Councillor Clayton, Leader’s response “Green Lanes is managed on behalf of the Council by Praxis.  We work closely with Praxis to identify appropriate uses of the centre some of which, such as the Council Hub and health services, are not traditional shopping centre uses.  We will liaise with Praxis over the suggestion and report back through members in the normal way”.  In response to a supplementary question regarding other Councils looking at ways to provide additional services and whether the Council could actively express its concerns to NHS Devon and the MP to take it forward, Councillor Clayton advised that the Policy Development Committee had carried out a review on NHS Dentistry in 2024.  Ian Roome MP was now the Chair of the Parliamentary Dental Commission.  The Council was not a provider of dental services and could only be facilitators.  Green Lanes was a commercial venture.

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

Council considered and noted a report by the Lead Member for Commercialisation and Resources (circulated previously).

In response to a question regarding a question regarding National Insurance contributions, the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Resources advised that the Council’s contributions per employee was approximately £1,000.

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

Council considered a report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive regarding the Performance and Financial Management report for quarter 3 of 2024/25 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 (circulated previously).

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

In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, Councillor Jones of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Performance and Financial Management Quarter 3 of 2024/25 to the Policy Development Committee on 13 February 2025 (circulated previously).

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

Councillor Clayton, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 on the Performance and Financial Management Quarter 3 of 2024/25 report (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Clayton and seconded by Councillor Crabb “that minute 105 (g) of the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 regarding the Performance and Financial Management quarter 3 of 2024/25 report be adopted”.

RESOLVED that minute 105 (g) of the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 regarding the Performance and Financial Management quarter 3 of 2024/25 report be adopted.

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

Council considered a report by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive regarding the Fees and Charges 2025-26 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 (circulated previously).

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

Councillor Wilkinson, Chair of the Harbour Board reported the recommendation of the Harbour Board (circulated previously) held on 11 February 2025 regarding the Ilfracombe Harbour Charges Review 2025-26.

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

In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, Councillor Jones of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Fees and Charges 2025-26 to the Policy Development Committee on 13 February 2025 (circulated previously).

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

Councillor Clayton, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 on the Fees and Charges 2025-26 report (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Clayton and seconded by Councillor Jones “that minute 106 of the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 regarding the Fees and Charges 2025-26 report be adopted”.

RESOLVED that minute 106 of the report of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 regarding the Fees and Charges 2025-26 report be adopted.

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

The Lead Member for Resources and Commercialisation introduced the report to Council.

Councillor Clayton, Leader of the Council thanked the Lead Member for Resources and Commercialisation for her work with the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive.

Council received a presentation by the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive on the Revenue Budget 2025-26, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025-26 to 2030-31 (circulated previously) as follows:

·       The Core Spending Power total for England was 6%. By region, the South West Core Spending Power was 5.4% and by authority type North Devon Council, being a Shire District, the Core Spending Power was however only 0.3%. In comparison, the CPI (Consumer Price Index) inflation to November 2024 was 2.6%.

·       A Shire Districts referendum would be required if the Council set an increase of 3% or more than £5 for Council Tax, whichever was the greater.

·       Following the draft finance settlement in December 2024,the draft budget has assumed an increase on Council Tax of 2.99%. The overall Council Tax Increase of £708,000 was broken down as £223,000 from the 2.99% increase and £485,000 from increase in tax base (of which £353,000 came from the second homes premium and £132,000 tax base).

·       The Business Rates draft budget figure came from the Retained Growth (made up of £2m North Devon Business rates growth, £680,000 Renewable Energy Schemes and £350,000 Devon pool retained income).

·       Giving an overall figure of £3.090m factored into the draft budget.

·       Revenue Support Grant and Baseline Funding – additional £49,000.

·       New Homes Bonus – actual award £705,000 (£355,000 more than 2024-25).

·       Rural Services Delivery Grant had been removed (£421,000 less than 2024-25).

·       Services Grant – had been removed (£21,000 less than 2024-25).

·       Funding Guarantee – had been removed (£1,507,000 less than 2024-25).

·       New Recovery Grant – an additional £267,000

·       New Funding Floor Grant – an additional £988,000.

·       The overall net impact of less Government funding was £290,000 reduction.

·       The Government’s consultation on the Finance Settlement ended 15 January 2025.

·       North Devon Council’s consultation response could be seen in Appendix F of the agenda report.

·       There was an increase in the gap of Government funding per head of population between rural and urban authorities of £166.19.

·       The Extended Producer Responsibility aimed to make ‘producers’ responsible for the cost of collection, managing and recycling of packaging and incentivise them to make their products recyclable by modulating fees based on the recyclability of products. It also aimed to reduce unnecessary packaging, increase quality and reduce litter.

·       The Government had made an announcement on ‘Simpler Recycling’ services due to start March 2026.

·       New burdens funding to be provided for food waste collections.

·       The provisional Extended Producer Responsibility payment allocation for North Devon was £1,178,000. There was improved capacity with the investment that had been made at Brynsworthy Environment Centre and the vehicles types that had been acquired and operated put the Council in a strong position to implement the “simpler recycling requirements”.

·       The Medium Term Financial Strategy (2024-2030) showed a budget  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

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

In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, Councillor Jones of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Revenue Budget 2025-26, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025-26 to 2030-31 to the Policy Development Committee on 13 February 2025 (circulated previously).

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

Councillor Clayton, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Revenue Budget 2025-26, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025-26 to 2030-31 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Clayton and seconded by Councillor Topps “that the recommendations in minutes 107 (e) to (h) “Revenue Budget 2025-26, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025-26 to 2030-31” of the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 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, Bishops, Biederman, Bushell, Cann, Clayton, Coombs, Crabb, Davies, Haworth-Booth, Jones, Jusef, D. Knight, R. Knight, Lane, C. Leaver, Lethaby, Maddocks, Milton, Norman, Prowse, Quinn, Stevenson, Topps, Walker, Wilkinson, Williams, Wilson and Worden.

Voting against the motion: None

Abstained from voting on the motion: None

Totals: 29 For, 0 Against and 0 Abstained.

The motion was carried.

RESOLVE that the recommendations in minutes 107 (e) to (h) “Revenue Budget 2025-26, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025-26 to 2030-31” of the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 be adopted.

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

Council considered a report by the Head of Governance regarding the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 (circulated previously).

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

In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, Councillor Jones of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 to the Policy Development Committee on 13 February 2025 (circulated previously).

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

Councillor Clayton, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations on the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Clayton and seconded by Councillor Topps “that minute 108 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 regarding the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 be adopted”.

RESOLVED that minute 108 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 regarding the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2025/26 be adopted.

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

Council considered a report by the Head of Governance regarding the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2025 to 2035 to the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 February 2025 (circulated previously).

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

In the absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair, Councillor Jones of the Policy Development Committee presented the Committee’s report on the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2025 to 2035 to the Policy Development Committee on 13 February 2025 (circulated previously).

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

Councillor Clayton, Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee reported the recommendations on the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2025 to 2035 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 (circulated previously).

It was moved by Councillor Clayton and seconded by Councillor Prowse “that minute 109 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 regarding the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2025 to 2035 be adopted.”

RESOLVED that minute 109 of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 3 February 2025 regarding the 10 Year Capital Strategy 2025 to 2035 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 2025/26.

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

·       Devon County Council at its meeting on 20 February 2025 had approved a Council Tax increase of 4.99% which was in line with the report.

·       Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner at its meeting on 31 January 2025 had approved a Council Tax increase of 4.99% as detailed in the report.

·       Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority at its meeting on 17 February 2025 had approved a Council Tax increase of £5 which was in line with the report.

It was moved by Councillor Worden and seconded by Councillor Clayton “that the formal Council Tax Resolutions for 2025/26 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, Bishop, Cann, Clayton, Coombs, Crabb, Davies, Haworth-Booth, Jones, Jusef, D. Knight, R. Knight, Lane, C. Leaver, Lethaby, Maddocks, Milton, Norman, Prowse, Quinn, Stevenson, Topps, Walker, Wilkinson, Williams, Wilson, Worden and York.

Voting against the motion: Councillor Bushell

Abstained from voting on the motion: None

Totals: 28 For, 1  Against and 0 Abstained.

The motion was carried.

RESOLVED that the formal Council Tax Resolutions for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix A of the report be approved.

Report by Member Development Working Group (attached).

Council considered a report by the Member Development Working Group (circulated previously) regarding the Member Training Programme for 2025/26 to 2026/27.

Councillor Bell presented the report to Council on behalf of the Member Development Working Group.

It was moved by Councillor Davies and seconded by Councillor Jones “that the Member Training Programme for 2025/26 to 2026/27 as detailed in Appendix A be adopted which incorporated the mandatory training sessions that Councillors are required to undertake subject to the frequency of the mandatory training entitled “The Role of Councillors in Planning: Property and Good Practice” being reduced to once a year.”

RESOLVED that the Member Training Programme for 2025/26 to 2026/27 as detailed in Appendix A be adopted which incorporated the mandatory training sessions that Councillors are required to undertake subject to the frequency of the mandatory training entitled “The Role of Councillors in Planning: Property and Good Practice” being reduced to once a year.

Report by Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer (attached).

Council considered a report by the Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer (circulated previously) regarding an update to the Contract Procedure Rules (Part 4 of the Constitution) in light of the Procurement Act 2023.

The Senior Solicitor and Monitoring Officer highlighted the following:

·       That all Councillors would receive training at the next meeting of Council on 23 April 2025 regarding the implications of the new Procurement Act 2023.

·       That there were typographical errors contained within Appendix 1 as follows:

o   Page 1 – Covered Procurement definition – “with a value” repeated

o   Page 11 – Para 11.4 – unnecessary ‘s’ on the end of the word Contract

It was moved by Councillor Clayton and seconded by Councillor Norman “that the revisions to the Contract Procedure Rules (Part 4 of the Constitution) as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report be approved subject to the typographical errors being amended as follows:  Page 1 – Covered Procurement definition – “with a value” repeated being removed and on Page 11 – Paragraph 11.4 – the removal of unnecessary ‘s’ on the end of the word Contract”.

RESOLVED that the revisions to the Contract Procedure Rules (Part 4 of the Constitution) as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report be approved subject to the typographical errors being amended as follows:  Page 1 – Covered Procurement definition – “with a value” repeated being removed and on Page 11 – Paragraph 11.4 – the removal of unnecessary ‘s’ on the end of the word Contract.

Report by Head of Organisational Development (attached).

Council considered a report by the Head of Organisational Development (circulated previously) regarding the Statutory Pay Policy.

In response to a question, the Head of Organisational Development advised that the Statutory Pay Policy referred to specific officers classified as Chief Officers.

It was moved by Councillor Prowse and seconded by Councillor Clayton “that the Statutory Pay Policy for 2025, its Appendix and Annex thereto be approved”.

RESOLVED that the Statutory Pay Policy for 2025, its Appendix and Annex thereto be approved.

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 considered the appointment of a deputy Member to the Local Government Association Coastal Special Interest Group to replace former Councillor Renshaw.

It was moved by Councillor Wilkinson and seconded by Councillor Leaver “that Councillor Williams be appointed as 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.”

RESOLVED that Councillor Williams be appointed as 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

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

(i)       23 January 2025

(i)             24 January 2025 (to follow).

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

(i)             24 January 2025

(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).

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

(i)             13 January 2025

(ii)            13 February 2025

a.    Minute 68: Revenue Budget 2025-26, Capital Programme and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025-26 to 2030-31 (NOTE: This recommendation was considered under minute 104)

(i)             3 February 2025

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

(i)             3 February 2025