Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were made.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 1 October and 22 October 2020, as now submitted, be received and approved.

The Leader of the Council, the Head of Paid Service and the Portfolio Holder

for Streets, Parks and Town Centres all took the opportunity to speak about

the Council’s continuing response to the Covid-19 outbreak and the implications for Nottinghamshire in relation to Tier 3 restrictions.  Council were also advised as to the latest known position regarding mass testing, the provision of lateral flow testing kits and the likelihood of Nottinghamshire coming out of Tier 3 restrictions after the 16 December review date.

A heartfelt thank you was given to all staff for their continued commitment and

hard work and it was reiterated how proud the Council was of all its

achievements delivered under very difficult and challenging circumstances.

All services continued to be delivered alongside some addiitional events and initiatives which included the Bag It campaign, the Small Business Saturday event across Ashfield’s town centres and the Christmas tree lighting virtual ceremonies.

(None received for this meeting)

No questions were received from the public.

(None received for this meeting)

No petitions were submitted for consideration.

Council was recommended to approve the recommendations from the Polling Places Review Working Group meeting held on 3 December 2020 as presented.

RESOLVED that

a)    following completion of the required public consultation process, the following changes be made to the designation of polling stations:-

b)    it be noted that the approved changes will take effect on 4 December 2020.

RESOLVED

that Councillor Helen-Ann Smith be appointed as the Council representative on the Police and Crime Panel as opposed to her previous role as substitute member, with Councillor Jason Zadrozny now being the substitute representative as required, with both terms of office ending on 31 May 2023.  

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rule 2(ix), Council considered the

following recommendation:-

Minute No. CA.46

Cabinet – 1 December 2020

22020/21 Forecast Outturn Position for General Fund, Housing Revenue

Account (HRA) and Capital Programme as at September 2020

RESOLVED

that the proposed addition to the Capital Programme as set out in Section 6.3 of the Cabinet report, as presented, be approved.

(During consideration of this item, Councillor Melanie Darrington left the meeting at 7.40pm).

Councillor Matthew Relf – Portfolio Holder for Place, Planning and

Regeneration

·         part of the £1.5 million from the Accelerated Towns Fund being used to purchase a vacant property on Low Street for future redevelopment;

·         progress in relation to the ‘Centre of Excellence’ refurbishment at Portland Training College;

·         Development of a new Indoor Market and cycle and walkway network in Kirkby;

·         Upgraded play facilities at Sorrel Drive;

·         Discover Ashfield Board continuing to support businesses in Ashfield and the recruitment of a new Graduate Officer to support the Board and promote the Ambassador Programme;

·         the development of a new Business Directory by the Economic Development Unit, update on officers’ workload and the continued promotion of new business grants;

·         update in relation to the proposed Main Marion train line;

·         continued service delivery from the Planning Team;

·         progress from the Local Plan Working Group and the planned public consultation for early 2021;

·         closure of the recent Masterplan consultations with officers currently analysing the data and responses captured;

·         thanks to all staff in the portfolio for their continued commitment and hard work under challenging circumstances;

·         Christmas wishes to all.

Councillor David Martin – Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks and Town Centres

·         the recent recruitment of 4 Covid Information Officers and 1 Senior Officer and their recent visits to businesses’ in the Council’s town centres and local neighbourhoods;

·         progress on the installation of hand sanitising units in all Council car parks adjacent to ticket machines;

·         1.5 million investment in the Council’s parks and open spaces including the dredging of Kings Mill Reservoir and the café opening, a new outdoor gym in Jacksdale, upgrades at Nabbs Lane, Hucknall, Annesley Recreation Ground, Titchfield Park, Hucknall and Sorrel Drive, Kirkby;

·         progress with regards to car park improvements at Brierley Forest Park and the miners stone statutes;

·         securing 6 green flag awards for another year;

·         thanks to all staff in the portfolio for their continued commitment and hard work under challenging circumstances;

·         congratulations to the Waste Division for being nominated for a ‘Best Service Team’ award;

·         the Bag It campaign;

·         postal delivery of the latest bin calendars;

·         arrangements for the Christmas tree collection service from early January 2021;

·         progress in relation to winter bulb planting;

·         progress on the Kings Mill Reservoir entrance works.

Councillor Helen-Ann Smith – Portfolio Holder for Community Safety

·         appointment of two new Community Safety Team Leaders;

·         acknowledgement that all Community Protection Officer (CPO) posts were now filled and operational;

·         recruitment of new Domestic Violence Co-ordinator and Complex Case Officer;

·         Operation Springboard and CPOs working alongside Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) on patrols;

·         anticipation of DVLC lifting temporary ban on councils dealing with untaxed and abandoned vehicles.

Councillor Daniel Williamson – Portfolio Holder for Corporate Communications, Governance and Cross Portfolio Support

·         appreciation for the Communications Team for keeping Ashfield residents abreast of Tier 3 guidance and the relaxed rules for the Christmas period, the latest press releases, small business grant campaigns, the Christmas lighting ceremonies and the Selfie Quiz and competition;

·         work commencing on the February 2021  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.68

Motion 1

To consider a notice of motion proposed by Councillor Daniel Williamson and seconded by Councillor Lee Waters, as follows:-

“The roads and footways throughout Ashfield are in a state of disrepair.

If not all District Councillors, the majority have received complaints about pot holes, crumbling road and footway surfaces along with uneven and sloping footpaths which are particularly dangerous for our disabled residents.

It is a fact that Nottinghamshire County Council is fully responsible for the maintenance of the highways throughout Nottinghamshire after the Conservatives abolished the MOPS contract. 

The Conservative led County Council has allocated more highway’s money to areas with more roads. This however is flawed due to the fact that many of Nottinghamshire’s roads are country roads and receive little use. It is time that a more realistic approach was taken to accurately reflect the situation on the ground and as such, addresses what is one of the biggest turnover of complaints made by our residents.

For the years 2018-19 and 2019-20 Ashfield had a total of £5,462,000 spent on Ashfield’s roads, whilst Rushcliffe had £8,412,991 for their roads. This includes a decrease for Ashfield’s busy roads and footways of £468,004 yet an increase of £320,053 for the country lanes of Rushcliffe.

I move that this Council writes to the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council outlining our concerns in regard to this unfair distribution of funding and urge her to put in place a more relevant policy that prioritises road usage, and as such, brings up to standard the roads and footways in Ashfield something that Ashfield residents pay for as well as Rushcliffe residents.”

Motion 2

To consider a notice of motion proposed by Councillor Sarah Madigan and seconded by Councillor Christian Chapman, as follows:-

“Fireworks are used by people throughout the year to mark different events. And with this year being so depressing Bonfire Night with fireworks brought a brief moment of excitement and happiness.

However, fireworks do bring fear and distress for many animals including pets, farm livestock and wildlife. Animals affected not only suffer psychological distress but can also cause themselves injuries, sometimes very serious ones as they attempt to run away or hide from the loud and high intensity noises that many fireworks make.

To quote from the British Veterinary Association.

Around 1 in 14 vets across the country reported seeing animals with firework-related injuries over 2018 with most reports coming from equine vets. By far the most commonly reported cases were self-injuries caused by fireworks-related anxiety, for example, a dog who tried to escape from its kennel and in the process pulled out all of its front teeth, and a horse that suffered a fractured splint bone as it bolted from its field.

Further, the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing report revealed that 3.6 million dogs could have suffered this Bonfire Night.  During 2018, PDSA's Pet Hospitals treated 1,400 animals for firework related issues such as phobias and injuries, an increase from 1,200 the previous year, a clear indication that  ...  view the full agenda text for item C.69

The Council received a notice of motion moved by Councillor Daniel Williamson and seconded by Councillor Lee Waters as follows:-

“The roads and footways throughout Ashfield are in a state of disrepair.

If not all District Councillors, the majority have received complaints about pot holes, crumbling road and footway surfaces along with uneven and sloping footpaths which are particularly dangerous for our disabled residents.

It is a fact that Nottinghamshire County Council is fully responsible for the maintenance of the highways throughout Nottinghamshire after the Conservatives abolished the MOPS contract.

The Conservative led County Council has allocated more highway’s money to areas with more roads. This however is flawed due to the fact that many of Nottinghamshire’s roads are country roads and receive little use. It is time that a more realistic approach was taken to accurately reflect the situation on the ground and as such, addresses what is one of the biggest turnover of complaints made by our residents.

For the years 2018-19 and 2019-20 Ashfield had a total of £5,462,000 spent on Ashfield’s roads, whilst Rushcliffe had £8,412,991 for their roads. This includes a decrease for Ashfield’s busy roads and footways of £468,004 yet an increase of £320,053 for the country lanes of Rushcliffe.

I move that this Council writes to the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council outlining our concerns in regard to this unfair distribution of funding and urge her to put in place a more relevant policy that prioritises road usage, and as such, brings up to standard the roads and footways in Ashfield something that Ashfield residents pay for as well as Rushcliffe residents.”

Having been fully considered, the motion was put to the vote and it was

RESOLVED

that this Council writes to the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council outlining the Council’s concerns in regard to the unfair distribution of funding and to urge the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council to put in place a more relevant policy that prioritises road usage, and as such, brings up to standard the roads and footways in Ashfield, something that Ashfield residents pay for as well as Rushcliffe residents.

(At this point in the proceedings and in accordance with Council Procedure

Rule 30, it was moved by Councillor Jason Zadrozny and seconded by

Councillor Rachel Madden that Procedure Rules 10 (Duration of Meeting) and 23 (Conclusion of Proceedings) be suspended, for the duration of the meeting, to enable all matters on the agenda to be satisfactorily concluded.

Having been put to the vote, the Council agreed with this course of action.)

The Council received a notice of motion moved by Councillor Sarah Madigan and seconded by Councillor Christian Chapman as follows:-

“Fireworks are used by people throughout the year to mark different events. And with this year being so depressing Bonfire Night with fireworks brought a brief moment of excitement and happiness.

However, fireworks do bring fear and distress for many animals including pets, farm livestock and wildlife. Animals affected not only suffer psychological distress but can also cause themselves injuries, sometimes very serious ones as they attempt to run away or hide from the loud and high intensity noises that many fireworks make.

To quote from the British Veterinary Association.

Around 1 in 14 vets across the country reported seeing animals with firework-related injuries over 2018 with most reports coming from equine vets. By far the most commonly reported cases were self-injuries caused by fireworks-related anxiety, for example, a dog who tried to escape from its kennel and in the process pulled out all of its front teeth, and a horse that suffered a fractured splint bone as it bolted from its field.

Further, the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing report revealed that 3.6 million dogs could have suffered this Bonfire Night.  During 2018, PDSA's Pet Hospitals treated 1,400 animals for firework related issues such as phobias and injuries, an increase from 1,200 the previous year, a clear indication that not only do fireworks adversely affect many animals but more and more are suffering.

There is no doubt it is particularly the loud noise from fireworks that causes anxiety and harm to animals, but it doesn’t have to be this way because fireworks don’t have to be noisy to be spectacular. There are wide ranges of quiet fireworks throughout the country that give all the colours without the bangs, these are easily available so therefore consumers do have a choice when making their firework purchases.

We are not killjoys and don’t want to stop firework displays we do however want to stop animal suffering, and as such we propose the following.

1.    All future Ashfield District Council firework displays will use low noise fireworks and will encourage all residents of Ashfield to do the same.

2.    This Council resolves, to require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals.

3.    To write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays.

4.    To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.”

Having been fully considered, the motion was put to the vote and it was

RESOLVED that

a)    all future Ashfield District Council firework displays will use low noise fireworks and will encourage all residents of Ashfield to do the same;

b)    the Council resolves to require all public  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.70

The Council received a notice of motion moved by Councillor David Hennigan and seconded by Councillor Jim Blagden as follows:-

“Ashfield District Council notes that from 1st May to 31st October – Value Added Tax (VAT) was set at a zero rate on supplies of PPE as defined by Public Health England’s coronavirus (COVID-19) PPE guidance on 24 April 2020.

This Council notes that from November 1st, face masks and gloves now cost more after the government said a waiver of VAT on personal protective equipment (PPE) would not be extended.

The Treasury has confirmed that the 20% sales tax would once more apply to protective equipment bought by firms and consumers after the six-month exemption.

This is a tax on safety and leaves the poorest vulnerable and is having an adverse impact on businesses and ordinary people, who are legally bound to use masks in shops and on public transport.

We note that food and convenience store owners and other businesses that are obliged to use PPE are now facing increased costs just when they are struggling most.  An increase of 20% is a significant amount and has led to increases in price for PPE equipment, it has slowed demand and is acting as a barrier to buying PPE for some, at a time when many people’s income has been reduced due to the pandemic.

This Council therefore resolves to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP and Treasury Minister Jesse Norman MP to call for this decision to be reversed and a zero rate on VAT on supplies of PPE is reintroduced for the foreseeable future.”

Having been fully considered, the motion was put to the vote and it was

RESOLVED

that the Council resolves to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP and Treasury Minister Jesse Norman MP to call for the decision to reintroduce 20% sales tax on protective equipment bought by firms and consumers after the six-month exemption, to be reversed and a zero rate on VAT on supplies of PPE be reintroduced for the foreseeable future.

(During consideration of the motion, Councillor Chris Baron left the meeting at 9.35pm).

Question 1

Question from Councillor Trevor Locke to the Portfolio Holder for Housing:

“In previous Council meetings the Portfolio Holder has informed the Council of the most welcomed investment of £40M for improvements to Council owned homes. Would he now please up-date the Council on how his plans are progressing towards the use of this new funding and when any improvements will start?”

Question 2

Question from Councillor Dale Grounds to the Leader of the Council:

“As we know the whole country is living in some extraordinary times due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. During the height of the pandemic in the spring, this Council kept all services operating, something that only Ashfield District Council achieved throughout Nottinghamshire.

Would the Leader please inform the Council of the help been given to local businesses as we are now in the grip of the second wave of the pandemic?”

Question 3

Question from Councillor Andrew Gascoyne to the Leader of the Council:

“As an ex service man, and one who has served as a commando in challenging campaigns, I would like to thank the Leader for instigating the cleaning of War Memorials in the district.  Would the Leader please inform me if this maintenance will be a regular service?”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13, the following questions were asked:-

Question 1

Question from Councillor Trevor Locke to the Portfolio Holder for Housing:

“In previous Council meetings the Portfolio Holder has informed the Council of the most welcomed investment of £40M for improvements to Council owned homes. Would he now please update the Council on how his plans are progressing towards the use of this new funding and when any improvements will start?”

Councillor Hollis responded and thanked Councillor Locke for the opportunity to highlight what the Council was set to achieve over the next 2.5 years with regards to housing expenditure.

He thanked the Housing Team for going above and beyond their duties over the past year in order to ensure the health, well-being and safety of some of the most vulnerable people in the District.  Staff had delivered food parcels and medicines to residents, provided money advice, sourced white goods and grants and consistently undertook repairs in people’s homes even during the tightest of restrictions.

Spending of the £40m was already underway and would not only reach all parts of the District but would also benefit new and existing tenants alike. The Council had not built any family accommodation for over a generation but that had now changed and within the next 2.5 years it would be spending £14.5m on new housing provision.

The work was commencing in December 2020 with the development of 22 new units on the former social club site on Davies Avenue at Sutton to the tune of £3.1m. The department would then be going on to spend another £4m on various projects across Sutton, including a mixture of family and adapted bungalows, making use of underperforming assets and dis-used brown field sites and areas which currently attracted anti-social behaviour.

Also in the first half of 2021, the Council would be seeing the start of a £2.5m build programme in Hucknall for much needed family accommodation, where a single family house could get an average of 135 bids each time one became available. This investment in Hucknall and the £40m spend did not include the 15 or so properties the Council was in the process of acquiring on the former Rolls Royce site.

Kirkby would also receive just short of £5m investment in the first quarter of 2022, again picking up areas of underutilised assets and areas attracting anti-social behaviour. It was anticipated that one of the schemes could include a development exclusively made up of bungalows and with the objective of being close to net-carbon zero.

The bulk of the Council’s money would be going to existing tenants and over the next 2.5 years the Council would be installing new and upgraded fixtures within their properties. In the remainder of 2020 alone, the Council was also expecting to spend just over £4.6m on new fittings within its properties.  The money would not only provide new windows, roofs and kitchens but also important aspects such as fire doors, disabled adaptations and upgrades  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.72

There were no questions submitted by Members.