Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED

that due to both the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Council being in self-isolation at home due to current Covid-19 restrictions, Councillor Caroline Wilkinson be appointed as the Chairman for the ensuing meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 3 December 2020, as now submitted, be received and approved subject to the finishing time being corrected from 10.16am to 10.16pm.

The Head of Paid Service and the Leader of the Council took the opportunity to speak about the Council’s continuing response to the Covid-19 outbreak and the implications for Nottinghamshire in relation to the latest lockdown.  Members were advised of the latest position in relation to positive Covid cases within Ashfield, interpretation of data emulating from the Middle Layer Super Output Areas, the roll out of the vaccination programme and proposals for mass asymptomatic testing in Sutton in Ashfield.

A heartfelt thank you was given to all staff for their continued commitment to the Council and its service delivery in all areas over the last 10 months. Council Members were also advised of the £6.27 million pounds recently awarded to Ashfield District Council, from the Future High Street Funding Scheme.  It was an amazing achievement for all concerned and would enable the transformation of Sutton town centre to commence without delay.

The passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore was also mentioned, and a minute’s silence was held as a mark of respect to honour his amazing achievements in raising funds for the NHS during the pandemic.

From Martin Howes, Hucknall

To the Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks and Town Centres:

“What proportion of the council’s vehicle fleet are fully electric vehicles (EVs) and what plans does the council have to reduce the proportion of fossil-fuel vehicles and increase the proportion of EVs in its vehicle fleet in the future?

By “vehicle fleet” I mean all the cars, vans and trucks that are owned, leased or rented by council.”

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the following question had

been submitted by Mr. Martin Howes from Hucknall.

To the Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks and Town Centres:

“What proportion of the council’s vehicle fleet are fully electric vehicles (EVs) and what plans does the council have to reduce the proportion of fossil-fuel vehicles and increase the proportion of EVs in its vehicle fleet in the future?

By “vehicle fleet” I mean all the cars, vans and trucks that are owned, leased or rented by council.”

The Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks and Town Centres, Councillor David Martin, responded to the question as follows:-

“I would like to thank the member of the public for their question about the Council’s fleet and in particular, deployment of electric vehicles.

Climate Change is one of the greatest challenges we face and everyone, including the District Council, has an obligation to do all it can to minimise our carbon footprint and fleet and transport is one area where we can take tangible actions to practically minimise emissions. Electric vehicles are not yet suitable for all kind of vehicle uses but the market is developing quickly and electric vehicles are becoming more practical for an ever wider range of uses.

Ashfield District Council has an entire fleet of 143 road registered vehicles, which also includes JCBs, tractors and ride-on-mowers, as well as standardised vehicles. The Council currently has two all-electric vehicles.  Furthermore, as vehicles come to the end of their life and need replacing, options for electric or hybrid vehicles are considered and this is why two plug-in petrol hybrid vehicles have been ordered, which will replace diesel vehicles. The Council seeks to maximise Government grant wherever possible.

Furthermore, the Council is currently exploring infrastructure at the depot to allow more electric vehicles to be introduced over time and it is worth noting that the Council has over 70 Euro 6 diesel vehicles, which are the most carbon efficient diesel engines available. The Council also operates a telematics system to ensure drivers of Council vehicles drive them safely and efficiently.

A significant number of traditional Council vehicles, such as transit vans, are due for replacement in 2022 and this provides an opportunity to further expand our green fleet.”

The Chairman then gave Mr. Howes the opportunity to ask a supplementary

question and he responded as follows:-

“You mentioned that quite a few vehicles will be replaced in 2022.  Can you give me an indication of what proportion of the replacement vehicles are likely to be electric and do you have any targets for that? For example, would it be a small proportion of electric vehicles or the majority of your replacements?

The Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks and Town Centres responded to the supplementary question as follows:-

““The Council has ambitions to consider replacing vehicles with either electric or hybrid versions and since the Ashfield Independents took outright control of the District Council in 2019, the climate has been one of our main  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.78

(None received for this meeting)

No petitions were submitted for consideration.

Council was requested to approve and adopt the Pay Policy Statement for

2021/22.

RESOLVED

that the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2021/22, as presented, be received and approved.

Council was requested to consider changes to Committee memberships

as requested by the Ashfield Independent Group, to note a change to a Portfolio Holder title and remit and to note an updated list of Cabinet Support Members.

RESOLVED that

a)     the following update to the title and remit of the former Portfolio Holder for Portfolio Holder for Corporate Communications, Governance & Cross Portfolio Support be noted as follows:

Portfolio Holder for Governance, Energy and the Environment

Responsible For:

Corporate Communications

Website

Legal Services

Democratic and Scrutiny Services 

Electoral Services

Audit

Environmental Strategy and Performance;

b)     that the following changes be made to the Council’s Committee memberships:

c)     the following updated list of Cabinet Support Members be received and noted:

Cllr. Sarah Madigan – Support to Leader

Cllr. Dale Grounds – Culture

Cllr. David Walters – Health

Cllr. Warren Nuttall – Health

Cllr. Lee Waters – Finance

Cllr. Christian Chapman – IT and Digital.

Cllr. Trevor Locke – Planning

Cllr. Dave Shaw – Safety

Cllr. Jim Blagden – Housing.

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

following recommendations:-

Minute No. CA.60

Cabinet – 26 January 2021

Future High Streets Funding

RESOLVED

that Council accepts the Future High Streets funding of £6.27m.

Minute No. L.10

Licensing Committee – 27 January 2021

Street Trading: New Resolution

RESOLVED

that as a result of no public consultation responses being received, the new Draft Street Trading Resolution as shown at Appendix 3 of the Licensing Committee report, be adopted.

(Prior to the Cabinet Portfolio updates and in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 30, it was moved by Councillor Jason Zadrozny and seconded by Councillor David Martin 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.)

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

·       Covid Information Officers offering continued support and forging good working relationships with local retailers

·       capture of footfall data in town centres across Ashfield currently underway

·       1.5 million investment in green spaces with 11 projects ongoing

·       retaining water enhancement works on Titichfield Park brook at Hucknall

·       Additional 500 trees being planted with a further 500 at the end of February

·       acknowledgement of challenging times for staff during the pandemic

·       success of the real Christmas tree collection with 1150 trees collected

·       waste campaigns continuing at pace with the Spring Clean commencing on 8 February 2021

·       Environmental Services Team undertaking outstanding work in challenging circumstances

·       latest data is showing a reduction in reported incidences of dog fouling and littering

·       300 incidences of fly tipping reported

·       imminent launch of new Environmental Charter to be circulated to all households

·       approval of new S46 Public Funerals Policy

Councillor Kier Barsby – Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure

·       reopening of the leisure centres on 2 December 2020 for a month prior to the third lockdown saw more joiners than leavers

·       maintenance of leisure centres is continuing to ensure swift reopening when instructed

·       an application for National Leisure Relief funds has been completed to endeavour to recoup some losses during the pandemic

·       weekly meetings being held with Everyone Active, the Council’s leisure service provider

·       work started on the Kirkby Leisure Centre site and the contractor, Keir, committed to its corporate social responsibilities with plans to facilitate site visits, community volunteer days, school visits and work placements

·       the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Sports England bids have been submitted and are currently at stage 2

·       success of the Christmas lights, online advent competition and Santa street tour during December 2020

·       Discover Ashfield awards for businesses now accepting nominations with a virtual awards ceremony being held during February half term

·       4 outdoor cinema screenings to hopefully take place during August and September 2021

·       17 organisations benefitted from £12,000 of Ashfield Community funding

·       development of a new Health and Wellbeing Partnership Strategy for 2021-25, to be launched in late February 2021

·       £23,000 of Emergency Assistance Funding for Food has been distributed to over 400 families including Christmas hampers

·       the Christmas staff appeal saw personalised gifts being distributed to all residents at Beaumont House and Kingfisher Court Care Homes and chocolates through the local foodbank network

·       imminent distribution of the Winter Grant Food Vouchers

Councillor Matthew Relf – Portfolio Holder for Place, Planning and

Regeneration

·       the Planning Team continuing to exceed their performance targets in most areas

·       delays  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.83

Motion 1

To consider a notice of motion proposed by Councillor Jason Zadrozny and seconded by Councillor David Martin, as follows:-

“This Council notes that the United Kingdom is the oldest and most profitable union in history. The UK. now in this post Brexit era should be a position to make its own laws and decisions but this is not yet the case.

The pandemic that we are living through has highlighted just how dependent the United Kingdom still is on other countries, for example the reliance on Personal Protective Equipment from abroad.  Our Country has all the skills to have provided that much needed PPE, especially here in Ashfield where there is an abundance of garment making skills.

This Council believes that if our businesses are to compete on a worldwide stage it is crucial to have support at home. If we don’t like, or don’t want to be dependent on other Countries we must put our own house in order by purchasing UK. goods.  Our UK. companies need to provide alternatives to foreign commodities as UK. competiveness is critical, if as a country we want to be able to stand alone in the world. With support from UK. residents and organisations buying goods from our own Country, jobs and more investment will follow.  The history and capabilities of our Country proves that the UK. can succeed on the world stage, for example, Great Britain led the world in developing the Covid-19 vaccine.

Ashfield Independents want this Council to take a lead in buying UK. goods and set a positive example to our residents, other local authorities and nationally by supporting UK. companies wherever possible. This however, is very difficult as the Government has failed to change laws surrounding procurement post Brexit. A raft of laws have simply been carried over unchanged from the EU.

This Council, unfortunately is still forced into advertising large contracts in Europe so therefore the UK. and this Council is not in a position to make its own decisions. On this matter Ashfield needs Parliamentary representation which is sadly lacking.

This Council therefore supports the Leader of the Council lobbies by letter, the Members of Parliament for the District. Calling on them to take forward these concerns and by so doing save and keep jobs, and encourage new and old UK. based companies and businesses to invest in this country.

To be clear, it is the firm will of this administration, that as soon as the restraints are lifted from the authority, that as many purchases as possible will come from UK. based organisations, and further that we will support as local trades and companies as is possible.”

Motion 2

To consider a notice of motion proposed by Councillor Samantha Deakin and seconded by Councillor Dave Shaw, as follows:-

“This Council wants to put on record its thanks to all the staff of Ashfield District Council for all of their extra hard work, particularly since the start the pandemic.

Ashfield District Council is the  ...  view the full agenda text for item C.84

The Council received a notice of motion moved by Councillor Jason Zadrozny

and seconded by Councillor David Martin as follows:-

“This Council notes that the United Kingdom is the oldest and most profitable union in history. The UK. now in this post Brexit era should be a position to make its own laws and decisions but this is not yet the case.

The pandemic that we are living through has highlighted just how dependent the United Kingdom still is on other countries, for example the reliance on Personal Protective Equipment from abroad. Our Country has all the skills to have provided that much needed PPE, especially here in Ashfield where there is an abundance of garment making skills.

This Council believes that if our businesses are to compete on a worldwide stage it is crucial to have support at home. If we don’t like, or don’t want to be dependent on other Countries we must put our own house in order by purchasing UK. goods. Our UK. companies need to provide alternatives to foreign commodities as UK. competiveness is critical, if as a country we want to be able to stand alone in the world. With support from UK. residents and organisations buying goods from our own Country, jobs and more investment will follow. The history and capabilities of our Country proves that the UK. can succeed on the world stage, for example, Great Britain led the world in developing the Covid-19 vaccine.

Ashfield Independents want this Council to take a lead in buying UK. goods and set a positive example to our residents, other local authorities and nationally by supporting UK. companies wherever possible. This however, is very difficult as the Government has failed to change laws surrounding procurement post Brexit. A raft of laws have simply been carried over unchanged from the EU. This Council, unfortunately is still forced into advertising large contracts in Europe so therefore the UK. and this Council is not in a position to make its own decisions. On this matter Ashfield needs Parliamentary representation which is sadly lacking.

This Council therefore supports the Leader of the Council lobbies by letter, the Members of Parliament for the District. Calling on them to take forward these concerns and by so doing save and keep jobs, and encourage new and old UK. based companies and businesses to invest in this country.

To be clear, it is the firm will of this administration, that as soon as the restraints are lifted from the authority, that as many purchases as possible will come from UK. based organisations, and further that we will support as local trades and companies as is possible.”

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

RESOLVED that

a)    this Council supports the Leader of the Council to lobby Members of Parliament for the District by letter, calling on them to take forward thee concerns and by so doing save and keep jobs and encourage new and old UK  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.84

The Council received a notice of motion moved by Councillor Helen-Ann Smith (in Councillor Samantha Deakin’s absence) and seconded by Councillor Dave Shaw as follows:-

“This Council wants to put on record its thanks to all the staff of Ashfield District Council for all of their extra hard work, particularly since the start the pandemic.

Ashfield District Council is the only Council in Nottinghamshire to keep refuse collections fully operational through not only the first wave of the pandemic but also the second wave too. Our teams of refuse collectors have gone even further, they have pulled out all the stops by collecting 180 tonnes of extra waste just after Christmas across the District. Not forgetting the 249 addition tonnes collected during the Big Spring Clean and then the Skip into Summer and bag it campaigns. This Council is so proud that despite massive pressures on the team they have stepped up and are soon to be delivering another Big Spring Clean event later this month. We are the only

Council in the Country to actually increase waste services.

The Councils Revenues and Benefits Team have had to absorb an enormous increase in workload. Revenues have dealt with 1,700 businesses and paid out well over 20 million pounds in grants after completing the very complex work involved with each application. After which, Government audits and fraud checks are completed. Benefits have dealt with 700 applications from isolating people which is very complex work, ensuring that these applicants are entitled to the grant. With each lockdown and each change of tier come different sets of regulations making the job extraordinarily complex and this Councils teams have risen to that challenge each time.

Our housing teams have stepped up to the plate by getting the Ashfield homeless community into accommodations and are working with them to keep them off the streets and into permanent homes. The Council used an additional 10 units from its housing stock to accommodate rough sleepers. Often this is a complex task but our teams are up to that task and continue to work with the homeless to enhance their quality of life throughout the pandemic and particularly through the winter months.

The housing repairs team have also risen to the challenges the pandemic has caused. During the first lockdown the law meant they could only deal with emergency repairs, so the team helped with cemetery duties and litter picking. Further to this, the team converted properties to accommodate homeless people, thereby assisting some of the most vulnerable people in Ashfield. Since the first lockdown and through all the various tiers the team has continually worked and worked though some very difficult times including when there were serious shortages in building supplies. The team has also kept up to date with gas boiler servicing, this again has not been easy due to

some tenants isolating and others not wanting people outside of their bubble in their homes – proudly our teams prevailed.

The Councils I.T. team has enabled  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.85

The Council received a notice of motion moved by Councillor David Martin and seconded by Councillor Andy Gascoyne as follows:-

“This Council notes with dismay that five years ago the then Labour administration of closed the Selston Golf Course against the wishes of local people. The building has fallen into a near state of dereliction and this costs the tax payer £6k every year.

This Council further recognises that the residents in Selston Parish expects this Council to treat Selston Country Park on a par with other park facilities across the District such as The Lawns in Sutton and Tichfield Park in Hucknall. To do this will need investment, an investment that is only fair for Selston residents.

This Council notes that the Country Park is owned wholly by Nottinghamshire County Council, and regrets that the current administration there have, with political malice, prohibited the progression of plans to reopen the café on the park.

However, thanks to the passion and tenacious work of the Ashfield Independent Councillors who represent the rural wards some improvement work has commenced on the park. Namely with Phase One - the building of a memorial park. This should be completed in the near future and will see three new flag poles and raised flower beds, as well as disabled friendly benches installed to compliment the Commemorative benches previously installed.

The administration are as keen as the local public to make Selston Country Park a destination park, where events can be held for all members of the community. Where it is possible that farmer’s markets can be held and big screen films staged.

Therefore this Council resolves that:-

Officers of the Council work up costed plans, without delay, to create a new Café hub at Selston Country Park. This will be a multipurpose extension to the current building, allowing it to be run full time for local people to use, in the same way other park cafes in the District are. This will be Phase Two of the Country Park Plans.

Officers note and record the medium term plans to work up Phase Three for the park, to provide more things of interest to do at the site. Future 106 contributions from the Parish should be then allocated to this plan. The plan could include but is not limited to, formalising path and cycle routes, creating nature trails, extending the car park and installing a variety of play equipment.

Officers to commence work on the long term lease options of the site with Nottinghamshire County Council and confirm our intention to extend the current lease. Officers present any future plans to Cabinet for further approval.

Officers to develop a business case for consideration by Cabinet and to present to Council for approval, subject to the business case being financially viable. The business case will be developed within the first quarter of 2021/22.”

(At this point in the proceedings and in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 18.4, it was moved and seconded that the names for  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.86

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 5 (Urgent Items), the Council

received an emergency notice of motion moved by Councillor Tom Hollis

and seconded by Councillor Helen-Ann Smith as follows:-

“This Council supports the Police in their efforts to reduce crime and seek out criminals in Ashfield.

Ashfield District Council now has an excellent record in working with the Police at all levels. With our Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Councillor Helen Ann Smith, Ashfield District Council is always working closely and always seeking new avenues to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in our area.

In their efforts to reduce the amounts of drugs on the streets of Ashfield the Police have enacted Operation Reacher. We, as a Council support the principle of this operation however, there has been a huge cost inflicted on the Council which I, as the Portfolio for Housing am putting to the Council we can no longer bear.

Throughout the enactment Operation Reacher the Police have entered Council owned houses often by breaking in through exterior doors. The cost of replacing these destroyed doors has fallen to this Council.

The Council has asked officers to investigate all costs relating to Operation Reacher that have impacted this council. So far, but the investigation continues, 24 addresses have had doors broken through which the Council has replaced with some new doors costing as much as £900 each.

Unfortunately, there have been occasions where the Police have raided the wrong property, but the cost of replacement doors has still been borne by this Council. 

This is a situation that cannot continue, as the Portfolio Holder for Housing wants to spend the Council’s money on continuing to maintain to a high standard the properties we have for the good of our tenants and to build more Council Houses to address the enormous waiting list.

This Council resolves that-

1.    The Council seeks to re-charge the Police for damage to property when the wrong address is entered.

2.    If criminality is found in our properties damaged by the Police, that the tenant is re-charged the cost of repair.”

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

RESOLVED that

a)    the Council seeks to re-charge the Police for damage to property when the wrong address is entered;

b)    if criminality is found in our properties damaged by the Police, that the tenant is re-charged for the cost of the repair.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 5 (Urgent Items), the Council

received an emergency notice of motion moved by Councillor Daniel Williamson and seconded by Councillor Rachel Madden as follows:-

“This Council notes that there is a National debate on the roles and responsibilities of Councillors currently taking place.

The Public Accounts Select Committee are meeting next week to discuss preparations and contingency planning for the local elections which are due to take place in just 90 days.

Therefore this Council moves to re-ratify and make clear the roles and responsibilities of ward councillors, which all members here signed up to following their election in 2019.

In addition this Council will send our document to the Public Accounts Select Committee in advance of their meeting to demonstrate the broad range of tasks a local elected member is required to undertake, to aid in informing their work.”

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

RESOLVED that

a)    the Council ratifies and makes clear the roles and responsibilities of Ward Councillors, which all Members signed up to following their election in 2019;

b)    in addition, the Council will send its document to the Public Accounts Select Committee in advance of their meeting to demonstrate the broad range of tasks a local elected member is required to undertake, to aid in informing their work.

(None received for this meeting)

There were no questions submitted by Members.

(None received for this meeting)

There were no questions submitted by Members.