Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors: S J Penny, A White, J Berry, J Norton, N V Davey.

To receive any questions relating to items on the agenda from members of the public and replies thereto.

Paul Elstone

Question 1

My questions relate to agenda items 8 & 9 - MDDC Budget and in particular revenue and 3 Rivers ability to pay back debt. Questions especially relevant as it is calculated that there is over Four million pounds of bad debt exposure fully related to 3 Rivers that will somehow need to be accounted for going forward. A bad debt that is very likely to increase significantly and with increasing potential for MDDC to be placed in special measures. A Local Newspaper has this week quoted the Managing Director of 3 Rivers as saying.

Quote: “We were thrilled with the overly positive response we received at St Georges Court last weekend”.  Unquote, this statement made as a result of a special and well-advertised sales event, but it is widely being suggested that only seven people attended this event. Can the Councillor Director of 3 Rivers fully clarify the position?

Question 2

Even though the St Georges Court property marketing commenced in May 2022 it is being widely suggested that 3 Rivers have sold no properties to date. Can the Councillor Director confirm how many of the 39 properties have had sales contracts fully signed? 

Question 3

A press article in the Crediton Courier posted early yesterday including a photograph of a recently dismissed MDDC Cabinet Member states that the New Independent Cabinet are proposing to permanently close the children’s paddling pools at Crediton and Tiverton. Given that it was the very first New Independent Cabinet Meeting yesterday morning and after the article was posted, I question the integrity of this statement.  This as no cabinet decision had been taken. My understanding is that the new cabinet voted for the following.

a)    To keep the paddling pools open and to allocate full funds to do so.  Is this correct?

b)    Additionally, to make serious changes to the previously proposed and excessive car parking charges. Is this correct? 

c)    Furthermore to support the MDDC Full Council recommendation not to approve the proposed 3 Rivers Business Plans is an attempt to limit further bad debt. Is this correct?

Question 4

At the last Full Council Meeting I asked if the MDDC CEO would implement the Fraud Investigation into 3 Rivers requested by the previous Leader of the Council. A written answer remains outstanding. At this time a simple yes or no answer tonight will do.

Jo Carpenter

I’m Jo I am a founder of Active Parents Tiverton helping families with 0-5 year olds in Tiverton. I have had that role for 6 years in Tiverton voluntarily just to support people. I am here tonight as a deeply concerned parent and I live in the West Exe area. I hope as well that I can speak for some vulnerable families that I am aware of and I have worked with through my voluntary roles and my role with Action For Children.

I know we’re here to discuss West Exe paddling pool just wanted to point out things to consider, according to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 154.

To record any interests on agenda matters.

The following declarations of interest were made:

·       Cllr Mrs F J Colthorpe declared a personal interest that they knew some of the public questioners.

·       Cllr S Pugh declared a personal interest that they were part of the campaign to save the paddling pool

·       Cllr C J Eginton declared a personal interest that they owned a business based in Tiverton

·       Cllr D J Knowles declared a personal interest that they knew some of the residents present

·       Cllr B Holdman declared a personal interest that they knew some of the residents present and was part of the car parking campaign.

·       Cllr L Cruwys declared a personal interest that they had received contact in regards to the paddling pools.

·       Cllr Mrs C P Daw declared a personal interest that they had received contact in regards to the paddling pools.

·       Cllr W Burke declared a personal interest that they were part of the paddling pool campaign.

·       Cllr R J Dolley declared a personal interest that they knew some of the residents present

·       Cllr R L Stanley declared a pecuniary interest that he was a Director of 3 Rivers Developments Ltd.

To receive any announcements which the Chairman of the Council may wish to make.

No announcments were made.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor A Wilce:

That the recommendations 1 to 6 of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 160 be ADOPTED.

The Chairman MOVED in accordance with Procedure Rule 19.7:

“That the vote in respect of this MOTION shall be by Roll Call”

A roll call of Members present at the meeting was then taken.

Those voting FOR the MOTION: Councillors: G Barnell, J Bartlett, J Buczkowski, W Burke, J Cairney, R J Chesterton, S J Clist, Mrs F J Colthorpe, D R Coren, L Cruwys, Mrs C P Daw, R J Dolley, J M Downes, C J Eginton, R Evans, P J Heal, B Holdman, D J Knowles, F W Letch, Ms E J Lloyd, B A Moore, S E Pugh, D F Pugsley, R F Radford, C Slade, Mrs E J Slade, Mrs M E Squires, R L Stanley, L D Taylor, B J G Warren, A Wilce, Mrs N Woollatt, J Wright, A Wyer.

Those voting AGAINST the MOTION: None

Those ABSTAINING from voting: None

.

The MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

The Leader MOVED seconded by Councillor Mrs N Woollatt:

That the recommendations 7, 8 and 9 of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 160 be ADOPTED.

Cllr C J Eginton MOVED an AMENDMENT, seconded by Cllr Mrs M E Squires:

“That we take 7, 8 and 9 individually with 9 being the first one to be voted on so that allows then the members of the public to go home.”

Upon a vote being taken the AMENDMENT was declared to have been CARRIED.

The Chairman MOVED in accordance with Procedure Rule 19.7:

“That the vote in respect of this AMENDMENT shall be by Roll Call”

A roll call of Members present at the meeting was then taken for recommendation 9 from minute 160 of the Cabinet.

Those voting FOR the MOTION: Councillors: G Barnell, J Bartlett, J Buczkowski, W Burke, J Cairney, R J Chesterton, S J Clist, Mrs F J Colthorpe, D R Coren, L Cruwys, Mrs C P Daw, R J Dolley, J M Downes, C J Eginton, R Evans, P J Heal, B Holdman, D J Knowles, F W Letch, Ms E J Lloyd, B A Moore, S E Pugh, D F Pugsley, R F Radford, C Slade, Mrs E J Slade, Mrs M E Squires, R L Stanley, L D Taylor, B J G Warren, Mrs N Woollatt, J Wright, A Wyer.

Those voting AGAINST the MOTION: None

Those ABSTAINING from voting: Councillor A Wilce

.

The AMENDMENT was declared to have been CARRIED.

Cllr J M Downes MOVED an AMENDMENT, seconded by Cllr C J Clist that:

“We take recommendations 7 & 8 on block”

Upon a vote being taken the AMENDMENT was declared to have been CARRIED.

The Chairman MOVED in accordance with Procedure Rule 19.7:

“That the vote in respect of this AMENDMENT shall be by Roll Call”

A roll call  ...  view the full minutes text for item 157.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor D J Knowles:

That the recommendations of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 159 be ADOPTED.

Upon a vote being taken the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

Reason for the Decision – This is a statutory function and is a legal requirement. The Council must set its budget annually on the tax base and the NNDR1 projected values.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The Leader MOVED seconded by Councillor Mrs C P Daw:

That the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 157 be ADOPTED.

The Chairman MOVED in accordance with Procedure Rule 19.7:

“That the vote in respect of this MOTION shall be by Roll Call”

A roll call of Members present at the meeting was then taken.

Those voting FOR the MOTION: Councillors: G Barnell, J Bartlett, J Buczkowski, W Burke, J Cairney, R J Chesterton, S J Clist, Mrs C A Collis, Mrs F J Colthorpe, D R Coren, L Cruwys, Mrs C P Daw, R J Dolley, J M Downes, C J Eginton, R Evans, P J Heal, B Holdman, D J Knowles, F W Letch, Ms E J Lloyd, B A Moore, S E Pugh, D F Pugsley, R F Radford, C Slade, Mrs E J Slade, Mrs M E Squires, L D Taylor, B J G Warren, A Wilce, Mrs N Woollatt, J Wright, A Wyer.

Those voting AGAINST the MOTION: Councillors: None

Those ABSTAINING from voting: Councillors: R L Stanley

.

The MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

Reason for Decision – There is a need for the Council to set the Capital Programme.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor A Wilce:

That the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 158 be ADOPTED.

Upon a vote being taken the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

Reason for Decision – Council approves the Treasury Management Strategy in line with CIPFA guidance.