Agenda

To receive any apologies for absence.

Members to note the Protocol for Remote Meetings.

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

Councillors are reminded of the requirement to declare any interest, including the type of interest, and the reason for that interest, either at this stage of the meeting or as soon as they become aware of that interest.

Members to consider whether to approve the minutes as a correct record of the meeting held on 6 January 2021.

The Council is reminded that only those Members present at the previous meeting should vote and, in doing so, should be influenced only by seeking to ensure that the minutes are an accurate record.

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

To receive any petitions from members of the public.

(1)          Motion 564 – (Councillors Miss E Wainwright and Miss J Norton

The following motion (1-3 and 5-7) had been referred to the Standards Committee for consideration and report

Council resolves to:

1. Practice equality, fairness and inclusion, and to play its part in creating an equal society for all. There is no place for sexism, racism, bigotry, discrimination or intolerance of any form in our society.

2. Acknowledge that language is a powerful tool for change and inspiration, as well as ignorance, oppression and damaged relationships, and should be used thoughtfully and respectfully. Many people who do not have a voice in the public domain have to suffer the consequences of inaccurate or insulting language.

3. Review and, if needed, update member training, to equip all members with the language and tools needed to actively promote diversity and inclusivity.

5. Ask that the Chairs of the Equality Forum and Community PDG identify and discuss approaches to reaching hard-to-reach communities in Mid Devon.

6. Show leadership by creating a diversity and inclusion strategy, and seek input from residents and local organisations that have expertise, to ensure the council is inclusive towards diverse and hard-to-reach communities in its recruitment, member representation and service provision. As part of this, review and update the MDDC equalities policy. 

7. Explore further opportunities to increase inclusivity, diversity and representation in Mid Devon District Council, including but not limited to amongst women, minority ethnic communities, young people, and carers.

(1)   The Fawcett Society and Local Government Information Unit report, ‘Does Local Government Work for Women?’ found that structural and cultural barriers hold back women’s participation in local government. The practices and protocols of local government create unnecessary barriers to participation particularly for women with caring responsibilities. https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/does-local-government-work-for-women-final-report-of-the-local-government-commission

The Standards Committee at its meeting on 3 February 2021 considered the Motion and following discussion RECOMMENDED to Council

a)    Motion 564 (1-3 and 5-7) be supported; and

b)    In addition, that point (3) of the motion should include members and officers and the review should include all Council conventions and that in relation to point (5) the Equality Forum and the Community Policy Development Group should be consulted as a whole and not just the Chairs.

(2)          Motion 566 – (Councillors: G Barnell and S J Clist – 17 December 2020)

The following motion had been referred to the Cabinet for consideration and report:

This Council agrees to commission, as a matter of urgency, a plan based on evidence of local housing need for the delivery of affordable rented and social rented housing across Mid Devon. This plan should make best use of the Government's Affordable Housing programme 2021/26 and be presented to Council by June 2021.

The Cabinet at its meeting on 4 February 2021 considered the Motion and following discussion RECOMMENDED to Council that Motion 566 not be supported as the timeline proposed within the motion was not achievable, there were already strands of work taking place with a planned programme already set out.

(3)  MOTION 568  - (COUNCILLOR A WILCE –  ...  view the full agenda text for item 8.

To receive and consider the reports, minutes and recommendations of the recent meetings as follows:

(1)  Cabinet

-       7 January 2021

-       4 February 2021

-       18 February 2021 – to follow

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) setting out the formal Council Tax Resolution for 2021/22.

To receive and consider the reports, minutes and recommendations of the meetings as follows:

2)    Scrutiny Committee

-            18 January 2021

-            15 February 2021 – to follow

3)    Audit Committee

-      26 January 2021         

4)    Environment Policy Development Group

-            12 January 2021

5)    Homes Policy Development Group

-            19 January 2021

6)   Economy Policy Development Group

-             14 January 2021

7)    Community Policy Development Group

-            26 January 2021

8)    Planning Committee

-            13 January 2021

-            10 February 2021

9)   Standards Committee

-         3 February 2021

To deal with any questions raised pursuant to Procedure Rule 13 not already dealt with during the relevant Committee reports.

The Leader will address the Council.

Decisions taken under Rule 16 (of the Constitution) Special Urgency – since the previous meeting.

There have been no such decisions in this period.

To receive and consider a paper from the Chairman of the Working Group

Cabinet Members will answer questions from Members on their Portfolios.

To receive any statements made and notice of future questions by Members.

Note:  the time allowed for this item is limited to 15 minutes.