Decisions

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 18 February 2021.

 

(1)  Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy (Minute 330)

 

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor B A Moore:

 

THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 330 be ADOPTED.

 

Consideration was given to:

 

·         The borrowing and lending figures outlined within the report

·         The risks associated with lending to 3 Rivers Developments Limited and whether a request be made to the Audit Committee for further examination of risk associated with the lending of funds.

 

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

 

Reason for Decision – there is a need for the Council to approve the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2021/22 in line with CIPFA guidance

 

Note: Councillor R L Stanley had declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as he was a remunerated Director of 3 Rivers Development Limited and left the meeting for the debate and the vote thereon.

 

 

(2)  Capital Strategy (Minute 331)

 

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor B A Moore:

 

THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 331 be ADOPTED.

 

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

 

Reason for Decision – there is a need for the Council to approve the Capital Strategy.

 

Notes: Councillor R L Stanley had declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as he was a remunerated Director of 3 Rivers Development Limited and remained out the meeting for the debate and the vote thereon.

 

 

 

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 4 February 2021

 

(1)  Tax Base Calculation (Minute 308)

 

The Leader MOVED seconded by Councillor B A Moore:

 

THAT the recommendations of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 308 be ADOPTED (subject to a correction to the number of properties to read 28,594,38).

 

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

 

Reason for the Decision – Mid Devon District Council is a Statutory Billing Authority and must set its Council Tax each year

 

 

(2)  National Non-Domestic Rates (Minute 309)

 

The Leader MOVED seconded by Councillor B A Moore:

 

THAT the recommendations of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 309 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.

 

 

(3)  Budget  (Minute 311)

 

(a)  The Leader MOVED seconded by Councillor B A Moore:

 

THAT the recommendations of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 311 (1, 3, 5, 6 and 7) be ADOPTED.

 

The Council had before it questions* referring to Minute 311 submitted by Councillor a Wilce in accordance with Procedure Rule 13.2, together with  a response the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration.

 

Councillor Wilce in accordance with Procedure Rule 13.7 asked a supplementary question: he had received a response from the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration but would like a response from the Cabinet Member for Finance.  The Cabinet Member for Finance stated that he would provide a written response.

 

Consideration was given to:

 

·         How the budget had been considered previously by the Policy Development Groups, the Cabinet and the Scrutiny Committee

·         Concern with regard to the budget gap in the future and the need for a strategic discussion to take place which involved the taxpayer

·         The use of the temporary transfer from the New Homes Bonus earmarked reserve

·         Concerns with regard to the cutting of grants

·         The use of reserves and the impact of the pandemic on financial matters

 

The Chairman MOVED in accordance with Procedure Rule 19.7:

 

“THAT the vote in respect of the 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, E J Berry, W Burke, J Cairney, R J Chesterton, Mrs C A Collis, Mrs F J Colthorpe, D R Coren, N V Davey, Mrs C P Daw, R M Deed, R J Dolley, J M Downes, C J Eginton, R Evans, Mrs S Griggs, T G Hughes, D J Knowles, F W Letch, B A Moore, D F Pugsley, R F Radford, C Slade, Mrs M E Squires, L D Taylor, Miss E Wainwright, B G J Warren, A Wilce and Mrs N Woollatt.

 

Those voting AGAINST the MOTION: Councillors: S J Clist and A White.

 

Those ABSTAINING from voting: Councillors: B Holdman and Miss J Norton.

 

The MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

 

(b)  The Leader MOVED seconded by Councillor B A Moore:

 

THAT the recommendations of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 311 (2 and 4) be ADOPTED.

 

The Chairman MOVED in accordance with Procedure Rule 19.7:

 

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

 

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

 

Those voting FOR the MOTION: Councillors: E J Berry, W Burke, R J Chesterton, Mrs C A Collis, Mrs F J Colthorpe, D R Coren, N V Davey, Mrs C P Daw, R M Deed, R J Dolley, C J Eginton, R Evans, Mrs S Griggs, T G Hughes, D J Knowles, B A Moore, D F Pugsley, R F Radford, C R Slade, Mrs M E Squires, B G J Warren, A Wilce and Mrs N Woollatt.

 

Those voting AGAINST the MOTION: Councillors:  G Barnell, J Cairney, S J Clist, L D Taylor and A White.

 

Those ABSTAINING from voting: Councillors:  J M Downes, B Holdman, F W Letch, Miss J Norton and Miss E Wainwright

 

The MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

 

Reason for Decision – There is a need for the Council to set a balanced budget.

 

Notes:

 

i)          Councillor R L Stanley had declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as he was a remunerated Director of 3 Rivers Development Limited and left the meeting for the debate and the vote thereon.

 

ii)         Councillor T G Hughes left the meeting at the end of this item.

 

(4)  Capital Programme (Minute 312)

 

The Leader MOVED seconded by Councillor B A Moore:

 

THAT recommendation (1) of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 312 be ADOPTED.

 

Consideration was given to:

 

·         The lending amounts within the Capital Programme to 3 Rivers Developments Limited

·         Whether the Capital Programme should have addressed issues such as Covid recovery, climate change and the regeneration of the town centres

·         Whether the New Homes Bonus should be spend on social rented housing

 

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: E J Berry, R J Chesterton, Mrs C A Collis, Mrs F J Colthorpe, D R Coren, N V Davey, Mrs C P Daw, R M Deed, C J Eginton, R Evans, Mrs S Griggs, D J Knowles, B A Moore, D F Pugsley, R F Radford, C R Slade, Mrs M E Squires and Mrs N Woollatt.

 

Those voting AGAINST the MOTION: G Barnell, J Cairney, S J Clist, J M Downes, B Holdman, L D Taylor and A White.

 

Those ABSTAINING from voting: Councillors:  W Burke, R J Dolley, F W Letch, Miss J Norton, Miss E Wainwright, B G J Warren and A Wilce.

 

The MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

 

The Leader MOVED seconded by Councillor B A Moore:

 

THAT recommendation (2) of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 312 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: E J Berry, R J Chesterton, Mrs C A Collis, Mrs F J Colthorpe, D R Coren, N V Davey, Mrs C P Daw, R M Deed, C J Eginton, R Evans, Mrs S Griggs, D J Knowles, B A Moore, D F Pugsley, R F Radford, C R Slade, Mrs M E Squires and Mrs N Woollatt.

 

Those voting AGAINST the MOTION: G Barnell, J Cairney, S J Clist, J M Downes, L D Taylor and A White.

 

Those ABSTAINING from voting: Councillors:  W Burke, R J Dolley B Holdman, F W Letch, Miss J Norton, Miss E Wainwright, B G J Warren and A Wilce.

 

The MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

 

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

 

Note: Councillor R L Stanley had declared a disclosable pecuniary interest as he was a remunerated Director of 3 Rivers Development Limited and remained out of the meeting for the debate and the vote thereon.

 

(5)  Tax Strategy and Policy  (Minute 313)

 

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor B A Moore:

 

THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 313 be ADOPTED.

 

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

 

Reason for Decision – this is a new policy and therefore needs approval of the Council to be added to the Policy Framework.

 

(6)  Policy Framework (Minute 314)

 

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor R B Evans:

 

THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 314 be ADOPTED.

 

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

 

Reason for Decision – the Constitution states that the Policy Framework must be approved annually by Council.

 

(7)  Pay Policy (Minute 315)

 

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor Mrs N Woollatt:

 

THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 315 be ADOPTED.

 

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

 

(8) Establishment (Minute 316)

 

The Leader MOVED, seconded by Councillor C R Slade:

 

THAT the recommendation of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 316 be ADOPTED.

 

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

 

 

The Chairman MOVED,

 

“THAT the Council Tax for 2021/22 be increased by 2.39% being £213.84 (in accordance with the revised referendum limit ability of 2% or £5 per Band D property)”

 

With regard to the draft Council Tax resolution in respect of the year 2021/22:

 

The Chairman then MOVED in accordance with Procedure Rule 19.7:

 

“THAT the vote in respect of this item shall be by Roll Call”

 

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

 

Those voting FOR the MOTION: Councillors:  E J Berry, W Burke, R J Chesterton, Mrs C A Collis, Mrs F J Colthorpe, D R Coren, N V Davey, Mrs C P Daw, R M Deed, C J Eginton, R Evans, Mrs S Griggs, D J Knowles, B A Moore, D F Pugsley, R F Radford, C R Slade, Mrs M E Squires, R L Stanley, Miss E Wainwright, B G J Warren, A Wilce and Mrs N Woollatt.

 

Those voting AGAINST the MOTION:  Councillors: G Barnell, S J Clist, L D Taylor and A White.

 

Those ABSTAINING from voting: Councillors: J Cairney, R J Dolley, J M Downes, B Holdman, F W Letch, and Miss J Norton.

 

The MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED and it was accordingly:-

 

RESOLVED that the recommendations within the report be approved.

 

Reason for Decision - there is a need for the Council to set the Council Tax for 2021/22

 

Note: *Report previously circulated, copy attached to the minutes.

 

(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.

 

In accordance with Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Miss E Wainwright sought consent of the Council (which was agreed) to amend her motion to read:

 

This Council affirms its role in helping to create an equal and inclusive society for all, and recognises that sexism, racism, bigotry, discrimination, intolerance and bad behaviours in any form play no part in this. This Council also acknowledges that language is a powerful tool for change, inclusion and inspiration, as well as a cause of ignorance and damaged relationships -- it should be used thoughtfully and respectfully, and language and behaviour should be challenged where it is not respectful or conducive to good outcomes for the Council and its residents.

 

In order that the Council can play its part locally in building a more understanding and inclusive society, it resolves:

 

1. To review all our relevant policies and conventions, and identify any additional Member and Officer training needs, so as to actively promote diversity, engagement and inclusivity.

 

2. That the Equality Forum and Community Policy Development Group be tasked with exploring opportunities to increase inclusivity, engagement and representation at Mid Devon District Council, including by identifying hard to reach or underrepresented communities, and considering how best to engage with them. ?

 

3. To review and update the MDDC equalities policy and create a diversity and inclusion strategy, seeking input from residents and local organisations that have expertise where necessary, so as to ensure the council is more socially inclusive in its recruitment, member representation and service provision.

 

4.That the Scrutiny committee be tasked to consider and make any recommendations to the council regarding the findings of the Fawcett Society/LGiU report: ‘Does Local Government Work for Women?’ (see footnote 1).

 

(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

 

 

 

Consideration was given to:

 

·         How the mover and seconder of the motion had reflected on previous discussions and taken consideration of the recommendation from the Standards Committee

·         How Local Government was an important engagement tool and that language was a powerful tool for change, inclusion and inspiration

·         The Scrutiny Committee had already added paragraph 4 of the Motion to its work programme

·         Support for the motion

·         Continued training for members and the need for local people to be involved in local politics

·         The number of women already on the Council and the wording around how language was used

·         Those who had received equality training

·         Whether the motion was specific enough

·         The need to affirm commitment to equality

 

Following discussion and upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

 

 

(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.

 

Councillor G Barnell sought consent of the Council to amend his Motion in accordance with Procedure Rule 16.5 by altering the date of a plan to be presented to Council.

 

Upon a vote being taking, the request to amend the Motion was not supported.

 

Consideration was given to:

 

·         The lack of social rented housing in the district

·         Funding being made available for other ventures but not for important issues of social housing

·         Funding returned to central Government

·         The fact that there was a plan in place which needed to be evidenced by a Housing Needs Strategy

·         The impact of the Right to Buy Scheme and that social rented housing could still be lost under that scheme

 

Following discussion and upon a vote being taken, the MOTION was declared to have FAILED.

 

 

(3)  MOTION 568  - (COUNCILLOR A WILCE – 8 FEBRUARY 2021)

 

The Council had before it a MOTION submitted for the first time:

 

That, to prevent further ambiguity by making the wording more concise, this Council resolves to amend Rule 14.4 (Automatic reference to Committee) by removing the reference to ‘Council’ and replace it with ‘Chairman’ and to insert after ’report’ ‘unless an alternative proposition is put forward and is accepted’

 

So as to read:

 

14.4 Automatic Reference to Committee

If the subject matter of any Motion, of which notice has been duly given, comes within the province of the Cabinet or any Committee or Committees it shall, upon being formally moved and seconded, shall stand referred, without the mover or seconder of the Motion speaking on the substance of the Motion and without any other discussion, to the Cabinet or such Committee or Committees, or to such other Committee or Committees as the Chairman may determine, for consideration and report, unless an alternative proposition is put forward and is accepted; and that the mover (or in his absence, the seconder) of the Motion should be invited to the Meeting of the Cabinet, Committee or Committees to amplify the Motion, but without any right to vote except as a Member of such Committee. Provided that the Chairman may, if he considers it convenient and conducive to the despatch of business allow the Motion to be dealt with at the meeting, at which it is brought forward.

 

The MOTION was MOVED by Councillor A Wilce and seconded by Councillor B G J Warren

 

In accordance with Procedure Rule 14.4, the Chairman of the Council had ruled that the matter be discussed at this meeting.

 

The Head of Legal (Monitoring Officer) highlighted Procedure Rule 25.2 with regard to any changes to Council procedure rules.

 

Councillor A Wilce MOVED, seconded by Councillor B G J Warren that Procedure Rule 25.2 be suspended to allow further discussion to take place on the matter proposed.

 

Upon a vote being taken, the suspension of Procedure Rule 25.2 was CARRIED.

 

Following discussion the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

 

(4)  MOTION 569  - (COUNCILLOR A WILCE – 8 FEBRUARY 2021)

 

The Council had before it a MOTION submitted for the first time:

 

That this Council resolves to ask the Standards Committee to review Rule 14.4 (Automatic Reference to Committee) and to recommend whether this Council should either:

 

a)            completely remove rule 14.4 or

 

b)            amend the rule to re-enable the Member putting a Motion forward, and the Member Seconding that Motion, to speak to that Motion (and for any further discussion to take place on that Motion that the Chairman may see fit), before that Motion shall stand referred to a Committee or

 

c)         make no changes

 

The MOTION was MOVED by Councillor A Wilce and seconded by Councillor B G J Warren:

 

In accordance with Procedure Rule 14.4, the Chairman of the Council had ruled that the matter be discussed at this meeting.

 

Following discussion the MOTION was declared to have been CARRIED.

 

(5)  MOTION 570  - (COUNCILLOR A WILCE – 8 FEBRUARY 2021)

 

The Council had before it a MOTION submitted for the first time:

 

That, to improve local planning consultation processes and to regularise current Planning Committee practises, this Council resolves to amend Rule 27.5 as follows:

 

After (Appendix J to the Constitution), is inserted: in addition, the Chair will also permit the following to speak for no more than 3 minutes, without prior notice being required:

1 Adjacent Ward Members

2 Any Member having previously submitted a comment to that application that permission to speak being limited solely to the raising of material planning considerations relating to directly their Ward, or else to any relevant planning policy or plan appertaining to this Council.

 

So as to read:

 

27.5 Any Councillor may attend any meeting of a committee of the Council and may speak on any agenda item for that meeting. However, in relation to the Planning Committee, the right to speak on a planning application, enforcement item, or other report relating to a particular ward of the Council shall be limited to the rights of a Ward Member to speak as set out in paragraphs 9.2 and 9.3 of the Protocol of Good Practice for Councillors Dealing in Planning Matters (Appendix J to the Constitution); in addition, the Chairman will also permit the following to speak for no more than 3 minutes, without prior notice being required:

 

1 Adjacent Ward members

 

2 Any Member having previously submitted a comment to that Application that permission to speak being limited solely to the raising of material planning considerations relating to directly their Ward, or else to any relevant planning policy or plan appertaining to this Council.

 

The MOTION was MOVED by Councillor A Wilce and seconded by Councillor R M Deed:

 

In accordance with Procedure Rule 14.4, the Chairman of the Council ruled that the MOTION STAND REFERRED to the Standards Committee for consideration.

 

Note: Councillor J Wright left the meeting at this point.

The Leader presented the report of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 7 January 2021

 

1.    Use of CCTV Policy and Guidance (Minute 284)

 

The Leader MOVED seconded by Councillor C R Slade:

 

THAT the recommendations of the Cabinet as set out in Minute 284 be ADOPTED.

 

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

 

Reason for the Decision – as this was a new policy, it must be agreed by Council and added to the Policy Framework.

 

 

The Cabinet had before it a * report of the Building Services Operations Manager advising Members on the results for the tendering of the External Painting and Repairs of the Council’s homes for the next five years (2021-2026) and confirm award of the contract.

 

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Services outlined the contents of the report highlighting the standard process for the results of the tender process.

 

Consideration was given to whether the ability to deal with local businesses was part of the tender process.

 

RESOLVED that the contract for works required to decorate the Council’s homes for 2021-2026 be awarded to Contractor 5.

 

(Proposed by Cllr R B Evans and seconded by Cllr D J Knowles)

 

Reason for decision - there was a need to confirm the award of the tender so that the specified work could be progressed.

 

Note: *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

Following consideration of a *report of the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing, the Homes Policy Development Group had made the following recommendation that: the adoption of a 6 yearly planned garage maintenance programme by bringing forward budgeted funds from future years be approved.

 

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Services outlined the contents of the report stating that this was an update on the current garage stock situation, with plans for modernisations and opportunities for change of use/redevelopment and the adoption of a 6 year rather than the existing 12 year planned maintenance programme.  He outlined the number of units currently occupied and the number of voids, the opportunities available and the condition of the garage stock.

 

Consideration was given to:

 

·         Discussions that had taken place at the meeting of the Policy Development Group with regard to the potential for various sites

·         Whether the Ford Road, Tiverton site could be used for parking spaces rather than change of use

·         The flexibility of the package before Members and that the request (above) be noted.

·         Occupancy rates and the need to modernise some of the stock to fit  the modern day car

·         Whether Ward Members would continue to be consulted on the opportunities available

·         The inspection programme for the stock.

 

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.

 

(Proposed by Cllr R B Evans and seconded by Cllr C R Slade)

 

Reason for the decision: the need to agree the adoption of a 6 yearly planned garage maintenance and modernisation programme by bringing forward budgeted funds from future years.

 

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

 

 

Following consideration of a report of the Corporate Manager for Public Health, Regulation and Housing, the Homes Policy Development Group had made the following recommendations:

 

 

a)    The procedure shown at Appendix A which is designed to ensure that the conflicting needs of stakeholders are taken into account when residents make requests regarding different maintenance arrangements/agreements relating to the upkeep of grass verges and other grassed areas on the housing estate. 

 

b)    An increase in the Environmental Improvement Budget to £10,000 and a review of the procedures relating to it to ensure that it can be better used to support initiatives designed to encourage greater biodiversity.

 

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Property Services outlined the contents of the report highlighting the work of the Task and Finish Group that had made recommendations to the Homes Policy Development Group.  He informed the meeting that there were many strands associated with the service delivery in relation to grounds maintenance in general and grass cutting on housing estates and that the process map attached to the report considered the variety of requests for grass-cutting and how this would be progressed.

 

Consideration was given to:

 

·         Health and safety and biodiversity issues

·         The need to explore this work as part of the Climate Action Plan

·         The work of the Neighbourhood Officers

·         A review would take place in 12 months.

 

RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Policy Development Group be approved.

 

(Proposed by Cllr R B Evans and seconded by Cllr C R Slade)

 

Reason for the decision: In order for a policy/procedure to be in place which provides a decision making framework for officers within the Estates team to use when considering requests made by different stakeholders.

 

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

The Cabinet had before it a *  report of the Corporate Manager for Property, Leisure and Climate Change providing Members with a copy of the Interim Devon Carbon Plan that was out for public consultation.

 

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change outlined the contents of the report by way of presentation providing the following information:

 

·         The background to the plan which identified the evidence gathering that had taken place, the consultation period, the proposed citizens assembly and the production of the final plan

·         How the plan was designed for everybody, which created a roadmap for Devon and outlined barriers and opportunities

·         The themes within the plan

·         The 8 main objectives of the plan

·         Details of how might MDDC be well placed to contribute to the plan and the opportunities that would work within Mid Devon

·         The feedback that would be provided to the Carbon Plan team

 

Consideration was given to:

 

·         Farming initiatives

·         The pros and cons of anaerobic digesters which included transport issues and the impact of those on the climate

·         The costs of achieving the plan

·         How the Cabinet Member for Climate Change could liaise with other groups to further her work

·         How supermarkets in Cornwall were working with local producers to sell local products

·         The continued use of plastics on supermarket products

 

RESOLVED that the feedback from the Environment Policy Development Group on the Interim Devon Carbon Plan be AGREED and that feedback be submitted to the Devon Climate Emergency Partnership.

 

(Proposed by Cllr B A Moore and seconded by Cllr Miss E Wainwright)

 

Reason for decision – to provide feedback as part of the consultation process

 

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes)

 

To receive the Annual review of the Single Equalities Policy and Equality Objective

Following consideration of a report of the Operations Manager for Performance, Governance and Health & Safety, the Community Policy Development Group had recommended that the Single Equalities Scheme and Equality Objectives be approved.

 

The Cabinet Member for Community Well-Being outlined the contents of the report stating that under the Equality Act 2010 local authorities had a duty to have due regard to:

 

·         Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Act

·         Advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it; and

·         Foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it

 

He also reiterated the equality objectives as outlined in the report.

 

Consideration was given to:

 

·         Motion 564 to Council with regard to equalities

·         Ensuring equality in procurement and commissioning

·         Mental health issues and the recommendation from the Menopause Working Group with regard to well-being ambassadors being put in place.

·         The processes that would take place to achieve the vision within the scheme

 

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.

 

(Proposed by Cllr D J Knowles and seconded by Cllr Mrs N Woollatt)

 

Reason for the Decision – To ensure that the Council fulfils its statutory duties under the Equality Act 2020

 

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes