Agenda and minutes

The Chairman referred to the sad news of the recent death of Councillor Ian Stewart.

Councillor Giles Archibald, Leader, said that Councillor Stewart had been well respected on both sides of the Chamber.  He had been Chairman of the Council from 2006 to 2008, as well as a Member of the Cabinet for some time, and Members were privileged to have worked with Councillor Stewart over many years.  Councillor Stewart had made a wonderful contribution to the community and had worked hard to serve the public, at parish, district and county level.  Councillor Archibald referred to Councillor Stewart’s passion for helping the vulnerable and, in particular, to his advocacy in pursuing the implementation of the Council Tax exemption for care leavers.  Councillor Archibald said that whilst all mourned Councillor Stewart’s untimely passing and sympathised with his family, what he had achieved must be celebrated.  Councillor Stewart left a legacy of achievement which would last for a long time.

Councillor Ben Berry, Leader of the Opposition, referred to Councillor Stewart’s ability to speak the truth.  He had been a fantastic politician who had always been willing to negotiate and reach a consensus in order to get things done.

Councillor Mark Wilson, Leader of the Labour Group, commended Councillor Stewart’s enthusiasm and commitment.

Councillor Stewart would be sorely missed.

The Chairman invited all present to pay silent tribute to the memory of Councillor Ian Stewart.

To authorise the Chairman to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 10 October 2018.

RESOLVED – That the Chairman be authorised to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 10 October 2018.

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda.

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the revised Code of Conduct, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or other registrable interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests.  (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting.)

Members may, however, also decide, in the interests of clarity and transparency, to declare at this point in the meeting, any such disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, as well as any other registrable or other interests.

If a Member requires advice on any item involving a possible declaration of interest which could affect his/her ability to speak and/or vote, he/she is advised to contact the Monitoring Officer at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

The Chairman referred to Item No.10 on the Agenda (Community Governance Review – End of Stage 1) and advice which had been received from the Monitoring Officer with regard to potential interests.  He asked those Members who were also town or parish councillors, and who felt that they were biased or predetermined, to indicate now and for other Members speaking during the debate to indicate at that stage whether they were members of town or parish councils and to provide the name of the relevant council.

The Chairman then referred to Item No.6 (Petition) and indicated that, as Chairman of Grange CIC which had been set up in relation to the Lido, he would leave the Chamber and the Vice-Chairman would take the Chair for that item.

In response to a query raised by Councillor Tom Harvey, the Solicitor to the Council provided clarification with regard to the Chairman’s interest, advice on which he had received from both herself and the Monitoring Officer.

RESOLVED – That it be noted that Councillor Eric Morrell declared an interest in Minute No.C/54 below.

To consider whether the items, if any, in Part II of the Agenda should be considered in the presence of the press and public.

RESOLVED – That it be noted that there are no excluded items on the Agenda.

To receive announcements by the Chairman.

A list of engagements which the Chairman had attended since the last meeting had been circulated at the commencement of the meeting.

Any member of the public who wishes to ask a question, make representations or present a deputation or petition at this meeting should apply to do so by no later than 0:01am (one minute past midnight) two working days before the meeting.  Information on how to make the application can be obtained by viewing the Council’s Website www.southlakeland.gov.uk or by contacting the Committee Services Team on 01539 733333.

(1)        Questions and Representations

            To receive any questions or representations which have been received from members of the public.

(2)        Deputations and Petitions

            To receive any deputations or petitions which have been received from members of the public.

Mrs Terry Lambert addressed Council with regard to swimming provision in South Lakeland and Cumbria.  She referred to the 1970s and the former pool on Allhallows Lane and that at Troutbeck Bridge which had been built by public subscription so that local children would not have to learn to swim in the lake.  Mrs Lambert had been involved in all aspects of club administration and had trained as a teacher, coach, official, timekeeper, judge and referee at club, county, district, national and international level.  She had been the Club County representative and had served as Cumbria Amateur Swimming Association President in 2007/08.  Mrs Lambert’s perspective was with regard to the impact of the lack of a 50 metre pool on the rural North West.  Recent changes required swimmers to gain regional, national or international qualifying times in 50 metre pools in order for them to be able to take part in regional or national competitions.  This had placed Cumbria’s ten clubs’ swimmers, and those of North Lancashire, at a serious disadvantage, with no pool available to meet the requirements.  The North West Region tried to provide opportunities for clubs and their members to train in a 50 metre pool, however, were only able to offer pool space at Liverpool Aquatics Centre in 2019 which involved a large amount of travel and cost.  Some Cumbria clubs had had to make costly private arrangements with other pools outside of the area, sometimes involving overnight stays.  Mrs Lambert raised the fact that local clubs had also been disadvantaged by the loss of pools such as Troutbeck Bridge, and local schools struggled to find the finances and time to travel to distant pools in order to fulfil the required swimming lesson timetables.  The problem was not limited to indoor swimming pools, with blue green algae present in many lakes.  Most clubs had open water swimmers, triathletes and Masters’ swimmers.  The popularity of the Great North Swim and the Chill Swims and similar activities were proof of the willingness of people to take part in outdoor swimming and to travel here to do so.  At a time when improvements were being made to Ulverston and Grange Baths, Mrs Lambert considered it important to raise this issue.  If Cumbria swimmers and school children wanted to aim and succeed in becoming international and Olympic swimmers, they needed a 50 metre pool.

Mr George Parr referred to the Save Grange Lido petition and pointed out that South Lakeland District Council’s obligations were to satisfy the realities.  He also pointed out that the Save Grange Lido Group had not exposed their ideas in a public meeting in Grange.  Mr Parr felt that some of the support for the petition was politically motivated, pointing out that he had received encouragement to support it for political reasons.  He suggested that this could reduce the petition’s persuasiveness for the Save Grange Lido Group’s cause.  Mr Parr raised that the significant reason for the previous pool closure in 1993 had been low  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/53

To receive and debate a Petition presented to Council on 10 October 2018 by representatives on behalf of Save Grange Lido.

Note – The Chairman, Councillor Eric Morrell, declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item of business by virtue of his involvement with the Grange Community Interest Company, and left the Council Chamber during the discussion and voting.  In his absence, the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Stephen Coleman, took the Chair.

Mr Phil Bradby, Chair of Save Grange Lido, re-presented the petition brought to Council on 10 October 2018, over 1,000 signatures of which had subsequently been verified, the wording being, “we want GRANGE LIDO restoration to include the SWIMMING POOL, and South Lakeland District Council to confirm that any option without a swimming pool will be ruled out.”

Mr Bradby said that Save Grange Lido was a voluntary community group working to help bring forward the restoration of a much loved swimming pool.  He said that, when he had last swam in the pool when he was about 10 years old and living in Kendal, little had he known that almost 40 years later he would be working with a group of volunteers to save it.  Mr Bradby said that it should not be forgotten that the decision being made today was not only for the current residents of Grange, but for the future generation of children in the whole South Lakeland District Council region who, the Group hoped, would one day thank the District Council for making the right decision.  Mr Bradby said that he was also speaking on behalf of approximately 18,000 people who had signed the Group’s petitions and the 74% of respondents in the official consultation who had asked that the Lido be restored for swimming.  Mr Bradby pointed out that, a few miles away was one of the very best lidos in the country, and the District Council was its custodian.  The Lido was one of just four of its kind and was exceptional because of its historically important art deco design and because it had a 50 metre swimming pool.

Mr Bradby started with one very important point: the Group was not asking for any money.  It simply asked for the chance to raise the capital itself, and to make the business work.  The Group wanted to add the pool back into the plans being prepared by the District Council’s officers.

Mr Bradby said that the five minutes allocated was not long enough to cover what needed to be said, nor was it long enough to address all the misunderstandings and misinformation which abounded, so he would draw attention to just two points in this regard:-

(1)        Viability

Contrary to what was being said, Mr Bradby said that the official reports showed that the Lido was viable with a pool.

He quoted the Neo Now, Options Appraisal 2013, “Our conversations with other lidos and open air pools elsewhere in the UK, which have centred on their running costs and income streams, have confirmed that it is financially sustainable to operate a lido...”

Mr Bradby said that the Group’s carefully researched business plan drew on the knowledge  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/54

To consider the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Members’ Allowances with effect from 1 April 2019.

Mrs Sally Parnaby, Chairman of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP), was invited to present the Panel’s report to Council. The report recommended an increase up to a maximum of 2% on the Basic Allowance for 2019/20 to bring it up to £4,118.76 per annum.

The IRP had also recommended the following:-

•           amendments to Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) as follows:-

i.          the SRAs for the Chairs of the Audit, Human Resources, Lake Administration and Overview and Scrutiny Committees to remain unchanged;

ii.          the SRA for the Chair of the Planning Committee to be £2,794.50; and

iii.         the SRAs for the Chairs of the Standards and Licensing/Licensing Regulatory Committees to be £931.50;

•           other than the Group Leaders’ Allowance, Members should receive no more than one SRA;

•           Out of County Mileage Allowance to remain part of the single travel allowance scheme as per the previous year;

•           travel expenses to be in accordance with the maximum rates set by HMRC without attracting a tax charge (currently 45p per mile), this to apply to the first 150 miles of a return journey regardless of the destination and 25p per mile thereafter;

•           subsistence expenses to increase by RPI as at 1st April 2019;

•           no change to Childcare/Dependant Carers’ Allowance. Payments to remain at a maximum allowance of £15 per hour. The Allowance to be paid from the time the recipient leaves home to time of return; and

•           Co-optees’ Allowance be increased by up to a maximum of 2% to bring it up to £38.38 per meeting.

Mrs Parnaby thanked those Members and officers who had provided valuable input and, on behalf of the Panel, asked Council to accept the recommendations.

On behalf of the Council, the Chairman thanked Mrs Parnaby and the Independent Remuneration Panel for their work.

In moving the adoption of the recommendations, Councillor Giles Archibald, Leader and Promoting South Lakeland Portfolio Holder, expressed gratitude to the Panel for its work.  He stressed that the position of a councillor could not be reserved for the independently wealthy and that, in order for the allowance to be meaningful, it needed to be increased to reflect inflation.  He also pointed out that the position of Chairman of the Planning Committee was an onerous task.

Councillor Dyan Jones, Environment Portfolio Holder, seconded the motion.

Councillor Ben Berry proposed an amendment, “To agree the proposals of the Independent Remuneration Plan, except the increase of 2% to the basic allowance for 2019/20 and that the money saved be directed to fight poverty in South Lakeland.”  The amendment was seconded by Councillor James Airey.

Councillor Archibald did not wish to accept the amendment, however, indicated that he would be content to consider a further amendment that the Leader’s allowance for this year be used to fight poverty in South Lakeland.  He believed, however, that it was important for every Member of the Council to have the opportunity to serve as a councillor and that it would be setting a  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/55

To note the projected year end position based on performance to the end of Quarter 2 2018/19 and to approve the changes to the Capital Programme as set out in the report.

Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Finance Portfolio Holder presented the second quarter financial monitoring report of 2018/19, moving the recommendations contained therein.

Although there was a current underspend of approximately £250,000, Appendix 1 set out the revenue variances to date which totalled a projected year-end overspend of £251,000.  The Portfolio Holder provided explanations for the key movements.  Further reviews of budgets had been carried out by senior management following the preparation of the report which had identified actions to mitigate the projected overspend, including reductions in the Minimum Revenue Provision, Development Control and Homelessness.  The net impact of these actions had resulted in a revised projection at year-end of an underspend of £112,000.

Cabinet had given approval on 31 October 2018 (Minute CEX/49 (2018/19) refers) for a transfer of £82,000 from the Cumbria Non-Domestic Rate Pool Income Reserve to fund the costs of an additional £45,000 for the European Regional Development Fund Flood Alleviation Scheme application process; £25,000 to fund the Kendal Markets Review; and £12,000 to fund the project development phase of the Burton-in-Kendal Heritage Scheme.  Approval had also been given for the transfer of £20,000 from the General Reserve to the Community Grants budget heading further to a request at the July Council that a £20,000 Community Projects Fund be created.  A £12,000 transfer from the Statutory Duties Reserve had been approved to fund the costs associated with dealing with the planning appeal for the Kirkby Moor Wind Farm planning application.

Appendix 2 to the report set out the position on the Capital Programme.  Spend against the Programme to the end of Quarter 2 was £2.366m.  Approval was sought from Council for a number of minor amendments which would bring the total of the current Programme to £9.795m, details of which were provided.  It was now clear that there was unlikely to be any spending on the European Regional Development Fund during the current financial year or the Cross-a-Moor junction.  A request to approve reprofiling of these projections, if required, would be sought as part of the updated Capital Programme submitted during the budget setting process.

Appendix 3 to the report provided an update on Treasury Management for the quarter showing that all activity had been within the approved limits.  Investments had performed better than the relevant benchmarks.  No repayment of existing or new borrowing was anticipated up to the end of the financial year.

The Finance Portfolio closed in thanking the Finance Team for highlighting the challenges and enabling time for options to be examined.

Councillor Jarvis was seconded by Councillor Graham Vincent.

Councillor Tom Harvey referred to the Period 6 Capital Programme position and sought an update on the Castle Diary scheme and uncertainties regarding payment and timing.  Councillor Jarvis undertook to provide a written response.

In response to a query raised by Councillor David Williams, the Director People and Places explained that the £26,000 income shortfall relating to Lake Windermere moorings related to market pressures which needed to be addressed through marketing.

RESOLVED – That

(1)        the  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/56

To consider the draft budget proposals for the financial years 2019/20 to 2023/24 and proposed pay scales from 1 April 2019 resulting from the national local government pay settlement for 2018/20.

Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Finance Portfolio Holder, presented a first draft budget for 2019/20 to 2023/24.

The budget projections had been updated to reflect the ending of the Second Homes Agreement with the County Council, which reduced income across all years from 2019/20 by approximately £700,000.  A number of additional budget pressures, growth bids and savings proposals had been identified that were outlined in the Appendices to the report.  The Capital Programme had been adjusted to reflect projects where there was a well-developed business case, where work was unavoidable or where a degree of outline approval had already been indicated or was shortly expected.  There were, additionally, a number of schemes where the business cases were not yet sufficiently advanced to include within the Medium Term Financial Plan capital budget.  There was one change to the 2018/19 capital budget as, due to high demand, it was necessary to increase the Disabled Facilities Grant funding budget through the transfer of £191,000 of unallocated budget from the Affordable Homes budget.  The resulting revised Capital Programme was presented in detail at Appendix 6 to the report.  The report presented a draft position and work would continue to incorporate further changes into subsequent budget reports, such as the government grant position which was not yet known.  The final Draft Budget Report would incorporate the consideration of the internal and external consultation and be presented to Cabinet on 23 January 2019, prior to final recommendations being made to Council on 26 February 2019.

Approval was also sought from Council for the proposed pay scales from 1 April 2019 resulting from the national local government pay settlement for 2018/20 and consideration by the Human Resources Committee on 11 December 2018.

The Government had published the provisional Local Government finance settlement for 2019/20 earlier in December.  The settlement had included notification that the Cumbria business rate pilot bid had been unsuccessful but it was expected that the existing Cumbria business rate pool would continue for 2019/20.  No additional income had been included in the draft budget relating to the pilot bid.

In moving the recommendations contained within the report, Councillor Jarvis informed Members that the Council was currently financially robust and thanked officers for their work.  However, future uncertainties could not be ignored, and potential severe cuts in funding and the need to address them, at the same time minimising the impact on residents, would be a major challenge.  He was seconded by Councillor Giles Archibald.

Councillor Matt Severn expressed support for the motion and, in particular, commended officers for their work in relation to the prioritised capital bids relating to loans to housing associations utilising the Right to Buy receipts accumulated to date and the development of additional homelessness accommodation for families.  He was pleased that the Council was addressing the homelessness crisis.  Councillor Jonathan Brook also commended Councillor Jarvis and officers for their work and highlighted the fact that South Lakeland District Council would, from 1 April 2019, pay its staff the equivalent of the foundation  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/57

The following Notice of Motion has been given in accordance with Paragraph 11.1 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure:-

“The Council notes:

The increase in child poverty in this District over the past four years, from 14% to 15.9% (measured after housing costs).

The increasing use of food banks in the country, as evidenced by the Trussel Trust figures, showing an annual 13% increase in usage, and Kendal’s Kings Food Bank showing a 16% increase.

The current freeze on Benefits and the rollout of Universal Credit are partly to blame for these increases.

Council calls on the government:

To review its welfare strategy with a view to providing more support for the most vulnerable in our society.

To take urgent steps to address this appalling trend and to reinstate ambitious targets for lowering child poverty.

To take urgent action to help those who are most affected by poverty.

In addition, Council asks:

That the Chair of the Council write to the Local Government Minister expressing our dismay at these trends and seeking his support in requesting additional funds be provided to Local Authorities by Central Government to help those most disadvantaged.”

(signed by Councillor Philip Dixon)

In accordance with Paragraph 11.1 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, the following notice of motion had been put to Council by Councillor Philip Dixon, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder:-

“The Council notes:

The increase in child poverty in this District over the past four years, from 14% to 15.9% (measured after housing costs).

The increasing use of food banks in the country, as evidenced by the Trussel Trust figures, showing an annual 13% increase in usage, and Kendal’s Kings Food Bank showing a 16% increase.

The current freeze on Benefits and the rollout of Universal Credit are partly to blame for these increases.

Council calls on the government:

To review its welfare strategy with a view to providing more support for the most vulnerable in our society.

To take urgent steps to address this appalling trend and to reinstate ambitious targets for lowering child poverty.

To take urgent action to help those who are most affected by poverty.

In addition, Council asks:

That the Chair of the Council write to the Local Government Minister expressing our dismay at these trends and seeking his support in requesting additional funds be provided to Local Authorities by Central Government to help those most disadvantaged.”

In presenting the motion, Councillor Dixon referred to the fact that, although the national economy of the United Kingdom was the fifth largest in the world, there existed nevertheless the issue of poverty.  Councillor Dixon felt strongly that the Government could do more to address the situation.  He informed Members that the Joseph Rowntree Foundation had estimated that, in 2017, there had been four million children living in poverty, and these figures were increasing.  In South Lakeland in the past seven months, Council officers had dealt with 78 families at risk of homelessness.  In April 2018, 85 families had already been on the list of those being assisted and since then, 55 families had been accommodated in Town View Fields Hostel, with 31 families had been living in bed and breakfasts.  On average, people were living in Town View Fields for an average of 20 weeks.  Councillor Dixon stressed the fact that these figures related purely to Kendal, one of the most affluent areas.  Councillor Dixon also spoke about food banks and pointed out that attendance at Kings Food Bank had increased.  Approximately 1,800 meals had been provided in October 2018.  Councillor Dixon expressed the opinion that current Government policies picked off the poor and weak and encouraged Members to support the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Giles Archibald, Leader and Promoting South Lakeland Portfolio Holder.

Councillor Ben Berry drew attention to his suggestion earlier in the meeting to direct the increase of 2% in the basic allowance for Members for 2019/20 to assist in the fight against poverty in South Lakeland and to the fact that this proposal had not been accepted.

Councillors Mark Wilson, Vicky Hughes, Matt Severn, and Dyan Jones, expressed support for the motion.  They spoke passionately on the subject of poverty and  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/58

To consider the responses to the first stage of the public consultation carried out as part of the Community Governance Review and the draft recommendations for the next round of consultation.

Note – Councillor Jonathan Brook declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item of business by virtue of the fact that he was a Member of Kendal Town Council which would potentially be affected by some of the recommendations.  He pointed out, however, that the purpose of the report was for Members to note the responses to the Stage 1 of the consultation and to agree the draft recommendations for progression to the second consultation stage which he believed, did not preclude him from being present and taking part in the discussion and voting on the item.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, Deputy Leader and Housing, People and Innovation Portfolio Holder, introduced a report on the responses to the first stage of the public consultation carried out as part of the Community Governance Review having regard to the South Lakeland Community Governance Review Terms of Reference as agreed by Council on 24 July 2018 (Minute C/30 (2018/19) refers).

At its meeting on 24 July 2018, Full Council had agreed to carry out a Community Governance Review within the District.  The Terms of Reference of the Review had been agreed and a Community Governance Review Project Team had been established to consider the review and make recommendations to the Council.

The first consultation period had commenced on 10 August 2018 and, as part of this, all of the parish councils within South Lakeland had been invited to contribute.

The Review was being undertaken in accordance with Chapter 3 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (“the Act”) and the Guidance on Community Governance Reviews (March 2010) provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government Boundary Commission for England.  The timetable was included within the Terms of Reference (detailed in Appendix 3 to the report) as agreed by Council on 24 July 2018.

As part of Stage 1, as well as key stakeholders (including the Cumbria Association for Local Councils (CALC), Cumbria County Council, Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA)), residents associations, community groups and local people had been asked to make representations in connection with the Review.

The Review had to ensure that the proposed community governance reflected the interests and identities of the community.  It also had to make certain that the arrangements were effective and convenient for the electors of that community.

Parish wards had to be contained within district wards and county electoral divisions; that is, parish wards could not cross principal council ward and/or division boundaries.

Further district-wide (stage two) consultation, as detailed in the Terms of Reference, would commence 4 March 2019 ending 31 May 2019.  Stage two consultation would consider any submissions made on these draft recommendations, culminating in the provision of final recommendations for approval.

Final recommendations would be considered by Full Council on 23 July 2019, with any reorganisation order issued in August 2019.

Following consideration of the responses received, details of which were provided within the report, draft recommendations had been drawn up  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/59

To consider adoption of the South Lakeland District Council Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2019-22.

Councillor Giles Archibald, Leader and Promoting South Lakeland Portfolio Holder, introduced the report and moved the recommendations contained therein, stressing the importance for all to be treated equally, with fairness and respect.

The draft South Lakeland District Council Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy 2019-22 attached as Appendix 1 to the report set out how the Council was meeting the requirements of the public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010. This included setting out specific equality objectives, as well as containing useful statistics about the Council’s communities to illustrate the different needs of people in South Lakeland.

The draft EDI Strategy included definitions of the terms Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.  It was being recommended to adopt this updated terminology into the title of the new document, and for this document to supersede the current Equality Scheme 2016-19 which sat within the Council’s Policy Framework.

It was also being proposed that the draft EDI Strategy would have its performance reviewed annually by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This would make it a dynamic document allowing responses to emerging needs, such as changing population or rates of digital inclusion.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had given to consideration to the report at its meeting on 26 October 2018 (Minute O&S/35 (2018/19) refers).  Members had acknowledged the need to embed equality and diversity, not only within the organisation but throughout the community, as well as the need to seek potential ways of passing on its message.  They had welcomed the new Strategy and in particular the opportunity for its annual review by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  Cabinet, at its meeting on 28 November 2018, had endorsed the Strategy for recommendation to Council (CEX/63 (2018/19) refers).

Councillor Archibald was seconded by Councillor Philip Dixon.

RESOLVED – That Council be recommended to adopt the draft South Lakeland District Council Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2019-2022 to replace the existing Equality Scheme within the Council’s Policy Framework.

To consider the results of the review of the Council’s Local Code of Governance and Constitution carried out by the Audit Committee.

Councillor Stephen Coleman, Chairman of the Audit Committee, presented the results of the review of the Council’s Local Code of Governance and Constitution carried out by the Audit Committee on 5 December 2018 (Minutes AUD/39 and AUD/41 (2018/19) refer).

The Audit Committee had considered proposed amendments to the Local Code of Governance to ensure that it met best practice.  The proposed revised Local Code of Governance was set out at Appendix 1 to the report.  The majority of amendments were to include behaviours and actions under all principles to which they applied. One additional measure had been added:-

D14: consider social value when preparing service plans, considering procurement and commissioning and monitoring performance.

Other amendments reflected changes to standards and guidance.

The Audit Committee had also considered proposed changes to the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules and Contract Procedure Rules which formed part of the Council’s Constitution.  The proposed rules were set out at Appendices 2 and 3 to the report.  The main changes were:-

·         to extend the current virement rules for revenue budgets to Capital Programme and reserves;

·         to clarify terminology and update references to other documents;

·         to propose more delegation around the use of reserves.  Under the current arrangements approval to use reserves was needed from Council as part of the final accounts process but there was not a Council meeting between the finalisation of the reserve movements and the approval of the accounts by Audit Committee;

·         to clarify that the Monitoring Officer can agree it is not expedient to comply with certain contract requirements, such as signing under seal or the use of Council policies.  This reflected the growing use of framework agreements where the terms and conditions to be used had already been agreed and would give the Council appropriate protection;

·         to remove references to paper tenders - all tender documents were now submitted electronically.

The changes proposed would apply from the date of Council approval for the remainder of the current financial year and subsequent years.

Further amendment of the Constitution would be required to reflect changes to the Leadership structure and other changes to job titles.  These changes would be included in the Monitoring Officer’s review of the Constitution which was due to be presented to the March meeting of Council.

Councillor Coleman moved the recommendations contained within the report and was seconded by Councillor Matt Severn.

RESOLVED – That

(1)        the review of the Local Code of Governance be noted and the proposed changes set out at Appendix 1 to the report be approved; and

(2)        the review of the Constitution be noted and the proposed changes set out at Appendix 2 to the report be approved.

Council is asked to receive the Executive Reports (Mid-Year 2018/19) from the Leader and Cabinet and to deal with any questions raised by Members to the appropriate Cabinet Members on the contents of the reports.

To receive announcements from the Leader and, in accordance with Paragraphs 10.2 and 10.3 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, to deal with any questions to the Leader and/or Portfolio Holders on any topic which is within the jurisdiction or influence of the Council and is relevant to their Portfolio.  Any Member who poses a question will be entitled to ask one supplementary question on the same topic.

Members are encouraged to give 24 hours’ written notice of questions to the Solicitor to the Council of questions to be raised under the Agenda Item.  If no notice is received, then the Portfolio Holder can reserve the right to give a written answer.  Where written notice of questions has been given, these will be taken first.  Should a Member wish to ask more than one question, questions should be listed in order of priority.  If more than one Member sends in a question, these will be taken in alphabetical order of Members’ names, alternated from meeting to meeting.  Each question and each response is restricted to three minutes.

In introducing the Executive Reports (Mid-Year 2018/19), Councillor Giles Archibald, Leader and Promoting South Lakeland Portfolio Holder, informed Council that discussions had continued to take place between Members of Parliament, the Council and GKS regarding the forthcoming closure of its sterile injectables manufacturing unit at Ulverston.  GSK remained committed to work with the community.  There had been a proposal of a transfer of some land to the public sector on which to form new businesses and enterprises.  GSK was also committed to job creation and assisting people in finding new work, as well as the apprentice programme.  The Company had reconfirmed its commitment to support the new Leisure Centre at Ulverston to the tune of £2m.  Councillor Archibald said that he continued to emphasise to GSK the Council’s concern with regard to the effect of the closure on employees whose welfare was of the utmost priority.

Councillor Archibald spoke of the need for the Council to ensure that children were provided with safe walking and cycling paths to school and referred to the excellent example of the Masters Grange path in Kirkby Lonsdale.  He asked Members to approach their local schools to find out if there was anything that the Council or other government tiers could do in order to assist.

Councillor Archibald announced the good news of the award of a £60,000 grant for the scheme of improvements to Millerground, money for which had already been earmarked within the Capital Programme.  Millerground was an excellent example of partnership working with the community and the additional funding would help all aspirations to be met.  Councillor Archibald expressed thanks to all involved in the work and in attracting the grant.

In accordance with paragraph 10.2 and 10.3 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, the following written questions had been submitted to the meeting:-

From Councillor Tracy Coward to Councillor Graham Vincent, Economy and Assets Portfolio Holder - You often tell us of the strong South Lakeland economy.  Could you please put this into a North West context?

Councillor Vincent responded by saying that, last year, the Office for National Statistics had shown that South Lakeland had the biggest economy in Cumbria.  New figures announced on the previous day had shown that South Lakeland was still the biggest economy, adding a further £21m.  South Lakeland’s economic partner, Barrow, once again showed strong growth.  Barrow and South Lakeland were the only Cumbrian districts to have increased Gross Added Value, all of the others having decreased.  However, South Lakeland’s other economic partner’s, Lancaster’s, had grown by even more than South Lakeland.  This had brought the Council’s economic partnership into sixth place in the North West, behind Manchester, Cheshire East, Liverpool, Cheshire West and Chester and Trafford.  Morecambe Bay was now an official grouping in the Office for National Statistics charts.  Morecambe Bay was establishing a strong economic position and continued to grow collectively and individually.  It had prepared and distributed its prospectus and was in the final draft of its asks of  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/62

To receive Chairmen’s comments (if any notified) in respect of the minutes of the Committee meetings held between 17 September and 23 November 2018.

RESOLVED – That it be noted that no comments or question shave been received in respect of the minutes of committee meetings held between 17 September and 23 November 2018.

To deal with any questions under Rule 10.6 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, of which due notice has been given and/or the Chairman allows as a matter of urgent business and which are in relation to any matter over which the Council has powers or duties or which affect the area.

RESOLVED – That it be noted that no questions have been received under Rule 10.6 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure.