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Agenda and minutes
Venue: Council Chamber, Muriel Matters House, Breeds Place, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3UY
Contact: Democratic Services on 01424 451484 email: democraticservices@hastings.gov.uk
Items No. Item Apologies for Absence
Minutes:
Apologies for absence received from Councillors Hay and Beaver.
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting PDF 390 KB
Minutes:
RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting held on 25th May 2022 be approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record of the proceedings.
Declarations of Interest
Minutes:
Councillor
Meeting
Minute
Interest
Bishop
Full Council, 19th July 2022
266 – Motion
Prejudicial – Works for the Environment Agency
Patmore
Full Council, 19th July 2022
266 – Motion
Personal – Helps administer two charity investment funds which invest in public utilities
Jobson
Full Council, 19th July 2022
266 – Motion
Personal – Member of Clean Water Action
Collins
Full Council, 19th July 2022
266 – Motion
Personal – Member of Clean Water Action
Bishop
Full Council, 19th July 2022
268 – Motion
Prejudicial – Works for the Environment Agency
Roberts
Full Council, 19th July 2022
268 – Motion
Personal – Is a member of the East Sussex County Council pension fund
Roark
Full Council, 19th July 2022
268 – Motion
Personal – Is a member of the East Sussex County Council pension fund
Announcements from the Mayor and Leader
Minutes:
The Mayor informed the Council that the Cabinet report on updating the Park Byelaws has been withdrawn from the meeting and won’t be part of call over. The Byelaws that were approved by the Secretary of State were not the same as the Byelaws that were attached to the report discussed by Cabinet in June.
The report and the Park Byelaws approved by the Secretary of State will now be referred back to the next available Cabinet meeting for discussion before they can be recommended for approval by Full Council.
The Leader of the Council noted the rise in Covid-19 infections and affirmed that the Council will take its public health responsibilities seriously. The Council will look to restart the local Covid-19 Taskforce bringing together the Council and local healthcare providers to ensure residents are kept safe from the rise in infections.
Questions (if any) from: PDF 65 KB
a) Members of the public under Rule 11
b) Councillors under Rule 12
Additional documents:
Minutes:
265a Members of the public under Rule 11
Written questions were received from the public and written responses sent to the questioners and published on the Council’s website.
Mr Hart was present and asked a supplementary question. Mr Hart asked what approaches the Council has made to Sussex Garden Trust in order to seek advice or request funds in relation to the Roman bath in Summerfields Wood?
Councillor Hilton said she will be getting a briefing on the background of the Roman bath and will write to Mr Hart with a further update in due course.
265b Councillors under Rule 12
Councillor Edwards submitted a written question to Councillor Barnett, a written response was received and published on the Council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Edwards asked if a deposit had been paid as part of the Harrow Lane Playing Field sale, and what is the expected completion date?
Councillor Barnett responded that he would raise these points with officers and respond to Councillor Edwards in writing.
Councillor Patmore submitted a written question to Councillor Evans, a written response was received and published on the council’s website.
In a supplementary question Councillor Patmore asked if the money received from Homes England is a capital sum against the refurbishment cost, or can it be used to subsidise the rent?
Councillor Evans confirmed the money was a grant towards the building and the flats will be available to rent at Local Housing Allowance rates.
Questioner
Subject
Reply given by
Councillor Patmore
Levelling Up Fund – It is disappointing the Council couldn’t put in a bid for the fund. As it is not guaranteed there will be a further round of funding, is the Council taking a big risk missing out on vital funds?
Councillor Barnett responded that the government criteria required a fully designed scheme, not a concept. There wasn’t time to produce a quality scheme for the Bohemia leisure complex and the Council needs time to have a scheme ready for Round 3.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Carr
Carbon Reduction - Have you found any ways we might be able lower our carbon emissions in relation to waste and recycling?
Councillor Haffenden replied that the Council is looking to run waste and recycling trucks on HVO oil which will cut emissions by up to 90% immediately. The longer-term goal is to have an all-electric fleet.
Councillor Haffenden
Councillor Bishop
Council Tax Rebate – Will hard copy forms be available for those still to apply for their £150 Council Tax rebate?
Councillor Barnett responded that 13,000 letters have gone out to residents who do not pay Council Tax by direct debit. Many of those will apply online but for those who can’t the Contact Centre will provide support to help them complete their forms face-to-face.
Councillor Barnett
Councillor Beaney
Home Working – What percentage of Council staff are still working from home?
Councillor Rogers replied that she would find out and write back to Councillor Beaney.
Councillor Rogers
Councillor Jobson
Shared Prosperity ... view the full minutes text for item 265.
Motion (Rule 14)
Councillor Barnett to propose:
Following the appalling sewage leak at Bulverhythe last summer, our residents have been rightly calling for action to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. Since then, Hastings BC has been working to hold Southern Water to account.
This Council now calls for:
* Southern Water to be returned into public ownership
* Regular meetings with Southern Water at the highest level to hear current plans to improve both the sewage system and clean water supply for everyone, everywhere, in Hastings
* Further letters to be sent to both our MP and Government expressing severe reservations about the performance of Southern Water
* Stronger action from the Environment Agency, Ofwat and the Consumer Council for water to enforce sea water and domestic water supply standards in Hastings
* Residents of Hastings to continue to report concerns about water on the Hastings Borough Council website
Minutes:
Councillor Bishop declared a prejudicial interest and left the Council Chamber for the duration of the item.
Councillor Barnett proposed a motion as set out in the agenda, seconded by Councillor Sinden.
Councillor Hilton proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Jobson, to amend the second bullet point so that it reads:
“To setup a working group including representatives from groups such as the Coastal Users Group, subject to their agreement, and Clean Water Action to hold regular meetings with Southern Water at the highest level to hear current plans to improve both the sewage system and clean water supply for everyone, everywhere, in Hastings. This to include at least one public meeting a year where residents are able to ask progress on these plans.”
Councillor Barnett accepted the amendment.
Councillor Pragnell proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Patmore, to delete the following words:
“Southern Water to be returned to public ownership”
Councillor Barnett did not accept the amendment.
The Deputy Mayor proposed suspending Rule 16.6b of the Council’s Constitution, seconded by Councillor Pragnell.
RESOLVED that council suspends Rule 16.6b of the Constitution to permit the substantive motion and any proposed amendments to be on the table and open for discussion at the same time.
The amendment was not carried by 10 votes for, to 18 against.
RESOLVED (by 18 votes for, to 10 against) that Full Council accepts the motion as set out below:
Following the appalling sewage leak at Bulverhythe last summer, our residents have been rightly calling for action to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. Since then, Hastings BC has been working to hold Southern Water to account.
This Council now calls for:
* Southern Water to be returned into public ownership
* To setup a working group including representatives from groups such as the Coastal Users Group, subject to their agreement, and Clean Water Action to hold regular meetings with Southern Water at the highest level to hear current plans to improve both the sewage system and clean water supply for everyone, everywhere, in Hastings. This to include at least one public meeting a year where residents are able to ask progress on these plans.
* Further letters to be sent to both our MP and Government expressing severe reservations about the performance of Southern Water
* Stronger action from the Environment Agency, Ofwat and the Consumer Council for water to enforce sea water and domestic water supply standards in Hastings.
* Residents of Hastings to continue to report concerns about water on the Hastings Borough Council website.
Motion (Rule 14)
Councillor Batsford to propose:
This Council, on behalf of the residents of Hastings, agrees to declare a housing emergency.
With rents soaring out of control, thousands of families are left buried in debt and under the threat of losing their home. Many remain stuck on the Council housing list, with little or no chance of an affordable secure home. The problem is made worse by a huge increase in the use of section 21 notices to secure ‘no fault evictions’ of tenants, destroying family homes as landlords take advantage of unprecedented price rises and sell up.
The Hastings Local Housing Allowance (which determines the maximum level of Housing Benefit that can be paid) now is at least 40% below the market value of most rented properties, once again driving families into debt, with rent arrears blocking them from seeking another home when they’re evicted. The government has just announced that LHA rates are to be frozen for another year, while the rents tenants have to pay continue to escalate with no controls on the level of rents landlords can charge.
The shortage of genuinely affordable rented homes is causing a long-term problem too. But significant numbers of empty homes and identified housing sites, particularly brownfield sites, remaining undeveloped, ‘land banked’ by property speculators who prefer to wait for local housing values to increase still further. Councils can do little about this, as they lack the cost-neutral CPO powers to bring empty homes and land-banked land back into use for genuinely affordable, social rented housing.
Like many tourist towns, residential homes in Hastings are also being stripped out of the rental market through the increase in homes being used as holiday lets, and being bought for second homes. We recognise that holiday cottages for short-term lets are an important part of the local tourist economy. However, second homes remain empty for most of the year, and are of little local value, as well as depriving local people of a potential home to live in. Councils need powers to control the proliferation of holiday homes, and to discourage people from using properties as second homes.
All these factors have led to a huge escalation in homelessness, with hundreds of millions of pounds wasted each year across the country providing unsatisfactory temporary accommodation, when it should be spent on building affordable homes and paying realistic levels of housing benefit.
All these factors combine to precipitate a real housing crisis. We are only at the very start of this perfect storm which will condemn current and future generations of Hastings residents to insecure, unaffordable and substandard housing. A safe, secure and affordable home is a basic human right.
In recognition of the above, this Council:
1. Calls on the Leader of Hastings Council, and the other Hastings political party leaders to join him, to write jointly to the Hastings and Rye MP and the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing, demanding that they:
· Ensure that this government is ... view the full agenda text for item 267.
Minutes:
Councillor Bishop returned to the Council Chamber.
Following legal advice the Mayor deferred the housing crisis motion to the next Full Council meeting.
Motion (Rule 14)
Councillor Arthur to propose:
Climate change is threatening hundreds of millions of lives, livelihoods across every continent and is putting thousands of species at risk. The burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas – is by far the major contributor to climate change and is responsible for almost 80% of carbon dioxide emissions since the industrial revolution. In addition to being the leading source of emissions, there are local pollution, environmental and health costs associated with extracting, refining, transporting and burning fossil fuels.
These costs are often paid by Indigenous peoples of the Global South as well as marginalised communities here in the UK. Hastings is one of the most deprived towns in the country, residents are forced to spend an ever-increasing proportion of their income meeting the exponentially rising costs of energy. Standards of living and health are directly impacted. It is not sustainable to continue to extract and globally transport fossil fuels when genuinely sustainable methods of production may exist locally to meet demand.
Globally, egregious industry practices have led to human rights violations and a fossil fuel system that has left billions of people across the globe without sufficient energy to lead lives of dignity. Failure to meet the ultimate goal of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement (to limit global warming to 1.5°C) risks pushing the world towards catastrophic global warming.
Yet, the Paris Agreement has no mention of oil, gas or coal and the much anticipated COP26 deal was disappointingly weak. Meanwhile, the fossil fuel industry continues to plan new projects. Banks continue to fund new projects. Closer to home, despite calls from the Labour-led Hastings Borough Council since 2016, East Sussex Pension Funds continue to invest in fossil fuels.
According to the most recent United Nations Environment Programme report, 120% more coal, oil, and gas will be produced by 2030 than is consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C. Efforts to meet the Paris Agreement and to reduce demand for fossil fuels will be undermined if supply continues to grow.
The solution is clear: fossil fuels must be kept in the ground. We therefore agree:
1. To endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (https://fossilfueltreaty.org). That is, for world leaders to work together in a spirit of international cooperation to:
• End new expansion of oil, gas and coal production in line with the best available science as outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and United Nations Environment Programme;
• Phase out existing production of oil, gas and coal in a manner that is fair and equitable, taking into account the responsibilities of countries for climate change and their respective dependency on fossil fuels, and capacity to transition;
• Invest in a transformational plan to ensure 100% access to renewable energy globally, support dependent economies to diversify away from fossil fuels, and enable people and communities across the globe to flourish through a global just transition.
2. To write to Rother District Council, Wealden District Council, Lewes District Council, Eastbourne ... view the full agenda text for item 268.Minutes:
Councillor Bishop declared a prejudicial interest and left the Council Chamber for the duration of the item.
Councillor Arthur proposed a motion as set out in the agenda, seconded by Councillor Roark.
RESOLVED (by 24 votes for, to 2 against with 2 abstentions) that Full Council accepts the motion as set out below:
Climate change is threatening hundreds of millions of lives, livelihoods across every continent and is putting thousands of species at risk. The burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas – is by far the major contributor to climate change and is responsible for almost 80% of carbon dioxide emissions since the industrial revolution. In addition to being the leading source of emissions, there are local pollution, environmental and health costs associated with extracting, refining, transporting and burning fossil fuels.
These costs are often paid by Indigenous peoples of the Global South as well as marginalised communities here in the UK. Hastings is one of the most deprived towns in the country, residents are forced to spend an ever-increasing proportion of their income meeting the exponentially rising costs of energy. Standards of living and health are directly impacted. It is not sustainable to continue to extract and globally transport fossil fuels when genuinely sustainable methods of production may exist locally to meet demand.
Globally, egregious industry practices have led to human rights violations and a fossil fuel system that has left billions of people across the globe without sufficient energy to lead lives of dignity. Failure to meet the ultimate goal of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement (to limit global warming to 1.5°C) risks pushing the world towards catastrophic global warming.
Yet, the Paris Agreement has no mention of oil, gas or coal and the much anticipated COP26 deal was disappointingly weak. Meanwhile, the fossil fuel industry continues to plan new projects. Banks continue to fund new projects. Closer to home, despite calls from the Labour-led Hastings Borough Council since 2016, East Sussex Pension Funds continue to invest in fossil fuels.
According to the most recent United Nations Environment Programme report, 120% more coal, oil, and gas will be produced by 2030 than is consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C. Efforts to meet the Paris Agreement and to reduce demand for fossil fuels will be undermined if supply continues to grow.
The solution is clear: fossil fuels must be kept in the ground. We therefore agree:
1. To endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (https://fossilfueltreaty.org). That is, for world leaders to work together in a spirit of international cooperation to:
- End new expansion of oil, gas and coal production in line with the best available science as outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and United Nations Environment Programme;
- Phase out existing production of oil, gas and coal in a manner that is fair and equitable, taking into account the responsibilities of countries for climate change and their respective dependency on fossil fuels, and capacity to transition;
- Invest in a transformational plan ... view the full minutes text for item 268.
Motion (Rule 14)
Councillor Carr to propose:
This Council recognises that equality needs to be at the centre of everything we do and every decision we make, especially in how we provide services to the public.
As a Council we know that our town is one of diversity which we must celebrate and encourage, but also one of inequality which impacts on many people’s day to day lives.
We believe that all residents should be given truly equal opportunities to thrive and live happy, healthy lives, free of fear and bigotry.
In line with our Public Sector Equality Duty (as set out in The Equality Act 2010), I move that this motion to set up an Equalities Working Group be referred to Overview & Scrutiny in accordance rule 14.5 of our Constitution. To reflect that equality is the responsibility of all of us as Councillors, no matter what our political group, a cross party Equalities Working Group should be set up to:
- Look at our internal
equalities practices and how these can be improved
- Engage with groups
and professional organisations for advice and guidance to help
shape the councils understanding of the issues of under-represented
groups as we recognise that listening to those with lived
experience is vital when delivering effective services
- Further pursue our
commitment to becoming an Age Friendly Community so that this
status is achieved
- Look to achieve a
recognised award for equalities as assessed under the Equality
Framework for Local Government (EFLG) scheme from the Local
Government Association (LGA)
- Review and rewrite
the Equalities Charter so that it becomes a meaningful document
that can be shared to other businesses and groups across the town,
in a way that is measurable, monitorable and with a system of
recognised award so that the hard work of our partners can be
clearly seen and celebrated
- Develop a long-term Equality and Inclusion Strategy
This Working Group will be open to all elected Councillors and the Portfolio Holder for Equalities and other Cabinet members will be invited to contribute to the discussions of the Working Group. The Working Group should meet at least quarterly but may meet more as the Group decides.
A progress report can be requested at any time by Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny Committee or the Managing Director so that the Group remains accountable, open, and transparent in its working. A full report with the conclusions of the Working Group and a draft Equalities Charter shall be submitted to Council for its approval.
I call upon my fellow Councillors to support the Working Group with enthusiasm to bring true equality to both the Council and the residents of the town.
Minutes:
Councillor Bishop returned to the Council Chamber.
Councillor Carr proposed a motion as set out in the agenda, seconded by Councillor Patmore.
RESOLVED (unanimously) that Full Council do accept the motion as set out below:
This Council recognises that equality needs to be at the centre of everything we do and every decision we make, especially in how we provide services to the public. #
As a Council we know that our town is one of diversity which we must celebrate and encourage, but also one of inequality which impacts on many people’s day to day lives.
We believe that all residents should be given truly equal opportunities to thrive and live happy, healthy lives, free of fear and bigotry.
In line with our Public Sector Equality Duty (as set out in The Equality Act 2010), I move that this motion to set up an Equalities Working Group be referred to Overview & Scrutiny in accordance rule 14.5 of our Constitution. To reflect that equality is the responsibility of all of us as Councillors, no matter what our political group, a cross party Equalities Working Group should be set up to:
- Look at our internal equalities
practices and how these can be improved
- Engage with groups and professional
organisations for advice and guidance to help shape the councils
understanding of the issues of under-represented groups as we
recognise that listening to those with lived experience is vital
when delivering effective services
- Further pursue our commitment to
becoming an Age Friendly Community so that this status is
achieved
- Look to achieve a recognised award
for equalities as assessed under the Equality Framework for Local
Government (EFLG) scheme from the Local Government Association
(LGA)
- Review and rewrite the Equalities
Charter so that it becomes a meaningful document that can be shared
to other businesses and groups across the town, in a way that is
measurable, monitorable and with a system of recognised award so
that the hard work of our partners can be clearly seen and
celebrated
- Develop a long-term Equality and Inclusion Strategy
This Working Group will be open to all elected Councillors and the Portfolio Holder for Equalities and other Cabinet members will be invited to contribute to the discussions of the Working Group. The Working Group should meet at least quarterly but may meet more as the Group decides.
A progress report can be requested at any time by Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny Committee or the Managing Director so that the Group remains accountable, open, and transparent in its working. A full report with the conclusions of the Working Group and a draft Equalities Charter shall be submitted to Council for its approval.
I call upon my fellow Councillors to support the Working Group with enthusiasm to bring true equality to both the Council and the residents of the town.Membership of Committees
To give effect to any request received from a political group for a change in their representation on committee(s).
Minutes:
Councillor Barnett informed the Council that Councillor O’Callaghan is to be appointed to the Licensing Committee.
Councillor Patmore informed the Council that Councillor Cooke is to be appointed to the Environment and Safety Committee in place of Councillor Hay.
RESOLVED that the Council notes the following arrangements for the membership of committees:
- Councillor
O’Callaghan is appointed to a vacant seat on Licensing
Committee
- Councillor Cooke replaces Councillor Hay on Environment and Safety Committee
Appointment of Independent Persons PDF 166 KB
Minutes:
Councillor Rogers proposed approval of the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Roberts.
Councillors Rogers thanked the Independent Persons, John Baker and Amanda McIntyre, for their support and advice to the Standards Committee during their first term.
RESOLVED (unanimously):
To renew the appointment of John Baker and Amanda McIntyre as Independent Persons for a further three-year term from 1st November 2022 to 31st October 2025.
Reasons:
The Localism Act 2011 requires the Council to appoint at least one Independent Person to assist with the Standards process. Further, changes in employment legislation requires an Independent Person to be involved in any disciplinary action against any of the three statutory officers, those being the Head of Paid Service, the Chief Finance Officer and the Monitoring Officer.
Reports of Committees
a) To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of any items considered while the public were excluded by the relevant committee because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in the respective paragraphs of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 referred to in the minutes of the relevant committee.
b) To receive and consider the recommendations and any decisions of the following committees.
Subject
Cabinet Member / Chair
CABINET – 6 JUNE 2022
437.
Reviewing the Anti-Social Behaviour Public Space Protection Order (ASB PSPO)
Rogers
438. (C)
Bye Laws for Pleasure Grounds, Public Walks and Open Spaces
Hilton
439.
Hastings Museum & Art Gallery Business Plan 2022-25
Batsford
440.
Cabinet Appointments to Committees, Working Groups, Partnerships and Representative Bodies
Barnett
441.
Household Support Fund
Willis
442.
Energy Rebate Policy
Willis
443. (C)
Budget Update May 2022
Willis
Notes:1. The Mayor will call over the minutes and members will rise and indicate those items which they wish to have discussed.
2. No discussion shall take place at this stage upon part II minutes covered by the resolution 12a) above. Any such discussion shall be deferred to item 13 on the agenda.
Minutes:
The Mayor having called over the minutes set out in the agenda; the following minutes were reserved for discussion.
RESOLVED that under rule 13.3 the reports and minutes of committees set out in the agenda, including those items on which a council decision was required, be received, and agreed. Only those items which were reserved were discussed as follows:Meeting
Minute
Councillor
Cabinet, 6th June 2022
437 - Reviewing the Anti-Social Behaviour Public Space Protection Order (ASB PSPO)
Arthur
Cabinet, 6th June 2022
439 – Hastings Museum & Art Gallery Business Plan 2022 – 25
O’Callaghan
Cabinet, 6th June 2022
440 – Cabinet Appointments to Committees, Working Groups, Partnerships and Representative Bodies
Edwards
Cabinet, 6th June 2022
443 – Budget Update May 2022
Rankin
Minute 443 of Cabinet on 6th June 2022, Budget Update May 2022, was a matter requiring Full Council approval. The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Willis, seconded by Councillor O’Callaghan and agreed unanimously.
Councillors debated minutes 437, 439 and 440 of Cabinet on 6th June 2022. These matters did not require Full Council approval.
RESOLVED (unanimously):
(i) The existing Harold Place project be removed from the Capital programme until such time as a revised scheme for the area is determined.
(ii) The Capital programme budget for the Castleham Industrial units be increased to £250,000 (from £140,000).
(iii) The Capital programme budget for Buckshole Reservoir works be increased to £1,353,000 (From £1,253,000)
(iv) Undertake a Mid-year budget review to potentially increase fees and charges, reduce expenditure, and sell assets.
Reasons:
The budget report in February 2022 identified that a balanced budget in 2022/23 could only be achieved by using £2.33m of reserves, and that further savings would be required given the relentless increases in homelessness costs in particular. The forecasts for future years showed annual deficits increasing e.g. £2.426m in 2023/24, £2.544m in 2024/25, and £2.531m in 25/26.
Following the steep increases in inflation and bank rates the forecast for the current and future years shows annual deficits potentially increasing by over £900,000 in 2022/23 and over £1,000,000 in 2023/24. Costs for Capital schemes are likewise increasing dramatically.
(The Mayor declared the meeting closed at 8.55pm)
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