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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Matlock, DE4 3NN. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services 

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Items
No. Item

1/23

Election of Chair for the 2023/2024 Municipal Year

To propose that a Member of the Council be elected Chairman.

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor David Hughes, Seconded by Councillor Joanne Linthwaite and

 

RESOLVED

 

That Councillor Steve Wain be elected Chair of the Council for the 2023/2024 municipal year and that the position henceforth be designated as Chair of the Council within Article 5 of the Council’s Constitution, with the post’s deputy position designated as Vice-Chair of the Council.

 

Voting

 

30 For

00 Against

01 Abstained

 

The Chair  declared the motion CARRIED.

2/23

Appointment of Vice-Chair for the year 2023/2024

To propose that a Member of the Council be appointed Vice-Chairman.

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Peter Slack, Seconded by Councillor Steve Flitter and

 

RESOLVED

 

That Councillor Dawn Greatorex be elected Vice-Chair of the Council for the year 2023/2024.

 

Voting

 

30 For

00 Against

01 Abstained

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

3/23

Election of Civic Chair 2023/24

a)    To propose that a Member of the Council be appointed to the position of Civic Chairman, with seconding and supporting speeches.

b)    Speech in reply by the newly appointed Civic Chairman.

c)    The Civic Chairman will propose a vote of thanks to the retiring Civic Chairman.

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Roger Shelley, Seconded by Councillor Marilyn Franks and

 

RESOLVED

 

That Councillor David Burton be elected Civic Chair of the Council of the Derbyshire Dales for the 2023/2024 civic year and that the position henceforth be designated as Civic Chair of the Derbyshire Dales within Article 5 of the Council’s Constitution, with the post’s deputy position designated as Deputy Civic Chair of the Derbyshire Dales.

 

Voting

 

30 For

00 Against

01 Abstained

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

 

The duly elected Civic Chair was invested with the Chain of Office and expressed his thanks to the retiring Civic Chair and Members for their vote of confidence.

4/23

Appointment of the Deputy Civic Chairman 2023/2024

To propose that a Member of the Council be appointed Deputy Civic Chairman, with seconding and supporting speeches.

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Nick Whitehead, Seconded by Councillor Neil Buttle and

 

RESOLVED

 

That Councillor Peter Slack be elected Deputy Civic Chair of the Derbyshire Dales for the 2023/2024 civic year.

 

Voting

 

30 For

00 Against

01 Abstained

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

 

The duly elected Deputy Civic Chair was invested with the Chain of Office and thanked Members for their vote of confidence.

5/23

Election of Leader and Deputy Leader - 2023-24 Municipal Year pdf icon PDF 109 KB

To elect a Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council for the 2023/24 municipal year.

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor David Burton, Seconded by Councillor Peter Dobbs and

 

RESOLVED

 

That Councillor Steve Flitter be elected Leader of the Council for the 2023/2024 municipal year.

 

Voting

 

30 For

00 Against

01 Abstained

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

 

It was moved by Councillor David Hughes, Seconded by Councillor Steve Flitter and

 

RESOLVED

 

That Councillor Peter Slack and Councillor Neil Buttle be elected Deputy Leaders of the Council for the 2023/24 municipal year.

 

Voting

 

28 For

01 Against

02 Abstained

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

6/23

Leaders' Announcements

Announcements of the Leader of the Council.

Minutes:

Councillor Steve Flitter, Leader of the Council, gave the following announcements:

 

Four years ago, I sat and listened to a Leader’s speech that angered so many members of this Council as it began with the promise to see the local plan to its conclusion. Showing little regard for our residents and many points began with ( I ) well there is no I in team and that's what we must become if we are to succeed and meet the challenges ahead.

 

We will have a new approach to the local plan with the emphasis on protecting the environment and creating sustainable communities through energy efficient housing that meets local needs, built in the right locations and making sure that proper infrastructure supports new and existing development. This is why we propose that the local plan working party become a sub-committee with a Chair to ensure that recommendations are Member led and, in planning itself, we shall insist on tougher enforcement to meet stated conditions and all changes to original approved plans.

 

We will re-examine the housing strategy with the aim of enabling everyone throughout the district to be able to live and prosper in their own community and with a housing stock fit for the purpose to meet the challenges of climate change, prioritising affordability, social housing and ensuring all homes are insulated to the highest standard, carbon neutral and cost effective to run.

 

We will re-invigorate climate change and biodiversity strategies working with businesses, farmers and the community to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the biodiversity of our varied landscape. We aim to tackle pollution by promoting biodiversity and zero carbon technology supporting greenways, rewilding, creating community orchards, allotments and reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides.

 

We will ensure an open, inclusive and transparent way of working supported by an energised council management and workforce listening and working together to create a fairer and more caring district by supporting residents, community groups and businesses making sure this council delivers the services they need and rely on. Our aim is to open discussion on a regular basis with the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team, develop further the Leader’s Advisory Group and provide more Member briefings on important and relevant issues.

 

Public Toilets

After many complaints over the last administration's closure of toilet provision in our tourist hotspots we will re-examine the closed sites, re-evaluate possibilities seeking a way forward to providing the services our visitors expect. We realise that some buildings may no longer be suitable, but we must consider the possibilities of temporary provision in peak season.

 

Inward investment and partnerships

Economic development is very important for the Dales as it creates an opportunity to provide jobs and financial stability for our residents and also builds confidence in existing businesses in retail, manufacturing, service industries and also can be a lifeline for small businesses. So, inward investment and not just grants that are reliant on match funding but we need a partnership approach with other authorities and agencies to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6/23

7/23

Apologies for Absence

Please advise the Democratic Services Team on 01629 761133 or email committee@derbyshiredales.gov.uk of any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors: John Bointon, Nigel Edwards-Walker and Simon Ripton.

8/23

Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 201 KB

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on 16 March 2023 as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

 

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Peter O’Brien, Seconded by Councillor Robert Archer and

 

RESOLVED (unanimously)

 

That the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 16 March 2023 be approved as a correct record.

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

9/23

Interests

Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any interests they may have in subsequent agenda items in accordance with the District Council’s Code of Conduct. Those interests are matters that relate to money or that which can be valued in money, affecting the Member, her/his partner, extended family and close friends. Interests that become apparent at a later stage in the proceedings may be declared at the time.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

10/23

Municipal Election Results - Report of the Returning Officer pdf icon PDF 119 KB

Minutes:

Members received a report on the result of the municipal elections to the District Council held on 4 May 2023.

 

It was moved by Councillor David Hughes, Seconded by Councillor Geoff Bond and

 

RESOLVED (unanimously)

 

That the results of the municipal elections to the District Council held on 4 May 2023 be noted.

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

11/23

Membership of Political Groups, Political Balance and Entitlement to Seats on Committees pdf icon PDF 117 KB

To consider the membership of political groups on the Council, the overall political balance of the Council and the entitlement of political groups to seats on committees for the 2023/24 municipal year.

Minutes:

The Council considered a report on the updated membership of political groups on the Council, the change to the political balance of the authority following the elections held on 4 May 2023 and the revised entitlement of political groups to seats on committees for the 2023/24 municipal year.

 

Following the recent Elections the political balance of the Council was:

 

Name of Group

Designated Leader

Number of Members

Conservative

Councillor Hobson

11

Green Party

Councillor Buttle

4

Labour and Councillor O’Brien

Councillor Slack

7

Liberal Democrat

Councillor Flitter

12

 

It was moved by Councillor Steve Flitter, seconded by Councillor David Chapman and

 

RESOLVED (unanimously)

 

1.    That the operation of four political groups on the Council and the detail of their designated Leaders be noted:

 

a)    Conservative Group – Councillor Susan Hobson

b)    Green Party Group – Councillor Neil Buttle

c)    Labour and Councillor O’Brien Group – Councillor Peter Slack

d)    Liberal Democrat Group – Councillor Steve Flitter

 

2.    That special responsibility allowances be paid in accordance with the Members Allowances Scheme at Part 6 of the Constitution.

 

3.    That approval be given to the establishment of:

 

a)    Local Plan Sub-Committee of 10 Members under the auspices of the Community and Environment Committee

b)    Biodiversity Sub-Committee of 6 Members under the auspices of the Community and Environment Committee

 

4.    That the Council notes, and agrees, the entitlement of the membership of the political groups and that such entitlements have been reflected in the allocations to Committees.

 

5.    That Council considers nominations and appoints Members to serve on the:

 

a)    Joint ICT Committee – Councillors David Hughes and Andy Nash

b)    Vision Derbyshire Joint Committee – Councillor Steve Flitter

c)    D2 Joint Committee for Economic Prosperity – Councillor Steve Flitter

 

6.    That Council appoints Members to serve on Working Groups for the following purposes:

 

a)    Constitution Working Group (6 Members)

b)    Climate Change Working Group (6 Members)

c)    Member Development Working Group (1 Member from each group)

d)    Traveller Site Working Group (1 Member from each group)

e)    Gender Balance Working Group (1 Member drawn from each political group).

 

with nominations from Group Leaders to be given to the Proper Officer.

 

7.    That the Independent Remuneration Panel be invited to consider the impact of appointments made which are not consistent with the existing Members Allowances Scheme and make recommendations back to the Council.

 

8.    That the Calendar of Meetings for the 2023/24 Municipal Year be amended as follows:

 

Committee

Previous Date

New Date

Community and Environment

Wednesday 5 July 2023

Thursday 13 July 2023

Governance and Resources

Wednesday 19 July 2023

Thursday 20 July 2023

Community and Environment

Wednesday 6 September 2023

Thursday 7 September 2023

Governance and Resources

Wednesday 20 September 2023

Thursday 14 September 2023

Community and Environment

Wednesday 1 November 2023

Thursday 26 October 2023

Governance and Resources

Wednesday 8 November 2023

Thursday 2 November 2023

Governance and Resources

Wednesday 20 March 2024

Thursday 21 March 2024

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

12/23

Schedule of Nominations to Committees pdf icon PDF 100 KB

To appoint Members to serve on committees in accordance with each political group’s entitlement to seats.

Minutes:

The Council considered the appointment of members to serve on committees for the 2023/24 municipal year in accordance with each political group’s entitlement.

 

It was moved by Councillor Peter Slack, seconded by Councillor Neil Buttle and

 

RESOLVED (unanimously)

 

That Councillors be appointed to serve on the Committees of the Council in accordance with the wishes of the political groups as set out in appendix 1 of these Minutes.

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

13/23

Appointment of Chairs and Vice Chairs

To appoint  a Chair and Vice-Chair to Committees.

Minutes:

The Council considered a report setting out the appointments to the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair to the various decision making bodies for the 2023-24 municipal year.

 

It was moved by Councillor Steve Flitter, seconded by Councillor David Hughes and

 

RESOLVED (unanimously)

 

That the following appointments be made to the positions of Committee Chair and Vice-Chair until the next Annual Meeting of the Council.

 

Committee/Decision Making Body

Chair

Vice-Chair

Community & Environment

Martin Burfoot

Peter O’Brien

Governance & Resources

Nick Wilton

Neil Buttle

Scrutiny

David Hughes

Peter Slack

Planning

David Burton and

Peter O’Brien

Sue Burfoot

Licensing & Appeals

Steve Wain

Dawn Greatorex

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

14/23

Appointment to Outside Bodies for the 2023/24 Municipal Year pdf icon PDF 109 KB

To review the Council’s affiliations with outside bodies and consider nominations to act as the Council’s Representatives.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report that reviewed its affiliations with outside bodies and invited nominations to act as the Council’s representatives.

 

The Schedule attached at Appendix 2, gave the full list of outside bodies that required the Council’s consideration. The Council was asked to consider its nominations and any changes it wished to make to those currently in place.

 

The list of approved conferences and recommended representation was tabled in paragraph 2.3 of the report, which was submitted to confer approved duty status to cover Member attendance.

 

Due to the number of nominations to the Peak District National Park Authority exceeding the number of available representative positions, it was recommended that this be determined separately to the nominations to other outside bodies.

 

It was moved by Councillor Neil Buttle, seconded by Councillor Nick Whitehead and

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    That the list of outside bodies identified in Appendix 1 be approved..

 

2.    That the position of organisations with no indemnity insurance currently exists be noted accordingly.

 

3.    That the Members identified in the schedule tabled at the meeting, with the exception of the Peak District National Park Authority, be appointed to the relevant outside body to serve until the next Annual Meeting of the Council.

 

4.    That the list of Conferences for 2023/24 be approved.

 

5.    That authority be delegated to the Director of Corporate and Customer Services in consultation with the Chief Executive and Directors, where relevant, to determine requests for attendance at other conferences based on the relevance of the subject matter and to the availability of finance.

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

 

The nominations to the Peak District National Park Authority are set out below, along with the voting on the individual nominations.

 

Nomination

Nominated by

Seconded by

Voting

Councillor Matt Buckler

Councillor Neil Buttle

Councillor Andy Nash

29 For

00 Against

02 Abstentions

Councillor David Chapman

Councillor Susan Hobson

Councillor Tony Morley

09 For

00 Against

22 Abstentions

Councillor Andy Nash

Councillor Peter O’Brien

Councillor Martin Burfoot

22 For

00 Against

09 Abstentions

 

It was therefore RESOLVED

 

That Councillor Matt Buckler and Councillor Andy Nash be appointed as the Council’s representative Members on the Peak District National Park Authority.

 

The Chair declared the motion CARRIED.

15/23

Public Participation

To enable members of the public to ask questions, express views or present petitions, IF NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN, (by telephone, in writing or by email) BY NO LATER THAN 12 NOON OF THE WORKING DAY PRECEDING THE MEETING. As per Procedural Rule 14.4 at any one meeting no person may submit more than 3 questions and no more than 1 such question may be asked on behalf of one organisation.

 

Minutes:

Mr John Youatt, Planning Agent to the owners of the Woodyard at Homesford, spoke on the District Council’s legal duty to provide accommodation for Gypsy and Traveller families residing in the District and encouraged the Council to quickly make appointments to the new working group proposed to make recommendations back to the Council.