Agenda

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

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.

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.

Announcements of the Civic Chair.

To receive the non-exempt Minutes of the Committees shown below:

Non-exempt Minutes to be received:                                                           Date

Local Plan Sub-Committee                                                             16 July 2024

Governance and Resources Committee                                        18 July 2024

Community and Environment Committee                                       22 July 2024

Council                                                                                            25 July 2024

Community and Environment Committee                                       30 July 2024

Planning Committee                                                                   13 August 2024

Community and Environment Committee                           12 September 2024

Questions, if any, from Members who have given notice.

The Council will debate the following Motion, submitted by Councillor Geoff Bond, in accordance with Rule of Procedure 16.

“This Council notes with concern the recent changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility criteria, which now require pensioners to not only have reached State Pension age but also to be in receipt of a qualifying means-tested benefit to receive support. These changes will disproportionately affect pensioners in rural areas like Derbyshire, many of whom face fuel poverty and may struggle to navigate the complexities of means-testing.

This Council believes that all pensioners should be supported through the winter months to ensure they are not left cold or forced to choose between heating and other essentials. Furthermore, we acknowledge that many pensioners do not claim benefits due to difficulties with the application process or lack of awareness, leaving them particularly vulnerable to the effects of these cuts.

This Council calls on the Government to reconsider its decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment and requests the Derbyshire MPs advocate for the full reinstatement of this vital support.

This Council further resolves to:

1. Advocate: Formally lobby Derbyshire MPs and the Government to reconsider the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, highlighting the impact on pensioners in rural areas like Derbyshire.

2. Provide Local Support: Explore the feasibility of establishing a local emergency fund or grant scheme to assist pensioners ineligible for the Winter Fuel Payment but still in need of support during the winter months.

3. Partnerships: Work with local charities, such as Age UK and Citizens Advice, and energy providers to assist pensioners with navigating the means-testing process and to ensure they access any benefits or grants

4. Promote Energy Efficiency: Develop or expand schemes to provide free or subsidised energy-efficient home improvements, such as insulation, for pensioners in need, to help reduce their long-term heating costs.

5. Winter Support Network: Establish a local volunteer or community support network to check in on vulnerable pensioners during the winter months and refer them to relevant services if they are struggling to heat their homes.

6. Raise Awareness: Launch a public information campaign to inform pensioners about the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, alternative support options, and assistance available in applying for benefits.

By passing this motion, this Council demonstrates its commitment to supporting pensioners in our community, ensuring they are not left behind by recent policy changes, and taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of these cuts.”

25 July 2024

The District Council submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities in March 2024 for the Local Authority Housing Fund Round 3 (LAHF3). The Council’s bid was successful, with the outcome announced in the Chancellor’s statement at the end of July. DDDC has been allocated £3.8m to deliver 23 homes to provide temporary accommodation/relieve homelessness and extend provision for Afghan refugees. Increasing the delivery of new affordable homes is a corporate priority and it is proposed to increase the staff resources within the Housing Department through the recruitment of an additional Rural Housing Enabler.

This report outlines spending for each project against the approved 2024/25 capital programme as at 31^st July 2024, and seeks approval for an updated capital programme for 2024/25 to 2028/29 and associated financing.  Three new projects are proposed for inclusion in the revised programme. 

The report recommends a response to the County Council’s proposed changes to its provision of a design and build agency service for Disabled Facilities Grant home adaptions. Disabled Facilities Grants enable adaptions to the homes of eligible adults and children with a disability to help them live independently.

The report seeks use of the General Reserve for final costs in connection with defending an appeal at a Planning Inquiry relating to an application at Leys Farm, Wyaston Road, Ashbourne, which was recommended for approval by officers but refused by the Planning Committee.  The appeal was allowed and planning permission granted by the Planning Inspectorate.  Whilst the appellant’s application for full costs was refused, partial costs are due to the appellant in respect of the withdrawal of two reasons for refusal which were deemed indefensible.  The report also seeks approval for a supplementary revenue budget to be used to defend other planning appeals.

The report informs members of recent staffing changes and seeks approval for the retrospective appointment of executive recruitment agency Gatenby Sanderson and to provide support to the Council in the recruitment of a Director of Governance and Corporate Services (Monitoring Officer). The report also identifies the need for temporary interim Monitoring Officer resources.

The report seeks to confirm the appointment of Barbara Beardwell (interim Director of Governance and Corporate Services) as the Council’s Monitoring Officer.