Agenda

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any items on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time. 

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the attached Minutes of the Council meeting held on 27 January 2025.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule No 8 to allow members of the public to ask questions about the Council’s activities for a period up to fifteen minutes.  The replies to any such questions will be given by the appropriate Cabinet Member.  Questions must be received in writing or by email to the Monitoring Officer by 12 noon twelve clear working days before the meeting.

No questions have been submitted under Procedure Rule No 8 for this meeting.

Report of the Leader

The decision is a Council decision and only the Council can determine the matter – at this stage the decision relates to the process to be followed.

Report of Councillor P R Kerry, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership & Finance.

The decision requested is part of the Budget and Policy Framework and thus can only be made by Council.

Report of the Managing Director and Head of Paid Service.

The decision requested is part of the Budget and Policy Framework and thus can only be made by Council.

Report of the Assistant Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer.

This decision is a Council decision and only the Council can determine the matter.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule No 9.2 to allow Members to ask questions about Council activities.  The replies to any such questions will be given by the Chair of the Council or relevant Committee or the appropriate Cabinet Member.  Questions must be received in writing or by email to the Monitoring Officer by 12 noon twelve clear working days before the meeting. 

The following questions had been submitted:-

Question ‘A’ – Proposed by Councillor N Baker to Councillor J Barry, Portfolio Holder for Growth & Assets

 Whilst it is appreciated that some decisions and discussions will be commercially sensitive and therefore confidential, given the significance of and public interest in some of the recent decisions taken by the Council’s Asset Management Board, could the Leader of the Council commit to making the items being considered by this Board more accessible so, where it is reasonably possible to do so, the process is more open to members of the Council and local residents so they can have more input before a decision is taken and that they are able to access records of those decisions?

Question ‘B’ – Proposed by Councillor A Dale to Councillor P R Kerry, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership & Finance

Can the Deputy Leader please confirm the full costs of the recent refurbishment of the reception area at Mill Lane and the sources and a breakdown of the funding?

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule No 10 to consider Motions on notice from Members.  Motions must be received in writing or by email to the Monitoring Officer by 12 noon twelve clear working days before the meeting. 

The following Motion had been submitted:-

Motion ‘A’ – Submitted by Councillor S Reed

Future-Proofing Our Social Housing: A Policy Review

In light of recent developments and the evolving needs of our District, it is imperative that we review our social housing priority policy to ensure we are adequately prepared to meet future demands.

Council Notes;

A.       The excellent work being carried out by the officers of the Housing Strategy and Homeless Team, along with Rykneld, regarding social housing and addressing the needs of residents of North East Derbyshire.

B.       The ongoing debate on how the changes in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will affect local authorities in meeting the demand from neighbouring authorities.

C.       The position in the District with regard to homelessness, the increasing demand on services, and emerging factors which may have an impact on the increased demand (such as over flow from neighbouring authorities and increasing asylum seekers numbers.)

D.       The necessity for a forward-looking social housing strategy that addresses future challenges and demands, ensuring fairness for all residents of North East Derbyshire.

Council resolves to refer to the Communities Scrutiny Committee to determine the following and report back to Full Council:

1.       Assess Impact of NPPF Changes: Analyse the potential impact of the proposed NPPF changes on local housing policy and the likelihood of having to accommodate overflow demand from neighbouring authorities.

2.       In collaboration with officers, Review the impacts of currently emerging factors - that may not have been reported at the time  - against our current strategy.

3.       Review Current Social Housing Priority Bands: Assess whether the current banding system adequately reflects the urgency and needs of different groups, especially considering the potential increased demand from points 1 and 2.

4.       Make Recommendations to Improve Policy for the Future: Develop an action plan based on the findings of the review to ensure the social housing policy is fit for future needs.

To consider any other matter which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.