Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A Cooper, D Drabble, A Foster, M Foster, J Funnell, K Gillott, E A Hill, B Lewis, P Parkin, M Potts, A Powell, J Ridgway, B Strafford-Stephenson, L Stone, K Tait, P Wheelhouse and P Windley.

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. 

Councillor T Reader declared an interest in Item 12 – Local Offer for Children and Care Leavers, as an employee of Derbyshire County Council, Children and Family Services. She indicated that she would remain in the meeting and would participate in Council’s discussion and determination on the Item.

Councillor R Hall declared an interest in Item 14 – Adoption of the Revised Taxi Licensing Policies, as the holder of a Taxi Licences with another Licensing Authority. He indicated that he would leave the meeting at the appropriate time and would not participate in Council’s discussion and determination on the Item.

Councillor M E Thacker MBE declared an interest in Motion ‘A’ on the agenda (Facilities for Women’s Football), as a Director on the National Board of Football. He indicated that he would remain in the meeting and would participate in Council’s discussion and determination on the Item.

Councillor A Dale declared an interest in Item 19 – Northwood Update as a Director of Northwood Group Limited. He explained that following advice from the Monitoring Officer he would remain in the meeting and would participate in Council’s discussion and determination on the Item.

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the attached Minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 23 May 2022.

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the attached Minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 23 May 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting of Annual Council, held on Monday 23 May 2022, approved as a true record.

The Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting, held on Monday 23 May 2022 were approved as a true record.

To receive any announcements which the Chair of the Council may wish to make at this meeting.

The Chair of the Council, Councillor D Ruff, informed Members of the mourning services and events which she had attended following the death of her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. She had also attended the ceremony for the Proclamation of the King, held at the Council’s Mill Lane Offices. The Chair thanked all those who had been involved in helping the Council to respond in an appropriate and dignified way, in what had been very difficult circumstances.

Councillor D Ruff informed Members of the sad death of former Bolsover Councillor and Chair of that Council, Ken Walker. Council was reminded that former Councillor Walker and his wife had been attacked in their own home by an intruder. With the permission of the Chair, Councillor M E Thacker MBE, Councillor N Barker, Councillor J Lilley, Councillor R Shipman and Councillor P Antcliff paid tribute to former Councillor Walker. They stressed his record of service to Bolsover Council, his commitment to the local community and the personal warmth and generosity of spirit which he had shown.

The Chair of the Council reminded Members of her charitable work to help raise funds for the Soldiers, Sailors and Airforce Families Association (SSAFA). As part of this, Council was informed that she intended to hold a fundraising event at Shirland Golf Club. The Chair gave special thanks to Councillor H Liggett, for her hard work in helping to organise this event.

Finally Councillor D Ruff informed Council that Councillor A Powell was unwell. Councillor Ruff and other Members wished Councillor Powell a speedy recovery.

RESOLVED – That Council noted the announcements of the Chair of the Council, Councillor D Ruff (by acclamation).

To receive any announcements which the Leader of the Council may wish to make at this meeting.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor A Dale, thanked Members and officers of the Council, along with the Parish and Town Councils, for their work to help the District and its communities mourn the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to proclaim the accession of His Majesty King Charles III.

The Leader of the Council informed Members that the refurbished Killamarsh Active sports centre had now opened. He highlighted the contribution which the improved sports centre would make to the local community and to the District as a whole. He thanked the local Ward Members, the Parish Council, Councillors J Kenyon and A Powell, along with the relevant officers of the Council, for the important contribution which they had made.

Councillor A Dale highlighted the successful joint application for grant aid from the Safer Streets Fund, the submission of a Draft Investment Plan to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Application for £17.8 million which had been submitted to the Levelling-Up Fund to help regenerate Eckington Town Centre.

The Leader of the Council explained how the Council had been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award by the Ministry of Defence. He pointed out that the Council was one of only 550 employers in the Country to receive this award. The Leader thanked the Council’s Armed Forces Champion; Councillor M E Thacker MBE and the Assistant Director, Regeneration and Programmes, for their contribution to achieving this honour.

Councillor A Dale informed Members that the Council Plan had been reviewed. He explained that most of its objectives had been achieved and emphasised how important it was that it continues to address the key challenges now facing the Council, such as helping the District’s residents and businesses with the Cost of Living Crisis and reducing their energy costs.

RESOLVED – That Council noted the announcements of the Leader of the Council, Councillor A Dale (by acclamation).

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 12pm (Noon), twelve clear working days before the meeting.

No questions were submitted under Procedure Rule No 8 for this meeting.

There were no questions from the public.

Question ‘A’ – Councillor R Shipman to Councillor C Renwick, Portfolio

Holder for Housing and Community Safety

On 18th February 2020, I made an enquiry on behalf of a group of local residents to lease land off Ankerbold Road, Tupton to be turned into a community orchard and wildlife area. After much delay because of ‘volume of work’, I was told this would be on the Asset Management Group meeting in January 2021. It eventually made in on that groups meeting in July 2021, where it was refused because of an ongoing Asset Management Review.

The only reason it fell inside any asset management review was because of NEDDC not dealing with the request in good time. I was told by the then Director this would take up to 12 months. For over 2 years this as resulted in NEDDC spending thousands of pounds maintaining this land, when there are willing volunteers to take it on.

Can the cabinet member inform me and the group of residents who are keen to progress this project, when the Asset Management Review was started and due to be completed, so that we can make use of this dormant piece of land in Tupton for residents to use and help the environment?

Question ‘B’ – Councillor O Gomez Reaney to Councillor A Powell, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Communities and Communications

Recently, I have started working with the charity, the National Tremor Foundation.

The National Tremor Foundation, founded in 1992, is an organisation that aims to provide help, support and advice to all those living with all forms of tremor irrespective of age.

The foundation is a charity dedicated to people with tremors – its mission is to provide advice, support, publish information and promote research.

I would like to ask the Council if they would support the National Tremor Foundation in their efforts to spread awareness of tremors and provide advice and support for those who need it?

Question ‘C’ – Councillor J Birkin to Councillor M Foster, Portfolio Holder for Council Services

On June 6th Cllrs received an e-mail cancelling the Full Council meeting scheduled for August 1st. This was the latest in a line of cancellations over recent months.

The Labour Group is very concerned about the consequent lack of democratic scrutiny of Council decisions. We are also concerned that constant cancellations of official meetings lead to a perceived lack of accountability of the Council and Councillors.

This decision means that there are only 5 Full Council Meetings scheduled between now and the end of the Financial Year.

Will the Portfolio Holder reassure the Council and the residents of North East

Derbyshire that our concerns will be heeded and that meeting times and dates will continue to be undertaken as per the agreed schedule?

Question ‘D’ – Councillor T Reader to Councillor J Kenyon, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Transformation and Climate Change

Would the Cabinet Member tell Council how much of the £24M Clay Cross Town Deal Fund has now been spent  ...  view the full agenda text for item COU/30/22-23

The Chair of the Council confirmed that four questions had been received.

Question ‘A’ from Councillor R Shipman to Councillor C Renwick, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety

Councillor R Shipman explained that as he had now received a response to his question from the relevant officer in advance of the meeting, which had been set out and marked as Question ‘A’, on the Agenda. Consequently, he would now withdraw his question. He felt that future questions from Members to Portfolio Holders, which had been included on the Council Agenda, should be answered by them at the meeting.

Question ‘B’ from Councillor O Gomez Reaney to Councillor A Powell, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Communities and Communications.

A question had been submitted by Councillor O Gomez Reaney to Councillor A Powell, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Communities and Communications, on whether the Council would support the work of the National Tremor Foundation, in their efforts to spread awareness of this medical condition and to provide advice and support for those who need it. The full text of the question from Councillor O Gomez Reaney, marked as Question ‘B’, was set out on the Agenda for the meeting.

As Councillor A Powell could not be present at the meeting, the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor C Cupit, answered the question on his behalf.

Councillor C Cupit thanked Councillor Gomez Reaney for his question. She expressed her support for the aims of the National Tremor Foundation and its important work. The Deputy Leader made clear that she would be happy for the Council to work with Councillor Gomez Reaney to also help raise awareness of the issue locally.

Question ‘C’ from Councillor J Birkin to Councillor M Foster, Portfolio Holder for Council Services

A question had been submitted by Councillor J Birkin to Councillor M Foster, Portfolio Holder for Council Services, on the cancellation of Council meetings and whether future meetings would be held according to the agreed schedule. The full text of the question from Councillor J Birkin, marked as Question ‘C’, was set out on the Agenda for the meeting.

As Councillor M Foster could not be present at the meeting, the question was answered by the Leader of the Council, Councillor A Dale.

The Leader of the Council thanked Councillor Birkin for his question. He explained that only one Council meeting had had to be cancelled. Group Leaders had been informed of the reasons for this. He also explained that although the dates of some scheduled meetings of the Council’s various Committees had to be re-arranged they had met and discharged their own decision making responsibilities. Councillor A Dale reminded Members that under the Constitution they could call for Extraordinary Meetings of Council to take place, if they felt this would be appropriate.

Councillor J Birkin asked a supplementary question about what additional work had been undertaken.

Councillor A Dale explained that the progress had been made on a range of issues over the summer, which was reflected in  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/30/22-23

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 12pm (Noon), twelve clear working days before the meeting.

Motion ‘A’

Moved by Councillor P Windley, Seconded by Cllr R Shipman

Council notes:

Lionesses won England their first major footballing trophy since the men’s team won the World Cup in 1966.

The winning England Football team had players who are from within the district.

Football clubs have seen a massive influx of girls playing football across the district since the lionesses’ victory.

The FA provides some limited funding support for the Wildcats Football programme for girls aged 5-11

Some teams are having to leave district for training facilities due to availability and cost.

FA states in its guidance that Football Clubs should have separate changing rooms in mixed gender sporting facilities for children.

There is a disparity in costs for things like their kit and the facilities they use for boys and girls going to larger football clubs.

Council resolves:

Explore ways to support football clubs with installing changing room facilities with funding and/or the planning department policies.

Assess pricing and availability at Council facilities, and see how these can be better utilised to provide facilities for girls teams.

To produce a plan to encourage and fund women and girls access to football, and present it to Council.

Motion ‘B’

Moved by Councillor D Hancock, Seconded by Councillor P Windley

Council notes:

North East Derbyshire Community First Responders play a vital role in reaching North East Derbyshire residents before ambulance are able to arrive on the scene If an incident.

North East Derbyshire Community First Responders are made up of 14 volunteers

The organisation is self-funding by applying for money through national lottery grants, raffles and donations

Some consumables for the volunteers to use are provided through EMAS

North East Derbyshire Community First Responders have purchased an electric vehicle to carry out their duties across the district. 

Council resolves:

To issue a grant of £9,300 to North East Derbyshire Community First Responders towards a year vehicle upkeep and a kit bag for one of the responders.

Motion ‘C’

Moved by Cllr L Hartshorne, Seconded by Cllr N Barker

That many people in North East Derbyshire continue to struggle financially with the cost-of-living crisis and are living with the fear of things getting much worse during the course of this year and next.

Council believes that any refusal by government to offer more support over rising energy bills and to just focus on tax cuts would be nothing less than a holiday from reality. Council agrees that the answer to this cost-of-living crisis cannot be simply to reject further “handouts” and make tax cuts that would favour the wealthy and big businesses.

Council would oppose any government policy that safeguards the stock options of FTSE 100 executives over supporting the poorest in our society.

Council believes that much more must be  ...  view the full agenda text for item COU/31/22-23

MOTION ‘A’

Members considered a motion submitted by Councillor R Shipman, in the absence of the original proposer, Councillor P Windley, which called on the Council to provide support for Women’s football in the District. The full text of Councillor R Shipman’s motion, set out as Motion ‘A’, was included on the Agenda for the meeting.

Councillor R Shipman praised the achievements of the England Women’s Football Team and their recent European Championship victory.  He welcomed the growth of Women’s Football which had taken place and highlighted how popular it had become in the District. He felt it important that the Council support initiatives to promote the take-up of the game and commit to the specific actions suggested in the Motion to achieve this.

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor C Cupit, responded to the Motion. She expressed her congratulations to the England Women’s Football Team on winning the European Championship. Councillor C Cupit emphasised the Council’s commitment to improving the opportunities for everyone to take part in all sports. She highlighted the improvements to the Killamarsh Sports Centre which had been made and those planned for the Sharley Park Sports Centre that would help to achieve this goal.  Councillor C Cupit felt that the Motion had failed to recognise the Council’s overall objective to make sport accessible to all, and so for that reason she could not support it.

Councillor N Barker indicated that he would support the Motion. He informed Members of the progress made by North Wingfield Parish Council in providing purpose built changing facilities which could be used by Women football players.

Councillor D Hancock then seconded the motion. He emphasised the need to invest in facilities for Women’s football, which would be in line with the Government’s Levelling-Up Agenda. Councillor J Kenyon also felt that the focus of the Motion would be too narrow and would not be in accord with the Council’s overall objective, of trying to promote access to sport as a whole. The Leader of the Council, A Dale, referred to discussions which had taken place between Council officers and the Football Association to improve changing rooms so that they could be used by males and females.

Councillor R Shipman exercised his right to reply as the mover of the Motion. He expressed disappointment that the Majority Group had not supported it, nor suggested amendments that would address their concerns.

At the conclusion discussion Councillor R Shipman and D Hancock moved and seconded the Motion. The Motion was put to the vote and defeated.

With the agreement of the Chair Council then recessed for a short break. Following the break the Chair of the Council clarified the voting figures on the defeated Motion.

MOTION ‘B’

Members considered a motion submitted by Councillor D Hancock, which called on the Council to provide grant aid to the North East Derbyshire ‘First Responders’, who seek to provide assistance at the scene of an incident before the arrival of an ambulance. The full text of  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/31/22-23

Report of Councillor W Armitage, Chair of the Standards Committee

Council considered the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for the 2021-22 Municipal Year. The report provided information on the number of complaints made against District and Parish Councillors and how this compared to the previous year. Members were also reminded that a new Code of Conduct for Councillors had been adopted by Council in July 2021.

Council discussed the report. Councillor J Birkin asked for clarification on a specific complaint. The Monitoring Officer agreed to provide this information outside of the meeting. Councillor R Shipman raised concerns about the complaints process, which the Monitoring Officer responded to and clarified.

Councillor J Barry highlighted an issue which she had raised in 2020. The Monitoring Officer indicated that she would discuss this with her outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the Annual Report of the Standards Committee for the 2021/22 Municipal Year be noted (by acclamation).

Report of the Chairs of the Audit and Corporate Governance, Communities, Growth and Organisation Scrutiny Committees.

Council considered the Annual Report of Overview and Scrutiny for the 2021/22 Municipal Year. This confirmed that each of the Committees had completed its Work Programme, with the time available shared between Scrutiny review work, consideration of key strategies and policies of the Council and performance monitoring. The report made clear that the Committees also considered the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic and had monitored the delivery of Action Plans from a number of previous scrutiny reviews

Councillor M E Thacker (MBE), Chair of Audit and Corporate Governance Scrutiny Committee, Councillor A Platts, Vice-Chair of Growth Scrutiny Committee) and Councillor S Clough, Chair of Organisation Scrutiny Committee explained the work undertaken during the course of the Municipal Year.

RESOLVED – That the Annual Report of the Audit and Corporate Governance Scrutiny Committee, the Communities Scrutiny Committee, the Growth Scrutiny Committee and the Organisation Scrutiny Committee for 2021/22 Municipal Year be noted (by acclamation).

Report of the Assistant Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer

Members were informed that the Leader of the Labour Group had requested that Councillor K Gillott serve on the Standards Committee for the remainder of the 2022/23 Municipal Year and that Councillor N Barker be removed from membership of the Committee.

Members were also informed that the former Vice Chair of the Communities Scrutiny Committee, Councillor R Hall, had resigned from that post. Nominations were requested to appoint to the vacant position.

Councillor A Dale and Councillor D Ruff moved and seconded a motion that Councillor K Gillott be appointed to serve on the Standards Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year and that Councillor H Liggett be appointed to serve as the Vice-Chair of the Communities Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year.

The motion was put the vote and was approved.

RESOLVED –

1.               Councillor Kevin Gillott be appointed to serve on the Standards Committee for the remainder of the 2022/23 Municipal Year.

2.               That Councillor Nigel Barker ceases to serve on the Standards Committee for the remainder of the 2022/23 Municipal Year.

3.               That Councillor Heather Liggett be appointed Vice-Chair of the Communities Scrutiny Committee for the remainder of the 2022/23 Municipal Year (by acclamation).

Report of Councillor A Dale, Leader of the Council

The report to Council proposed an amendment to the existing ‘Local Offer for Children in Care and Care Leavers’. Members were asked to agree that the Council Tax discount, which is currently offered only to Derbyshire care leavers who live in the District, should now be offered to those care leavers from outside the County, who also reside in North East Derbyshire.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor A Dale, explained that although the number of young people who qualify for the discount would be low, and so have a minimal cost to the Council, it would be of real benefit to these vulnerable young people, who are often at high risk of falling into debt.

Councillors N Barker, D Hancock, M Jones and J Birkin all spoke in support of the proposed change. Councillors also reflected on the support available to those leaving care and the way in which this might be improved, through a co-ordinated national approach.

Councillor A Dale and Councillor C Cupit moved and seconded a motion to approve the report’s recommendation to amend to the existing ‘Local Offer for Children in Care and Care Leavers’ agreed by the Council and that the Council Tax discount be applied to all Care Leavers who live in the District

The Motion was put to the vote and was approved.

RESOLVED – That Council approved the amendment to the Local Offer for Children in Care and Care Leavers, as set out at 2.1 of the report, to extend the council tax discount currently offered only to Derbyshire Care Leavers to fall Care Leavers who live in the District (by acclamation).

Report of the Assistant Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer

The report to Council explained that a valid Petition had now been received for a Community Governance Review of Stonebroom, Shirland and Higham on whether Stonebroom should have its own parish Council, separate to the existing Shirland and Higham Parish Council.

Members were asked to consider and agree the proposed Terms of Reference for the Community Governance Review. The report recommended that the Managing Director be authorised, in consultation with the Returning Officer / Electoral Registration Officer, to now make the detailed arrangements for the Community Governance Review. It was made clear that because of electoral deadlines, any new arrangements would have to be agreed at Council at its meeting on the 30 January 2023.

Councillor A Dale and Councillor C Cupit moved and seconded motion to approve officer Recommendations, subject to inclusion at Recommendation 2 that Council now considers and approves the draft Timetable for the Review circulated at the meeting, as well as the Terms of Reference for the Review. 

Councillors D Hancock and R Shipman asked for and received clarification on what the implications would be if the Timetable for the Review was not met. Councillor J Barry asked for and received clarification of the Council’s legal obligation to carry out the review and on its possible costs.

The motion was put to the vote and was approved

RESOLVED –

1.               Council acknowledged receipt of the valid petition for a community governance review at Stonebroom and Shirland and Higham.

2.               Council approved the Terms of Reference and the Timetable for the Review, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

Council agreed that the Managing Director and Head of Paid Service in consultation with the Returning Officer/Electoral Registration Officer, be authorised to put in place the arrangements and timetable for undertaking the Community Governance Review (by acclamation).

Report of Councillor M Foster, Portfolio Holder for Council Services

The Report to Council asked Members to approve and adopt revised Taxi Licensing Policies.   The current policies, it was explained, dated from 2018. The scheduled review of these took place in late 2021. The revised policies then went out to public consultation. Following on from this they were discussed and endorsed by the General Licensing Committee, which recommended them to Council for approval.

Councillor R Shipman welcomed the revised policies and in particular, the requirement for CCTV to be installed in vehicles licensed by the Council. He felt that this provision of an additional safety measure was an example of best practice, but that it would be undermined if other Licensing Authorities did not adopt a similar approach. Cllr Shipman suggested that the Motion include a requirement that the Secretary of State for Transport be informed of the Council’s Policy on the use of CCTV and asked that this provision be made compulsory for all Licensing Authorities.

The Chair of the General Licensing Committee, Councillor H Liggett and Councillor A Dale moved and seconded a Motion to approve officer recommendations, with the additional provision that the Secretary of State for Transport   be informed of the Council’s Policy on the use of CCTV and be asked to make the installation of this equipment into licensed vehicles a requirement for all Licensing Authorities.  

The Motion was put to the vote and approved

RESOLVED –

(1)            That Council approved the revised Taxi Licensing policies.

(2)            That the revised Taxi Licensing Polices come into effect on Tuesday 13 September 2022.

(3)            That the Secretary of State for Transport be informed of the Council’s policy requirement on the installation of CCTV in licensed vehicles and of Council’s request that this this provision be made a requirement for all Licensing Authorities (by acclamation).

Presentation by the Director of Growth and Assets

Members received a presentation from the Director of Growth and Assets on the progress made to date in redeveloping the Sharley Park Leisure Centre.

Following the presentation Members asked about the scope of the re-development, its design, accessibility and cost. Members also asked about the possible co-location of other services into the re-developed facility.

RESOLVED – That Council noted the presentation be noted (by acclamation).

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

There was no Chair’s urgent business.

The Chair to move:-

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the following item of business to avoid the disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

RESOLVED

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the following items of business to avoid the disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

Report of Councillor A Dale, Leader of the Council

                                                                                    Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3

The report to Council set out specific changes to the Senior Management Structure. Members heard about the rationale behind the proposed changes, the next steps and timescales for the recruitment process.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Councillor A Dale and Councillor C Cupit moved and seconded a motion to approve the recommendations as set out in the report. The motion was put to the vote and was approved.

RESOLVED –

That subject to formal consultation with the Directors, Assistant Directors, other directly affected staff and Trade Unions, that Council approved:

(1)            The repurposing of the existing Director Growth post/role to Director Growth and Assets post/role.

(2)            The repurposing of the existing Director Transformation post/role to Director Finance and Resources and S151 Officer post/role.

(3)            The repurposing of the existing Assistant Director (AD) Economic Development, Regeneration and Housing post/role to AD Regeneration and Programmes post/role.

(4)            The repurposing of the existing AD Transformation and Communication post/role to AD Finance and Corporate Resources post/role.

(5)            The Directorate structure/service area arrangement as appended to the report.

(6)            An Employment and Appeals Committee be called in accordance with the Constitution to undertake Chief Officer interviews, where required and make recommendations to Council regarding appointment of candidates to posts, where required (by acclamation).

                                                                                                         Paragraph 3

Council received an update on the action taken and issues to be addressed following the decision by Robert Woodhead Limited to cease trading.

RESOLVED - That the Update be noted and the Council receive further information at future meetings (by acclamation).

Report of the Assistant Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer

                                                                                             (Paragraph 1 and 2)

Members gave consideration to an application by a Member of North East Derbyshire District Council for an extension of the dispensation from the ‘six month rule’ requiring them to attend meetings.

RESOLVED –

Council

(1)            Determined that Councillor Bette Hill be granted an extension to the previously granted dispensation from attending meetings of the Council and its Committees under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

(2)            That the dispensation granted to Councillor Hill run for 6 months, commencing on Monday 12 September 2022 and expiring on Friday 10 March 2023.

(3)            That Councillor Hill be informed of the Council’s decision on this matter (by acclamation).

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

There was no urgent business.